Online petition started against proposed Building Control by-law

Update

GEORGE NEWS - An online petition has been initiated by ratepayers who are unhappy with the draft Building Control by-law, as advertised by George Municipality.

The George Ratepayers Association (GRPA) management has also set up a meeting with the mayor and is currently taking a poll among ratepayers in this regard.

George Herald last week reported on the proposed by-law which, if approved, will require municipal approval for items such as satellite dishes, solar installations, swimming pool pumps, any recreational equipment, boreholes, air-conditioning units, firepits, tents and shade structures, hydroponic tunnels and more.

The by-law is applicable whether these items are permanent or temporary, and irrespective of the construction materials.

Some say this is an overreach by the municipality, and will result in an additional cost burden on ratepayers.

Explaining the motivation for the by-law, Lauren Waring, director of Human Settlements, Planning and Development, said most of the complaints received by the municipality are from neighbours and pertain to the contraventions which are now being portrayed by some as "insane", such as braais, pool pumps and generator housings.

"It is this lack of knowledge of what is required when a person wishes to undertake construction that leads to the high level of illegal building works in George. The Building Control office has dealt with 58 cases concerning illegal building work since January 2023, most of which were as a result of complaints received. This by-law will strengthen the municipality's hand to act against property owners in contravention of National Building Regulations."

The commenting period on the draft by-law closes on 8 May.

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