In South Africa, it is legally required to obtain building plan approval before starting any construction, renovation, or extension of your home. Here’s a professional step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Consult with the Bergrivier Municipality:

2. Commencement with Drafting a Building Plan:

• Request the SACAP registration number from your architect or designer.
• Verify their registration by asking for a copy of their registration certificate.

3. Required Documentation for Application:

• One (1) set of color building plans drawn by a registered professional.
• Relevant SANS 10400 forms completed by both the registered professional and the owner.
• Prescribed application form of Bergrivier Municipality (available for download from the website or via telephone request).
• Copy of the title deed (provided by the owner or obtained from the bank if the property is still under the bank’s possession).
• Proof of payment (invoice provided via the portal after document upload).

Any other documents required by the relevant official.

4. Registration and Submission:

• Register on the portal for the submission of building plan applications: Bergrivier Municipality Building Plan Submission Portal.

5. Application Check:

• Ensure your building plan aligns with zoning regulations. Contact the Town Planning department at Bergrivier Municipality (022 913 6000) if in doubt.
• Depending on your application type, additional documentation may be required for departments such as health, fire, traffic, environmental, water & sanitation, and stormwater management. Contact these departments prior to application to ensure compliance.

6. Building Control Review:

• The Building Control Department will review your plan for compliance with all relevant legislation and will inform you in writing about any outstanding items on the application.
• Note: Applicants will be notified via portal, email, or telephone once building plans are approved.

Key Points to Remember:

• Building without approval may result in fines, demolition, and stop orders.
• Only registered professionals with SACAP can practice architecture.
• Ensure your plan is accurate to avoid delays.
• Submit all required documents to avoid delays.

By following these steps, you will ensure a smooth and efficient journey through the building plan approval process. Bergrivier Municipality is always ready to assist with any queries related to your application.

Bergrivier Municipality wishes to remind residents that all property owners are responsible for preventing their properties from becoming overgrown, as it may pose a serious fire hazard.
According to the municipal bylaws, overgrown erven, including edges, must be cut, and trees (planted) and shrubs must be pruned. Maintenance of erven should be conducted throughout the year, to prevent them from becoming a nuisance or threat to other residents and the public at large.
Determining whether a property is overgrown is at the discretion of the responsible municipal official. Generally, a property is considered overgrown when the grass exceeds knee height. Shrubbery size requirements are based on the growth form of specific plants and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
If a property is found to be overgrown, the property owner will be notified by registered mail and instructed to clear the property within 14 to 21 working days from the date of the registered letter.
Once the notice period has expired, the property will be re-inspected. If it is still overgrown, a municipal contractor will be appointed to clear the property. The cost of this service will be added to the property owner’s municipal account and owners may be issued with a fine if found guilty of transgressing the municipal bylaw.

REPORTING OVERGROWN PROPERTIES:
Please report overgrown properties to any Bergrivier Municipal Office.
For any enquiries contact Ms. Magretha Van der Westhuizen at vanderwesthuizenm@bergmun.org.za
The regulations pertaining to overgrown properties can be found on the municipal website (www.bergmun.org.za) under Documents. Please refer to “Public Nuisances and the Keeping of Animals By-law, 2021. Published in Provincial Gazette 8591 on 13 May 2022 Commenced on 13 May 2022”.