Developers urged to comply with city regulations

With the development of a town comes business growth and expansion.

However, without following the correct procedures, certain expansions could be unlawful in the eyes of the city.

When developing property, whether it is to rezone a residential property to a business property or to change the residential type of a property, the laws and the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) regulations need to be followed.

DA shadow MMC for CoE City Planning Department Heather Hart said although illegal businesses in Edenvale are few, they are increasing.

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“From what I can recall, this year, the department has stopped a motor repair shop and a spray painting business.

“I am also aware of another motor repair shop, panel beating operation and another illegal business,” said Hart.

Last year Hart said the most common contraventions in Edenvale included motor vehicle workshops, spray painting, the manufacture of goods, and room rentals.

“I am not painting all real estate agents with the same brush, but it concerns me that property owners believe what some real estate agents tell them.

“Some agents provide the incorrect information to potential home buyers about the property’s potential, such as indicating running a business from it.”

Hart said although certain areas in Edenvale, where the residential roads and properties are situated could allow for potential development, it is not an automatic green light to open a business.

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Hart said if a person uses a property to generate income, they must verify with the local City Planning Department to see if that business is allowed in that area.

Hart said property owners in these areas can apply for consent use to run a certain type of business.

Any property rezoned from residential to business will be charged business tariffs.

“When a residential property is used for anything other than ‘family’ purposes, the owner must consult the City Planning Department.

“There are ways for property owners to gain economic income from their property. However, they have to be within the parameters of the law and if not, there will be penalties.”

Hart said if a motor vehicle workshop is operating in a residential area the property owner could likely face administrative penalties of R5 000 per day because the business is considered semi-industrial.

A business which is less offensive, such as a guest house, could face administrative penalties of R500 per day.
Hart said before penalties are brought to property owners’ attention, they have a month to show intent to either rezone or stop the business.

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“If nothing is done, the property owner has stepped onto a road of no return.”

Highlighted the importance of rezoning Hart said a when a residential property changes to a business, it changes the aesthetic of a neighbourhood and the safety of children.

To prevent illegal land use and unregulated businesses from creeping into Edenvale, Hart appealed to the community to be vigilant and report any unusual business activity in their neighbourhoods.

She said suspected contraventions can be reported to local councillors, Customer Care Centres or the City Planning Department.