Cape Town - The City Council has approved the new Outdoor Advertising by-law which is set to address new trends and technologies in outdoor advertising.
The now promulgated by-law regulates outdoor advertising in a way that facilitates economic opportunities while being sensitive to Cape Town’s natural and cultural environment.
Many areas within the city have unique visual, historical and cultural appeal, and this must be taken into account when permitting outdoor advertising, the City said.
“The new by-law provides more opportunities for outdoor advertising.
“This will be achieved while tightening up on the regulation and enforcement of unauthorised signs.
“It strikes a fine balance between outdoor advertising opportunities and its contribution to our local economy, innovation potential and job creation prospects, and the need to conserve the visual, tourist, traffic safety, environmental and heritage characteristics of Cape Town,” said Deputy Mayor and mayco member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews.
The Outdoor Advertising by-law has been in the making since 2019, when the City undertook public consultation.
The new by-law streamlines the processing of applications with more up-front approvals and larger signs allowed, as well as shorter turn-around times.
Among others, the by-law addresses the new trends and technologies in outdoor advertising; includes specific provisions to accommodate digital and electronic screens; expands provisions for upfront or as-of-right approvals of advertising signs; and enhances cost-effective regulatory compliance and enforcement.
“The improvements are in line with our commitment to improving the ease of doing business with the City.
“This reduces bureaucratic processes and provides for a number of signs that do not require applications before installation,” said Andrews.
Applications or contraventions that are in process upon promulgation of the new by-law will be finalised in terms of the Outdoor Advertising and Signage By-law of 2001.
Al new applications and contraventions will now be administered in terms of the new 2024 by-law.