Route 1 - Primary right (rare)
A few zoning categories (Single Residential 2, General Residential 1) include second dwellings as a primary right. Cape Town's Single Residential 1 also allows it under certain conditions.
Route 2 - Consent use (most common)
Most Single Residential 1 zonings list second dwelling as a consent use - lodge a consent use application as outlined in the granny flat guide.
Route 3 - Rezoning (if neither applies)
If your zoning does not list second dwelling at all, you need to rezone to a category that does. Rezoning is slower and more expensive but unavoidable.
Title deed conditions
Even with the right zoning, a title condition like 'only one dwelling permitted' will block you until you apply for removal of restrictive conditions in parallel.
We lodge it for you
A guest house or second dwelling usually needs a consent use application, and sometimes the removal of a title deed condition as well. Landlodz prepares and lodges both. Book a free consult and a planner will confirm the route for your erf.
Municipality-specific notes
Cape Town
City of Cape Town uses the Municipal Planning By-Law (MPBL, 2015) and the Development Management Scheme (DMS). Applications run through the eDevelopment Application Management System (eDAMS).
Johannesburg
City of Johannesburg operates under the Municipal Planning By-Law (2016) and the Joburg Town Planning Scheme. Applications lodge via the JoziPlan online portal.
Tshwane (Pretoria)
City of Tshwane uses the Tshwane Town-planning Scheme (2008) under the Land Use Management By-Law. The Spatial Planning division handles intake.
eThekwini (Durban)
eThekwini uses the eThekwini Town Planning Scheme administered under the KwaZulu-Natal Planning and Development Act and SPLUMA.
Frequently asked questions
What if my title deed says only one dwelling?+
You apply for removal of the restrictive condition alongside the consent use application. Both can run in parallel.
Can I put a Wendy house or container on the erf instead?+
Temporary structures and prefabs are still subject to the same building plan and land use rules. You cannot get around the second dwelling rules with a container.
Keep reading
Read time- Guide 01
How to Build a Granny Flat in South Africa (2026 Guide)
Granny flats - or second dwellings - are one of the most popular property upgrades in South Africa. Here is exactly how to get one approved.
12 min - Guide 02
The Granny Flat Approval Process in South Africa (Step by Step)
Detailed step-by-step process for getting a granny flat approved by your municipality, from zoning certificate to occupation certificate.
8 min - Guide 03
Removal of Restrictive Conditions in South Africa
Old title deed conditions can block what zoning allows. Here is how to remove them under SPLUMA.
8 min
Book a free consult. A SACPLAN-registered town planner confirms the route for your erf and sends you a fixed quote before you commit.