Two property owners fined over HKD 60,000 for failing to comply with demolition orders

The Hong Kong government announced that two co-owners were convicted and fined a total of HKD 66,200 yesterday (March 31) at the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Court for failing to comply with a demolition order issued under the Buildings Ordinance (Chapter 123), of which HKD 50,200 was a fine for the duration of the offense.

The case involved a village house structure on a rooftop measuring approximately 29 square meters located on one of the lots in Sai Kung Survey District No. 242. As the unauthorized structure would not receive an exemption certificate from the Lands Department, and it had not been approved or consented to by the Buildings Department in advance, the Buildings Department issued a demolition order to the owners under Section 24(1) of the Buildings Ordinance. They failed to comply with the demolition order, resulting in prosecution by the Buildings Department.

A spokesperson for the Buildings Department stated today (April 1) that unauthorized structures can lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with the demolition order as soon as possible. For owners who do not comply with the demolition order, the Buildings Department will continue to take enforcement actions, including prosecution, to ensure building and public safety