Building plan approval fees

Each Local Authority has its own rates and formulas which it applies to the calculation for plan submission fees. The first thing the Local Authority does is work out the square metres of new construction area, be it a new structure, additions and alterations, and multiplies that area by the predetermined rates for plan submission. They then add on fees for items such as new swimming pool, building line relaxation and depending on the type of project bulk services contributions may be calculated into their free.

Once the fees have been paid, a file is opened and the plans and relevant documentation is placed there in. This file is then registered in the Local Authorities database and is given a unique reference number. The plan is then sent to the relative departments for plan scrutiny, when the plans arrive at any department, they update the door to base using the files registration number in order to keep track of the files progress.

Some councils have implemented a soft copies plan submission system, such as Cape Town. What this means is that your Architect, Draughtsman or Homeowner may submit their plans in an electronic format (usually in PDF format). This system has its benefits, the main one being that it should be possible to get printed copies of once plans from the Council at a later date which will be clear and to scale. The danger of the system however, is the last of data due to human or server error which may result in a total loss of drawings, related documentation and council inspection notes. In an effort towards a GREENER paperless society, we believe that this is a great initiative and clearly a step forward into the future of faster service delivery.

Should a client wish to submit plans themselves, they will encounter the inevitable waiting period associated with the circulation of their plans. For example the Johannesburg Metro Council routinely inform clients that they are waiting period for plan approval, should all go well and there are no corrections to any of the plans, will be approximately 6 to 8 months. We have had clients that have experienced a plan approval period of up to 12 months. That being said the opposite is also true and under certain unknown circumstances our clients have had plan approval within four weeks.

Because of the time delays being experienced at the Local Authority, we offer a plan submission service. Our staff members that provide this service known as “runners”, they are former building inspectors and plans examiners themselves. They understand the entire plan approval process and also the necessary requirements on every plan and its related documentation, because of this they are able to consult directly with the relevant Local Authority departments and in so doing are able to fast track the plan approval process, between 6 to 8 weeks.