November 26, 2007
By Tabisa Mntengwana
A NEW City facility for processing building plans opens on Wednesday, 28 November that promises to give customers fast and friendly service.
The state-of-the-art facility, at the Metrolink in Braamfontein, will help customers with their building plans applications, assessment process and complete applications.
"The modern, visually appealing surroundings of the Metrolink are evidence of a bold customer-friendly approach," says Ruby Mathang, the member of the mayoral committee for development planning and urban management. "The emphasis is definitely on making the approval of building plans as smooth and as quick as possible."
A helpdesk at the Metrolink "is a key feature of this new approach". Staff will advise applicants on the technical and administrative details necessary for building plans approvals.
They will be able to get help with screening building plan applications before submission so that customers understand the criteria for complete submissions.
It will also check that building plans applications have the necessary documentation and requisite town planning approvals as well as comments from council departments and municipal entities.
According to the City's development planning and urban management department, a fast track plans assessment process managed by a team of plans examiners will be put in place.
The system will accommodate all complete applications, which will be directed to the fast track unit. "Customers can expect approvals within 24 hours."
All complex applications that require specialist expertise will be dealt with at the plans examination unit on the sixth floor of the Metro Centre building, in Braamfontein.
Three senior officials will oversee various functions at the new facility, including the day-to-day running of building plans approval, the implementation of the fast track approval system and other administrative functions.
Payment for building fees can be made at the cashier in the Metrolink between 8am and 3.30pm; credit and debit cards facilities are available.
For all building enquiries, customers should contact 011 407 6058 or 011 407 6217. "This is in addition to the web-enabled plan-tracking service that can be accessed on the City's e-services website," according to the department.
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