A lot of small building work does not need a full set of plans. The building regulations call it minor building work, and the council's building control officer can approve it on a short application instead. You still have to apply before you build, and the work still has to keep to building lines and the zoning.
What counts
From Regulation A1 of the building regulations: a carport up to 40 m², a freestanding wall up to 1.8 m that does not hold back soil, a tool shed up to 10 m², a greenhouse up to 15 m², an aviary up to 20 m², a solar water heater, replacing a roof like for like, moving a non-structural internal wall, and swapping a window for a door without widening the opening. Under the national regulations, minor building work of 5 m² or less (a small tool or cycle shed), a pergola, a wire fence and an open-sided fabric-covered shelter for a car need no application at all, though some councils, Johannesburg among them, still ask for a motivation letter. The full list is on do I need plans.
What the application needs
Usually a simple dimensioned drawing showing what you are building, its size and where it sits against the boundaries, the council's form or a motivation letter, and the fee. Johannesburg, for example, asks for a motivation letter, a sketch and a declaration that the work does not cross a servitude, building line or zoning control. Johannesburg handles open-sided carports and swimming pools as plan submissions, not as minor works.
What the councils charge
| Council | Minor works fee |
|---|---|
| Johannesburg | R523 on a Residential 1 stand, R836 other zonings (2026/27 draft) |
| Tshwane | R920 (2025/26) |
| Ekurhuleni | R647.07 per building plus the occupancy certificate fee (2026/27) |
| Mogale City | R1 556 (2026/27, excl. VAT) |
What we do
Measure, draw the sketch, fill in the form, submit it to your council and follow it up. If what you want turns out not to be minor work (too big, over a building line, structural), we tell you before you pay for anything more.
Questions people ask
Do I have to apply for a small shed?
Usually yes. Under the national regulations only minor building work of 5 m² or less, a pergola, a wire fence and an open-sided fabric carport need no application at all, and some councils still ask for a letter. Everything else on the minor works list needs the council's authorisation before you build, even if it does not need full plans.