Commencement notices of minor works control system to be gazetted tomorrow

The minor works control system will be fully implemented with effect from December 31, 2010.

Commencement notices on the implementation of the minor works control system will be gazetted tomorrow (October 8) and tabled at the Legislative Council on October 13, 2010.  

The relevant provisions in the Buildings (Amendment) Ordinance 2008, Building (Minor Works) Regulation and Building (Administration) (Amendment) Regulation 2009 will come into operation on December 31, 2010.

"The minor works control system aims to simplify the existing statutory procedures in order to provide a lawful, simple, safe as well as convenient means for building owners to carry out small-scale building works, such as installation of supporting frame for air conditioners and drying racks," a spokesman for the Development Bureau said.

Under the new system, the requirement to seek prior approval of building plans and consent to commence minor works will be dispensed with. A new category of building works, called "minor works", and a new category of registered contractors, called "registered minor works contractors" for carrying out such minor works, have been introduced. 
 
Minor works are classified into three classes according to their nature, scale and complexity and risk to safety. The register of minor works contractors will be published on the website of the Buildings Department (www.bd.gov.hk) for public inspection.

From December 31, 2010, onwards, any person intending to carry out minor works should engage a registered minor works contractor to do so. The Buildings Department (BD) will carry out inspections to ascertain compliance with the statutory requirements and ensure the quality and standard of the minor works carried out. Disciplinary and prosecution actions will be taken against non-compliance.  

"Qualified individuals or companies who wish to contract for the carrying out of minor works on or after December 31 are urged to register with the BD as soon as possible," the spokesman added.

Upon commencement of the minor works control system, it will be an offence for a person to conduct minor works without engaging a qualified minor works contractor, and for a practitioner to carry out minor works for which he is not registered.

The BD will launch an extensive publicity and public education campaign, including TV and radio announcements in the public interest. General guidelines on the minor works control system, pamphlets and posters will be distributed to property management companies and the public to introduce the statutory requirements of the new system. Technical guidelines will also be issued to the registered minor works contractors and practitioners for their reference.

     The BD will provide technical advice to building owners, practitioners and other stakeholders. Enquiries about the minor works control system can be directed to the BD by e-mail (enquiry@bd.gov.hk) or telephone (2626 1616). Further information about the minor works control system can also be found on the department's website (www.bd.gov.hk).

Ends/Thursday, October 7, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:32

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