The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) on Friday said it was developing a new Land Use Scheme to replace the current version, which had been in use since 1970.
Members of the public have until October 13 to submit their comments on the draft scheme, when the 60-day public consultation period comes to an end.
The new scheme would align with the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act of 2013, said CoJ Development and Planning MMC Funzela Ngobeni.
The current 16 town planning schemes were outdated and created challenges for residents and the business community.
Upon approval of the new Land Use Scheme, all of the city’s seven regions would have a uniform framework, as the draft scheme also sought to do away with inconsistent and distorted town planning.
“The draft Land Use Scheme regulates the zoning of property and spells out the rules on how properties should be developed. All land owners and users, including the City, State-owned enterprises and all organs of the State would be bound by the provisions of the new scheme, as it affects the daily activities of residents and land owners.”
The proposed scheme aimed to promote economic development and attract investors in line with the ten-point plan under CoJ executive mayor Herman Mashaba to achieve 5% economic growth in Johannesburg.
Business owners should review the proposed scheme as, according to the proposed regulations, their businesses must have parking space, even if it is a home enterprise.
“Inputs from residents and businesses are needed to increase awareness on land scheme regulations,” said Ngobeni.