So, you’re thinking about building, renovating, or maybe even just changing how you use your property in Tshwane or Johannesburg? Before you jump in, there’s a crucial document you need to get your hands on a Zoning Certificate.
Think of it as your property’s rule book. It tells you what you can and can’t do with your land according to the city’s zoning regulations. Ignoring this little piece of paper can lead to headaches, fines, and even demolition orders down the line.
What exactly is a Zoning Certificate?
In terms of the legal definitions, a zoning certificate can be defined as follows:
“Means an official document that reflects a summary of the permitted and non-permitted land use. A Zoning Certificate may include the Zoning, land uses, development controls and may further include adopted Consent Uses and Permissions, as may be available, to be provided by the Municipality”
In terms of a practical definition, A Zoning Certificate is an official document issued by the municipality (either City of Tshwane or City of Johannesburg in this case) that states the designated zoning of a particular property. This zoning dictates how the property can be used, whether it’s for residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural purposes. It also outlines any restrictions that may apply, such as building height limits, density restrictions, or parking requirements.
Why do you need a zoning certificate?
The purpose of a zoning certificate is to primarily determine what land uses or structures can be utilised on the property in its current state. A zoning certificate is typically required for the following:
- Submission of building plans
- Renovations and building works
- Transfer of a property (Buying or Selling Property)
- Submission of a new land use application
- Changing Land Use
- Liquor License Applications
- Lease agreements
- Feasibility studies
Watch the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AhQ-Q_wFgE&t=65s&ab_channel=UrbanArrowTownPlanners
How to obtain a Zoning Certificate in Tshwane and Johannesburg:
Tshwane:
- Online: Visit the e-Tshwane website (www.e-tshwane.co.za) and navigate to the land development applications section.
- Visit a City of Tshwane Customer Care Centre in person
- Contact Urban Arrow to Obtain a Zoning Certificate for Tshwane
Johannesburg:
- Online: Visit the City of Johannesburg website and search for “zoning certificate.” You may be able to apply or find information on where to obtain the certificate.
- In-person: Visit a City of Johannesburg Regional office or Customer Service Centre.
- Contact Urban Arrow to Obtain a Zoning Certificate for Johannesburg
What information is contained in a zoning certificate
In general, a zoning certificate will specify restriction regarding the following:
- Zoning category (i.e. Business 1, Residential 2, Commercial):
- Purposes for which land /buildings may be erected.
- Maximum Coverage permitted.
- Total Leasable floor area
- Density
- Maximum height allowed.
- Street Building Lines
- Building Lines
- Land Uses/Building not allowed.
- Land Uses/Building allowed with consent of the Municipality.
- Minimum Erf Size
- Coverage
Examples of Zoning Certificates
Here is an example of how a zoning certificate for Tshwane looks like
https://za.pinterest.com/pin/900297781767967585/
Here is an example of how a zoning certificate for Johannesburg looks like
https://za.pinterest.com/pin/900297781767967545/
For more insights on zoning certificates and zoning regulations and how town planners help you understand your zoning needs, visit Urban Arrow.
