GUIDELINES FOR BUILDERS. DEVELOPERS & HOMEOWNERS

The Knysna Lagoon is one of the Garden Route's greatest assets. But it is a fragile and threatened asset - largely because of the human impact on the land surrounding it. Ultimately, the Lagoon receives all the run-off from the land in its catchment area and the quality of water which flows into the Lagoon - and the type and quantity of foreign materials such as silt and debris which the water brings with it - have a powerful effect on the health of the Estuary.

As a builder, developer or home-owner, you can influence the future positively by ensuring that your property is developed in accordance with the Regulations and, with modern 'best-practice' in mind, you can help to achieve sustainability for our precious natural resources.

BUILDING WITH COMMON SENSE

Knysna has, in recent years, experienced a building boom unprecedented in its entire history. Sadly, though, many new buildings which have been erected here are inefficient in their energy requirements and ignore the realities of both our changeable climate and our surprisingly limited water supply (Knysna has a relatively small water catchment area - part of the Outeniqua Mountains and some of the 'wave-cut platform' - the plateau between the mountains and the sea).

Happily, though, your position as a developer, builder or homeowner can provide you with a golden opportunity to help protect the environment for the future - especially if you pay attention to the energy and water requirements of your new development right from the start.

... And all it takes is a little thought and the application of some good, old-fashioned common sense....

PRESERVING OUR NATURAL HERITAGE

Our mission at South African National Parks (SANParks) is to preserve our natural heritage - and, in line with modern, democratic thought, to do so with the cooperation of the communities with which we come into contact. Here in Knysna we are in a unique position - partly because there is no visible boundary between our community and the Park, and partly because of the Park's more than usually heavy reliance on the community's cooperation in order to achieve its goals.

As a builder, homeowner or developer - and an important member of Knysna's community - you are therefore invited to discuss your requirements with us so that together we can find solutions which will benefit everybody - you, the community and our natural heritage.

THE LAKE AREAS DEVELOPMENT ACT & ITS REGULATIONS

Every new building erected within the Knysna National Lake Area is subject to the regulations of the Lake Areas Development Act, 1975 (Act 39 of 1975). The following notes are based on this Act, and are intended as guidelines only- Please refer to the Act itself if you are in any doubt about any aspect of the regulations.

DEFINITIONS

BOUNDARIES OF THE KNYSNA NATIONAL LAKE AREA

'The Knysna National Lake Area' or 'Lake Area' means all the land surrounding the Knysna River Estuary. It extends westwards to the Rheenendal Road; northwards to include Portland, the Gouna Commonage and Eastford; and eastwards to the Knoetzie River.

WATER AREA

'The Water Area' means the water and the beds of all lagoons, natural lakes, rivers and tidal rivers within the Lake Area and includes any part of the water and the land right up to the highest line to which the water may rise at any time.

THE ACT

'The Act' means the Lake Areas Development Act, 1975(Act 39 of1975).

THE REGULATIONS

'The Regulations' means the regulations in terms of the Lake Areas Development Act, 1975 (Act 39 of 1975).

SANPARKS

'SANParks' means South African National Parks.

BUILDING AND ALTERATIONS (Regulation 2)

1. Any person who wishes to "erect, construct or transform" any building within the Lake Area must first obtain written consent from SANParks. In giving its consent, SANParks will consider the physical position of the building in relation to the water area.
2. Your application for approval in this regard must be submitted in writing to the Knysna Town Council in the manner outlined in the Council's building regulations. Applications must be submitted in duplicate so that Council can refer them to SANParks.
3. The Council is required to send your application - together with its recommendations regarding your application - to SANParks. In its turn, SANParks must consider your application and communicate its decision in writing back to the Council.
4. SANParks may require you, the applicant, to employ a registered land surveyor to indicate the boundary beacons of your property to a member of the Park's staff. In such a case, you are required to pay the surveyor's fees.
5. Once your application has been approved by SANParks, it will be processed by the Town Council in the normal way.
6. The Town Council is required to inform you if SANParks refuses your application.

SEWERAGE SYSTEMS (Regulation 3)

1. You may only build, "alter, extend or enlarge" a French drain or pit latrine once you have received written consent from SANParks. You are similarly required to obtain SANParks' written approval if you wish to replace existing French drains or pit latrines.
2. Written submissions for approval in this regard must be accompanied by a site plan which must show the position of the proposed French drain or pit latrine on the property as well as its distance from any water source.

HOLIDAY RESORTS & PICNIC SITES (Regulation 4)

1. If you wish to establish a commercial holiday resort, caravan park, camp ground or picnic site within the Lake Area, or if you wish to transform such a facility in any way, you are required to obtain written permission from SANParks.
2. Your application for approval in this regard must be submitted in writing to the Knysna Town Council in the manner outlined in the Council's building regulations. Your application must include a second copy of all documents submitted in terms of the Townships Ordinance 1934 (Ordinance 33 of 1934 of the Cape of Good Hope).
3. The Council is required to send your application - together with its recommendations regarding your application - to SANParks. In its turn, SANParks must consider your application and communicate its decision in writing back to the Council. Once your application has been approved by SANParks, it will be processed by the Town Council in the normal way. The Town Council is required to inform you if SANParks refuses your application.

STATE-OWNED LAND (Regulation 6)

SANParks controls certain state-owned land within the Lake Area. You may only erect buildings or make changes or improvements to existing buildings on this land with SANParks' written permission. If you illegally erect a building on this land, it may be demolished or removed at your expense.

You may only occupy or inhabit existing buildings and structures on land under SANParks control if you have written permission to do so. No member of the public may damage or destroy any "building, structure or improvement" on land under SANParks control. [read on]