The City of Ekurhuleni is committed to building safe, well-planned, and liveable communities. This public awareness campaign informs residents about common land use, building control, and outdoor advertising contraventions, why compliance matters, and how the public can assist by reporting suspected non-compliance.
Responsible development and lawful land use protect public safety, neighbourhood character, municipal infrastructure, and the environment. Public participation plays a vital role in helping the City identify and address challenges early.
1 Land Use Contraventions What is a Land Use Contravention? A land use contravention happens when land or buildings are used or developed without the required approval from the City, or in a way that does not match the property’s approved zoning or conditions. This includes situations where someone:
Uses a property for a purpose that is not allowed in that area
Builds, alters, or extends a structure without the necessary planning approval
Does not follow the conditions attached to an approved development; or
Continues a land use after approval has expired or been withdrawn.
Land use rules exist to make sure development is safe, orderly, and suitable for the surrounding community. When these rules are ignored, it can affect neighbours, strain public services, and create safety risks.
1.1 Why Land Use Compliance Matters Non-compliance can result in:
Increased noise, traffic, and overcrowding
Pressure on water, electricity, and sewer infrastructure
Safety risks from unsafe or overcrowded buildings
Reduced property values and neighbourhood decline
Unfair business practices
Environmental degradation
Poorly managed land use affects entire communities, not only individual properties. 1.2 Why Reporting Matters By reporting suspected land use contraventions, residents help the City to:
Identify issues not detected through routine inspections
Prevent small problems from becoming serious long-term risks
Ensure fair and consistent application of planning laws
Protect residents from unsafe or unlawful developments
1.3 How the City Responds When a report is received, a Development Compliance Officer (DCO) will:
Record and assess the complaint
Conduct inspections or investigations
Engage with property owners or occupants
Take action in accordance with planning legislation
Monitor the matter until resolution
All reports are handled fairly, responsibly, and in line with applicable laws.
2 Building Control and Land Use Compliance
2.1 What is a Building Control Contravention? A building control contravention occurs when construction or alterations do not comply with approved building plans, the National Building Regulations, or other applicable legislation. Examples include:
Building without approved plans
Structural alterations without approval
Illegal extensions, additional floors, or outbuildings
Impacts of Building Control Contraventions
Safety Risks
Structural failure, fire hazards, or building collapse
Overloaded electrical, water, and sewer systems
Community and Environmental Impact
Overcrowding and strain on infrastructure
Noise, traffic congestion, and environmental harm
Loss of neighbourhood character and reduced property values
Legal and Financial Consequences
Enforcement action, including legal notices or demolition orders
Disputes between neighbours
Financial losses linked to non-approved construction
Why Reporting is Important Reporting is not about penalising neighbours; it is about protecting lives and communities. Reporting helps to:
Identify safety risks early
Prevent avoidable accidents and disasters
Promote lawful and responsible development
Protect compliant property owners from unfair impacts
What Happens After a Report
Assessment of the report
Inspection and investigation by Building Control officials
Engagement with the property owner to allow rectification
Enforcement action where compliance is not achieved
3 Outdoor Advertising Contraventions What is an Outdoor Advertising Contravention? Outdoor advertising contraventions occur when advertising signs, billboards, or structures are erected, altered, or displayed without approval or in contravention of the City’s Outdoor Advertising By-laws.
Impacts on Communities Visual and Environmental Impact
Visual clutter and degradation of public spaces
Damage to urban design, heritage areas, and neighbourhood character
Road Safety Risks
Distraction to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians
Obstruction of traffic signs and sightlines
Structural Safety Risks
Collapse of poorly designed or unapproved structures
Increased danger during strong winds or storms
Why Reporting is Important Reporting outdoor advertising contraventions helps to:
Protect public safety
Promote fairness and lawful development
Prevent further non-compliance
Maintain trust in municipal governance
City Response Process
Assessment of the report
Inspection by Bylaw Enforcement Officers
Issuing of contravention notices where applicable
Enforcement action, including removal at the owner’s cost if required
Legislative Framework The City of Ekurhuleni administers and enforces land use, building control, and outdoor advertising compliance in terms of applicable national legislation and municipal by-laws, including but not limited to:
The City of Ekurhuleni Spatial Planning and Land Use Management By-law, 2019 (SPLUM By-law);
The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act 103 of 1977), and associated regulations; and
The City of Ekurhuleni Billboards and The Display of Advertisements By-law.
Compliance with these legal instruments is mandatory and supports safe, orderly, and sustainable development across the City.
Working Together for a Better Ekurhuleni Compliance with land use, building control, and outdoor advertising regulations is a shared responsibility. By following due process, obtaining required approvals, and reporting suspected contraventions, residents contribute to safer neighbourhoods, orderly development, and a more sustainable city.
A safer, better-managed Ekurhuleni begins with awareness and responsible action from all.