What is a zoning certificate?
A zoning certificate is a legal document that is issued by the relevant local authority/ municipality on zoning information on a specific property.
Content of 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
In some cases, a Town Planner will be required to analyse and interpret a zoning certificate, as some zoning certificates are read with the relevant Town Planning Scheme/ Land use Scheme.
Why is a zoning certificate required:
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
- Transfer of a property
- Liquor License Applications
- Lease agreements
- Submission of a new land use application
- Feasibility studies
Where to obtain a zoning certificate?
A zoning certificate must be obtained from the relevant local authority/ local municipality. The special requirements and application process may vary depending on the municipality or council.
Certain Municipalities might require a formal application and application fees to obtain a zoning certificate. Our Town Planners at Urban Arrow can guide you through the process of obtaining a zoning certificate.
Contact Urban Arrow to obtain a zoning certificate on your behalf!
Why is a zoning certificate important?
A zoning certificate is important for a property owner as well as for the Local Municipality.
A zoning certificate is important for a property owner to understand what the limitations and restrictions are regarding the existing zoning. The property owner needs to comply with the restrictions as listed within the zoning certificate. This confirms Regulatory Compliance and ensures that a property or development is in compliance with the relevant and local zoning regulations and town planning scheme. Zoning regulations dictate how land can be used legally, indicates what type of structures can be built. Obtaining a zoning certificate helps avoid legal issues and penalties for non-compliance.
A Zoning Certificate also indicates Property Use Verification. A Typical Zoning Certificate indicates and confirms what the permitted uses of a property, such as residential, commercial, or industrial. When purchasing or leasing a property is very important to ensure that it can be used for its intended purpose.
A zoning certificate is also used by local municipalities to regulate, control and enforce land use regulations within a city or designated municipal area. Should the owner of a property not comply with the provisions of the zoning certificate, the local municipality may issue a contravention notice. A local municipality will also use a zoning certificate to determine the value of a property and in turn calculate the municipal rates payable.
Submission of Building Plans and Additions: A zoning certificate is often required when applying for building plans. It verifies that the proposed structure or additions comply with zoning scheme regulations and can be built as planned.
Real Estate Development and Transactions: When buying or selling a property, a zoning certificate may be requested by funders, insurers, or potential buyers to the property’s compliance and ensure any future restrictions or liabilities are known.
Request a Zoning Certificate from Urban Arrow
How to amend/change a zoning certificate?
In South Africa, zoning of a property can be amended by means of the following land use procedures:
- Township Establishment
- Rezoning
- Consent use
- Permission
The abovementioned land use procedures are subject to clients’ specific requirements, the relevant Town Planning Scheme, location of the property, type of property and the existing zoning. The abovementioned procedures require a formal land use application subject to the specific requirements of the relevant local municipality.
Contact Urban Arrow to amend the zoning of your property today.