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Do I need building plans for building on a farm?

Plans needed

There is no general farm exemption in the Act: farm buildings need approved plans like any other, unless they qualify as minor building work.

Building on a farmDo I need plans?
Answer
Plans needed
Rule
NBR Act s2, s4
Limits
No farm exemption
Checked
October 2026

The Act applies throughout every municipality's area, farms included. Only minor building work (a poultry house up to 10 m², a greenhouse up to 15 m² and the rest of the list) escapes full plans. Barns, sheds, stores and houses need approved plans.

Under SACAP's 2026 rules, agricultural barns and sheds are within a draughtsperson's scope; livestock shelters, silos and tanks need a technologist or above. Agricultural zoning decides whether a second house is allowed on the farm.

Sources

  1. National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977 (the dtic copy)
  2. SANS 10400-A:2010, Regulations A1 and A2 (minor building work)
  3. SACAP Board Notice 901 of 2026, Identification of Work

Checked October 2026. Councils change their tariffs every July, so confirm fees before you pay.

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