Update
KARATARA NEWS - The municipality's Integrated Human Settlements and Planning Committee has recommended that Knysna Council waive the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 Land Use Management and Building Plan tariffs for existing structures in Karatara.
It has also suggested that fines in relation to existing top structures be deferred.
In a recent municipal press release, Acting Municipal Manager Johannes Jonkers said the settlement of Karatara, consisting of Welsynsdorp and Bosdorp, was previously administered by the Western Cape Provincial Government.
Not all the properties had building plans or zoning regulations in place when Knysna Municipality took over this function in 2002. "It would be unfair to penalise the residents of Karatara for non-compliance now," said Jonkers.
He said residents must have the opportunity to submit these types of applications on existing structures without any costs or penalties.
The arrangement will enable the residents of Karatara to bring their plans up to date without bearing the brunt of this historic disadvantage.
They hope the decision will encourage legal compliance among residents and owners in Karatara regarding existing structures.
It should be noted that this is a unique situation and does not set a precedent for other settlements within the greater Knysna municipal area.
"We encourage all property owners within the greater Knysna area to ensure that they have accurate, approved plans in place for their buildings - especially if they intend on making structural changes to the structure in future.
"It's one of the ways in which we are building an inclusive, innovative and inspired Knysna."
'We bring you the latest Garden Route news'
