Town PlannerJOHANNESBURG

Service · City of Johannesburg

Contravention Notices in Johannesburg

If Joburg's land use inspectors have served you a contravention notice, the clock is running. We help you respond, regularise the use where possible, or report a neighbour's unlawful use.

When you need it

  • You've received a notice to stop a use
  • You suspect a neighbour runs an unlawful business
  • Buying a property with illegal structures or uses

What's different in Joburg

  • Notices typically set a short deadline. Acting fast with a credible regularisation plan matters.

The process

  1. Assess the notice. We check what is alleged and what rights exist.
  2. Response. We engage the City and propose a route to compliance.
  3. Regularise. Lodge the consent, rezoning or plans needed.

Documents you'll typically need

  • The contravention notice
  • Title deed
  • Zoning certificate

How long it takes

Response needed within the notice period; regularisation follows the relevant application's timeline. These are typical ranges, not promises — the City's workload and objections drive the real timeline.

Where we often see this

Ivory ParkRandburgWynbergYeovilleRosettenville

Related applications

  • Consent Use — Get the City's consent for a use your zoning allows only with permission.
  • Rezoning — Change your property's zoning under the Johannesburg Land Use Scheme so a new use becomes lawful.