Step 1 - Feasibility
Pull the zoning certificate, title deed and any overlays. Identify the cheapest route (consent use vs rezoning vs departure). Confirm services capacity.
Step 2 - Drafting
Motivational report, site plan, locality plan, neighbour consent or notification, application forms.
Step 3 - Lodgement
Submit to the municipality with proof of payment. The council acknowledges and assigns an application number.
Step 4 - Public participation
30-day comment period. Newspaper, gazette and direct neighbour notice.
Step 5 - Decision
Municipal Planning Tribunal decides. Approval comes with conditions; refusal comes with reasons.
Step 6 - Appeal (if needed)
Lodge with the SPLUMA appeal authority within the prescribed period (usually 21 days).
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
How long does the whole process take?+
Consent use 4-8 months. Rezoning 9-18 months. Subdivision 6-15 months. Add 6 months for appeals.
Keep reading
Read time- Guide 01
What Is SPLUMA? The Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act Explained
SPLUMA replaced the old apartheid-era planning laws with a single national framework. Here is what it covers and how it shapes every land use application in South Africa.
9 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
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
Book a free consult. A SACPLAN-registered town planner confirms the route for your erf and sends you a fixed quote before you commit.