Revised Laws of Mauritius

B13A – 1 [Issue 5]

BUILDING CONTROL ACT Act 9 of 2012 – 15 March 2013

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

SECTION PART I – PRELIMINARY 1. Short title 2. Interpretation 3. Basic requirements for buildings 4. Exemption from requirement for

permit PART II – BUILDING CONTROL

ADVISORY COUNCIL 5. Building Control Advisory Council 6. Functions of Council 7. Vacancy in membership of Council 8. Meetings of Council 9. Committees

10. Disclosure of interest 11. Secretary 12. Protection from liability 13. Confidentiality 14. Powers of Minister PART III – MATTERS RELATING TO

PERMITS 15. Requirements for permit 16. Inspection during building works 17. Obligation of holder of permit 18. Validity of permit 19. Clearance and compliance

certificate

PART IV – DUTIES AND RESPON-

SIBILITIES FOR BUILDING WORKS 20. Duties of developer, design team

and principal agent 21. Mandatory guarantees PART V – DANGEROUS

BUILDINGS 22. Dangerous building to be surveyed 23. Occupier to recover expenses from

owner 24. Sale of materials 25. Ruinous buildings 26. Fees to survey dangerous buildings PART VI – HAZARDOUS

BUILDINGS 27. Restriction on hazardous buildings 28. Permit for hazardous building 29. Exception in special cases 30. Chimneys 31. Petroleum, electric or internal

combustion engine PART VII – MISCELLANEOUS 32. Service of orders or notices 33. Offences 34. Regulations 35. – 38 —



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BUILDING CONTROL ACT

PART I – PRELIMINARY

1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the Building Control Act.

2. Interpretation

In this Act—

“architect” has the same meaning as in the Professional Architects’ Council Act;

“authorised officer” has the same meaning as in the Local Government Act;

“builder” means a person who uses his own human and material resources or those of third parties to execute building works;

“building” includes—

(a) a manufactured home, a movable dwelling or other movable structure;

(b) a permanent or temporary structure erected or made on, in or under any land;

“building works”—

(a) means construction works involving a permanent or temporary structure; and

(b) includes— (i) the erection, extension or demolition of a building; (ii) the alteration of, or repair to, a building; (iii) the provision, extension or alteration of permanent services

and equipment in or in connection with a building, such as air-conditioning services, or ventilating, electrical, plumbing or telecommunication systems;

(iv) the alteration of existing interior spaces or the design of new interior spaces, including the demolition of non-load bearing wall partitioning or interior features within the inte- rior space;

(v) any site preparation works or excavation works carried out for the purpose of subparagraph (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv), includ- ing urban landscaping works;

“Chairperson” means the Chairperson of the Council referred to in section 5;

“Chief Executive” has the same meaning as in the Local Government Act;

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“clearance certificate” means a clearance certificate issued by a princi- pal agent;

“committee” means a committee set up under section 9;

“compliance certificate” means a compliance certificate issued by a local authority;

“Construction Industry Development Board” means the Construction Industry Development Board established under the Construction Industry Development Board Act;

“Council” means the Building Control Advisory Council established under section 5;

“design team” means the architect and the engineer hired by a devel- oper for the preparation of plans and drawings;

“developer” means a person who, individually or collectively, decides on, promotes, plans and finances building works, with his own resources or those of third parties, for himself or for the subsequent disposal, deliv- ery, transfer, sale or letting of the building to third parties;

“Energy Efficiency Management Office” has the same meaning as in the Energy Efficiency Act;

“engineer” means a professional engineer registered under the Regis- tered Professional Engineers Council Act;

“Fire Services” has the same meaning as in the Fire Services Act;

“local authority” has the same meaning as in the Local Government Act;

“member”—

(a) means a member of the Council; and

(b) includes the Chairperson;

“minimum building standards” means such building standards as may be prescribed;

“Minister” means the Minister to whom responsibility for the subject of public infrastructure is assigned;

“Ministry” means the Ministry responsible for the subject of public infrastructure;

“occupier”, in relation to any premises—

(a) means every person in actual occupation of the premises; and

(b) includes the owner when in actual occupation or a tenant, and the agent or representative of the owner or tenant;

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“owner”, in relation to any premises, means—

