Garden Route Arch Studio

24/05/2026

Presentation for a new dwelling.

19/04/2026

We are nominated. You can vote for Garden Route Arch Studio.

Submit your nominations in Best of Mossel Bay and help spotlight the businesses, services and places that deserve recognition.

14/01/2026

𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀
The Mossel Bay Building Control Section extends its sincere sympathy to those families and property owners affected by the recent veld fires. Some properties were severely damaged, and the Municipality received enquiries on what to do from a building control and public safety perspective.

It is important to draw your attention to potential safety concerns relating to structures that may have been damaged or compromised by the incident. In terms of Section 12 of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act 103 of 1977), no person may occupy or permit the occupation of a building that is unsafe or poses a risk to life or property.

𝗜𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
In the interest of your safety and that of the public, property owners are advised to note the following:
• Do not enter or occupy fire-affected structures until their structural stability has been professionally assessed. Fire damage may not always be visible and can significantly weaken structural elements.
• Appoint a suitably qualified and competent professional, such as a registered structural engineer to conduct an initial assessment of the building and advise on the safety, habitability and remedial measures of the structures.
• Where structures are deemed unsafe or partially unsafe, adequate steps must be taken to restrict access. This may include temporary barricading, fencing or other suitable measures to prevent entry by the public, children or unauthorised persons.
• Be mindful of secondary risks such as falling debris, unstable walls, damaged roofs, compromised electrical installations and fire weakened materials.

𝗙𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
• Any repair, alteration or rebuilding work to restore the structures should be done in strict guidance and supervision of appointed professionals. Municipal Building Control officials will be available to provide guidance on applicable requirements where needed.
• Please retain all professional reports and documentation, as these may be required for insurance purposes and municipal processes.
• Any repair work that alters the existing structures during the rebuilding process will require a building plan application for consideration and possible approval by the Municipality.

𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁
The Municipality’s approach at this stage is one of assistance and guidance, with the primary aim of ensuring safety and preventing further harm. Building Control officials are available to engage with property owners and their appointed professionals to provide clarity on regulatory processes.
Should you require guidance or wish to engage with the Building Control Section, please contact the Senior Building Inspector, Mr Keenan Mocke at 044 606 5000 or at [email protected]

Once again, we acknowledge the impact of this unfortunate disaster and trust that, through a coordinated and safety focused approach, recovery and rebuilding can proceed in a fast and secure manner.

01/01/2026

13/12/2025

Garden Route arch Studio is gesluit tot 12 Januarie 2026
Geseënde Kersfees en mag 2026 vir almal vreugde , voorspoed en vrede inhou🎅

13/12/2025

Eind jaar funksie na n harde jaar se werk. Dankie aan Daleen Rossouw Viljoen Johannie Rossouw Tyron Andre Justin Siska en Lisa en myself Hans Viljoen en ( Greg Viljoen )

02/12/2025

Kantoor sal op 𝐕𝐫𝐲𝐝𝐚𝐠, 𝟓 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 gesluit wees vir ons jaareindfunksie.

Office will be close on 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟓 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 for our year-end function.

09/11/2025

𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐜 - 𝐋𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩
🏠 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙈𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙡 𝘽𝙖𝙮?
Running a small business from home can be a great way to serve your community and support your household, but it’s important to follow the rules. This week, Evan Jacobs and Ruan Le Roux from the Building Control Department, Directorate of Economic Development and Planning, joined Tambo FM to unpack the do’s and don’ts of house shops. They explained what’s allowed, where it’s permitted, and how to stay compliant. Whether you live in KwaNonqaba, Asla Park, or elsewhere in Mossel Bay, here’s what you need to know before opening your doors.

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙃𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙥?
A house shop is a small retail business operated from a home, second dwelling, or outbuilding—but only by residents living on the property. The main purpose of the property must still be residential.

House shops may only sell daily household items (like bread, milk, toiletries), and may not:
• Display goods outside the house
• Sell or store flammable items (e.g. petrol, paraffin, fireworks)
• Sell alcohol or offer entertainment or industrial services

𝘾𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣 𝙖 𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙥?
No. It depends on your property’s zoning:
• Single Residential Zone I (SRZ I): You must apply for permission from Town Planning
• Single Residential Zone II (SRZ II): You may operate a house shop as a primary right
Examples of SRZ II areas include:
KwaNonqaba, Asla Park, Civic Park, High Park, Khayalitsha, Elangeni, and Sinithemba

𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙏𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙:
• Building plan approval
• Business license
• Certificate of acceptability from the Garden Route District Municipality

𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝘿𝙊 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙏𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 (𝙎𝙍𝙕 𝙄):
You must:
1. Complete a house shop application form
2. Get comments from your Ward Councillor
3. Consult with neighbours or conduct public participation
4. Town Planning will assess your application based on:
• Zoning rules
• Accessibility
• Impact on the area and its character

𝘼𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙡, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙨:
• Stick to approved size, height, and trading hours
• You won’t qualify for poor household subsidies
• Respect building lines and zoning conditions
• Obtain your building plan approval, business license, and health certificate

What happens if you don’t follow the rules?
• You may receive an unauthorised land use notice
• If ignored, you’ll be fined under Section 56 and must appear in Municipal Court
• If found guilty, your house shop may be shut down

📞 𝙉𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤?
Visit the Town Planning Department:
📍 Fourth Floor, Montagu Place, 111 Montagu Street, Mossel Bay CBD
📞 Call: 044 606 5000

Know the rules. Respect your neighbours.

28/10/2025

Happy client. Finished house.

04/09/2025

ATTENTION CANDIDATES!! REMINDER ALERT!!

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