Signboard system mooted

May 24, 2013

A proposed validation system allowing the continued use of unauthorised signboards meeting stringent safety controls was gazetted today, the Development Bureau says.
 
Under the amended legislation, existing unauthorised signboards would require safety inspection, necessary strengthening and a building professional’s or registered contractor’s certification.
 
The Buildings Department has taken enforcement actions against unauthorised signboards; however, their existence in many cases is valuable for sustaining businesses and contributing to Hong Kong’s prosperity, the bureau noted.
 
Following today’s gazetting of the Building (Minor Works) (Amendment) Regulation 2013 and the Buildings Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2012 (Commencement) Notice, subsidiary legislation will be tabled at the Legislative for negative vetting on May 29, and would be expected to come into effect on September 2.
 
Owners of unauthorised signboards meeting technical specifications and erected before September 2 would be eligible to apply to join the validation scheme. Approved signboards, after safety inspection, strengthening, and certification, would not be served statutory orders against them by the department.
 
Owners should make a new validation submission every five years, or remove the signs, to avoid the potential danger of abandoned signboards.
 
The department will launch a publicity programme about the new system.