"The replacement of a roof or part of a roof with the same or similar material" is minor building work. Johannesburg lists like-for-like roof replacement on its exemption list.
You still apply to the council for authorisation before you start. A repair in the normal course of maintenance needs nothing.
Changing to a heavier covering (sheeting to tiles, for example), to thatch, or changing the roof's shape or trusses needs plans and usually an engineer to check the structure. Thatch brings SANS 10400-T's fire-distance rules, and new roof insulation falls under SANS 10400-XA.
Sources
- SANS 10400-A:2010, Regulations A1 and A2 (minor building work)
- City of Johannesburg CPMS submission checklists (minor works list)
- SANS 10400-T:2011, fire protection (thatched lapas)
Checked October 2026. Councils change their tariffs every July, so confirm fees before you pay.