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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
present Public Health and Buildings Ordinance was enacted almost 32 years ago and at that time provided for substantial improvement in the matter of light and air and sanitation upon the hitherto existing Ordinance.
Since that date, and more particularly in recent years, in order to conform more nearly to accepted modern standards, it has been found necessary to make numerous amendments in relation to both sanitation and constructional matters.
The existing Ordinance, as the title indicates, deals both with Public Health and the construction of buildings. It has now been considered desirable that these services should be dealt with under a number of separate Ordinances.
In the Bill under consideration opportunity is taken to revise throughout the building laws of the Colony.
The proposals in draft form were submitted to a Body of Architects for comments. The criticisms of this Body were carefully considered and amendments were made, the individual members signifying their general approval of the final draft.
Particular regard is paid to the requirements of open space in the light of modern hygienic practice, and it will be appreciated that although sacrifices are required, these are not greater than are deemed essential to place the city on a basis comparable with the minimum requirements of other cities. The principle, recognised in the existing Ordinance No. 1 of 1903, of sympathetic treatment for lots purchased prior to that Ordinance, is retained. Sections Nos. 81 to 86 of the Bill deal with this subject.
In Sections 87 and 88 important revisions are proposed in the matter of heights of buildings. The principal feature of these sections is the general reduction in height of the wall plate level and the compensating increase in the maximum height of the roof line. These revisions permit of improved lighting to streets and open spaces without causing reduction in the cubical contents of buildings. As in the case of open space sympathetic consideration is given to buildings on lots leased prior to 1903.
The preservation of life from danger of fire is considered in the framing of Sections 43, 44 and 45, which call for the provision of fire resisting staircases, lift shafts and fire-escapes.
A revision has been made in the sections dealing with verandahs and balconies, Nos. 60 and 61.
A limiting angle has been introduced which will restrict the number of verandah storeys permissible and which will control the projections of balconies.
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