Construction & Property

Temporary structures — marquees, site offices, construction hoarding, stages, containers and even large jumps or scaffolding in public space — need municipal approval under the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977, even when they will only stand for a few days.

A temporary occupation certificate lets you occupy or use a building before the final occupancy certificate is issued, under section 14(1A) of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977. It is granted by the municipal building control officer for a limited period.

A road closure permit authorises the full or partial closure of a public road for construction, utility work, races, processions or filming. Municipal roads are handled by the local authority; provincial roads by the provincial roads department; national routes by SANRAL.

An excavation or way-leave permit is the municipal approval you need before digging in or next to a public road, pavement or servitude — for water and sewer connections, fibre, electrical cabling or foundations near a road reserve.