The issue of the legal requirement to submit building plans to the local authority, is a matter that is currently under discussion, taking into account all the new buildings, whether formal or informal, that are currently blossoming in and around the city.
According to the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act no 103 of 1977, building plans have to be submitted to the local authority for every new building being constructed or if the structural system of an existing building is altered. Owners of buildings that are up for sale, should also take note that approved building plans reflecting all existing structures may be required by new owners and financing institutions, hence it is advisable to have approved building plans in advance, taking into account that the approval process at a local authority may be time consuming.
According to the legislation, a building is any structure, whether of a temporary or permanent nature and irrespective of the materials used in the construction thereof, that is built or used for the accommodation or convenience of human beings or animals or the manufacture, processing, storage, display or sale of any goods, the rendering of any service, the destruction or treatment of refuse or other waste materials and the cultivation or growing of any plant or crop. It also includes any wall, swimming bath, swimming pool, reservoir or bridge or any other structure connected therewith and any facilities or system within or outside but incidental to a building, for the provision of a water supply, drainage, sewerage, storm water disposal, electricity supply or other similar service in respect of the building.
Structural system, according to the legislation, means “the system of constructional elements and components of any building which is provided to resist the loads acting upon it and to transfer such loads to the ground upon which the foundation of the building rests.”
In layman’s terms, it means that single walls within an existing building with approved building plans that do not support the structure, may be altered without submission of building plans.
Story: BARRY VILJOEN
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