Rooftop Enclosure Illegal??

Moved to Sai Kung and it seems everywhere I look roof tops are sporting glass rooms that can be used for everything from laundry facilities to play rooms.


Our rooftop is lovely but barren. When I asked my landlord about it, he said he's worried the government would complain and make us take it down.


What's legal? What's not? Isn't it a neighbor who has to complain? There's at least one rooftop in my village with a lovely smoked-glass enclosure, so I don't see what the problem is.


Any advice is MOST appreciated. We've got a lovely rooftop, money to spend, but don't know which direction to take to make the most of the space.

I understand they are Illegal and if anything happens insurance won't cover. eg a pane of glas blows off and hit someones car or worse someone who pays?

Anything that might be seen as a permanent structure put up without building approval will be seen as illegal. You should apply to the buildings dept for approval first, but I am fairly doubtful they will give you permision for any kind of structure on your roof. They are nearly always captioned as "Unauthorised structures", by the Authorities and will have to be taken down as they will not back approve any such work. Costly if you have built something solid, easier if you have had it screwed or bolted together. I know from experience.

You might get away with a structure that is not seen as "Permanent" or totally enclosed, like an awning for example, but again, it will depend on size, material and how "friendly" your neighbours are. If they don't like it and call the Building dept to complain, then you will get a site visit from a nominated Building Surveyer, followed buy a letter for demand for removal.

You can look at the Ordinance, but like most Govt papers, it takes a lot of going through.


http://www.bd.gov.hk/english/index_e.html


Good luck.

Tim