Building Compliancy

Building Compliancy and Audits

At TC Design Group, we offer a dedicated team, who focus on Building Compliance solutions throughout South Africa with the aim of obtaining ”legal occupation” of commercial and industrial buildings.

Our focus remains on entire Property portfolio’s rather than individual buildings. By understanding the commercial needs behind each project, we make sure we offer adaptable solutions considering the different requirements as presented by the various local authorities.

We have assembled an experienced and well-trained team, led by Max Lange, which consists of architectural technologists, who are able to provide local authority liaison, site measuring, “as built” documentation and assemble all local authority applications as required. Where further COC’s are required we include all sub consultant’s appointments like Structural, Civil, Fire and Land Surveyors under our scope.

What is an Occupancy Certificate?

An Occupancy Certificate is a document that is issued by the Building Control sub-directorate in accordance with the National Building Regulations to certify that a building has been completed in accordance with the approved building plan and all other relevant City Council requirements (for example, the installation of fire fighting equipment to the approval of the Fire Department, payment of all fees and contributions, approved water and electricity connections etc).

Reasons for Occupancy Certificate:

The sale or transfer of any commercial building is now usually dependent on a valid OC. This affects the duration for any transfer.
Owners of buildings and their tenants may be prosecuted if they don’t have a valid OC. The councils are taking action in terms of section 14 of Act number 103 that was already promulgated in 1977.
An illegal / uninspected building is not insured, this could lead to substantial losses in the event of fire / flood or public liability claims.
Noncompliance also affects banks that finance these buildings since they severely impact on the income potential of the property, which in most instances, the banks security.
Banks are withholding final payments on new developments until lender can present a valid OC.

Who needs it?

An Occupation Certificate is compulsory for every building before occupation, as required by the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (1977). This is to show that all requirements have been met and to safeguard the owner.

It is against the law to occupy a property without: