Apply for a business licence

All businesses in the City of Cape Town must apply for a business licence if their operations include the sale or supply of meals, if they offer health or entertainment services, or if meals are being hawked (e.g. hot dogs, hamburgers etc).

Apply for a certificate of acceptability

If you intend to manufacture, store, distribute, prepare, transport or sell any kind of foodstuff intended for public consumption then you must apply for a Certificate of Acceptability (CoA).

Apply for a noise exemption permit

If you are applying to host an event or want to be exempted from complying with the maximum permissible noise limits due to activities such as emergency repairs; school functions; an outdoor gathering or even a wedding, you may apply for a Noise Exemption Permit.

Apply for a special waste permit

To dispose of special or hazardous waste, you need a special waste permit. However, the waste will also need to be tested by our Scientific Services Branch.

Apply for an atmospheric emissions licence

If your facility is conducting a listed activity in terms of the Air Quality Act, you will need to apply for an Atmospheric Emissions Licence (AEL).

Apply for an informal trading permit

If you would like to trade goods informally in public spaces in Cape Town, you must apply for an informal trading permit. Anyone who is unemployed and legally allowed to live in South Africa qualifies for a permit.

Apply for an open burning permit

Open burning refers to the burning of any material in a space with no chimney to vent the emissions into the atmosphere. This includes fires set for fire safety training purposes but excludes any recreational or commercial braaing.

Apply for property marketing agent permit

If you are a fully certified property marketing agent intending to sell, market, let, lease or auction properties on City-owned land, then you will need to apply for a permit from the City.

Apply for property marketing agent permit re-registration

Property marketing agent permit stickers are valid for a period of one year (from 1 July - 30 June) after which they must be renewed. You can apply for a renewal by following the process below.

Apply for fully certified principal agent permit

If you are a principal property marketing agent and want to apply for your permit, you can follow the directions below.

Apply for intern property marketing agent permit

For a period of 12 months, intern property marketing agents are allowed to be sub-registered and obtain six permits which are the equivalent of ‘learner’s agent permits’. This can only be done under the supervision of a principal property marketing agent, following the application process detailed below.

Apply for private seller permit

If you would like to sell your own house, then you must apply for a private seller permit. When you do, you will be issued with three permit stickers that are valid for three months. They are non-transferable and must be placed on your directional signs. You can apply for the permits following the guide below.

Apply to extend liquor trading hours

Premises with a valid liquor licence can apply to extend their trading hours with the City in terms of the City of Cape Town: Control of Undertakings That Sell Liquor to the Public By-law, 2013.

Apply to keep animals

The number of animals that you are allowed to keep on your property is regulated by law. However, if you would like to keep more animals than allowed on your property, then you will need to apply for an animal permit using the below guidelines.