The City Planning Division, which falls under the Directorate of Development Planning and Local Economic Development, is responsible for the processing of planning applications, such as rezonings, subdivisions and special consent applications. It is also responsible for spatial, forward and settlement planning interventions in the municipality.

This is the Division to contact if you require information on the zoning and land use regulations for properties within the municipality.

The overall function of the City Planning Division is to manage growth and change in the entire Buffalo City Municipal area; facilitate the preparation of development strategies and policies; manage the use of land and manage the shape of the built environment.

What are the city planning requirements for different zoning schemes?
Requirements include height restrictions, coverage allowances, parking requirements, land use allowances and building lines. As this information differs for each property, it's important to contact the City Planning Technician on (043) 705-2074 for details.

Can a property be subdivided or rezoned?
Yes, in certain instances, it can. Have all the details about the property ready and contact the City Planning Technician on (043) 705-2074 for information.

Where can I find a list of private town and regional planning consultants practising in Buffalo City Municipality?
There is a list of private consultants available. Click here for a copy of that list.

Can I find out who owns a specific property?
Yes, you can if you have the erf number or the address of the property. Contact the City Planning Technician on (043) 705-2074 for information.

Can municipal properties be leased or purchased?
Yes, some municipal properties can be leased or bought. Contact the Land Administration Division on (043) 705-3360 for further information.

What are the application fees for the different city planning applications?
See the table of tariffs and fees.

Can I operate my business from home?
Certain businesses, such as guest houses, can be operated from residential properties but it is important to have permission before you set up your business. Contact the City Planning Technician on (043) 705-2074.

How do I know if approval has been given for certain kinds of activities to be run from a property?
The City Planning Technician will be able to tell you. Contact him on (043) 705-2074.

Does the City have a master plan for development in Buffalo City?
Yes, the city has developed a comprehensive spatial plan. Contact Raymond Foster, the Branch City Planner: Forward Planning, on (043) 705-2269 for further information.

Does the city have land available for development?
Yes. Contact Raymond Foster, the Branch Planner: Forward Planning, on (043) 705-2269 for further information.

Does the City have a programme for Settlement Planning Interventions?
Yes. The City Planning Division has a Settlement Planning Branch that deals with Municipal Settlement Planning interventions, townships establishment applications, layout design, informal settlements, rural and regional planning and the co-ordination of development planning funding applications.

The Intention and function of the Settlements Planning Branch is to provide guidance and manage a new development outlook and approach, which is significantly different from that which has prevailed in South Africa in recent decades. This New Approach has definitely had a positive impact on the formalization, upgrading and overall development of former disadvantaged communities and settlements in Buffalo City

Contact Ms Riana Pretorius, the Branch Planner: Settlement Planning, on (043) 705-2092.