Shurugwi Town Council (Control of Worship in Open Spaces) By-laws, 2025
Open-air worship in Shurugwi needs a permit costing US$36,44 to apply and US$50 a month or US$10 a day, is limited to 5am–6pm, and worshipping without one costs US$100.
These by-laws require a council permit before people may gather in an open space in the Shurugwi Town Council area for worship. The council designates the places where public worship may take place, and only where the site has adequate sanitary facilities approved by an environmental health practitioner under the Public Health Act.
Applications are considered against the Public Health Act, the Environmental Management Act and the council's other by-laws including the anti-litter by-laws. An inspection report and building plans must be lodged before any structure is erected, and no tree may be cut on the open space without approval.
Worship is confined to 05:00 to 18:00 on the days stated in the permit, with paid extensions on written application. A police officer or authorised person may move on anyone obstructing or causing a nuisance to worshippers. A permit is cancelled for breach of its conditions, may not be renewed until the cause is fixed, and must be returned within 48 hours.
Fees are US$36,44 to apply, US$50 a month or US$10 a day for the permit, US$50 to renew annually, US$10 for inspection and US$5 to apply for extended hours.
Penalties are US$100 for worshipping in an open space without a permit, US$50 each for a designated place lacking adequate sanitary facilities and for obstructing access to an open space, US$24 per tree for cutting trees, and US$10 for failing to return a cancelled permit. An unpaid liability after 90 days carries up to level 3 or two years' imprisonment.
What changed
- A council permit is required to gather for worship in an open space
- Permit costs US$36,44 to apply and US$50 a month or US$10 a day, with US$50 annual renewal
- Worship restricted to 05:00–18:00 on the days stated in the permit
- Worshipping without a permit costs US$100 and cutting a tree US$24 per tree
- Sites must have sanitary facilities approved by an environmental health practitioner
Who this affects
- Apostolic and other congregations worshipping in open spaces in Shurugwi
- Church leaders applying for permits
- Residents near open-air worship sites
- Council environmental health officers
Plain-language summary — not legal advice. Always read the full instrument.