Almost everybody knows that before you build something, you have to get a permit. You’ve got to get plans approved, you’ve got to get the zoning in place. But not everybody knows that before you demolish something, you also need a permit.

Where to Get the Application

If you’re in Nelson Mandela Bay, the demolition application form is available online — go to nelsonmandelabay.gov.za and download it. Make sure you’re getting the latest version.

If you don’t have internet access, you can go to the building inspectorate on the fourth floor, in the building opposite the info centre — near where Treasury is, by the Lillian Diedericks building. But honestly, the easiest route is just to get it off the website.

What You Need to Submit

The application comes with a checklist, and it can all be emailed in. You’ll need:

An aerial photograph of the building to be demolished, a locality map, and elevations of the building to be demolished.

And here’s the important one: if the building is older than 60 years, you need a heritage permit before you submit — that’s an application to the provincial heritage authority, ECPHRA. That’s a whole process on its own (we’ll cover it separately). If the building is younger than 60 years, you don’t need one.

You’ll also need to provide proof of age of the building. Don’t be tempted to claim a building is younger than 60 years when it isn’t — that’s fraud, and you can get into serious trouble. I’m not exaggerating when I say jail time is a possibility.

What It Costs

It’s a flat fee — currently R641 — payable to the municipality. They’ll confirm the amount and give you payment details when you submit.

The Bottom Line

That’s the paperwork and the approvals you need in place before you demolish anything. So don’t say you didn’t know — because now I’ve told you.

It’s really not that complicated, but if you need help with this, look us up. And if you’re not in Nelson Mandela Bay, don’t think this doesn’t apply to you — every jurisdiction in South Africa has a similar process. Wherever you are in the country, you’re going to need a demolition permit.