(a) the person receiving or entitled to receive the rent of the premises let, whether on his own behalf or that of any other person; or

(b) where the owner cannot be ascertained, its occupier;

“permit” means a Building and Land Use Permit issued under the Local Government Act;

“premises” means—

(a) a building of any description and its appurtenances;

(b) a manufactured home on a moveable dwelling and its associated structure;

(c) land, whether built on or not;

(d) a tent;

(e) a swimming pool; or

(f) a vessel of any description, including a houseboat;

“principal agent” means the architect or engineer appointed by a developer for the supervision of building works;

“project” means the set of documents which define and determine the technical requirements of the building works;

“supervising officer” means the supervising officer of the Ministry. [S. 2 amended by s. 4 (a) of Act 27 of 2012 w.e.f. 22 December 2012.]

3. Basic requirements for buildings

Every building shall be designed, constructed and maintained in such a way as to guarantee people’s safety, society’s well-being, the protection of the environment, and aesthetic value, and satisfy the following—

(a) functional requirements—

(i) utility, to ensure that the arrangement and dimensions of the space and the fitting out of the services allow the building to be used for its intended purpose;

(ii) accessibility, to ensure that persons with impaired mobility and communication, elderly persons and pregnant women are able to access and use the building and the facilities within the building comfortably;

(iii) access to telecommunication, audio-visual and information services; and

(iv) gender compliance, to ensure that gender-specific require- ments are integrated in the building;

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(b) safety requirements— (i) structural safety, to insure against damage, due to design

and construction, to the building originating in or affecting the foundation, including supporting columns, load bearing walls, beams and floor slabs of the superstructure or other structural elements which could directly jeopardise the building’s structural soundness and stability required nor- mally for its use;

(ii) safety in case of fire, to ensure that—

(A) a person may evacuate the building safely in a speci- fied time;

(B) the fire may be stopped from spreading inside the building and to neighbouring buildings; and

(C) facilities, such as means of escape in case of fire, means of giving warning in case of fire and means of firefighting, are incorporated in the building so as to allow fire services and other emergency services to operate properly at all times;

(iii) safety of use, to ensure that the use of the building poses no risk of accident to any person;

(c) sustainability requirements— (i) by providing indoor air quality in the building, to ensure the

well-being, comfort and productivity of the occupants of the building;

(ii) by ensuring—

(A) water tightness of the building and water manage- ment within its premises;

(B) waste management from the construction site;

(C) noise protection so that noise levels do not affect the health of any person and allow any person to carry out his activities normally;

(D) energy savings and optimum energy consumption for the proper running of the building; and

(E) reduction of heat island effect in urban areas.

4. Exemption from requirement for permit

(1) No permit shall be required for building works relating to—

(a) a gate, hoarding or boundary wall not higher than 1.8 metres, other than—

(i) one which borders a road; or (ii) an enclosure crossing, or standing within 2 metres of, a

watercourse;

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(b) a single storey trellis, pergola or gazebo;

(c) a canal or drain not more than 300 millimetres deep;

(d) a temporary stall or shed of lightweight material within any premises used for the purpose of holding a trade fair, a fun fair, or an exhibition, lasting not more than 6 months;

(e) the demolition, restoration or reinstatement of a non-load bearing wall;

(f) the replacement or changing of windows or doors in a building not exceeding 2 storeys; or

(g) the replacement of existing floor and wall finishes.

(2) Nothing in subsection (1) shall exempt any person from complying with the other requirements of this Act.

PART II – BUILDING CONTROL ADVISORY COUNCIL

5. Building Control Advisory Council

(1) There is established a Building Control Advisory Council which shall consist of—

(a) a Chairperson, having experience in the field of architecture or engineering, to be appointed by the Minister;

(b) 2 representatives of the Ministry;

(c) a representative of the Ministry responsible for the subject of energy;

(d) a representative of the Ministry responsible for the subject of environment;

(e) a representative of the Ministry responsible for the subject of housing and lands;

(f) a representative of the Ministry responsible for the subject of local government;

(g) a representative of the Fire Services;

(h) a representative of the Energy Efficiency Management Office;

(i) a representative of the Construction Industry Development Board;

(j) an architect, who shall be designated by and from the Profes- sional Architects’ Council;

(k) an engineer, who shall be designated by and from the Registered Professional Engineers Council;

(l) a quantity surveyor, who shall be designated by and from the Mauritius Association of Quantity Surveyors;

(m) a suitable person, who shall represent a registered association of contractors and who shall be appointed by the Minister; and

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(n) a suitable person, who shall be designated by and from the Mau- ritius Association of Insurance Companies.

