GEORGE NEWS - The Directorate for Planning has launched an amnesty campaign aimed at facilitating the legalisation of illegal building works, offering exemption from the higher alternative tariff for illegal building work. Building plans submitted in respect of any illegal buildings on your property during the period of 1 July to 31 December this year will be charged at the standard tariff.
George Mayor Charles Standers encourages the owners of urban and rural properties to regulate any existing illegal building work on their properties by submitting building plans.
- The owner will still have to pay the standard building plan tariff.
- Only illegal building work which took place prior to the publication of the amnesty period qualifies.
- No amnesty is given where further legal action has already been taken and / or where legal costs have been incurred.
- Any illegal building work which commences during and / or after the amnesty period will not be exempted from paying the alternative higher tariff.
- Legal action may still be taken against the owner if the illegal building works cannot be considered in terms of the National Building Regulations and / or Zoning Scheme.
Determine whether you need to submit buildings plans during this amnesty period:
Visit the Building Inspectorate on Level 4 of the civic centre to view your latest approved building plans or obtain a copy of the approved plans. Compare the existing structure erected on your urban of farm property/ies and the use of those structures with the approved structures shown on the approved building plan. Any deviation from the approved plan constitutes a contravention of the National Building Regulations and you need to submit a revised building plan for approval.
For more information in this regard contact the Building Inspectorate on 044 801 9166; or visit the website at www.george.org.za.
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