Case Study: Reading a Hong Kong Project Scenario Like an AP
What the Case Study domain tests
The case paper is integrative: one narrative, often with a schedule of areas or a simplified plan description, followed by several sub-questions. It tests whether you can act as the Authorized Person (AP) - read the situation, identify non-compliance, sequence statutory approvals, allocate duties between AP, RSE, RGE and contractor, and recommend a remedy the developer can actually execute. Expect lease and OZP constraints, fire safety, means of escape, supervision obligations and programme consequences inside a single question.
The statutory spine
- Lease and Outline Zoning Plan first: permitted use, the lease definition of gross floor area, and any site coverage or plot ratio cap that is stricter than the Building (Planning) Regulations.
- Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123): plan approval, consent to commence works, then occupation permit or temporary occupation permit.
- Alteration and addition normally needs fresh approval unless it falls within the Minor Works Control System; a change of use alone may still require Building Authority approval.
- Fire: the Code of Practice for Fire Safety in Buildings 2011 governs means of escape, fire-resisting construction and means of access for firefighting. A material change of use reopens all of these.
- Supervision: an approved supervision plan, with RSE or RGE input wherever structure or ground is affected.
Worked example
A developer wants to convert a podium car park in a 30-storey composite tower into a restaurant. Reasoning: check the lease and OZP - restaurant use may be permitted, but GFA, parking and loading requirements change; the transfer slab and kitchen loads need RSE justification; the cooking area needs fire separation, revised travel distance and exit capacity; plans, consent and a fresh occupation permit for the works are needed before the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department licence; the supervision plan must be revised. Answer in that order - feasibility, approval, construction, licensing - because each stage gates the next.
Traps that cost marks
- Debating fire or structure while ignoring the lease; lease breach is often the developer's real exposure.
- Assuming a change of use involves no building works.
- Merging Buildings Department approval with FEHD licensing; they are separate gatekeepers.
- Shifting RSE duties onto the AP, or certifying matters outside your own registration.
- Giving a remedy without saying who submits, who certifies and when.