The Development Bureau gazetted the Building (Minor Works) Regulation today which will help people conduct small-scale building works through simplified statutory procedures.

The regulation will be tabled at the Legislative Council on April 1 with the intention of phased implementation in 2009-10.

Under the new proposal the existing requirements to seek prior approval for building plans and consent from the Building Authority to begin minor works will be dispensed with.

Minor works will be classified into three classes in the regulation according to their nature, scale and complexity, and safety risk.

Class I includes complicated minor works, such as installation of internal staircases connecting two floors. Class II comprises lower complexity works like repair of external walls. Class III includes common household works like erection of support frames for air-conditioners.

The degree of control over the three classes will vary. A person can appoint technical personnel of different qualifications according to the complexity of the works to be conducted.

A registered minor works contractor register will be established under the new system. Practitioners with adequate qualifications or experience can register.

Click here for details or call 2626 1616.