What it is
Subdividing agricultural land generally involves both municipal planning approval and consideration by the national Department of Agriculture under the Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act, 70 of 1970, which remains in force until replaced. Requirements depend on the land's status and location.
When you may need it
- You want to divide a farm between family members
- Part of a farm is to be sold or used for a non-agricultural purpose
What our work includes
- Feasibility review of agricultural status and policy
- Municipal and agricultural applications
- Coordination with agricultural specialists and surveyors
The broad process
- 1.Feasibility and status review
- 2.Agricultural and municipal applications
- 3.Survey and registration once approved
Documents commonly required
- Copy of the title deed (later stage, not at enquiry)
- Surveyor-General diagram or general plan
- Zoning certificate or current land-use information
- Power of attorney and owner consent where applicable
- Agricultural potential information where requested
You don’t need these to make an initial enquiry.
What affects cost and duration
- Professional planning fees for preparation and motivation
- Municipal application fees set by the relevant municipality
- Advertising and notice costs where public participation is required
- Specialist reports (for example traffic, engineering services or environmental)
- Agricultural specialist and survey fees
We provide a project-specific quotation that separates professional fees from municipal charges, advertising and specialist costs. Timeframes vary with scope, completeness, objections, specialist work and municipal processing.
Limitations
Protection of agricultural land is a policy priority, and approval cannot be assumed.