The building regulations come with four standard forms. Councils ask for them by number, so it helps to know which is which.
| Form | What it is | When |
|---|---|---|
| Form 1 | Declaration by the person responsible for the application. The owner appoints a registered professional, who declares how the building will meet the regulations, with its occupancy class and site sensitivity. | With every plan submission |
| Form 2 | Appointment of a competent person, such as an engineer for the structure or fire design. The owner appoints them and they accept responsibility. | With the plans, whenever a competent person is appointed |
| Form 3 | Declaration by someone who designs one component or system (a rational design) without being appointed on Form 2. Handed to the competent person in overall charge. | Before that part is built or installed |
| Form 4 | Certificate of completion of the structural, fire or other system, signed by the competent person. | When the work is finished, for the occupancy certificate |
Johannesburg's checklists ask for Form 1 and Form 2 for houses, and Form 3 where needed on commercial work. Midvaal publishes Forms 1 and 2 on its forms page.
The owner signs the appointments, so the forms are also a record of who is responsible for what. If an appointed engineer stops working on the job, the owner must tell the council in writing.
Questions people ask
Who signs SANS 10400 Form 1?
The owner appoints the registered professional on it, and the professional signs the declaration. It goes in with every building plan submission.
Do I need Form 2 for a house?
When an engineer or other competent person is appointed, for example for the structure. Johannesburg's house checklists list it.
Sources
- SANS 10400-A Forms 1 to 4 (copy on CPMS)
- SANS 10400-A:2010, Regulations A1 and A2 (minor building work)
- City of Johannesburg CPMS submission checklists (minor works list)
- Midvaal: forms
Checked October 2026. Councils change their tariffs every July, so confirm fees before you pay.