Buildings Department takes enforcement action against illegal domestic units in industrial building
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"The design, approval of building plans and construction of industrial buildings are intended solely for industrial use. Since the units in industrial buildings are used for industrial activities, including the storage of dangerous and flammable items, illegal conversion of industrial buildings to domestic use poses serious safety risks to users. No one should reside in industrial buildings. Persons involved in sales and rental activities, such as prospective buyers and tenants as well as estate agents, should check the approved use of the units. An industrial unit should not be used for domestic purposes," a spokesman for the BD said.
Following the fire incident yesterday, the BD has deployed its staff to carry out a site inspection. Officers at the scene found that the unit concerned was subdivided into a number of smaller units, and some of them were illegally used for domestic purposes. The BD has served statutory orders in accordance with section 25 (2) and section 26(1) of the Buildings Ordinance (BO) to order the owner to discontinue the use of the unit for domestic purposes and rectify the dangerous situation. The BD will continue its investigation. If anyone is found in contravention of the BO, the BD will follow up seriously, including considering prosecution against the relevant persons. In addition, the BD will include the building in its large-scale operation against domestic use in industrial buildings and will arrange to inspect the other units of the building in phases.
Failure to comply with a discontinuation order served under section 25(2) or a repair order served under section 26(1) of the BO without reasonable excuse are serious offences. Upon conviction, the offender is liable to a maximum fine at level 5 (currently $50,000) and imprisonment for one year, and a further fine of $5,000 for each day that the offence continues.
To ascertain the approved use of the premises, apart from obtaining independent professional advice, members of the public may obtain relevant information by checking the occupation permit and approved building plans of the building via the Building Records Access and Viewing On-line system of the BD if they are in doubt.
The Government is finalising the proposals to amend the BO and drafting the legislative amendments, including criminalising the subdivision of units in industrial buildings for domestic uses to enhance deterrence. The Government aims to submit the amendment bill to the Legislative Council in the first half of 2026.
Ends/Friday, July 4, 2025
Issued at HKT 22:51
Issued at HKT 22:51
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