William Robmigry
GOVERNOR.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
In relation to the erection of matsheds for temporary or permanent occupa- tion as human habitations, made by the Governor in Council on
the 19th day of January, 1897, under the provisions
of the Building Ordinance, 1889, section 58.
Definition. In these rules and regulations any shed or structure of wood, mats, palm leaves, thatch or other inflammable material, in which persons other than one caretaker pass the night shall be deemed to be a matshed crected for occupation as a human habitation.
Permission to erect.-Every application for the sanction of the Director of Public Works to erect a matshed for temporary or permanent occupation as a human habitation shall specify the proposed. dimensions of such matshed and the maximum number of persons it is intended to accommodate at night. Preparation of Sile.-The site of every matshed erected for occupation as a human habitation shall be levelled and the ground surface of every such matshed together with the ground surface for a distance of not less than three feet from the outer walls of such matshed shall bo covered with a layer of good lime or cement concrete at least six inches thick and finished off smooth to the satis- faction of the Savitary Board.
Provided that in all cases in which the floor of the matshed averages at least 24 feet above the ground, or in which the matshed is erected over water the foregoing regulations may, with the permission of the Sanitary Board, be dispensed with.
No matshed which is intended for occupation as a human habitation may be erected in such a manner that any part of any external wall of such matshed is at a less distance than three feet horizontally from any hillside or bank of earth,
Cook-houses--The ground surface of every cook-house used in connection with any such matshed shall be covered with good lime or cement concrete at least six inches thick and finished off smooth to the satisfaction of the Sanitary Board,
Latrines. Adequate latrine accommodation shall be provided for the occupants of every such matshed and the ground surface of every sucli latrine shall be covered with good lime or cement concrete at least six inches thick and finished off smooth to the satisfaction of the Sanitary Board.
Drainage.--Adequate arrangements, to the satisfaction of the Sanitary Board, shall be made for the drainage of every such matshed, and also of every such cook-house and latrine as well as of the ground immediately surrounding them. Adequate provision shall also be made for conducting all sullage waters into a public sower, if available, failing which, they shall be disposed of as the Sanitary Board may direct.
Overcrowding. Each occupant of any such matshed shall be provided with at least 30 square feet of unobstructed floor area and 400 cubic feet of clear and unobstructed internal air space.
Sleeping Accommodation.-Every matshed erected for occupation as a human habitation upon a site that is concreted shall be provided with suitable beds or bunks for the use of the occupants and such beds or bunks shall be at least 2 feet above the floor of such matshed.
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Exemption. In all cases in which a matshed is to be used for occupation as a human habitation for a period not exceeding three months and provided the total number of persons housed therein does not exceed 20, the Sanitary Board may, on the receipt of an application from the owner, in its discretion, exempt such owner from complying with any or all of the foregoing provisions; provided always that such exemption shall not be deemed to protect the owner from legal action in the event of a nuisance arising from the erection of such matshed,
Sanitary Maintenance. Every matshed used for occupation as a human habitation shall be, at all times, kept in a cleanly condition, and all garbage and other refuse matters shall be removed therefrom at least once every twenty-four hours and be properly disposed of to the satisfaction of the Sanitary Board,
COUNCIL CHAMBER, HONGKONG.
F. J. BADELEY, Acting Clerk of Councils.
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