Red-tape reduction: Director of Buildings Cheung Hau-wai and Deputy Secretary for Development Olivia Nip unveil details of the proposed minor-works control system at a press conference.

Law revisions will be tabled to lawmakers on December 5 to put in place a control system that will enable the public to carry out minor works through simplified statutory procedures, the Development Bureau says.

Deputy Secretary for Development Olivia Nip said the control system and simplifed statutory procedures can help bolster building safety and help the public and contractors comply with the law.

Under the new system, the degree of control on minor works will vary according to their nature, scale and complexity and risk to safety. Construction of minor building works - such as installation of supporting frames for air-conditioners, drying racks, window canopies, small signboards and internal staircases connecting two floors - will no longer require the prior approval of building plans from the Building Authority. They are deemed relatively simple and of a smaller scale and lower risk level.

Owners can appoint qualified technicians depending on the complexity of the works. It will not be necessary to appoint authorised people to carry out minor general household works.

Standards upgrade

A register of registered minor-works contractors will be set up under the new system. Existing practitioners with adequate qualifications and experience can register as minor-works contractors. Short top-up training courses will be provided to upgrade their standards and enhance their knowledge of the new law.

Inspections will be conducted to ascertain compliance with the statutory requirements and ensure the quality and standard of the minor works conducted. Disciplinary and prosecution actions may be taken against those concerned for non-compliance.

Tailor-made guidelines for building owners, minor-works practitioners, building managers and business operators will be published to cater for their specific needs. Advisory services will be offered to building owners, contractors and workers to help them comply with the law.

The Buildings (Amendment) Bill 2007 will be gazetted Friday. Ms Nip said the control system will be in place by the end of 2009 if lawmakers endorse the bill in the middle of next year.

On the proposed compulsory building-inspection scheme, Ms Nip said scheme details are being worked out, aiming to table them to lawmakers in the next legislative year.