2009-03-12: Joburg's rates policy under review
THE review of the rates policy proposes that actual usage become the criterion in instances where there is conflict between zoning and residential usage under certain circumstances.
As an example the current policy allows Council to charge commercial property rates tariff where a complex permits a mix of commercial activity and residential accommodation. This is referred to as multiple purpose use.
"We are calling upon all property owners especially sectional title owners to attend public meetings to discuss the draft rates policy" says Erika Naude Director Rates and Taxes.
The City's annual review of its rates policy is underway and a draft rates policy is available for public comment until 31 March 2009.
She said meetings have been scheduled in community centres throughout the City and the draft rates policy is available at all Regional Offices as well as the City's website www.joburg.org.za.
Naude says, "Many concerns have been raised by property owners and this is an opportunity to clarify those concerns and get as much input as possible before the draft rates policy is approved by Council".
With regards to multiple purpose use, it is necessary for the managing agent or chairperson of the body corporate to apply to Council for the residential property rates tariff to be applied to those nominated sections solely used for residential purposes but are presently rated as if they were commercial. Individual owners can also do so directly.
A similar situation exists in respect to certain freehold property where the zoning and usage are in conflict. In this instance however, the usage has to be exclusively residential for the residential tariff to be applied.
Specific letters of application are available at all customer service centres and the city's website.
Comments must be submitted in writing to Themba Dhlamini Committee Support Secretariat P.O. Box 1049 Johannesburg 2000, faxed to 011 403 2476 or emailed to ThembaD@joburg.org.za. Enquiries can be made on 011 407 7325.
Copies of the draft can also be obtained by emailing public1@joburg.org.za or public2@joburg.org.za or from Stakeholder Relationship, Ground Floor A Block Metro Civic Centre, 158 Loveday Street Braamfontein. Enquiries can be made on 011 407 6700.
The Rates and Taxes Directorate will also make presentations to any organization, company or special interest group upon request to the abovementioned contacts.
Issued on behalf of:
Councillor Parks Tau
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance and Economic Development
Issued by:
Virgil James
Spokesperson
City of Joburg
011 407 7226
082 467 9415
