Remember:  It is illegal to start building without the City Council’s approval of your plans

Planning Requirements : checklist

1. You live in an Environment Control Area

This requires you to comply with the Town Planning Scheme, Clause 5(1)h, to submit a site development plan (SDP) with any development you are doing on your property. An SDP includes the land's contours, trees, garden features and neighbouring buildings. Be prepared to have a land surveyor survey your land. Depending on the size of the property it should cost in the region of a few thousand rands.

2. Look at your title deeds

1. Do the title deeds allow you to develop the property in the manner which you have in mind?  Check whether you can: build a second dwelling; develop a boutique hotel or operate your business there.
2. Are there restrictions on subdivision?
3. Are there other restrictions?

If there are restrictions or you want to do something that the title deeds do not allow you must first apply for these restrictions to be waived, modified or removed before you can get approval of your designs.  We recommend you seek the assistance of a registered Town Planner.

3. Is your property over 60 years old?

If so, you will be required to obtain approval from the Provincial Heritage Resources Agency (Gauteng) (PHRAG) before you can do anything to your property – this includes any structure and any alterations that have been made to the structure even if the alterations are recent.

The law states that “No person may alter or demolish any structure or part of a structure which is older than 60 years without a permit issued by the relevant provincial heritage resources authority.” See www.sahra.org.za for more information.

If you're unsure, check the Parktown & Westcliff Heritage Trust building_register .

4. Is your property in the Conservation Area?

The Conservation Area in Parktown is The Valley Road and Rockridge Road.  The by-laws under the Heritage Resources Act applies to all properties in this area. We highly recommend owners use qualified conservation architects in developing or renovating their property.

Prospective buyers of a property who wish to do extensive development on a property in the Parktown are encouraged to meet with the Joint Plans Committee with your ideas before you buy the property. Sometimes new owners are disappointed and disillusioned by the extent of the controls on their property. Owners are able to modify their property to be more suitable for their living requirements. The legal restrictions imposed by the title deeds and the laws relating to older properties and those in the Conservation Area are to protect the remaining heritage and environment which is one of the reasons Parktown is such a desirable suburb.

Remember:  It is illegal to start building without the City Council’s approval of your plans