(2) A member, other than a member referred to in subsection (1) (b) to (i), shall hold office for a period of 3 years and shall be eligible for reap- pointment.

(3) Every member shall be paid such fee or allowance as the Minister may determine.

6. Functions of Council

(1) The Council shall—

(a) advise the Minister on all matters relating to permits and on regulations made under this Act;

(b) examine and comment on any guidelines referred to in Sub-part F of Part VIII of the Local Government Act, having regard to this Act and international norms and standards;

(c) be responsible for formulating policies for a more effective, safe, efficient and sustainable construction of buildings; and

(d) perform such other function as may be conferred on it by this Act or as may be prescribed.

(2) In the exercise of its functions, the Council shall have regard to and aim to promote the public interest, and shall, where it considers appropriate—

(a) consult any other person;

(b) commission research and surveys; or

(c) require a local authority to furnish information, particulars and statistics.

7. Vacancy in membership of Council

(1) A member, other than a member referred to in section 5 (1) (b) to (i), shall cease to hold office—

(a) on completion of his term of office;

(b) on his resignation, by notice in writing given to the Secretary; or

(c) where the body that he represents on the Council designates another person as its representative.

(2) Where a member resigns under subsection (1) (b), his seat shall be- come vacant as from the date on which the Secretary receives the notice.

(3) Any member, other than a member referred to in section 5 (1) (b) to (i), may be removed for any reason specified in section 37 (3) (b) of the Interpretation and General Clauses Act.

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(4) Where a vacancy occurs in the membership of the Council pursuant to subsection (1) (b) or (3), the person appointed in replacement shall hold office for the remainder of the term of office of the person whom he replaces.

8. Meetings of Council

(1) The Council shall meet as often as the Chairperson thinks necessary but at least once every month.

(2) A meeting of the Council shall be held at such time and place as the Chairperson thinks fit.

(3) (a) At a meeting of the Council, 9 members shall constitute a quorum.

(b) Any decision of the Council shall be by a resolution of the majority of the members present.

(4) The Chairperson shall chair every meeting and, in the absence of the Chairperson, the members present shall elect one of the members to chair the meeting.

(5) A special meeting of the Council shall be convened by the Secretary within 21 days of the receipt of a request in writing signed by not less than 5 members and specifying the purpose of the request.

(6) The Council may, where it considers necessary, co-opt such other persons with relevant expertise not already available to the Council, to assist it in relation to any matter before it.

(7) Subject to this section, the Council shall regulate its meetings and proceedings in such manner as it may determine.

9. Committees

(1) The Council may set up such committees as it considers necessary to assist it in the discharge of its functions.

(2) A committee shall consist of not less than 5 members of the Council and such other persons as may be co-opted by the Council.

(3) A committee shall—

(a) meet as often as is necessary and at such time and place as the chairperson of the committee thinks fit;

(b) meet as and when required by the Council; and

(c) regulate its meetings and proceedings in such manner as it may determine.

(4) A committee shall submit a report within such time as the Council may require, containing its comments on any matter referred to it by the Council.

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10. Disclosure of interest

(1) Where any member, or any person related to him by blood or mar- riage, has a pecuniary or other material interest in relation to any matter before the Council or a committee, that member shall—

(a) disclose the nature of the interest before or at the meeting of the Council or the committee convened to discuss that matter; and

(b) not take part in any deliberations of the Council or the commit- tee relating to that matter.

(2) A disclosure of interest made under subsection (1) shall be recorded in the minutes of proceedings of the meeting of the Council or the commit- tee, as the case may be.

11. Secretary

(1) There shall be a Secretary to the Council who shall be a public officer.

(2) The Secretary shall be responsible for the proper administration of the Council.

(3) The Secretary—

(a) shall, for every meeting of the Council— (i) give notice of the meeting to the members; (ii) prepare and attend the meeting; and (iii) keep minutes of proceedings of the meeting; and

(b) may take part in the deliberations of a meeting of the Council, but shall not have the right to vote.

