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DAMS

DAMS

Our Development Application Management System (DAMS) is an online service which allows for the submission of building plans and land use applications. The integrated system makes the application process easier and improves service delivery for developers and property owners.

Important information

When submitting an application it is important to make sure that:

This will help to ensure that your application is processed timeously without unnecessary delays. 

Read our Frequently Asked Questions for updates and further assistance on how to navigate the system.

What is DAMS?

The Development Application Management System or DAMS allows for the electronic submission, processing and tracking of building plans and land use applications. DAMS is fully integrated with the City's SAP enterprise environment and links the City's central property repository – which also fully integrates with our Geographic Information System (GIS) – with the City's digital financial system and the main electronic document/records management system.

We only accept building plans and land use applications submitted online via DAMS. Read or download our DAMS Registration Booklet for guidelines on how to register,  as well as submit and track the status of your building plans online.

Register for and use DAMS via e-Services

If you have not already registered on e-Services as a business partner/organisation, and activated DAMS, you will need to do so. For tips on how to register, please read our e-Services for Businesses user manual.

If you want to know how the business partner relationship will work with us; we also explain how you can register and activate DAMS once you are signed up with e-Services. Otherwise, go straight to e-Services and select Development Management to access the service menu and begin.

It is critical that your business partner details are correct, kindly check and amend your details where necessary.

City Connect

Register for e-Services

How the system works

DAMS is an integrated system that links the City's Property Value Chain (PVC) and account system (SAP), improving service delivery to developers and property owners through full spatial integration with the City’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS). 

This makes a standardised processing of development applications possible, which ensures transparency and visibility at every step of the building, planning and development process.

draft application feature

Avoid starting an application on the new portal without all the necessary forms/documents/information at hand. Although editing of draft applications is possible, we still encourage applicants to complete the submission process in one session.

Efficient and cost-saving

DAMS allows for the electronic submission of applications, providing environmental friendly alternatives, and cutting down on printing and storage costs.

In DAMS, simultaneous circulation can be done electronically to each department that has access to the application and accompanying documents for comment, greatly reducing turnaround times.

Instructions and guidelines

The upgraded DAMS portal looks a little bit different. Watch this short video presentation to help you navigate the new platform.

 

Read or download the DAMS Development Management and e-Services Registration Guide for help getting set up. 

For step-by-step instructions on how to proceed with land use and building plan applications on the DAMS portal, see our instruction documents below:

Land use applications

Building plan applications

Read or download the My DAMS Applications: How to Search Guide for help navigating your DAMS profile.

For more information, read or download the Development Management FAQs.

Making payments

Please note

All tariffs include 15% VAT.

Cash, debit or credit card payments: Customers are advised that normal bank charges on total payment amounts in excess of R7000 made by cash, credit card and/or debit card will be debited to your account.

Direct deposit at Nedbank: Include your payment reference number on the deposit slip.

Electronic Payments (EFT): Register at your bank for internet payments and select the City of Cape Town as a bank listed beneficiary. Be sure to insert your nine-digit payment reference number, provided on the Proforma invoice in the payment reference field. Make sure that there are no spaces between the numbers.

Contact us

Please mail us on Dams.BDMSupport@capetown.gov.za if you have any queries relating to the electronic submission of building plans and land use applications.

subscribe

Subscribe to our Plan and Build It Right newsletter to stay up-to-date with legislation changes, system updates and development application process and procedure changes.

For general service delivery enquiries and or services related complaints, contact the relevant District Manager in our District Planning offices.

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