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Written by RenoKu
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Thursday, 31 July 2008 22:22 |
The issue of illegal home renovations and mega-structures coming up in the neighbourhood are sadly a common occurrence in Malaysia. What are the local by-laws and guidelines? Want to know the definition of a proper building extension/renovation? The Star has not one, but three interesting write-ups about house renovations.
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Renovations leave residents frustrated
Massive construction and renovation work going on at the same time in their neighbourhood is making a lot of residents upset. The bulk of complains are about their neighbours disregarding the rules and guidelines when doing their renovation. Furthermore, the residents are frustrated by the inaction of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
It was reported that in one neighbourhood, two renovation projects were still going on in their third year!! Furthermore, the projects were nowhere near completion. No wonder one resident was reported to spend most of his time away from home. His chosen place to escape the dust and noise? Mid Valley Megamall.
According to The Star, other common illegal renovations include ...ignoring height limits, adding attics and basements without approval, relocating house entrances to side roads and even encroaching onto road shoulders to create private car parks or gardens.
An example of a renovation that encroached the public road
Neighbours urged to report illegal extensions
According to DBKL, there is no rule on a deadline to complete a renovation project. Therefore, DBKL is unable to act if some houses are still doing their renovation on their third year. Besides that, there is also no law to limit the number of projects ongoing in a certain area. However, construction and renovation work are only allowed from 8am to 6pm from Mondays to Saturdays.
Follow the rules to keep it legal
It is interesting to note that one of the ways to identify whether the renovation is legal is to check for an Alam Flora waste bin outside the site.
An Alam Flora waste bin
According to Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya (MPSJ), the steps to properly submit the extension/renovation application are:
“First, you need to obtain a letter of consent from neighbours should the extension or renovation work involve areas bordering the neighbour’s house,” Azfarizal said.
“Then, you need to appoint an architect or registered draughtsman to prepare the plans. Also, a chartered engineer must be appointed if the renovation works involve concrete structures.
“After this, it’s important to obtain the development order approval from the MPSJ’s planning department should the extension work exceed 50% of the original floor area,” he said.
He added that owners should also ensure that construction work begins only after the proposed extension or renovation application had been approved.
MPSJ’s definition of proper building extensions or renovation:
- Any demolition work done to the original building
- Any extension work done to the original building (enlarging floor area)
- Any renovation work done to the internal building layout
- Construction of car porch, fencing wall, and waste chamber.
- Any other extension or renovation as prescribed in Act 133, Road, Drainage, and Buildings Act 1974
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Calvin: I'm a simple man, Hobbes. ...... Hobbes: You? Yesterday you wanted a nuclear powered car that could turn into a jet with laser-guided heat-seeking missiles! ...... Calvin: I'm a simple man with complex tastes. - Calvin & Hobbes
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