Plan · Compliance navigator
What approvals do you actually need?
Filter by what you're building, where you're building, and what's on the title deed. We tell you the authority, the lead time and the practical thing to watch.
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Required for this scope10 approvals
01
Approved building plans
Local municipality
30 days (<90m²), 60 days (>90m²) — most metros run 8–14 weeks.
Submitted by a SACAP-registered draughtsperson or architect.
02
Zoning certificate / land-use confirmation
Local municipality planning department
1–3 weeks.
Confirms coverage, building lines, FAR and height restrictions.
03
Consent / departure / rezoning (where required)
Town planning tribunal
3–6 months.
Required when exceeding coverage, encroaching building lines, or changing use.
04
Engineer's design certificate (SANS 10400-B)
ECSA-registered engineer
Concurrent with design.
Required where soil conditions or spans warrant rational design.
05
Rational fire design (SANS 10400-T)
Competent fire engineer
Concurrent with design.
Triggered when departures from deemed-to-satisfy are taken — common in modern open-plan homes.
06
Energy efficiency calculations (SANS 10400-XA)
Architect / energy assessor
Concurrent with design.
Mandatory for all new homes since 2011. Updated 2021 calcs in force.
07
NHBRC home enrolment
National Home Builders Registration Council
15 working days from submission.
Enrolment certificate must be on site before the first stage payment.
08
Water connection & meter
Local municipality / water utility
2–6 weeks from application.
Pay connection fee, deposit and bulk contribution where applicable.
09
Electricity connection / meter
Local municipality or Eskom
4–8 weeks in municipal supply areas.
COC required from accredited electrician before energising.
10
Occupation certificate
Local municipality building control
Within 14 days of final inspection.
Required before you can legally occupy. Banks require it for final bond drawdown.