Step 1 - Pull a current zoning certificate
Confirm zoning, primary rights, consent uses and title conditions before spending any design money.
Step 2 - Commission a site plan and sketch design
A draughtsperson or architect prepares an existing-and-proposed site plan showing the proposed granny flat footprint, distances to boundaries, parking, services and existing structures.
Step 3 - Engage a town planner
The planner prepares the motivational report, completes the application form, manages neighbour consultation, lodges with the municipality, attends the tribunal if needed and tracks the decision.
Step 4 - Consent use application lodged
The full pack - application form, site plan, motivation, locality plan, surveyor general diagram, title deed, neighbour consent or notification proof and council fee - is lodged with the municipality.
Step 5 - Public notice
Adjoining owners are formally notified, the application is advertised in the press where required, and the 30-day comment period runs.
Step 6 - Municipal Planning Tribunal decision
The MPT decides on the consent. Conditions of approval typically include FAR, parking, services and design controls.
Step 7 - Building plans
Architectural plans are prepared by a registered draughtsperson, submitted to building control, and approved before construction can start.
Step 8 - Construction and occupation certificate
After construction, the municipality issues a certificate of occupation once compliance is confirmed.
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
Do I need a town planner?+
Strictly no, but in practice yes. Self-lodged consent use applications have a high refusal rate due to incomplete motivation and missing documents.
What is the cost breakdown?+
Council fees are set by each municipality's tariff schedule. Third-party costs to budget for: draughtsperson R8,000-R20,000 and construction R8,000-R15,000 per m². The Landlodz fee is published on the Landlodz pricing page.
Can I appeal a refusal?+
Yes, under SPLUMA. The Landlodz appeal flow handles this.
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
Can I Build a Second Dwelling on My Property in South Africa?
A direct answer to whether your specific property in South Africa can support a second dwelling - and what to do if it can't.
7 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.