Planning Buildings for a High-Rise Environment in Hong Kong

This book is the first systematic attempt to document statutory building control in Hong Kong. It examines 40 cases decided by the Building Appeal Board with reference to the overlapping jurisdictions of the Buildings, Lands and Planning authorities in controlling building development. The cases are categorized under nine major themes, namely ‘procedures and principles’, ‘immediate neighbourhood’, ‘widths of streets’, ‘lanes’, ‘access and parking’, ‘stepped streets’, ‘means of escape’, ‘illegal structures and enforcement orders’ and ‘demolition’. Each case is examined in detail, cross-referenced and illustrated by drawings and photographs where appropriate. For each category, a list of relevant law cases and a summary of the decision criteria identified are also provided. This work should be of great value to Authorized Persons, surveyors, lawyers and town planners who practise in Hong Kong, as well as those who are interested in the policies and issues concerning building control in a high-rise and high density living environment. It should also help professional practitioners prepare for the relevant APC examinations for the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors and other professional organizations.

Lawrence Wai-chung Lai is an associate professor in the Department of Real Estate and Construction at the University of Hong Kong. He is a Registered Professional Planner and his research interests include the property rights aspects of leasehold land systems, town planning, building control and environmentalism. Daniel Chi-wing Ho is an associate professor in the Department of Real Estate and Construction at the University of Hong Kong. He is a Registered Professional Surveyor (building surveying) and Authorized Person. His research interests include building quality, development control and facilities management.