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The Rezoning Application Process
We are specialists in the rezoning application process and related land-use application across Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni.
Everything you need to know about rezoning application process and land use scheme amendments
Are you a homeowner in Tshwane, Johannesburg, or Ekurhuleni? We can assist you throughout your land-use application. Below are some of the advice that will point you to rezone your property.
how to rezone residential to commercial and more
- Step 1. Research your project purpose and goals.
- Step 2. Approach and appoint a town planner to compile the application on your behalf.
- Step 3. The town planner will do a feasibility study for the project.
- Step 4. Drafting and submission of application per council requirements.
- Step 5. After 24 days the town planner will conduct public participation.
- step 6. The application will be sent to the council for consideration.
- step 7. After approval, the application will go to promulgation.
What is Rezoning?
Zoning or rezoning definition is similar in Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni. It is the land use rights of your property or simply what you can do in your property. In addition, there are various zones. for instance agricultural, residential, business, and industrial.
Each zone has its land-use rights and its restrictions. Rezoning is the change of zones from one to another. read more here.
below are some factors that will help you navigate the rezoning application in Tshwane.
Rezoning application process in South Africa
How long does it take to rezone a property?
The rezoning application in Johannesburg, Tshwane, and, Ekurhuleni takes longer compared to other municipalities in Gauteng. The application can take anywhere from 6 months to 18 months to be either approved or denied. Moreover, the rezoning process is time-consuming and is complicated. Therefore, documents required by the local government are complex and take time to prepare.
Because of the nature of these applications, most people that wish to apply for land-use change end up using the services of a professional town planner.
Rezoning application fees
The cost of rezoning varies based on the location and nature of the projects. Some properties are in regions that have relaxed municipal by-laws whereas some are located in environmentally sensitive regions for example. A simple rezoning application process in Tshwane can cost approximately R40 000, whereas a complicated project can cost from R50 000 to R120 000.
Custodians of the rezoning process
The local government planning department is liable for the control, processing, and recording of land use rights changes. they manage rezoning through zoning ordinance and by-laws, which give the principles and regulations for the permitted use and development of properties.
If you would like to vary or add use rights to your specific property, you want to apply to the local council for permission to do so. This can only be done by a professional town planner.
how to check the zoning of a property
- #1 Register online or visit your local municipality
- #2 Fill in the zoning form with your property details
- #3 Make payment as per your municipal pricing
- #4 Submit your form together with proof of payment
- #5 Or simply request your zoning certificate here
Each property is zoned according to the municipal zoning district (Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni) zoning regulations and is recorded on a zoning certificate and zoning map. Zones determine what land uses are permitted on your property. For instance, land uses permitted on Business zone includes Business Building, Dwelling-units, Guest-house and more.
Inquiring about your property zoning
Your local municipality’s town planning office with assisting you with the zoning certificate and map of your property. However, if you’ll want to develop the property for a purpose not allowed for within the zoning scheme and zoning ordinance, your will need to appoint a private consulting town planner to draft and submit the application on your behalf.
what documents do I need to rezone a property
- #1 Zoning certificate (click to request)
- #2 Title deed (click to request)
- #3 Property diagrams (SDP & Maps)
- #4 Rezoning application form
- #5 Motivational memorandum
- #6 Public participation report
- #7 Bond holder consent
The appointed town planner will draft the application and submit it on your behalf together with the above-listed documents. The city’s planning council will consider the application for the approval of new land-use rights.
Rezoning feasibility (can my property be rezoned)
Note that some properties may be located in areas that have strict zoning rights due to various factors. For instance, properties lying in environmentally sensitive areas. In addition, some title deeds may have specific usage restrictions. If you want to develop such properties with zoning restrictions, we can provide you with a free desktop feasibility study.
Rezoning vs Consent Use
Rezoning is the change in land use rights whereas consent use is the addition of land use rights to the existing zone. “Consent use” is when the desired use is allowed within the existing zoning scheme but subject to the approval of the council. Therefore, consent use can be awarded if no additional infrastructure development will be needed.
Asking for quotation
We offer free pre-application advice. For instance, desktop feasibility study and detailed quote for land use rights changes such as rezoning and consent use.
For any assistance with city council land use rights, click here to request a quote.