Cllr Sarah Mabotsa, the MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning in the City of Tshwane, encouraged property owners who have built houses or buildings to make use of the city’s inspectors to assess the completed structures and issue free occupation certificates.
MMC Mabotsa emphasized that an occupation certificate is extremely important as it confirms that a building is safe to be used and occupied. She explained that various industries, such as banks and the insurance sector, rely on these certificates, which can grant and register bonds against the property or provide insurance coverage for the structures.
The Built Environment and Enforcement Division in the Economic Development and Spatial Planning Department is responsible for receiving, evaluating, and appraising building plans. Once an owner commences construction and completes a building, Section 14 of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act 103 of 1977) requires the owner to apply for an occupation certificate.
The MMC emphasized that an occupation certificate helps protect property owners, their families, and their homes. She noted that the relevant regional municipal offices can be contacted to book free inspections. The first inspection is free, and once the building has passed inspection, the occupation certificate is issued at no cost.
However, she cautioned that a re-inspection fee must be paid if the building does not pass the initial inspection. Once the building has passed the re-inspection, the occupation certificate can be obtained at no additional cost.
To enable property owners and communities to be aware of the costs for building plans and re-inspection fees if a re-inspection is required, members of the public can request a copy of the approved charges and tariffs for building plans and re-inspections directly from bpccontraventions@tshwane.gov.za.
MMC Mabotsa also advised that any request for payments of additional monies by any person, inspector, or official on-site or at the City’s offices that are not included in the approved charges and tariffs can be reported to the Anti-fraud and Corruption Hotline on 080 874 9263 (080 TSHWANE).