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

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.

‘The infohubs were created to ensure our residents are able to contact the City in a way that is most convenient to them. Cape Town has a diverse population and we understand that some residents prefer to speak to an official for guidance, for various reasons including, but not limited to, not having access to email. Thus, we want each of our residents to feel included in the service delivery initiatives. The information hubs also aim to make the City more accessible to residents and to make interaction easier and more customer-friendly. Should your call not be answered on your first attempt, please leave a message and our dedicated officials will phone back,’ said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.

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 using technology to transform the City  by enhancing service delivery through process automation and online services. 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 ready to help with any enquiry that you may have. Make that call, our team is waiting for your call,’ said Alderman Andrews.

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

Source: City Of Cape Town