City facilitating development applications, investments to kick-start economy

The City has approved building plans to the value of R5,2 billion since the start of the national lockdown on 27 March until 29 July 2020. Among these plans are some high value developments, investments which bode well for Cape Town’s local economy and confirm that investors have business confidence in the city. Read more below:

The City’s Development Management Department has remained committed to assessing and processing planning applications during the lockdown period.

‘I am pleased that the City of Cape Town is keeping its non-contact services functioning as far as possible during the lockdown, enabling the City to approve building plans to the amount of R5,2 billion since March to the end of July. These plans will result in construction work that will create many jobs and stimulate our economy, which is much need during these challenging times,’ said Alderman Dan Plato, Executive Mayor of Cape Town.

As the economy has started to open up again, the Development Management Department has continued with its normal operations which have been in place throughout the lockdown stages.

Since 27 March up until 29 July 2020, the City has:

• approved 3 379 building plans comprising of less than 500m² each. The value of the imminent building work amounts to approximately R 2,0 billion
• approved 1 261 minor work applications to the value of approximately R75 million
• approved 192 building plans comprising of more than 500m² each. The value of the imminent building work amounts to approximately R 3,2 billion
• in terms of land use applications, the City has received 3 093 applications and finalised 1 853  applications

In terms of high value development application plans processed over the last month, the City received a number of applications from Johannesburg developers and architects for blocks of flats in Khayelitsha, and two other development applications from international investors.

Some of the other high value applications  included plans for industrial warehousing; service stations and a new hotel and retail space.

‘I am encouraged that we have received high value development applications over this period. This sort of development investment, especially from investors who are not from Cape Town, is always a positive indicator of the business confidence investors have in the city. We will continue to provide residents and investors with the best possible service during this time,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.

The City approved 21 028 of the 23 607 building plans received over the last financial year which ended 30 June 2020.

Development professionals, developers and investors are encouraged to continue submitting their applications via the City’s e-services portal. The applications will be processed once the applicable fees have been paid.

The online portal has been available to residents and industry since 2015:

• submissions can be made 24/7
• submissions can be made from anywhere in the world, be it from your study or another country
• applicants can monitor and track the progress/status of their applications at any time from any place
• it enables instant electronic communication between the City and the applicant during the assessment process

Those who have not yet registered for, or activated this service, can do so now. Click here to find out: How to Register for e-Services and submit an application using the Development Application Management System (DAMS)

Applications, especially building plans, are likely to be processed quickly if they comply with the City’s Development Management Scheme. The more complex and intricate the application, the longer it takes to process.

Developers who are ready to discuss their applications can contact the department and request an online meeting.