Over the past four months, from January 2022 to April 2022, the Department of Development Planning has issued close to 300 compliance notices to property owners who have erected illegal structures without approved building plans.
The department has building inspection teams across the city whose main function is to ensure that all formal construction within the city follows the National Building Regulations and conforms to the conditions of the approved building plans.
Should a property owner start building without approved plans, they will be issued with a notice informing them of their contravention. The owner must stop building immediately and submit plans to the city for approval within 30 days. Should the owner fail to comply with the notice, rates penalties may be imposed, and the matter will be referred to the Development Planning Single Law Enforcement unit for legal processes to commence. This may lead to the demolition of the illegal structures that are unoccupied.
The same applies to owners that deviate from approved plans during construction, as notice can be issued by the inspectors informing the property owner of the deviation and steps to be taken to rectify the deviation.
MMC for Development Planning Cllr Belinda Echeozonjoku has noted with concern the continued contravention of city bylaws and National Legislation.
“The department will continue to enforce both National Legislation and its bylaws, and it is imperative that residents, property owners and businesses comply so as to avoid penalties and fines, which will ultimately eat at the pockets of property owners and delay work”
The MMC has also committed that the Department of Development Planning will soon embark on a public awareness campaign, starting with identified hotspot areas to educate residents, property owners and businesses.
“The city does not intend to punish property owners and developers. We are a business-friendly city, but all of that must be done within the limits of the law. We are hoping that these public awareness campaigns will assist to educate property owners and point them in the right direction. Development Planning officials are always available and willing to advise on building and land use matters”.
Ends
For more information, please contact:
Loyiso Tunce
Deputy Director: Communications and Stakeholder Management
Office of the MMC Development Planning
071 936 2274
11/05/2022
