Buildings B

RelatedSections22. I am about to purchase a flat. The building owner and agent had told methere were no unauthorized building works in the building and the flat. Howcan I verify?3.2.2(f)4.3.45.2.1 (b)A. The Building Information Centre of the Buildings Department (BD) keeps mostof the approved building records of the existing buildings in Hong Kong.Anyone having legitimate reasons can apply to the BD for viewing the approvedbuilding plans, and to obtain a certified copy of the plan by paying a fee.Making reference to such records will enable you to ascertain whether thereare unauthorized building works or not.If you have difficulties in reading plans, you should engage a buildingprofessional to help you to search for such plans, inspect the premisesconcerned, and advise you whether there are any unauthorized extensionsin the unit you intended to purchase.23. There is a large podium roof outside my flat/unit. Can I erect a structure onthe roof ?3.2.2 (c)3.2.2(f)A. The Buildings Ordinance stipulates that all building works in private buildingsand lands require the submission of plans by an Authorized Person (AP) tothe Buildings Authority (BA) for prior approval. Any building, construction,alterations and additions works to private buildings and lands without priorapproval and consent by the BA are regarded as Unauthorized Building Works(UBW). Therefore, the erection of a structure on the podium roof will requiresubbmission to the BA for approval. If you wish to proceed with the idea,please consult an AP.Furthermore, you should also refer to the assignment plans to verify whetheryou have the right or ownership of the podium roof.24 There is an approved cockloft in my shop but the only access to it is throughthe internal staircase in my shop. My business is dropping and I want tolet the cockloft out to reduce my overhead expenses. Can I form an openingin the wall of the main staircase of the building for an independent accessto it and remove the staircase in the shop?3.2.2(b)3.4.2(a)(A. Staircases in most cases serve as means of escape in case of fire and requirefire resisting construction to safeguard their designed functions. Forming newopenings on staircase enclosure walls requires very careful and professionalconsiderations. You should engage the service of an Authorized Person togive you advice in this regard. He will consider all relevant factors, viz. theoverall structural implications, fire resisting construction, means of escape patternand fire separation between different occupancies before recommending toyou the viability of your proposed alterations.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS