Residents are encouraged to continue taking pride in their neighbourhoods, while remembering that pavements are public spaces and form part of the municipal road reserve.

Many homeowners enhance the area outside their properties with gardens and landscaping. These improvements contribute to attractive neighbourhoods, but they must be undertaken within the framework of the Municipality’s by-laws and policies.

Where residents or developers wish to landscape or beautify a pavement, an application should first be submitted to the Municipality indicating the proposed layout and dimensions. This allows municipal officials to ensure that pedestrian access, underground services, visibility and public safety are not compromised.

In terms of the Municipality’s Policy on the Administration of Immovable Property, certain encroachments onto public road reserves may be regarded as unlawful if they do not comply with the applicable requirements. Applications for the placement of containers on municipal property should be submitted to the Property Administration Department via enquiries@overstrand.gov.za.

Property owners are reminded that:

• Pavements must remain accessible to pedestrians at all times
• Trees and vegetation should not obstruct walkways, streetlights or traffic signs
• Landscaping should not interfere with municipal services or public infrastructure
• Approval is required before making permanent alterations to municipal road reserves

Working together, residents and the Municipality can maintain neighbourhoods that are both attractive and safe for everyone.

Residents who wish to report pavement encroachments are encouraged to contact Overstrand Law Enforcement or the Parks Department via the Citizen App or enquiries@overstrand.gov.za. Please provide the property address and, where possible, photographs to assist with the investigation.