George Municipality Provides Support to Backyard Dwellers, here are the facts:

Backyard housing is formally recognised in municipal planning

• Backyard Housing Strategy adopted (Feb 2025)
• Backyard dwellings can get their own prepaid electricity meters subject to certain conditions
• Safer, legal electricity = reduced fire risk & access to Free Basic Electricity (qualifying households)
• Properties in key areas rezoned to legalise and support backyard dwellings
• Second dwellings (up to 175m²) allowed without extra land-use approval
• Municipality cannot legally provide building plans for private property
• We are working with Western Cape Department of Infrastructure to explore cost-reducing pro-forma plans.
• The Thembalethu Overlay Zone pilot makes it easier and cheaper to legalise backyard flats and small rental homes without rezoning, helping deliver formal housing faster.
• Housing policies reviewed & registration drives ongoing
• Backyard housing involves private property and national law.

George Municipality remains committed to improving living conditions for backyard dwellers through responsible, legally compliant action.