eThekwini publishes erf zoning through eThekwini GIS Online - the municipality's GIS map viewer, and the tool people are looking for when they search for an "eThekwini map viewer" or "eThekwini GIS viewer". You can search by erf or address and read the zoning under the eThekwini Town Planning Scheme, administered under the KwaZulu-Natal Planning and Development Act and SPLUMA.
If your zoning blocks the use you have in mind, talk to a Landlodz planner - the consult is free and confirms whether you need a special consent, a Scheme amendment or no application at all.
Official viewer
eThekwini GIS Online (map viewer)
Scheme: eThekwini Town Planning Scheme (consolidated) · KZN Planning and Development Act + eThekwini Planning and Land Use Management By-Law, 2016
How to read a Durban / eThekwini zoning result
5 steps- Step 01
Open the eThekwini GIS portal
Use the GIS Online link above. The viewer loads without sign-in.
- Step 02
Search by address or erf
Type the address or 'Erf X, Suburb'. The map zooms to the parcel.
- Step 03
Open the Town Planning layer
Enable the Town Planning Scheme layer to colour-code each erf by zone.
- Step 04
Click the erf
The popup shows the zoning code (e.g. SR400, SR900, GR1) and applicable scheme controls.
- Step 05
Request a written zoning certificate
For any application, eThekwini requires a signed zoning certificate from the Land Use Management Unit. You request this directly from the Unit - Landlodz does not generate or order certificates. Your assigned SACPLAN-registered planner shows you exactly how to request it and incorporates it into the application file.
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 copyDurban / eThekwini zoning codes in plain language
7 codes- SR400 / SR900 / SR1500
Special Residential - number = minimum erf size in m². Suburban single-house zoning.
- GR (1–6)
General Residential - flats and group housing, increasing density.
- GB / LB
General and Local Business.
- MU
Mixed Use - residential above commercial.
- I1 / I2
Industrial - light and heavy.
- AG
Agricultural.
- EM / OS
Environmental Management / Open Space.
Frequently asked questions
3 answersIs the eThekwini GIS viewer free?+
Yes. A signed certificate from the Land Use Management Unit has a small fee.
Where is the eThekwini map viewer?+
It is eThekwini GIS Online, linked above. The "eThekwini map viewer", the "eThekwini GIS map viewer" and the zoning viewer are all the same municipal tool - zoning is one of the layers inside it.
What does SR900 mean in Durban?+
SR900 is Special Residential with a minimum erf size of 900 m². One dwelling per erf is the default; a second dwelling needs special consent.
Zoning blocking your plans?
Talk to a registered town planner - free first consult.
We confirm whether you need a rezoning, consent use, departure or nothing at all - and lodge the application if you do.
Start a free consult