Building plans in Ekurhuleni

How plans are submitted

Ekurhuleni does not have online building plan submission. Its building control page says a building plan management system is being developed to offer it, with no date given, and its FAQ confirms you cannot apply online. Plans are handed in at the building control office for your area. In April 2021 the city announced a pilot letting applicants at the Eastern region offices (Springs, Benoni, Brakpan, Nigel) bring plans on a flash drive instead of paper prints; we found no update on whether it continues, so ask the office.

Building control offices

Ekurhuleni lists building control in three regions. The addresses below are the city's Customer Care Centre addresses in those towns; the city does not confirm that every one houses the plans counter, and we found no address for Tembisa, Springs or Nigel, so phone first.

What the checklist asks for

The city's building plan checklist (a 2021 document) lists:

• application form OM043, with original signatures
• occupancy certificate application, form OM046
• building line relaxation application, if needed
• municipal account letter or proof of water connection payment
• title deed, or a draft with a conveyancer's letter
• signed, watermarked zoning certificate
• SG diagram and sewer map
• SACAP form, SANS 10400 Form 1, and Form 2 for energy (XA) and for the engineer
• professional indemnity insurance of the professional
• power of attorney with ID copy, and a company resolution if a company owns the property
• two sets of plans signed by the owner, the architectural professional and the engineer: one in colour, one black and white
• proof of payment

What it costs

Schedule 7 of Ekurhuleni's tariffs, effective 1 July 2026, VAT included:

Unapproved existing work is charged at double the normal fee. Starting before approval under section 7(6) costs 50% of the plan fee, with a minimum of R10 784.62 in 2026/27. The occupancy certificate application is paid with the plan: 5% of the plan fee or R148, whichever is higher.

Inspections and occupancy

Book the inspector two working days ahead for each compulsory inspection: the site and foundation trenches, drainage before backfilling, the roof, and final completion. Approved plans are valid for 12 months, with a six-month extension if you ask in writing before they expire. Appeals against a refusal are due within 21 days.

If you build without approval

The city's FAQ says building without approval is a criminal offence, with a fine of up to R4 000 or a court order to demolish.

Zoning lookup

Ekurhuleni's GIS viewer at gis.ekurhuleni.gov.za shows stands, townships and zoning. Zoning certificates are issued by City Planning.

Questions people ask