Guide to Consent Use in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality

What is Consent Use?

Consent use in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality allows additional land use rights on a property through a formal application process. It applies when a property owner seeks to legally use their land for purposes other than those permitted by the zoning certificate.

Example: A Residential 1-zoned property owner may apply for consent use to operate a guesthouse, childcare center, or medical consulting rooms.

• Governed by the City of Johannesburg Land Use Scheme, 2018.
• Subject to public participation & municipal approval.
• Requires compliance with zoning & title deed restrictions.

Related Topic: Understanding Rezoning in Johannesburg

Types of Land Uses Allowed Under Consent Use

Under Residential 1 zoning, property owners can apply for special consent use for the following:

• Religious Purposes (Church, Mosque, Synagogue)
• Place of Instruction (Private Schools, Training Centers)
• Childcare Center / ECD Facility
• Social Halls & Institutions
• Guesthouse or Bed & Breakfast
• Medical Consulting Rooms
• Special Buildings & Sports Clubs
• Public or Private Parking Areas
• Tavern or Shebeen (Limited Areas)

Before applying, consult a professional town planner to assess feasibility & legal restrictions.

Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining Consent Use in Johannesburg

• Pre-Application & Feasibility Assessment
• Engage a Professional Town Planner to evaluate zoning rights & municipal regulations.
• Confirm title deed restrictions—any limitations may require a Removal of Restrictive Conditions Application.
• Assess policy guidelines to determine municipal approval likelihood.
• Compilation of the Consent Use Application

A formal application is submitted to the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality with:

Mandatory Documents:

• Cover Letter & Motivation Report – Justifies the application under City of Johannesburg Land Use Scheme, 2018.
• Completed Application Forms – Available from the City of Johannesburg Municipality.
• Locality Plan & Zoning Certificate – Confirms existing land use rights.
• Subdivision or Site Development Plan – If applicable, showing proposed modifications.
• List of Neighboring Properties – Identifies affected property owners.
• Title Deed & Power of Attorney – Confirms property ownership.
• Bondholder Consent (if applicable) – Required if the property is bonded.

Additional Documents (if required):

• Environmental Impact Reports – For developments affecting the environment.
• Traffic & Infrastructure Impact Assessments – Determines impact on roads & utilities.

Related Topic: Town Planning Applications in Johannesburg

• Submission to the Johannesburg Municipality
• The completed application is submitted to the City of
  Johannesburg’s Land Use Management Department.
  A unique reference number is assigned to track the application.

The application is circulated among relevant municipal departments for comments & approvals.

Processing Time: Approximately 6–12 months, depending on complexity & public participation outcomes.

• Public Participation Process

To inform affected parties & allow objections, a public participation process is required:

• On-Site Notices: Must be displayed for at least 21 days in English.
• Registered Letters: Sent to neighboring property owners.
• Government Gazette & Local Newspaper Advertisements.
• Objection Period: Affected parties have 28 days to submit objections.

Related Topic: Understanding Public Participation in Land Use Applications

• Technical & Compliance Review by Municipality
• The application is assessed by various departments:
  Traffic & Roads Department – Evaluates transport impact.
• Water & Sanitation Department – Ensures service capacity.
• Fire & Safety Department – Reviews emergency access compliance.
• Health & Environmental Agencies – Ensures compliance with environmental laws.

Municipal officials may request additional documents or amendments.

• Final Approval & Issuance of Consent Use Certificate
• The City of Johannesburg Municipality issues a decision:
• Approved without conditions
• Approved with conditions (e.g., limited hours, parking requirements)
• Refused (Applicant may appeal)
• If approved, the applicant:
• Receives official consent-use approval letter.
• Pays bulk service contributions for municipal infrastructure.
• Registers changes with the Deeds Office (if applicable).

Related Topic: How Long Does a Rezoning Application Take?

Benefits of Obtaining Consent Use in Johannesburg

• Legalizes Business Operations – Avoids fines for unauthorized land use.
• Increases Property Value – Approved secondary land use rights enhance property worth.
• Attracts Business & Investment – Allows diverse commercial activities.
• Optimizes Property Potential – Expands permitted land uses.
• Supports Economic Growth – Encourages entrepreneurship & business expansion.

Related Topic: How to Start a Business in Johannesburg with Proper Zoning

Potential Challenges in the Consent Use Process

• Objections from Neighbors – Concerns over noise, traffic, or environmental impact.
• Title Deed Restrictions – Requires Removal of Restrictive Conditions Application.
• Municipal Delays – Processing times vary depending on workload.
• Public Participation Outcomes – Affected property owners can influence approval.

Hiring a professional town planner helps navigate these challenges efficiently!

Related Topic: Understanding Johannesburg Land Use Regulations

Why Choose Urban Arrow for Your Consent Use Application?

Urban Arrow Town Planners and Development Consulting (Pty) Ltd specializes in:

• Consent Use & Rezoning Applications
• Township Establishment & Land Development
• Title Deed Amendments & Bulk Service Approvals
• Public Participation & Legal Compliance

Need expert assistance? Let our town planning professionals handle your application!
📞 Contact Urban Arrow Today

Final Thoughts

Consent use applications unlock property potential by allowing additional land uses. Whether you’re a homeowner, developer, or investor, proper planning ensures smooth approvals.
Ready to apply for consent use in Johannesburg? Let Urban Arrow guide you through the process!
📞 Schedule a Free Consultation