​Three owners were convicted and fined $146,210 in total at the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts yesterday (March 17) for failing to comply with removal orders issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).  

     The first case involved an unauthorised structure of about 11 square metres on the rooftop, and the erection of a dividing wall on the upper roof of a detached house on Nam Pin Wai Road, Sai Kung. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), a removal order was served on the two co-owners under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, they were prosecuted by the BD and were fined $55,760 in total, of which $31,760 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued.

     The second case involved an unauthorised structure of about 58 sq m on the flat roof of a composite building on Battery Street, Jordan. As the UBW was carried out without prior approval and consent from the BD, a removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD and was fined $90,450 in total, of which $25,450 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued.

     A spokesman for the BD said today (March 18), "UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety."

     Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year's imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.

Ends/Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:00

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