Approved Days and Permitted Timeframes

Fireworks may only be used without special permission on the following days and times:

• • New Year’s Eve: 23:00 – 01:00
  • New Year’s Day: 19:00 – 22:00
  • Hindu New Year: 19:00 – 22:00
  • Lag B’Omer: 19:00 – 22:00
  • Chinese New Year: 19:00 – 22:00
  • Human Rights Day: 19:00 – 22:00
  • Freedom Day: 19:00 – 22:00
  • Guy Fawkes Day: 19:00 – 22:00
  • Diwali: 19:00 – 22:00
  • Christmas Eve: 19:00 – 22:00
  • Day of Goodwill: 19:00 – 22:00

Fireworks are prohibited on all other days and times.

Fines and Penalties

The following fines apply for non-compliance with the fireworks by-law:

• R500 fine – Using fireworks outside the approved days or timeframes
• R1,000 fine – Igniting fireworks in areas where animals are presentIgniting fireworks near hospitals or old-age homes
• R1,500 – fine – Igniting fireworks within 500 metres of petrol stations, depots, or explosives facilities. Allowing minors to ignite fireworks

The residents that fall within any of the grey circles in the below map are prohibited to set off fireworks due to the restrictions listed under fines and penalties.

Dogs in Public Places (Leash Requirement)

• • No person may walk or allow a dog in a public place or public open space unless the dog is kept on a leash and under the control of a responsible person.
  • Dogs may only be off-leash in areas that have been specifically designated by the City of Johannesburg as dog-off-leash areas. In all other public areas, a leash is mandatory.
  • A person in control of a dog in a public place must ensure that the dog does not pose a nuisance, danger, or disturbance to other people or animals.
  • If a dog defecates in a public place, the person in control of the dog must immediately remove and properly dispose of the waste in an appropriate refuse bin.

Cats (General Control)

• • Cat owners must ensure that their cats are kept under adequate control and do not cause a nuisance to neighbours or the community.
  • The City may take control of cats that are stray, uncontrolled, or causing persistent nuisance, in accordance with the by-laws.

Maximum Number of Dogs and Cats at a Residential Home

• • A dwelling unit (such as a townhouse, flat, or single residential unit) may keep a maximum of two (2) dogs or cats over the age of six months, unless written permission is obtained from the City.
  • Residential premises consisting of one or two houses on a single property may keep up to four (4) dogs or cats, subject to compliance with the by-laws and municipal approval where required.
  • Keeping more than the permitted number of dogs or cats requires written municipal permission, and animals must not cause a nuisance or pose a health or safety risk.

Loud Music

What is not allowed?

You may not play or allow loud music from:

• • Houses, flats or yards
  • Vehicles parked in the street or driveway
  • Parties or gatherings
    
    if the sound disturbs or interferes with the peace and comfort of nearby residents.

There are no automatic “safe hours” for loud music. If it disturbs neighbours, it may be unlawful at any time of day or night, including weekends and public holidays.

Garden Machinery (Lawnmowers, Trimmers, Leaf Blowers)

Residents may not operate or allow the operation of:

• • Lawnmowers
  • Weed‑eaters / trimmers
  • Leaf blowers or similar equipment

    if the noise causes a disturbance or nuisance to neighbours.  City by‑laws do not prescribe fixed daily hours for using garden machinery.

Early mornings, late evenings, Sundays and public holidays are considered high risk time for operating of the above machinery and residents are urged to be considerate during these times.

Serious offences can result in fines of up to R20,000, imprisonment, or both

The burning of garden refuse is prohibited within the City of Johannesburg.

• • Garden refuse, including leaves, grass cuttings, branches, and other garden waste, may not be burned on any residential, business, or vacant property.
  • The burning of garden refuse is regarded as open burning and is not permitted under the City’s Air Pollution Control By-laws.

What is allowed

• • Braais and barbecues using coal or wood are allowed, provided they are used only for cooking or recreational purposes.
  • Fires used inside a dwelling for normal domestic purposes such as cooking or heating are permitted.

Penalties

Failure to comply with this notice may result in fines, legal action, imprisonment

Proper disposal of garden refuse

Residents are encouraged to use lawful alternatives, including:

• • Municipal garden refuse collection services
  • Approved garden waste disposal sites
  • Composting garden waste at home