Applying for building plans or land use approvals in Cape Town is now easier with the City’s e-Services Development Application Management System (DAMS). Here is your step-by-step guide to get started.
💻 Step 1: Register for e-Services
Go to www.capetown.gov.za.
Click City Connect ➔ e-Services ➔ Register here.
Complete your details (ID/passport number, unique email).
Create a username.
🔑 Activate your profile:
You’ll get an email with a temporary password.
Log in, change it, and upload your ID.
Wait for the confirmation email.
How to Apply Online for Building Plans and Land Use in Cape Town
Jun 30, 2025
May 15, 2026
5 min read
Published
Updated:
Applying for building plans or land use approvals in Cape Town is now easier with the City’s e-Services Development Application Management System (DAMS). Here is your step-by-step guide to get started.
💻 Step 1: Register for e-Services
Go to www.capetown.gov.za.
Click City Connect ➔ e-Services ➔ Register here.
Complete your details (ID/passport number, unique email).
Create a username.
🔑 Activate your profile:
You’ll get an email with a temporary password.
Log in, change it, and upload your ID.
Wait for the confirmation email.
🏢 Step 2: Activate Development Management Services
In e-Services, click Service Activation on the left panel.
Find Development Management and click Activate.
✅ You’ll be able to submit building plans and land use applications within ~5 hours.
🔢 Step 3: Know Your Business Partner (BP) Number
Your BP number identifies you to the City. You can find it:
On your municipal account (top right corner).
Or request it at any City district office.
👤 Individuals need their BP number and ID to register.
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🏢 Companies must also upload:
Business registration docs.
Authorisation letter.
BP number and representative’s ID.
📝 How to Submit a Building Plan Application
Log in to e-Services ➔ Development Management ➔ Submit Building Plan.
Provide basic details: application type, building size, residential/other.
Check and confirm your prefilled applicant details.
Select the property using the erf number, street address, or parcel number.
Identify the owner and provide contact info.
Search and select the registered professional (architect/draughtsperson).
Add any extra details (e.g., building age, tree removals).
Upload all required documents (each under 50MB).
Review and submit.
🔎 Tracking Your Application
You can track statuses like:
Draft Application
Proposed Submission
Awaiting Payment
Application Approved or Refused
📝 How to Submit a Land Use Application
Similar to building plans:
Log in and choose Submit Land Use Application.
Complete basic and applicant details.
Identify the property and owner.
Provide extra details (title deed, restrictions, building age).
Upload all required documents.
Review and submit.
🔎 Track statuses such as:
Draft Application
Application Accepted
Circulation/Advertising
Application Approved or Refused
💳 How to Make Payments
You can pay via:
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EFT (use your 9-digit payment reference, no spaces).
Direct deposit at Nedbank.
Cash, debit, or credit card (fees may apply for payments above R7,000).
📞 Need Help?
Call: 0860 103 089
Visit: City of Cape Town
Always keep your case number for quick reference.
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💡 Why apply online?
✔️ 24/7 access ✔️ No queues or driving to offices ✔️ Paperless & eco-friendly ✔️ Track your application anytime
Source: City of Cape Town – e-Services DAMS Registration Guide
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