The rule
The national list of minor building work includes a child's playhouse up to 5 m², and a tool shed up to 10 m². At 5 m² or less the national regulations need no plans and no application; between 5 and 10 m² the council can exempt it from plans but you apply first. Johannesburg still asks for a motivation letter for these, so check with your council. Either way it must respect building lines and servitudes. A wendy house bigger than that, or used for anything other than storage or play, is an ordinary building.
Used as a room or rental
A wendy house someone sleeps, works or lives in is a habitable building. It needs plans, has to meet building lines, light, ventilation and fire rules, and if it is rented out it becomes a second dwelling under the zoning. Calling it a playhouse does not change what it is used for.
Questions people ask
Can I rent out a wendy house?
Only if it is approved as a dwelling and your zoning allows another dwelling on the stand. See granny flats and rental rooms.
Sources
Checked October 2026. Councils change their tariffs every July, so confirm fees before you pay.