Property owner fined over $120,000 for not complying with removal order

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     An owner was convicted and fined $128,900 in total, of which $28,900 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts last Friday (May 15) for failing to comply with a removal order issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).

     The case involved unauthorised building works (UBWs) at a detached house on Yu Chui Street, Tai Lam, comprising the erection of several structures with a total area of about 75 square metres at the premises and onto the adjoining land under a short-term tenancy, erection of canopies, alteration of a protective barrier and garden, enclosure of a flat roof and erection of a retractable awning over a carport entrance. As the UBWs were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (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.

     A spokesman for the BD said today (May 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/Monday, May 18, 2026
Issued at HKT 12:15

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