Please first check if you have received any
notification re: a letter (posted), as we usually send them to the
address given by your applicant or by you if you did not use a professional to
apply on your behalf. If you still find that you have not received a decision,
then please phone Customer Information Center (CIC) on
0415062150 / 0415062432 / 0415062434 / 0415063272 or contact your building inspectorate offices for further assistance 0415062462.
Yes, you will need Building Regulations approval if drainage alterations
are made. Not fitting alterations. If you are unsure, please contact your building inspector to verify if a building plan will be needed.
No. No Building Inspector nor any other staff employed at the Building Inspectorate Department are allowed to draw building plans. We render a service to the public to assist in planning / site inspection queries where needed but we do not provide the service of drawing up building plans for anyone. If you have further queries or would like to be assisted regarding a complaint related to the above mentioned matter, you are welcome to contact our Building Inspectorate Inquiry email address at bienquiries@mandelametro.gov.za.
Yes – you can discuss your proposals with a planning officer / building
inspector and get advice before you submit your building plan application.
Yes, we would always encourage you to discuss your ideas and proposals at
your earliest convenience. We will be pleased to discuss National Building
Regulation requirements. Building Control Officials are available during office
hours to discuss any building control issues you might have. (Refer to building
control contact details)
No. Unfortunately we cannot recommend individuals, we would always
suggest you consider builders / architects / draftsmen who are prepared to let you
view recent projects and seek references from previous clients. Recommendations
provided by friends / relatives do give a degree of reassurance, together with
membership (registration) of appropriate trade / professional associations.
Always agree to your requirement whether this be through a formal contract or
written plans and specifications, give consideration to issues such as
insurance, access to the property, fire safety, services such as water and
electric, security, site clearance / cleanliness etc.
- No, if the repairs are of a
minor nature and you are replacing like for like. This includes replacing
the felt to a flat roof, repainting, replacing a small area of previously
existing and approved brickwork etc.
- Yes, if the repair involves
the removal of a major part of a wall and rebuilding it. In the case of
re-roofing if the tiles are of the same type then no approval need be
sought. If the new tile or roofing material is substantially heavier or
lighter than the existing material, then an approval under Building
Regulations will be required.
Please note:
Yes, this is a change of use.
Yes - All drainage work in connection with a building requires an
application, all consumer installation must comply with the South African
standard specification 10252: water supply and drainage for buildings, SANS
10106: the installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of domestic solar
water heating system and SANS 10254: the installation of fixed electric storage
water heating systems or any similar substituting or amendment thereof if the
consumers installation is of a type regulated by either standard.
Yes, this is a structural alteration and an appointment of a registered structural
Engineer is essential.
Yes, the site drainage system is indicated on the building plan and the
general services plans are available from services division and, are available
for the public upon request and with the payment of the relevant tariff, should
a copy be requested. Reference being made to the Waste Water Department - 6th Floor, Mfanasekhaya Gqobose Building, former Eric Tindale Building.
If you have concerns over derelict and empty buildings or any building
structure that may pose a danger to the people in or around them, please report
this to us and we will take appropriate action. Report the matter to the
municipality at the relevant Building Control Office nearest to you. (Offices
situated in Uitenhage, Despatch, Port-Elizabeth, Motherwell and Zwide)
Formal complaints can also be addressed to bienquiries@mandelametro.gov.za.
(Try to include as many details as possible - address, photos, reasons etc.)
By contacting building plan counters in the relevant Customer Information
Center. (CIC - 0415062150 / 0415063272 / 0415062434 / 0415062432)
The Building Inspectorate Office is the primary source of
information about your property. Ask for a copy of the history for your property.
This history is typically previously approved plans with dates of all building additions
done and general data about the construction. The Building Inspectorate Main Office
(PE) can be reached at 0415062462.
A building plan is valid for 12 months from the date of approval. You
may apply in writing to your local authority for an extension before the expiry
date. Extension can be granted for six months upon receipts of written request
from the property owner.
We aim to determine most building plan applications
within the statutory time periods – usually two weeks (or 14 days) from the
date of validation / submission.
This is obviously the last thing we want; our main goal is to ensure
that your development meets Building Standards and we will endeavor to help
you whenever we can. We pride ourselves on a professional, practical and
ethical approach – if you have any concerns or reservation please log a call at
the customer care center (0415063272 / 0415062150 / 0415062434 / 0415062432) or send
a email to our department’s inquiry address bienquiries@mandelametro.gov.za
Submit building plans for consideration at your respective Customer Information Center, (CIC - Situated on the ground floor, Lillian Diedricks Building)
No. These are two entirely separate processes. Planning permission
considers land use and rights. Certain proposals may require Building
Regulation Approval but not Planning Permission. Planning inquiries can be made
with the Land Planning department (2nd Floor, Lilian Diedricks Building)