The West Wind #16

BUILDING PLAN AMNESTY WILL EXPIRE ON 30 JUNE

KOUGA homeowners have until 30th June 2022 to apply for amnesty from fines and penalties payable for incomplete or incorrect building plans. This amnesty period has already been extended by six months from end of December 2021 and will not be further extended.

The purpose of the amnesty period was to give homeowners the opportunity to ensure their properties complied with the National Building Regulations.

Non-compliant property owners would typically be fined in terms of the National Building Regulations and municipal standard application fees.

These fines and penalties will be waived during the amnesty period. The normal application approval fees will, however, still be applicable and payable.

THE AMNESTY PERIOD MUST NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A RELAXATION OF ANY STANDARDS, REGULATIONS OR LEGISLATION.

It is simply an attempt to legalise illegal structures within the municipal area in accordance with the relevant legislation.

BUILDING PLANS MUST STILL COMPLY WITH ALL RELEVANT REGULATIONS, BOTH NATIONAL AND MUNICIPAL.

Building Control section. Any structures that do not comply with the required standards will not be approved until such a time as the necessary corrections have been done.

EACH CASE WILL BE DEALT WITH ON MERIT AND THE MUNICIPALITY REMAINS THE FINAL DECISION-MAKER.

All submissions for exemptions must be put in writing and emailed to the Department of Planning and Development at:jmarais@kouga.gov.za.