Any modifications or alterations of structures, which are older than 60 years, require a permit in terms of legislation and are also subject to certain municipal requirements.
The applicable over-arching legislation is the National Heritage Resources Act, No 25 of 1999. Section 34 is of particular relevance and stipulates as follows:
· 
No alteration to a structure older than 60 years may take place without a permit from Heritage Western Cape (HWC). It also includes the painting of stone work and any external and internal alterations. 
· 
The regulations apply to all houses over 60 years of age, regardless of their heritage grading (see Baumann Report) unless they have been released from that obligation in writing.
· 
This section of the legislation also applies to internal alterations. No changes can be made without a permit of HWC. Building plans can only be approved by the Municipality after HWC has responded to the application. HWC requires a complete application to be submitted, which includes the comments of the relevant registered conservation bodies, namely the Mossel Bay Heritage Advisory Committee.
· 
Plans for additions to all buildings over 60 years or listed   heritage buildings must be completed by a professional architect.
Upon the publication of the National Heritage Resources Act, the Municipality had a survey of properties done and developed a Heritage Management Plan. This resulted in the Baumann Report, which covers the Mossel Bay, Great Brak River, Friemersheim, Brandwag and Herbertsdale areas.

The report sets guidelines and regulations to which the conservation of the town’s heritage resources should be managed. It also grades all buildings with heritage value and is a helpful tool to both developers and decision makers on the development potential of a specific building. The report is available at the Building Control Section of the Municipality and at Heritage Mossel Bay.   

A Heritage Committee that functions as a Heritage Advisory Committee to the Municipality also exists. A sub-committee serves as the Aesthetics Committee to scrutinise plans in the demarcated heritage area and make recommendations thereon to the property owners/builders and the Municipality.

Should there be any uncertainty members of the public should contact the Building Control Section of the Municipality (Shaun Westerberg on (044) 606-5246) or Mrs C Wiggill of Heritage Mossel Bay on 0826879744.