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Municipal Spatial Development Framework<h2 class="sectHeading">About​</h2><p>The Municipal Spatial Development Framework (MSDF) determines the spatial vision, policy parameters and development priorities for Cape Town. The framework helps to prioritise, coordinate and align investment in public infrastructure, to guide and manage the growth and development of the city’s land over the next 20 years and beyond.</p><p>The MSDF forms part of our five- year <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Meet-the-City/our-vision-for-the-city/the-citys-idp-2022-2027">Integrated Development Plan (IDP)</a>, however, it supports a long-term plan beyond the IDP timeline.</p><p>The MSDF provides the main spatial direction to the District Spatial Development Frameworks (DSDFs). The DSDFs translate the MSDF vision and policy objectives in detail in the eight spatial districts:<br></p><ol><li>1. Table Bay; </li><li>2. Blaauwberg; </li><li>3. Southern; </li><li>4. Northern; </li><li>5. Cape Flats; </li><li>6. Helderberg; </li><li>7. Tygerberg; </li><li>8. Mitchells Plain/Khayelitsha/Greater Blue Downs.<br></li></ol><p> <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/DSDF">Find out more about the eight DSDFs</a>.</p><p>The 2018 MSDF and the 2012 Cape Town Spatial District Frameworks have been replaced by the amended MSDF, DSDFs and Environmental Management Frameworks (EMFs), which were approved by <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Meet-the-City/City-Council/meeting-calendar/pc-meeting-detail?RecurrenceId=20716" target="_blank">council on 26 January 2023</a>. </p><p> The MSDF will be adopted as part of the IDP in May 2023 under the Municipal Systems Act. A review Framework is under development for approval in May 2023. Therefore, suggestions on process and product improvements and last minute corrections can be forwarded to the <a href="mailto:Future.CapeTown@capetown.gov.za"> <em>future.capetown@capetown.gov.za</em></a> email address between 1 and 31 March 2023. <br></p><h2 class="sectHeading">Why is the MSDF important? </h2><p>The MSDF helps to develop the built environment of Cape Town over the next 20 years. </p><p> The municipal and district spatial frameworks highlight key programmes in infrastructure (water, sanitation, electricity and waste removal), and depicts the status of community facilities. </p><h4>The spatial frameworks are collaborative products that:</h4><ul><li>are generated by local land owners, residents and levels of government; </li><li>contain the vision of how Cape Town’s people would like to focus on service delivery and improving the economy; and </li><li>plan how limited and sensitive resources, such as water, agricultural land, natural environment, and heritage, should be developed, taking into consideration the increases in new Capetonians, climate change; and an unpredictable economic future.</li></ul><p>The spatial frameworks should be read with the IDP and our capital and operational budgets, which are made available annually around March. The spatial frameworks will be adopted into the IDP in May 2023. </p><p>The budgets and operational programmes together with the spatial frameworks, help you understand which developments and infrastructure upgrades will be used to give direction to built environment changes in Cape Town. </p><h2 class="sectHeading">Key objectives </h2><p> The aim of the MSDF it to promote and facilitate sustainable spatial transformation in Cape Town, using a targeted approach to guide development that benefits all of us and our environment. In addition, the MSDF provides practical policy guidance for decision makers to achieve the right spatial balance between sectors and interests. </p><p> To achieve these main aims, the MSDF’s key outcomes are to: </p><ul><li>align our spatial development goals, strategies and policies with relevant national and provincial spatial principles, strategies and policies; <br></li><li>analyse and put into context the social, economic, environmental and social drivers, and trends that shape the landscape and livelihood of the city; </li><li>visualise the long-term desired spatial form and structure of Cape Town; </li><li>coordinate investment by prioritising infrastructure planning and delivery; </li><li>direct and support investment by identifying areas that are suitable (or not) for urban development; </li><li>support City strategies and allow impacts of development to be managed; and </li><li>guide policies to inform urban development decision making.</li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Legal framework</h2><p>The MSDF is prepared and adopted as part of our IDP in accordance with: </p><ul><li>Sections 4-10 of the Cape Town Municipal Planning By-law (MPB-L) 2015; </li><li>Sections 25 and 26 of the Municipal Systems Act (MSA, Act 32 of 2000); </li><li>Sections 20 and 21 of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA, Act 16 of 2013); and </li><li>Sections 10 to 14 of the Western Cape Land Use Planning Act, 2014 (Act 13 of 2014)</li></ul><p>The MSDF is adopted at the start of the five-year term of office. Its implementation plan is reviewed annually to assess its performance, and proactively monitor its sustained application. The review of the MSDF, or changing circumstances, could trigger an amendment.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Why read the MSDF?</h2><p>The MSDF is for everyone interested in the built environment. It provides important development policy guidelines for:</p><ul><li>land use applicants and developers; </li><li>City officials when assessing land use applications; </li><li>national, provincial and various departments to ensure alignment of their plans and budgets; and </li><li>civic/community organisations interested in Cape Town’s growth and future development.</li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">MSDF document</h2><p>The MSDF has two volumes:<br></p><ul><li> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/MSDF_Vol_I_Ch1-6_Tech_Suppl_A.pdf" target="_blank">Volume 1: the statutory document with the main proposals, maps, policy guidelines and implementation plan</a>. </li><li> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/MSDF_Vol_II_Tech_Supple_B-F.pdf" target="_blank">Volume 2: the annexures and reference documents with statistics, trends and legislative summaries</a>.<br></li></ul><h4>Supporting documents and maps for MSDF and DSDF 2023<br></h4><ul><li> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms%2c%20notices%2c%20tariffs%20and%20lists/MSDF_DSDF_Consolidated_Acronyms_Terms_and_Definitions.pdf" target="_blank">MSDF/ DSDF acronyms, terms and definitions</a><br></li><li> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/MSDF_DSDF_MapGuidebook.pdf" target="_blank">MSDF/DSDF Map Guidebook</a><br></li><li></li><li> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre%20Assets/MSDF_High_Res_Maps.zip" target="_blank">High resolution MSDF maps</a><br></li><li> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/Urban_Development_and_Coastal_Edge_Report_2023.pdf" target="_blank">Urban development edge and coastal edge report </a></li><li> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/MSDF_DSDF_EMF_Council_Cover_Report.pdf" target="_blank">Council Cover Report</a> and <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/MSDF_DSDF_Council_Minutes_26Jan2023.pdf" target="_blank">Minutes</a><br></li><li>Public participation<br> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/MSDF_DSDF_Public_Participation_Report.pdf" target="_blank">Report</a><br> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/MSDF_DSDF_Public_Participation_Report_Ann1.pdf">Comments received and responses</a></li><li><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms%2c%20notices%2c%20tariffs%20and%20lists/8728-Gaz-10-March-2023.pdf" target="_blank">Provincial Gazette notice confirming incorporation process of the MSDF into the City’s IDP</a><br></li> </ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Videos</h2><p>Our videos illustrate why spatial development frameworks are crucial in managing Cape Town’s growth in a sustainable and organised manner. </p><h4>They cover the following: </h4><ul><li>Urban growth since 1862 </li><li>Spatial Planning </li><li>Densification </li><li>Human Settlements <br></li><li>Environmental Management<br></li></ul><p> <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQZ9ZqJptobfyjJjx4NhZgZkrXUuFcWQC" target="_blank">View all the videos<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>.<br></p><h2 class="sectHeading">Previous MSDFs</h2><ul><li> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/CT_Metropolitan_Spatial_Development_Framework.pdf" target="_blank">2018 MSDF</a></li><li> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/SDF_Technical_Report_2012_Quick_Read_Web.pdf" target="_blank">2012 MSDF</a> </li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Contact us</h2><p> For any queries on the MSDF:</p><p> <em>Email:<br><a href="mailto:Future.CapeTown@capetown.gov.za">future.capetown@capetown.gov.za</a></em></p><p> <em>Telephone:<br><a> 021 400 9414</a></em></p>GP0|#b2e4328d-e97b-4ea6-a50a-0d0d72515155;L0|#0b2e4328d-e97b-4ea6-a50a-0d0d72515155|Cape Town Spatial Development Framework;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#0bc23a93-205f-4046-b65f-182004fcf867;GPP|#78a56262-5d4a-460c-a3f2-af7bc1b69a54;GPP|#e88ff549-973f-4e3c-a46c-cfbe61bd6a24;GP0|#785d5cb1-c202-4b2d-a0b8-ccdf417b8705;L0|#0785d5cb1-c202-4b2d-a0b8-ccdf417b8705|Cape Town Spatial Development Framework;GPP|#3d42396e-0d97-4b5f-a91e-255a7361b69dThe Cape Town Municipal Spatial Development Framework strategically guides urban growth and change to ensure quality and sustainability0

 

 

