Who decides
Mixed use matters for property in Howick and surrounding areas are dealt with by uMngeni Local Municipality, in KwaZulu-Natal. It forms part of the uMgungundlovu District, but the district municipality is not assumed to decide these applications.
| Municipality | uMngeni Local Municipality (local) |
|---|---|
| Province | KwaZulu-Natal |
| District | uMgungundlovu |
Local requirements
"Mixed use" is a broad guide category: zones that combine residential, business and other uses on the same property or in the same area. Property owners in Howick often ask: Can I combine shops and apartments??
Areas covered by uMngeni Local Municipality include Howick. Neighbouring municipalities in the uMgungundlovu District, such as Impendle, Mkhambathini, Mpofana, Msunduzi, Richmond, uMshwathi, are separate planning authorities with their own by-laws and schemes, so the correct municipality must be confirmed from the property's location.
Applications are made under uMngeni Local Municipality's Municipal Planning By-law, read with SPLUMA (2013) and the applicable land use scheme. Decisions are taken by an authorised official or the Municipal Planning Tribunal, with appeals to the appeal authority. Fees, documents and timeframes are set by uMngeni Local Municipality 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 mixed use in Howick?
uMngeni Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal is the planning authority for Howick. The exact property location should still be confirmed, as municipal boundaries do not always follow town names.
Does the uMgungundlovu District Municipality decide mixed use applications?
Not by default. Under SPLUMA, local municipalities such as uMngeni Local Municipality are their own planning authorities for most land-use applications.
What should I check before starting with mixed use in Howick?
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.