Contact Tasyam Govender | Town Planner Cape Town

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Answer: With extensive experience preparing Town Planning applications throughout Cape Town, we can provide a realistic indication of an application's prospects before any work begins. If we believe an application has little prospect of approval, we'll be the first to let you know. However, if everything looks positive, we'll recommend moving forward with the application.

Answer: This all depends on the nature, extent and complexity of the Town Planning proposal. The approval processes for Land Use Management applications can be quite drawn-out, often requiring mettle and fortitude to navigate successfully. If you're looking for assistance, we can provide the right Town Planning Services to help streamline your project.

Answer: The rates for Town Planning Services vary based on the nature, extent and complexity of the development proposal. Please provide us with as much information as you can (see above), and we’ll prepare a formal fee proposal, for your consideration.

Answer: We assist a wide range of clients, including private property owners, architects, developers, businesses and property professionals. Whether you are planning a home extension, second dwelling, subdivision, rezoning, consent use, or a larger commercial development, we can provide the appropriate Town Planning Services. Every project is different, so we take the time to understand your proposal, explain the applicable Land Use Management requirements, and recommend the most suitable approach before any Town Planning application is prepared.

Answer: Unfortunately not. We are an unapologetically pro-development Town Planning practice committed to enabling well-designed development that creates housing, employment, educational opportunities and sustainable growth throughout Cape Town. Our Town Planning Services focus on preparing and managing development applications rather than opposing them. If you require assistance with a rezoning, consent use, departure, subdivision, or another Land Use Management application, we would be pleased to help guide your project through the approval process.

Answer: Absolutely. We can obtain a Zoning Certificate from the City on your behalf as part of our Town Planning Services. A Zoning Certificate confirms the property's zoning, applicable development rules and other important Land Use Management information that may affect your proposed development. It is often a useful starting point when considering alterations, additions, a new land use, or a Town Planning application, as it helps identify the approvals that may be required before proceeding.

Answer: Yes. We can request copies of approved building plans from the City on your behalf as part of our Town Planning Services. Unfortunately, these processes are not always smooth, and it can (sometimes) take a while for the City to locate copies of the plans. In other instances, the process can go pleasantly quickly.

Answer:  These documents can be obtained from the Deeds Office located at 2 Riebeek Street, Cape Town City Centre. If the property is bonded, the bank will have the original. 

Answer: Whether you need a Town Planner depends on the type of development or land use you are proposing. If your project does not comply with the applicable zoning or development rules, a Town Planning application may be required before building plans can be approved. A Town Planner can assess your proposal, identify the necessary approvals, prepare the required documentation, and manage the application process with the City. Professional advice at an early stage can save time, reduce unnecessary costs, and improve the likelihood of a successful outcome. If you are unsure whether approval is required, we would be happy to assess your proposal and advise on the best way forward.

Answer: The timeframe for a rezoning application depends on the complexity of the proposal, public participation requirements, and the City’s assessment process. Straightforward applications generally take several months, while more complex matters can take longer if additional information or specialist reports are required. As experienced Town Planners in Cape Town, we prepare comprehensive Town Planning applications that address the City's requirements from the outset, helping to minimise delays wherever possible. While approval times cannot be guaranteed, a well-prepared application has the best chance of progressing efficiently.

Answer: A consent use application is required when a property owner wishes to undertake a land use that is permitted only with the City's approval under the applicable zoning. Common examples include guest houses, places of instruction, places of worship, restaurants, and additional dwelling units, depending on the zoning and the provisions of the Municipal Planning By-law. We assess whether a consent use application is required, prepare the supporting motivation, and co-ordinate the necessary documentation. Each proposal is assessed on its own planning merits and the characteristics of the surrounding area.

Answer: A departure application is required when a proposed development does not comply with one or more development rules contained in the Development Management Scheme, such as building setbacks, height, site coverage, floor factor, or parking requirements. A departure does not change the property's zoning but seeks approval to relax a specific development rule where appropriate. We prepare detailed planning motivations demonstrating why proposals remain appropriate and why the departures will not create unacceptable impacts on surrounding properties. The objective is to achieve a practical planning outcome while remaining consistent with sound Land Use Management principles.

Answer: We provide Town Planning Services throughout Cape Town, including the Southern, Cape Flats, Table Bay and Tygerberg districts. Whether your property is residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use, we can assist with a wide range of Town Planning applications, including rezoning, consent use, departures, subdivision and restrictive title deed amendments. If your property falls within the City of Cape Town, we're ready to assist.

Answer: The documents required depend on the type of Town Planning application being submitted. Some applications only require the title deed, SG diagram or general plan, locality plan, site development drawings or concept plans, and a detailed planning motivation. Others may also require specialist studies, such as traffic, heritage, environmental, or engineering reports. As part of our Town Planning Services, we will advise you exactly which documents are required for your proposal and co-ordinate the application to ensure it complies with the City’s Land Use Management requirements before submission.

Answer: Land Use Management is the system used by municipalities to regulate how land may be used and developed. It includes zoning, development rules, planning policies, and statutory approval processes that ensure development occurs in an orderly, sustainable and lawful manner. The City of Cape Town administers Land Use Management through the Municipal Planning By-law and the Development Management Scheme. Understanding these requirements early can save considerable time and cost later in the development process.

Answer: Yes, we assist property owners, developers and professionals with subdivision applications throughout Cape Town. Subdivision involves dividing one property into two or more separate land parcels and usually requires approval from the City before new erven can be created. Depending on the proposal, additional Town Planning approvals or engineering requirements may also apply. We'll advise you whether subdivision is feasible, identify any constraints, and prepare the necessary Town Planning application.