Approved plans are kept by the municipality that approved them. You will want them when you sell, when a bank asks, before you add on, or to see whether earlier work was ever approved.
Asking the council
- Ekurhuleni charges a search fee per erf for old plans: R150.98 in 2026/27.
- Mogale City has a form for a copy of an approved plan: BDM 167.
- Johannesburg: plans approved on CPMS (live since late 2021) can be downloaded from the system. Older plans are in the city's archive.
- Tshwane and the other councils: ask building control. Bring proof that you own the property, or the owner's written consent.
You usually need the erf number and township, which are on your title deed and rates account.
When the plans cannot be found
Archives lose files, and some older houses never had complete approvals. If the council cannot find your plans, the answer is to have the house measured and drawn as it stands, compare it with whatever records exist, and submit for approval. See as-built plans.
Questions people ask
Can anyone get a copy of my approved plans?
Councils generally ask for proof of ownership or the owner's consent before releasing copies.
Sources
Checked October 2026. Councils change their tariffs every July, so confirm fees before you pay.