Estate Agents’ illegal signs

In its efforts to prevent Camps Bay and environs from the unacceptable disfigurement by Estate Agents’ advertising boards, CBRRA has, in the past, approached Estate Agents to request the removal of their illegal advertising sign boards – with a remarkable lack of success!

The Council has published draft new municipal signage regulations which, predictably, has caused consternation amongst Estate Agents.

The dilemma here is that, in the past, the majority of Estate Agents have ignored the previous regulations and when approached by CBRRA, made the almost universal response, “Well, if everyone else is doing it I will continue doing it and I will only conform to the regulations once all the other Agents have done so”.

This demonstrates an irresponsible, selfish and anti-social attitude on the part of such Agents. What this means is that Agents will gladly transgress the municipal regulations to further their businesses with no consideration at all for the community at large.

The most notable transgressions are:

More than one signboard per property – signs on Council land (pavements) – signs on a scenic drive (eg Camps Bay Drive) – “SOLD” signs which remain in position longer than the Municipal legal requirement of a maximum of TWO WEEKS after the date of a sale.

Agents should be reminded that they cannot legally make a contract with a seller which is in conflict with the law (ie defining the permissible length of time allowed for a “SOLD” sign longer than two weeks).


What can YOU do about this?

1. Do not sign a mandate /deed of sale with an Agent permitting the “SOLD “ sign on your property to remain longer than two weeks after the date of the deed of sale.

2. Report the following illegal “FOR SALE” or “SOLD” signs:

• Signs exceeding 0,3sqm (600 X 550 mm) in area
• More than one sign per property
• Self supporting signs on Council property (especially pavements)
• “SOLD” signs up longer than two weeks after date of sale
• Signs on scenic drives (eg Camps Bay Drive)

You get the neighbourhood you deserve. So if you want to help keep our suburbs as sign-free and as tidy as possible, telephone the Council to report all signage Agents’ transgressions on tel 021 400 5341 or fax 021 425 4448. The Council will remove the illegal signs at the Agent’s cost and fine it.