Property Zoning & Building Restrictions

While the term 'Property Zoning' is fairly common to property owners, many property buyers or owners remain unclear of the different types of zones, and when and how to apply for any form of zoning or rezoning.

Different types of property zoning

There are three basic categories of zoning, and each category is sub-divided further into different zones. These categories are:

Residential Zoning

There are four categories within residential zoning, and restrictions on the building or construction done on the property is determined using three elements: Coverage (the maximum area of land that can be built on), Floor Area Ratio (the maximum floor area allowed under a roof), Density (the number of dwellings permitted per 10 000 square metres). 

Residential 1
The zoning which stipulates that only one dwelling (a house) may be built on the property.

Residential 2
Residential 2 is the ideal zoning for cluster housing or complexes, as it allows between 10 and 20 dwellings to be built per 10 000.

Residential 3
Residential 3 is usually used for townhouse complexes and cluster housing, as it allows for a density of between 21 and 40 dwellings per 10 000 square metres.

Residential 4
residential 4 caters for the construction of a block of flats, as it allows for a density of between 41 and 120 dwellings per hectare.

Business Zoning

There are four categories within business zoning.

Business 1
Business 1 is unrestrictive and allows developers and owners to build any type of shop on the premises. From a general business to a shopping centre.

Business 2
Business 2 is ideal for shopping centres, but it restricts the development of certain businesses. An example of a restricted business would be the opening of a bottle store in certain locations.

Business 3
Business 3 will not allow a wide variety of business to open and operate.

Business 4 With this category, shopping centres and malls are not allowed. Only offices and office parks may be constructed on the land.

Industrial Zoning

Industrial zoning is the third category in property zoning, and it has three sub-divisions.

Industrial 1
Industrial 1 allows the construction of factories, warehouses or storage depots.

Industrial 2
Industrial 2 is ideal for industries that involve the emission of unpleasant odours, such as foundries, abattoirs and glue works.

Industrial 3
Industrial 3 caters for specialist workshops or mini-factories.

Van Deventer and Van Deventer Incorporated | Property Law Attorneys in Johannesburg

Before you purchase property - albeit for residential, industrial or business purposes - speak to the property experts at Van Deventer and Van Deventer Incorporated, who will give you unlimited advice on property zoning, as well as advice on the type of property that you are purchasing.
 

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