Who decides
JB Marks Local Municipality (North West) receives and decides building-line relaxations & departures matters for land around Potchefstroom. It forms part of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, but the district municipality is not assumed to decide these applications.
| Municipality | JB Marks Local Municipality (local) |
|---|---|
| Province | North West |
| District | Dr Kenneth Kaunda |
Local requirements
Owners in Potchefstroom usually look at building-line relaxations & departures when an existing structure was built over a line and needs to be regularised. The purpose is to relax building lines, coverage, height or other development parameters.
Areas covered by JB Marks Local Municipality include Potchefstroom. Neighbouring municipalities in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, such as Matlosana, Maquassi Hills, are separate planning authorities with their own by-laws and schemes, so the correct municipality must be confirmed from the property's location.
Under SPLUMA (2013) and JB Marks Local Municipality's planning by-law, matters are categorised and decided either by an authorised official or by the Municipal Planning Tribunal. Objectors and applicants may appeal to the appeal authority. Fees, documents and timeframes are set by JB Marks Local Municipality and change from time to time, so they are confirmed for each matter.
When you may need it
- A planned extension encroaches into the side or rear building line
- An existing structure was built over a line and needs to be regularised
The broad process
- Assessment
- Neighbour consents
- Application
- Decision
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
What affects cost
- 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)
Professional fees, municipal application fees, advertising and specialist costs are quoted separately for each matter. Timeframes depend on completeness, objections, specialist work and municipal processing.
Questions
Which municipality handles building-line relaxations & departures in Potchefstroom?
JB Marks Local Municipality in North West is the planning authority for Potchefstroom. The exact property location should still be confirmed, as municipal boundaries do not always follow town names.
Does the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality decide building-line relaxations & departures applications?
Not by default. Under SPLUMA, local municipalities such as JB Marks Local Municipality are their own planning authorities for most land-use applications.
What should I check before starting with building-line relaxations & departures in Potchefstroom?
Useful starting points are: Copy of the title deed (later stage, not at enquiry); Surveyor-General diagram or general plan; Zoning certificate or current land-use information. Title deed conditions, servitudes and previous approvals should also be checked.