Cape Town residents planning home renovations, a new braai, a swimming pool, a carport or even a new flat can now use a City of Cape Town chatbot to find out whether they may need planning or building approval.

The City has launched its new Development Management BOT, designed to provide general guidance on building, development and land-use requirements.

Residents can access the BOT at bot.capetown.gov.za.

The City says every building and development, as well as how land or a property is used in Cape Town, must comply with the Municipal Planning By-law, Development Management Scheme and National Building Regulations.

It acknowledges that navigating the approval process can be confusing, particularly for residents who are unsure whether they need to submit an application.

The BOT is intended to answer general questions such as:

• Whether approval is needed to build a braai, swimming pool or carport.
• Whether residents can operate a business from home.
• How to submit a building plan or planning application.
• How to obtain existing building plans for a property.
• Which spatial policies affect a neighbourhood.
• How residents can comment on development applications.

The City says the BOT cannot yet answer detailed questions about individual applications.

Instead, it provides general guidance, along with sources, references, guidelines, relevant documents and contact details for residents who need more specific information.

The City recommends that users check the documents and references provided by the BOT before proceeding with a development or application.

Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews, said the tool was developed to make the City’s planning processes easier to navigate.

“The Municipal Planning By-law is complex, and laypersons find it difficult to understand the jargon, and challenging to get answers about land use, what is allowed and what is not, and where to go or whom to contact for assistance.”

Andrews encouraged residents to try the new tool, while acknowledging that it is still being developed.

“The BOT is still young, and will develop and improve over time,” he said.

The Development Management BOT was developed by the City’s Data Science Department in cooperation with the Development Management Department.

The City has also provided a short tutorial to help users understand how to use the BOT and phrase their questions.