Submission pack
Get your plan ready for council
In South Africa a stock plan can’t go straight to council. A SACAP-registered professional adapts it to your stand, signs it off and submits it for you.
Everything council needs from your plan
Your plan set is the starting point. The submission pack turns it into an application your municipality can approve.
Only SACAP-registered professionals with verified registration numbers work on submission packs.
- Site plan for your stand, showing building lines and coverage
- Plan adapted to your erf and municipal requirements
- Sign-off by a SACAP-registered professional
- SANS 10400 application forms completed
- Energy-efficiency (SANS 10400-XA) compliance, with a rational design if needed
- Submission to your municipality and follow-up until a decision
From quote to submission
- 01
Request a quote
Tell us the plan, your municipality and your stand. We match you with a SACAP professional.
- 02
Send your documents
Share your title deed and SG diagram. We’ll tell you if anything else is needed.
- 03
Adapt and sign
The professional prepares the site plan, adapts the drawings and signs the forms.
- 04
Submit and track
We lodge the submission with council and keep you updated until it’s decided.
What you’ll need to provide
You’ll usually have these from when you bought the stand. Your conveyancer can help if not.
- Title deed for the property
- SG diagram (surveyor-general diagram) of the stand
- Zoning certificate, if your municipality asks for one
- Estate or HOA design approval, if the stand is in an estate
Typical council timelines
- Under 500 m²
- About 30 working days
- 500 m² and larger
- About 60 working days
- Approval valid for
- 12 months to start building
Times run from when council accepts a complete submission and vary by municipality.
Submission pack FAQ
Why can’t I submit the plan I bought as it is?
Municipalities need drawings that show your specific stand, and they must be signed by a SACAP-registered professional who takes responsibility for them. A stock plan doesn’t have either until it’s adapted.
How much does a submission pack cost?
It depends on your municipality, the size of the plan and whether an energy rational design is needed, so we quote each one. Council submission fees are charged by your municipality and are separate.
How long does approval take?
Municipalities typically decide within 30 working days for buildings under 500 m² and 60 working days for larger ones, once a complete submission has been accepted. Approval usually lapses if building hasn’t started within 12 months.
Does this cover NHBRC enrolment?
No. New homes must be enrolled with the NHBRC by a registered home builder, so your builder handles that. Ask to see their NHBRC registration before you sign with them.