The national rule
Regulation A1 makes this minor building work: "any free-standing wall constructed of masonry, concrete, steel, aluminium or timber or any wire fence where such wall or fence does not exceed 1,8 m in height at any point above ground level and does not retain soil". You apply to the council before building. A wire fence needs neither plans nor an application.
In Gauteng
- Johannesburg lists a freestanding wall under 1.8 m that retains no soil on its minor works exemption list, but also lists boundary walls as a plan submission category with their own checklist. Which applies depends on the wall.
When it needs plans
- higher than 1.8 m at any point
- it holds back soil (see retaining walls)
- your zoning scheme limits a street-facing wall (height or see-through rules): ask your council
A wall on the boundary is only as good as the boundary: if the pegs are gone, a land surveyor can replace them before you build.
Sources
- SANS 10400-A:2010, Regulations A1 and A2 (minor building work)
- City of Johannesburg CPMS submission checklists (minor works list)
Checked October 2026. Councils change their tariffs every July, so confirm fees before you pay.