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Minor works submissions in Hong Kong
Planning to remove a wall, replace windows, raise a floor, or put up a signboard or air-conditioner supports, and not sure if it has to be submitted? We look at site photos, the location, the dimensions and any existing plans, then tell you the class of works, the documents needed and the order to do things in.
How the system works
The Minor Works Control System started on 31 December 2010. Minor works fall into three classes according to their nature, scale, complexity and safety risk.
| Class | Who you appoint | Before work starts | After completion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class I | A Prescribed Building Professional and a Prescribed Registered Contractor | Notify the Buildings Department at least 7 days before | Submit documents within 14 days |
| Class II | A Prescribed Registered Contractor | Notify at least 7 days before | Submit documents within 14 days |
| Class III | A Prescribed Registered Contractor | No advance notice | Submit documents within 14 days |
The 7 days do not count Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays. Once the notice period has passed, work can start without waiting for a reply.
Common items in office and shop fit-outs
Partition walls, raised floors, signboards, air-conditioner supports, exhaust ducts and openings in floor slabs are often minor works. Classes for some of the common ones:
- Raised floors: lightweight brick infill under 125 mm is Class III; higher is Class I (items 3.41 and 3.42).
- Internal brick walls: under 3 m high in homes or 3.5 m elsewhere is Class III; higher is Class I (items 3.39 and 3.40). Glass, timber and plasterboard partitions are not covered by this item.
- Window works: Class III if the main frame is not touched; Class II if it is and the width is under 6 m; larger or more complex works are Class I. Curtain walls are Class I.
Our minor works search covers all 187 minor works items and 30 designated exempted works, with the standard drawings. It is in Chinese.
Missed a submission?
Stop work at once. Reinstate the works if you can, and submit the documents needed as soon as possible. For Class I and II works, wait out the full notice period before starting again.
Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Class III submission | HK$3,000 |
| Class II submission | HK$6,000 |
| Class I submission | HK$12,000 |
| Authorized Person for Class I works | HK$15,000 |
| Registered Structural Engineer for Class I works | HK$15,000 |
| Technically Competent Person T1 site supervision | HK$3,000 |
| Technically Competent Person T3 site supervision | HK$3,000 |
Consultancy fees for reference. Final fees depend on the works, the premises and the professionals needed. Government fees are separate.