The Municipal Planning By-law regulates development and land use in Cape Town. The amendments are part of the City’s annual review process, and must give effect to the policies and strategies that have been adopted by Council over the past few years.
“...[F]ollowing on from the constructive public engagement process, it was decided to omit the section about emergency housing altogether, as it needs further refinement; and we added provisions to the section that deals with the third dwelling as an additional use right,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.
“Many submissions supported this provision as it will contribute to our local economy and tourism sector, and job creation. We recommend to body corporates, home owners’ associations and the like to control or prohibit short-term letting in accordance with their own rules and to address issues of security or behaviour,” said Alderman Nieuwoudt.
“This provision is in line with the City’s Integrated Development Plan, Municipal Spatial Development Framework and Transit-Oriented Development Framework which together, pursues a denser City form to improve efficiencies and our long-term sustainability, and to reduce the consumption of limited resources.
“For example, Cape Town has very limited land available for development; it is a precious resource. Densification is necessary to curb urban sprawl and to ensure we use the available land to its full potential. By prioritising denser, transit-oriented growth and development the City seeks to create more inclusive communities with access to improved services, job opportunities, and affordable housing and public transport,” said Alderman Nieuwoudt.
“One of the main purposes of these provisions is to ensure the infrastructure is less unsightly and to minimise the impact on the local character of an area where the infrastructure is installed. I want to add that the City is not mandated to regulate health related matters where telecommunication is concerned. However, all network providers must comply with the requirements of the National Department of Health and the ICNIRP standards on nonionising radiation protection with respect to safety standards,” said Alderman Nieuwoudt.
Many of the public submissions proposed further amendments to the MPBL.
"We took note of the proposals and will consider these when we undertake a full review of the by-law in 2020," said Alderman Nieuwoudt.