DA urges residents to obey building by-laws
The Democratic Alliance in Brakpan has appealed to both residents and businesses to comply with regulations governing building and alterations to property.
DA Ward 74 councillor Shauné le Roux has warned that there could be serious consequences should residents not heed the information on a building notice.
“In Minnebron alone, 300 of these notices have been issued and the City Planning Department in Brakpan has advised me that it intends to take legal action against those residents who do not comply,” said le Roux
According to legislation, in order to make any alterations or additions to property, the owner needs to obtain approval from the city before construction begins.
This includes carports, swimming pools, boundary walls and conversions of existing structures.
According to the by-law, those failing to respond appropriately to the building notice could face prosecution in the High Court which is a very costly exercise.
If found guilty the property owner may face jail time or a substantial fine and would walk away with a criminal record.
“The delay in obtaining the necessary approval is an understandably frustrating process, but it is vital that the city is aware of development in all areas in order to properly plan for the upgrading of systems and to avoid the erection of structures that pose a danger to people, or bring down the aesthetic value of the environment,” added le Roux.
