In general, if owners remove the non-structural walls within their domestic units (not involving the alteration of kitchens or relocating or changing the floor area of the kitchens or toilets/ bathrooms), such works are exempted works under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) and no submission to the Independent Checking Unit (ICU) for approval before work commencement is required. However, such works still need to comply with the relevant legislative requirements under the Building Regulations – such as fire safety, structural safety, lighting and ventilation standards etc.
It is important to note that for the removal or alteration of structural components/ elements, or works that may affect the fire resistance properties or the means of escape in case of fire, these works are classified as "alteration and addition" works under the BO and the owners must appoint Authorized Persons and/ or Registered Structural Engineers to submit plans to ICU for approval before arranging Registered Contractors to carry out the approved works.
In addition, if the proposed works involve the erection of non-load bearing block walls and the aggregate length of any additional wall per square metre of the floor area of the flat is more than 0.1m, then they are minor works item under Building (Minor Works) Regulation. Under the simplified requirements of Minor Works Control System, the relevant Prescribed Building Professionals and/ or Prescribed Registered Contractors must be appointed to submit notifications to the ICU prior to and/ or upon the completion of the minor works.
Common concerns among owners regarding unauthorized building works (UBW) include the removal of fire rated door of kitchens, alteration of non-structural walls of kitchen (see illustrative diagram). These UBWs may affect the safety of the buildings (fire safety, structural safety). As such, ICU hereby reminds the owners and the parties involved in the design and construction of renovation works (such as contractors, designers and building professionals) that all renovation works must comply with the relevant legislations. ICU will take follow-up enforcement actions according to BO against any UBW identified.
Illustrative diagram:
