THE COUNCIL LOST MY APPROVED BUILDING PLANS

I regularly hear from my clients that they have been to the council to obtain a copy of their previously approved building plans, only to be told that the council cannot find previously approved building plans on file.

Sometimes approved plans are lost, misplaced, or destroyed. It is the responsibility of the registered owner to ensure that he has approved plans for his property.

Many of my clients have had great success in finding old building plans by employing the services of a professional runner. Runners charge a professional fee, but if they do come up with that missing building plan, it will be worth every cent.

If all else fails, we would need to measure, redraw, and submit As-built plans for the existing building as if it is a new building. This, unfortunately, comes with its own set of problems. The best plan here is to deal with one problem at a time. We begin with drawing up the building plan and handing it in, and then concentrate on solving one problem at a time until the plan is approved.

The local authority is also entitled to levy fines on any “illegal” building work that was done without approval.

Contact your local municipality Building control office to find out if they have approved plans of your property : https://municipalities.co.za/