City’s planning offices are only a phone call away

3 FEBRUARY 2021

The City of Cape Town’s Development Management Department has created information hubs with contact numbers for residents who prefer to speak to a planning official over the phone, as opposed to sending an email. The City’s eight planning districts have dedicated officials available to answer these calls. Read more below:

The officials are available between 08:00 and 16:00 on weekdays to answer phone calls and to assist residents with queries about development and building plan applications, and any other queries that relate to planning matters.

‘We know that some residents prefer to speak to an official for guidance, or, that some people may not have access to email. The purpose of the information hubs is to make the City more accessible to residents and to make interaction easier and more customer-friendly. I want to urge residents to please make use of this facility, and to leave a message when a call is not answered as the officials will phone back,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.

The Development Management Department is responsible for creating an effective and efficient planning and building development environment in Cape Town. The Land Use Management section assesses land use applications and must ensure that properties and land that fall within the municipal boundaries are used in accordance with its permitted land uses and zoning rights.

The Building Development Management section assesses building plans in accordance with the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act to ensure that all buildings comply with approved building plans.

Building plan and development applications must be submitted through the City’s e-services portal which has been available to residents and industry since 2015.

‘This online service speaks to our commitment to ensuring continuity of service delivery by making the most efficient use of resources. The portal allows clients to submit land use and building plan applications, and to monitor and track the progress and status of their applications. Most importantly, this customer-centric service ensures that residents, clients and industries have ease of access to the services, especially in these unprecedented times.

‘The officials at the info hubs are well equipped and work remotely. This means they are able to assist customers regardless of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Making contact with your local planning office could not be easier. Our dedicated team is waiting to hear from you,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.

Residents and professionals can contact their local planning offices as indicated below:

End
Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town