Operation Guideline 1/2015: Assessing MSDF Consistency and Deviating from its Provisions in Site_Specific Circumstances2578639GP0|#63522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33;L0|#063522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33|Guideline;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2015-06-29T22:00:00Z
MSDF Volume I: Chapter 1-6 and Technical Supplement A11870061GP0|#e7e43884-3971-4f20-b4f2-debb2ce47013;L0|#0e7e43884-3971-4f20-b4f2-debb2ce47013|Spatial Development Framework;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#4a698fa1-48a1-4def-afa7-749a0e063169;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2023-02-27T22:00:00Z
MSDF Volume II: Technical Supplement B - F11250872GP0|#e7e43884-3971-4f20-b4f2-debb2ce47013;L0|#0e7e43884-3971-4f20-b4f2-debb2ce47013|Spatial Development Framework;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#4a698fa1-48a1-4def-afa7-749a0e063169;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2023-02-28T10:00:00Z
Biodiversity Network Map1988055GP0|#816346e9-401b-4120-ab33-f8b010e35cd1;L0|#0816346e9-401b-4120-ab33-f8b010e35cd1|Map;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#2ee73080-1b32-4320-889d-034e60d31b3a;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e
Economic Activity Map1307357GP0|#816346e9-401b-4120-ab33-f8b010e35cd1;L0|#0816346e9-401b-4120-ab33-f8b010e35cd1|Map;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#2ee73080-1b32-4320-889d-034e60d31b3a;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e
Agricultural Areas To Be Protected Map1523938GP0|#816346e9-401b-4120-ab33-f8b010e35cd1;L0|#0816346e9-401b-4120-ab33-f8b010e35cd1|Map;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#2ee73080-1b32-4320-889d-034e60d31b3a;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e
Aquatic Network Map2516861GP0|#816346e9-401b-4120-ab33-f8b010e35cd1;L0|#0816346e9-401b-4120-ab33-f8b010e35cd1|Map;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#2ee73080-1b32-4320-889d-034e60d31b3a;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e
Areas Potentially Suited to Urban and Industrial Development Map1573477GP0|#816346e9-401b-4120-ab33-f8b010e35cd1;L0|#0816346e9-401b-4120-ab33-f8b010e35cd1|Map;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#2ee73080-1b32-4320-889d-034e60d31b3a;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e
Major Land Extensive Precautionary Areas Map1881345GP0|#816346e9-401b-4120-ab33-f8b010e35cd1;L0|#0816346e9-401b-4120-ab33-f8b010e35cd1|Map;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#2ee73080-1b32-4320-889d-034e60d31b3a;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e
CTMSDF Composite Map436696GP0|#816346e9-401b-4120-ab33-f8b010e35cd1;L0|#0816346e9-401b-4120-ab33-f8b010e35cd1|Map;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#2ee73080-1b32-4320-889d-034e60d31b3a;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2018-01-31T22:00:00Z
Route Designation: Land Use Functionality Map1389395GP0|#816346e9-401b-4120-ab33-f8b010e35cd1;L0|#0816346e9-401b-4120-ab33-f8b010e35cd1|Map;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#2ee73080-1b32-4320-889d-034e60d31b3a;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e
MSDF and DSDF Consolidated Acronyms, Terms and Definitions List436017GP0|#af8a3963-d9e4-485f-ac84-7f8e7d3eff34;L0|#0af8a3963-d9e4-485f-ac84-7f8e7d3eff34|List;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#3a03f9b9-d2e9-49b1-92e1-37b654747f82;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2023-02-22T22:00:00Z
Provincial Gazette 8728: 10 March 2023150296GP0|#c577b92d-d790-4b40-8a03-ee5e52a7f9c7;L0|#0c577b92d-d790-4b40-8a03-ee5e52a7f9c7|Gazette;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#3a03f9b9-d2e9-49b1-92e1-37b654747f82;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2023-03-09T22:00:00Z

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