Cracking Down on Illegal Subdivided Units in Industrial Buildings: A policy Delphi study in Hong Kong

Yung YAU, Daniel Chi Wing HO

Research output: Book Chapters | Papers in Conference ProceedingsConference paper (refereed)Researchpeer-review

Abstract

The lack of land and housing supply has resulted in shortage of affordable housing in Hong Kong. Low-incomers, new immigrants and many others cannot afford high rents so they seek accommodations in the informal sector. This surging demand for informal housing is conducive to the proliferation of illegal subdivided units (ISUs) in industrial buildings in the city. The ISUs have posed serious safety threats to the building occupants. This study aims to explore workable policy options to crack down on the problem of ISUs in industrial buildings in Hong Kong. A three-round policy Delphi study is carried out with an expert panel to identify and prioritize policy options for combating the problem. Different measures ranging from increasing the frequency of building inspections and imposing heavier penalties on non-conforming owners to revitalizing industrial premises for domestic uses are proposed by the panel members. Among these options, stricter enforcement is considered the most workable option in terms of desirability and feasibility. The results of the policy Delphi study are discussed and policy recommendations are made.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2016 International Conference on Architectural Engineering and Civil Engineering
PublisherAtlantis Press
Pages172-177
ISBN (Print)9789462522985
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2016
Externally publishedYes
Event2016 International Conference on Architectural Engineering and Civil Engineering - Shanghai, China
Duration: 9 Dec 201611 Dec 2016

Publication series

NameAdvances in Engineering Research
Volume72
ISSN (Print)2352-5401

Conference

Conference2016 International Conference on Architectural Engineering and Civil Engineering
Period9/12/1611/12/16

Bibliographical note

The work described in this paper was fully supported by a grant under the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme administered by the Central Policy Unit of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China [Project No. 2014.A1.019.15B].

Keywords

  • building control
  • building illegality
  • policy Delphi
  • illegal subdivided units
  • unauthorized building works

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