(4) The Secretary shall have such other functions as may be conferred upon him by the Council.

12. Protection from liability

No liability, civil or criminal, shall be incurred by the Council or any mem- ber, in respect of any act done or omitted by it or him in good faith in the discharge of its or his functions, or exercise of its or his powers, under this Act.

13. Confidentiality

(1) No member or the Secretary shall, during or after his relationship with the Council, use or disclose any matter which comes to his knowledge in the performance of his functions, except for the purposes of administering this Act.

(2) Any person who, without lawful excuse, contravenes subsection (1) shall commit an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceed- ing 10,000 rupees and to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months.

14. Powers of Minister

(1) The Minister may give such directions of a general character to the Council, not inconsistent with this Act, as he considers necessary in the pub- lic interest, and the Council shall comply with those directions.

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(2) The Minister may require the Council to furnish any information or document in relation to its activities, and the Council shall supply such information or document.

PART III – MATTERS RELATING TO PERMITS

15. Requirements for permit

(1) No permit shall be issued by a local authority unless—

(a) the requirements specified in section 3 and the minimum building standards are complied with;

(b) the prescribed minimum energy efficiency requirements, if any, are complied with; and

(c) plans and drawings for the proposed building works are drawn up and signed in accordance with subsection (2) and such guide- lines as may be issued by a local authority.

(2) Where a building has a floor area of—

(a) more than 150 square metres, the plans and drawings for the proposed building works shall be—

(i) drawn up and signed by an architect; and (ii) where required under guidelines issued or regulations made

under the Local Government Act, certified by an engineer;

(b) 150 square metres or less, the plans and drawings for the pro- posed building works—

(i) may be drawn up by a person other than an architect; and (ii) where required under guidelines issued or regulations made

under the Local Government Act, shall be certified by an engineer.

[S. 15 amended by s. 4 (b) of Act 27 of 2012 w.e.f. 22 December 2012.]

16. Inspection during building works

An authorised officer shall carry out at least one inspection to a building under construction to ascertain whether the required permit has been obtained and, if so, whether the conditions of the permit are being complied with.

17. Obligation of holder of permit

Where a person is issued with a permit, he shall—

(a) before commencing any building works, inform the local author- ity which has issued him with the permit;

(b) at all times comply with the conditions of the permit; and

(c) at all times during which buildings works are being undertaken, comply with such guidelines as may be issued, or regulations as

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may be made, by the Fire Services, the Sanitary Authority, the Energy Efficiency Management Office, the National Heritage Fund or any Ministry.

18. Validity of permit

(1) A permit shall be valid for a period of 2 years from the date of its issue.

(2) A permit shall lapse unless—

(a) for building works at ground level, the external walls of the building are raised at least 600 millimetres above the floor slab;

(b) for a vertical extension to an existing structure, the external walls of the building are raised at least 600 millimetres above the floor slab of the lower floor;

(c) for a building with basement, the external walls are raised 600 millimetres above the poured slab of the ground floor above;

(d) for a timber construction, 20 per cent of the framing structure on the level where construction is being carried out is lifted and standing;

(e) for a steel construction, 20 per cent of the steel framing struc- ture on the level where construction is being carried out is lifted and standing; or

(f) the surrounding excavation of foundations are backfilled to avoid water ponds.

19. Clearance and compliance certificate

(1) Subject to subsection (8), where a building has been erected after ob- taining a permit, that building shall not be inhabited, used or occupied unless a compliance certificate has been issued by the local authority which issued the permit.

(2) An application for a compliance certificate shall be made at the end of the building works to the local authority which issued the permit and shall be accompanied by a clearance certificate which shall be issued by a principal agent, certifying that the building works have been carried out in accordance with the permit.

(3) Where the applicant has complied with this Act and the builder and developer have paid, where applicable, the necessary premiums for an insur- ance policy specified in section 21, the compliance certificate shall be issued within 10 working days from the date an application is made under subsec- tion (2).

(4) Where an applicant fails to comply with this Act, the local authority shall specify a reasonable time within which the applicant has to comply with this Act in order to obtain a compliance certificate.

