SRA – Initial planning and engagement phase

Week 1-2: Form a Steering Committee with committed residents and property owners

The first step in establishing a Special Rating Area (SRA) or Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP) is forming a Steering Committee consisting of dedicated residents and property owners who are invested in improving the community. This committee will be responsible for coordinating the application process, engaging with stakeholders, and driving community participation. It is essential to include a diverse mix of homeowners, business owners (if applicable), and active community leaders to ensure broad representation. The committee should establish roles and responsibilities, such as chairperson, secretary, and communications coordinator, to manage tasks efficiently.

Week 2-3: Engage with the municipality’s CFO/Municipal Manager and/or its SRA Unit

Once the Steering Committee is in place, the next step is to schedule a meeting with the municipality. This meeting is crucial for:

• Confirming the SRA application process and required documentation.
• Understanding municipal expectations regarding service agreements and compliance.
• Clarifying financial and legal requirements, including how the additional levy will be collected and transferred to the community-managed trust.
• Gaining insights from past successful SRAs/UIPs in eThekwini to refine the local strategy.

A written summary of the meeting should be compiled to guide the next steps.

Week 3-4: Define proposed UIP boundaries and compile property owner list

With municipal guidance secured, the Steering Committee must define the exact geographic boundaries of the proposed UIP. This involves:

• Mapping out the precinct based on community needs and feasibility.
• Ensuring logical borders that align with roads, neighbourhoods, and business zones (if applicable).
• Obtaining an official list of property owners within the defined area from the municipal valuation roll.
• Validating the list to ensure accuracy, as this will be used for consent collection and levy calculations.

This phase sets the foundation for community engagement and the formal application process, ensuring that all affected stakeholders are identified and included in discussions. The steps may vary from municipality to municipality, so it is best to clarify and ask for assistance. If they have a dedicated SRA Office, they will walk you through the process.