GEORGE NEWS - Concern has been expressed among residents on social media about parts of George Municipality's proposed Building Control by-law that was recently advertised for public comment.

Items or installations regulated under the by-law that have raised eyebrows include satellite dishes (referred to as "communication infrastructure"), all alternative energy systems (free-standing or attached to a building), pool pumps, rainwater tanks, air-conditioning units and pizza ovens. Recreational or amusement equipment also needs municipal approval, irrespective of the materials it is made of, and whether temporary or permanent.

So are tents or shade structures, hydroponic tunnel structures (free-standing or attached to a building, and temporary or permanent), and wood-fired or gas installation fire pits.

Objections

People objecting to the proposed regulations say that applications for all such installations would inundate the planning and building control department, which is already being criticised because of drawn-out building application processes.

The additional cost to ratepayers is another aspect that has caused discontent.

Desireé du Preez, local environmental assessment practitioner, says law-abiding and concerned citizens have, because of the drought, put up water tanks at a reasonable cost to water gardens and fill up swimming pools with untreated water. 

"The national building regulations refer to 'facilities or system . . . in respect of the building'. This proposed amendment is stricter than the national building regulations, because a tank that is used for irrigation is not 'in respect of the building'. Or are gardens also going to be regulated?"

She says if an authority cannot meet its legal obligation to supply services, it is reasonable for an individual to make a plan himself.

"Must everyone who has put up tanks during the drought now suddenly have plans drawn up for approval in order to be legal? The municipality already takes long to approve the usual building plans. How long will it take to be 'legal'? "The alternative is to use potable water. This is for sure easier and cheaper than having a building plan drawn up and paying for all the application costs."

ALSO READ: Municipal press release about the by-law 

Marlene McKenzie said they recently sold a property and it took 18 months for the municipality's different departments "to get their act together".

"Sometimes we and the agent waited six weeks to get replies on questions."

There is also concern over the negative impact on especially pensioners and the poor.

Someone commented that all township shacks and shipping containers seem to be included in the regulations, and another person was concerned about the reference to recreational equipment - without specifications.

 "This seems to imply that you would need to get permission to put up a netball or basketball hoop, and every time you wanted to play with a swing ball, badminton set or volleyball set with a net, or even put deckchairs or a freestanding braai in your garden."

Dr Dennis Farrell, local business advisor, said should the draft in its present state be approved, he is worried about the practical implementation for all areas across George. 

"How many additional staff does the municipality require and at what cost? Has it made provision for this implementation in the new budget and what will be the financial impact on the business sector?"

ALSO READ: 'By-law aligned with national standards'

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