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(5) (a) Where an applicant fails to comply with this Act after having been given reasonable time under subsection (4), the local authority shall refuse to issue a compliance certificate and shall inform the applicant of its decision, giving its reasons.

(b) Any applicant aggrieved by the decision of a local authority re- fusing to issue a compliance certificate may appeal to the Magistrate of the district where the building works were undertaken.

(6) Any person who allows a building to be inhabited, used or occupied without a compliance certificate having been issued, shall commit an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding 100,000 rupees.

(7) Any breach of this section shall give a local authority the right to close the building forthwith and take such other action as it considers neces- sary for compliance with this section.

(8) No clearance or compliance certificate shall be required in relation to a building having a floor area of 150 square metres or less, or in relation to such other building as may be prescribed.

PART IV – DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR BUILDING WORKS

20. Duties of developer, design team and principal agent

(1) Every developer shall— (a) apply for and obtain a permit and any authorisation required un-

der any enactment; (b) where applicable, appoint a design team, an architect or another

person, or an engineer for the preparation of plans and drawings in accordance with section 15 (2);

(c) where applicable, appoint a principal agent; (d) provide all proper documentation and information needed for his

project; (e) arrange for the insurance policies referred to in section 21; and (f) provide any buyer with necessary documentation on the building

works.

(2) Every member of a design team shall— (a) prepare a project in accordance with this Act and any other en-

actment, and the terms of the contract entered into between him and the developer;

(b) ensure that plans and drawings made by him are in compliance with this Act and any other enactment; and

(c) be responsible for the veracity and accuracy of any information provided.

(3) Every principal agent shall— (a) supervise the building works at all stages until completion;

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(b) ensure that the building works are carried out in accordance with the permit;

(c) issue a clearance certificate; and

(d) be responsible for the veracity and accuracy of any information provided.

(4) A local authority may, at any stage of building works, proprio motu or on the recommendation of the principal agent, issue a stop order where it is necessary to do so for public safety or where the building works are not be- ing carried out according to approved plans and drawings.

21. Mandatory guarantees

(1) Every builder shall subscribe, in relation to such building as may be prescribed, a property damage insurance policy in favour of a developer or an eventual buyer to guarantee for a period of one year, the payment of com- pensation for any property damages due to execution faults or defects which affect the finish works or elements, failing which the developer shall with- hold 5 per cent of the contractual price of the building works.

(2) Every developer shall subscribe, in relation to such building as may be prescribed—

(a) a property damage insurance policy in favour of eventual or sub- sequent buyers or lessees to guarantee, for a period of 2 years, the payment of compensation for any property damage resulting from faults or defects in non-structural elements or services resulting in the non-compliance with the requirements under sec- tion 3 (c);

(b) a property damage insurance policy in favour of eventual or sub- sequent buyers or lessees to guarantee, for a period of 10 years, the payment of compensation for any property damage caused to a building by faults or defects originating in or affecting the structural elements including the foundation, supports, beams, framework, load-bearing walls, or other structural elements and which could directly jeopardise the building’s structural sound- ness and stability; and

(c) a property damage insurance policy in favour of eventual or sub- sequent buyers or lessees to guarantee the payment of compen- sation for any property damage caused during a cyclonic season.

PART V – DANGEROUS BUILDINGS

22. Dangerous building to be surveyed

(1) Where it is made known to, or considered by, a local authority, the supervising officer or the Commissioner of Police, that any building, including any structure or wall, constitutes a danger to passers-by, occupiers, or

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neighbouring buildings, the local authority shall, on receiving the report or information, or on an application from the supervising officer or Commis- sioner of Police, appoint an engineer to survey the building.

(2) The engineer appointed under subsection (1) shall, after surveying the building or wall, submit a report to the local authority.

(3) Where a report submitted under subsection (2) is to the effect that the building or wall is in a dangerous state, the local authority shall cause a notice to be served on its owner or occupier, ordering that, within such time as may be specified in the notice—

(a) the building or wall be shored up or otherwise secured, and proper hoardings or fence be put up for the protection of pass- ers-by;

(b) the building or wall be forthwith taken down or repaired; or

(c) the building be vacated.

(4) Where an owner, or occupier, on whom a notice has been served un- der this section fails to comply with the notice, the local authority shall take down, secure or repair the building to the satisfaction of the engineer who issued the report under subsection (2).

