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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. The public will be advised when applications open.
    • 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.