Why a garage needs plans
The national list of minor building work includes an open-sided carport up to 40 m², but not a garage. Once it has walls and a door, it is an ordinary building. A freestanding garage is new building work; a garage attached to the house is an addition. Both need approved plans.
On the boundary in Tshwane
Building lines normally keep buildings back from the side and rear boundaries. Tshwane's Land Use Scheme, 2024 lets a single-storey garage or carport sit in the side or rear building line space (not next to a street) without a relaxation, if:
- it is not detrimental to the neighbours
- it is at most 3 m high on the boundary
- the wall on the boundary is face brick, unless the neighbour agrees in writing to another durable finish
- it stands on the boundary or at least 1 m from it
This does not apply on the southern boundary of the stand: there you need a relaxation, which cannot go below 2 m. A carport or shelter there must be completely open on two sides and no longer than 7.5 m, unless the council gives permission for more. This is a zoning rule: the garage still needs building plans. Other councils have their own schemes.
Who may draw it
SACAP's 2026 Scope of Practice Matrix rates private garages as low-complexity work open to all four registration categories, though the notice's summary table for draughtspersons does not list them.
Questions people ask
Can I build a garage on the boundary?
Only where the zoning allows it or a building line relaxation is approved. Tshwane's 2024 scheme allows a single-storey garage on a side or rear boundary under set conditions. The garage still needs plans.
Sources
- SANS 10400-A:2010, Regulations A1 and A2 (minor building work)
- Tshwane Land Use Scheme, 2024 (clause 12)
- SACAP Board Notice 901 of 2026, Identification of Work
Checked October 2026. Councils change their tariffs every July, so confirm fees before you pay.