NBR & SANS
You need council permission before you build, renovate or extend your home
It is a legal requirement in South Africa to obtain planning permission prior to building, renovating or extending your home, as per Section 4(1) of the National Building Regulations and Buildings Standards Act, which states: No person shall without the prior approval in writing of the local authority in question, erect any building in respect of which plans and specifications are to be drawn and submitted in terms of this Act.
Broadly, regulations around planning permissions are the same across the country, although there may be variations particularly in the case of protected or heritage areas, stricter planning rules might apply to developments and complexes. Be aware that while the standards remain the same across the country, the processes of compliance to regulations differ from council to council.
What is SANS regulations?
South African National Building Regulations is circumscribed in a set of documentation prepared by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), referred to as South African National Standards (SANS)10400, specifically dealing with the application of the NBR.
It prescribes all elements of building as legislated by the Building standards Act. For example; part B covers structural design, part H covers foundations etc.
SANS 10400-XA stipulates minimum requirements of the South African National Building Regulations on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in building design
More info on https://www.sans10400.co.za/law-sans-10400/
All design and subsequent building must conform to the SANS standards and therefore the National Building Regulations and Buildings Standards Act.
