Residents can comment on Draft Problem Building By-law at public hearing

CITY OF CAPE TOWN - MEDIA RELEASE - 09 NOVEMBER 2009

Residents will have a further opportunity to comment on the City of Cape Town’s draft Problem Building By-law that provides for the identification, control and management of dilapidated and problem buildings at a public hearing on 30 November 2009.

Badly neglected buildings and abandoned erven are increasingly becoming a problem as well as the cause for the rise in complaints in this regard, across the city. These buildings are unsightly, unhealthy and often unsafe because of associated anti-social behaviour and criminal activities.

While existing legislation on dilapidated buildings is adequate, there are practical difficulties implementing it. More often than not, the owners of the buildings cannot be traced or have died or the bond holders have abandoned the properties. There are usually large sums of money owing to the City.

These buildings are often occupied illegally or are being rented out illegally by people who do not own them.

Through the proposed by-law the City of Cape Town intends identifying, controlling and managing problem buildings in the formal areas within its area of jurisdiction to ensure that compliance of the by-law by owners and tenants of such buildings.

The proposed Problem Building By-law will assist City officials in:
· Formulating a plan to counter problem buildings and defining the necessary processes and procedures
· Turning problem buildings around by restoring and renovating the buildings rather than demolishing them
· Consulting the owners about redeveloping the property where problem buildings can’t be restored
· Facilitating the sale or demolition of problem buildings to achieve compliance with the by-law

The City acknowledges that many of its residents live in informal settlements and it will thus not require structures in such areas to comply with the by-law.

Public hearing
The Planning and Building Development Management Department will be hosting a one day public hearing on Monday 30 November in the Council Chamber, 44 Wale Street, Cape Town. Commencing at 09:00 it will give representatives from ratepayers associations, interest groups and concerned individuals the opportunity to make representations on the draft by-law.

The closing date for submissions for the public hearing will be Tuesday 24 November 2009.For enquiries and to reserve a time slot at the public hearing please contact Michelle Viney Tel 021 400 2399, Fax 021 425 6495 or e-mail Problembuilding.Bylaw@capetown.gov.za

The closing date for submission of written comment is 07 December 2009.

Copies of the draft by-law are available at the City’s District Planning Offices, Libraries and Subcouncil Offices. It can be viewed via the web link: http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/ByLaws

Issued by: Communication Department, City of Cape Town
Media enquiries: Marius Lourens, Building Control Officer, Tel: 021400 1802 or Cell: 084 432 2574