Who decides
If your property is in Pretoria, Centurion, Tshwane, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality is the planning authority for local business. As a metropolitan municipality it has no district council above it.
| Municipality | City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (metropolitan) |
|---|---|
| Province | Gauteng |
| Land-use scheme | City of Tshwane land use documents (town-planning scheme), unconfirmed |
Local requirements
"Local business" is a broad guide category: smaller-scale business zones serving surrounding neighbourhoods. Property owners in Pretoria often ask: Can I open a small shop or café here??
Areas covered by City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality include Pretoria, Centurion, Tshwane.
City of Tshwane applies the City of Tshwane's land use scheme, while applications are processed under the City of Tshwane Land Use Management By-law, 2016 (amended 2024) and SPLUMA (2013). Depending on the category of application, the decision is taken by an authorised official or the Municipal Planning Tribunal, with appeals to the City's appeal authority. Fees, required documents and timeframes are set by City of Tshwane and change from time to time, so they are confirmed for each matter.
What to check for your property
- The property's zoning as recorded by the municipality (zoning certificate or official map)
- The exact wording of the applicable land-use scheme for that zone
- Title deed conditions, which can be stricter than the zoning
- Overlay zones, heritage or environmental controls and servitudes
- Any previous approvals and conditions attached to the property
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 local business in Pretoria?
City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng is the planning authority for Pretoria, Centurion, Tshwane. The exact property location should still be confirmed, as municipal boundaries do not always follow town names.
Is there a district municipality involved in Pretoria?
No. City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality is a metropolitan municipality and handles its own planning applications.
What should I check before starting with local business in Pretoria?
Useful starting points are: The property's zoning as recorded by the municipality (zoning certificate or official map); The exact wording of the applicable land-use scheme for that zone; Title deed conditions, which can be stricter than the zoning. Title deed conditions, servitudes and previous approvals should also be checked.
Sources
- City of Tshwane land use documents (town-planning scheme) (as of 2026-10-21)
- City of Tshwane Land Use Management By-law, 2016 (amended 2024) (as of 2026-10-21)