When you need it
When a title condition contradicts an intended use that the zoning already permits, you need removal of restrictions to free up the use.
Process and timeline
Application to the municipality under the SPLUMA by-law, public notice including Provincial Gazette, MPT decision, and registration of the removal at the Deeds Office. Total time: 8-14 months.
Cost
Council fees are set by each municipality's tariff schedule. Conveyancer (third party) R6,000-R12,000. The Landlodz from-price is published on the Landlodz pricing page and excludes conveyancer fees.
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.
Need the title deed or SG diagram for this property?
Title deed copy R399 · SG diagram R250 · both R600. Emailed as a PDF, usually within 1–3 working days.
Title deed copyFrequently asked questions
Can I run consent use and removal of restrictions in parallel?+
Yes - the two applications are often combined.
Keep reading
Read time- Guide 01
Consent Use Applications in South Africa
Consent use is the fastest and cheapest land use application route. Here is how it works and when to use it.
11 min - Guide 02
Rezoning Applications in South Africa: The Complete 2026 Guide
Rezoning is the most powerful land use application route. Here is every step, from feasibility to gazette notice to final approval.
12 min - Guide 03
Understanding Land Use Rights in South Africa
Your property's land use rights are the sum of its zoning, approved consents, departures, overlays and title conditions. Here is how to read them.
11 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.