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Land Development Law

We’re trusted land development attorneys in South Africa, specialising in land development, environmental, and municipal property rates law. We offer a comprehensive solution for all your land development needs.

Land Development Law

Land development projects are complex and require more than just a vision. They require an understanding of legal frameworks, the ability to navigate regulations, and strategic problem-solving at every stage.

01. Tribunal Representation

Representing Developers, Applicants, Municipalities, or Objectors at hearings before Municipal Planning Tribunals and Appeal Tribunals.

02. Strategic Advice

Offering strategic advice on land development issues.

03. Objections & Appeals

Land Development Applications, Applications for Environmental Authorisations, Bulk Services Contributions, Valuation Rolls, and more.

04. Due Diligence Services

Providing due diligence services to prepare and review Land Development Applications (e.g., Township Establishment, rezoning, consents, subdivisions) before submission to Municipalities.

05. Due Diligence Services

Providing due diligence services to prepare and review Land Development Applications (e.g., Township Establishment, rezoning, consents, subdivisions) before submission to Municipalities.

06. Legislation Navigation

Navigating and applying various Town Planning Legislation, including the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (Act 16 of 2013), Town Planning and Township Ordinance (Ordinance 15 of 1986), Building Regulations and Standards Act (Act 103 of 1977), and Municipal Planning By-laws.

Environmental Law

Environmental law is pivotal when it comes to safeguarding natural resources while pursuing development projects. It demands a thorough understanding of environmental regulations, proactive compliance strategies, and innovative legal solutions to address challenges.

01. Environmental Reviews

Reviewing and commenting on Basic Assessment, Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment Reports.

02. Administrative Appeals

Noting and opposing appeals against Environmental Authorisations approved or denied by Provincial Environmental Departments.

03. High Court Reviews

Challenging decisions in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 107 of 1998 and the National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act, 57 of 2003.

04. Challenging Compliance Notices

Challenging pre-compliance and compliance notices issued to clients by Municipalities or Provincial Departments under the National Environmental Management Act, 107 of 1998.

05. Fine Contests

Contesting administrative fines imposed on clients under Section 24G of the National Environmental Management Act, 107 of 1998.

06. Environmental Legal Advice

Providing legal advice on environmental impact assessments and the public participation process.

Local Government Law

Local Government is the tier of Government that all persons, including juristic entities interact with daily. Administered through a variety of legislation, Regulations, Ordinances, By-Laws, Land Use Schemes and Policies, that collectively make-up Local Government Law.

The applicable legal/regulatory framework is intricate, including statutes such as the Municipal Property Rates Act (Act 6 of 2004) and the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, Act 16 od 2013.

It is essential that when navigating such regulatory environment, advice from a well-established and equipped firm such as Ivan Pauw & Partners is procured, ensuring that, where necessary, proper understanding and remedies are employed in the resolution of disputes that may arise, including administrative errors on rates and taxes accounts, the unlawful/irregular termination of services, the use and development (rezoning) of land etc,.

01. Policy Comments

Submitting comments on Municipal Property Rates Policies, By-laws and Spatial Development Frameworks.

02. Legality Reviews

Challenging Municipality’s budgets, tariffs, property rates policies, by-laws and Building plans approvals.

03. Valuation Disputes

Disputing property valuations under the Municipal Property Rates Act 6 of 2004.

04. Billing Issues

Addressing incorrect billing on municipal rate accounts.

05. Bulk Service Contributions and Agreements

Contribution and service level agreement disputes.

06. Termination of essential services

Invoking disputes and urgent High Court litigation for essential service supply.

07. Valuation Appeals

Appearing before Valuation Appeal Boards and instituting High Court Reviews challenging Appeal Board decisions.

Administrative Law

Viewed from a land development perspective, Ivan Pauw & Partners will ensure that your legal rights that are enshrined in the Constitution such as the right to “Property” and the “Environment”, are adequately protected through the proper application of the legal/regulatory framework that applies to the land development environment.

01. Subdivision Appeals

Filing administrative appeals against the refusal for the subdivision of agricultural land under the Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act, 70 of 1970.

02. Rates Disputes Assistance

Assisting clients with municipal rates disputes and liaising with local authorities on their behalf and Invoking disputes against Municipal rates invoices in terms of Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000.

03. Valuation disputes

Submitting objections and administrative appeals in terms of the Municipal Property Rates Act 6 of 2004 against the decisions of the Municipal Valuer.

04. Policy Challenges

Filing comments to Municipal policies during the public participation process and challenging policy or legislative decisions made outside the legal authority of administrators.

05. Administrative Appeals

Filing Section 62 appeals against administrative decisions taken by Municipal Officials to either the Municipal manager or Municipal Councils.

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