TheMaseru City Council (MCC) is the principal urban authority for Lesotho’s capital. It regulates local planning and zoning, building control, environmental health, business and trading licences, signage, markets, and municipal services. For investors and operators, MCC is the gateway for development approvals, occupancy certification, environmental health permits (including food premises certification) and ongoing compliance (including food handlers’ certificates for staff).
Regulatory Framework – Scope and Coverage
Property/land development planning consent and zoning compliance.
Building plan approval, construction inspections and occupancy certificates.
Business and trading licences for designated activities.
Environmental health services – food premises certification; food handlers’ certificates; public health enforcement.
Waste management, sanitation, pest and vector control.
Signage approvals and market stall allocations; coordination of municipal services (local roads access, refuse, water/sewer liaison).
Regulatory Map: Who Does What
Area
Primary Authority / Instrument
What it Means for Investors
Planning and zoning
MCC Planning / Local Planning Schemes
Land‑use permissions governing development rights.
Building control
MCC Building Control Bylaws and Codes
Approval of plans, stage inspections and occupancy certificates.
Business licensing
MCC Licensing Unit
Trading permits for hospitality, retail, transport, markets, etc.
