What is Municipal Planning?

Municipal Planning is a function assigned to municipalities in terms of section 156 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa read with Part B of Schedule 4 and in terms of which municipalities have both executive authority and a right to administer to the extent set out in Section 155. There is no precise definition of exactly what aspects of planning are included under the term Municipal Planning. The Constitutional Court in a judgement given in June 2010 stated that “… the term [municipal planning] is not defined in the Constitution. But “planning” in the context of municipal affairs is a term which has assumed a particular, well-established meaning which includes the zoning of land and the establishment of townships. In that context, the term is commonly used to define the control and regulation of the use of land.” Emphasis added.

From this narrow ruling by the Constitutional Court, it is clear that Municipal Planning embraces other, as yet, undefined and untested aspects of planning. Under the 2000 re-demarcation of the country “wall-to-wall” municipalities were created thereby including all intervening land between the towns or former transitional local councils, i.e. including the tribal areas and the commercial farmland. This established a totally new responsibility for the new municipalities than had hereto been the case in that they were now required to extend their planning well beyond that of the former towns.

Special Consent

APPLICATION FORM AMENDED

Town Planning Procedure

Spatial Planning and Land UseManagement Bylaws uMngeni Municipality

The purpose of economic development unit is to build up economic capacity of uMngeni Municipality to improve its economic future and the quality of life for all its citizens.  In order to achieve the aforesaid, the unit is entrusted with the implementation of the following programmes:

• Investment Promotion and Marketing;
• Local Business Support & SMME Development; 
• Tourism Development; and
• Agricultural Development.

 Investment Promotion and Marketing

Description of the Activity

The unit is exploring ways to increase inward investment in skills and technology, property and sustainable development.  As Economic Development and Growth Unit, we continuously promote ongoing investment and development through the provision of services at affordable competitive prices, efficient service and a safe and secure environment.  Business permissions are tailored to the needs of the changing economy.  Investment promotion is through the following:

• Continuous implementation of the Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Programme;
• Ongoing identification of Greenfield development areas for investors;
• The maintenance of existing infrastructure;
• Effective information dissemination;
• Immediate service to potential investors and developers with respect to business permissions; and
• Reliability and accessibility of existing services.

Availability of Municipal support services 

Set-up processes and prevalence of red-tape

uMngeni has setup a centralized Economic Development and Growth Unit to facilitate one point of contact and to reduce the red tape for set-up processes. Prospective investors will also have direct access to the Executive Committee of the municipality to further expedite processes and ensure preferential access and processes for investors. 

Financial incentives & other forms of government support

There are a number of incentives available to business. At national level DTI offers incentives that could pay significantly towards cost. 

Local incentives include an incentive package to prospective investors and marketing guidelines that are envisaged to encourage and stimulate investment in the area. It forms part of the effort to attract new investment as well as facilitate the expansion and retention of existing business and industries within uMngeni Municipality. 

Land and buildings 

Land acquisition is central to the development of industrial areas. There are two approaches that uMngeni Municipality is willing to negotiate with prospective investors with regard to land acquisition.

• Make land available at reasonable price, which may be lower than the market value; and/or
• The Municipality rent the land to investors for a particular period of time (not exceeding 10 years) after which the lease would be negotiated or the land reallocated for other purposes.

Municipal services

The services that uMngeni Municipality is willing to take into consideration when negotiating with investors are as follows:

• Building Plans;
• Rates;
• Electricity; and 
• Buildings

Municipal Incentives

Building Plans

Refund of “Building Plan Approval” fees

Rates Rebates

• First Year  = 100% rebate 
• Second Year = 25% of annual rates payable 
• Third Year = 50% of annual rates payable
• Fourth Year  =  75% of annual rates payable
• Fifth Year = 100% of annual rates payable 

Electricity Tariffs

• First Year  =  ESKOM tariff levied against Council 
• Second Year  =  ESKOM tariff levied against Council plus 25% of difference between ESKOM and Council
• Third Year  =  ESKOM tariff levied against Council plus 50% of difference between ESKOM and Council
• Fourth Year  =  ESKOM tariff levied against Council plus 75% of difference between ESKOM and Council
• Fifth Year Council tariff 

Industrial Concessions

The Council may consider negotiating further concessions when:

• The investment is more than R100 million or where 2000 new employment opportunities will be created
• The investment is regarded as a strategic project that will further broaden the economic base of uMngeni 

Infrastructure, Regulatory reform, Approval processes 

The Municipality will attempt to prioritize infrastructure concessions in relation to proposed industrial development. The concessions involve concerted effort by the local authority to remove or reduce constraining building and zoning that may deter potential business development. 

The Municipality is prepared to facilitate prompt decisions such as approval of building plans and assistance with rezoning applications.

Local government support policy and pro-active marketing efforts

uMngeni Municipality is one of the most proactive and well respected municipalities in the country. The municipality takes an active role in regional, provincial, national and even international affairs, ensuring it is continually viewed as a preferred investment destination.  

Business Licence Application Form

Business Licencing Guidlines

uMNGENI IE POLICY

uMNGENI IE BYLAW

Draft 2016-2017 IDP & Budget Process Plan

IDP and Budget Process Plan Notice

The Department of Economic Development and Planning through legislative requirements and sound municipal policy is committed to providing people focused, quality service and sustainable socio-economic development.

This is achieved through their core functions that are as follows:

• Environmental Management
• Town Planning
• Building Regulation
• Local Economic Development
• Integrated Development Planning