(5) Any person who fails to comply with a notice served under subsec- tion (3) shall commit an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding 200,000 rupees and to imprisonment for a term not exceed- ing 4 years.

23. Occupier to recover expenses from owner

(1) Subject to subsection (3), where an occupier who is not liable for the costs of any repairs has, following a notice served under section 22, com- plied with the order in default of the owner, he shall, where he has given previous notice to the owner, recover from the owner the cost of the repairs and collateral expenses.

(2) A notice under section 22 shall constitute evidence before any Court that the building was in a dangerous state and that repairs were required.

(3) The cost and collateral expenses of the repairs to the dangerous building shall be claimed from the owner and may be recovered from the rent payable.

24. Sale of materials

(1) Where a building is pulled down pursuant to a notice served under section 22, the local authority may—

(a) sell, by public auction, the materials of the pulled down build- ing; and

(b) apply the proceeds of the sale in payment of the expenses incurred in respect of the building.

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(2) The local authority shall, on demand, give any surplus arising from the sale to the owner of the building.

(3) The owner shall remain liable for the payment of the expenses that may remain due after the application of the proceeds of the sale.

25. Ruinous buildings

(1) Where any building—

(a) has become waste and ruinous;

(b) has become the receptacle for filth and other nuisances;

(c) has become unsafe and unfit for use and occupation;

(d) cannot be rebuilt or disposed of without the consent of the owner; or

(e) is allowed to remain in a waste and ruinous or unsafe state in consequence of the owner being unable, unwilling or delaying to agree as to the sale or rebuilding of the building,

the local authority may, after issuing a notice to the owner to make the nec- essary repairs and where the order is not complied with, and after the expiry of the delay specified in the notice, apply to a Judge in Chambers for an or- der for the sale of the building.

(2) The Judge shall issue an order calling all interested parties to appear before him, and if the parties have not, within a period not exceeding one month to be fixed by the Judge, agreed to sell or repair the building, the Judge shall authorise the local authority to prosecute the sale before the Master and Registrar of the Supreme Court.

(3) (a) The sale shall be carried on at the suit of the local authority, in the same manner and form as for the sale of any small immovable property belonging to a bankrupt and sold by public auction before the Master and Registrar.

(b) One of the conditions of the sale shall be that the purchaser shall—

(i) pull down, rebuild or repair the building; or

(ii) make it fit for use and occupation,

to the satisfaction of the local authority, and within the time fixed in the said conditions.

26. Fees to survey dangerous buildings

There shall be paid such fees as may be prescribed in respect of the ser- vices of an engineer employed to survey a building deemed dangerous, and such fees shall accrue to the local authority and shall be chargeable to the owner or occupier of the building.

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PART VI – HAZARDOUS BUILDINGS

27. Restriction on hazardous buildings

Any building used to accommodate a forge, a furnace or an oven, or used for storing, processing or handling of any materials that—

(a) produce explosive dust or that result in the disintegration of mat- ter into fine particles;

(b) are subject to spontaneous ignition;

(c) can be solids or substances that ignite or produce flammable gases on contact with water; or

(d) constitute a high fire hazard or any other health hazard in view of its form, character or volume,

shall be a hazardous building.

28. Permit for hazardous building

(1) No hazardous building shall be built, erected or established in any part of Mauritius—

(a) except where a permit has been issued by the local authority; and

(b) under such conditions as the local authority may consider appro- priate, including the prevention of fire, protection of the envi- ronment or public health, public convenience, or for the protec- tion of the health, or for the safety, of any worker employed in or about such hazardous building.

(2) A local authority may cause a hazardous building to be pulled down or removed as the local authority may think fit, at the expense of the offender.

29. Exception in special cases

Notwithstanding section 28, a local authority may authorise, in special cases, a hazardous building to be built, erected or established in such prohib- ited part of Mauritius as may be prescribed.

30. Chimneys

(1) Where exhaust fumes are being produced from an industrial building or where a forge, fireplace, oven or furnace is established in the industrial building, the local authority may issue a notice requiring the owner of the industrial building to erect in connection with the building, and within the time specified in the notice, a proper chimney to be designed in such manner as may be prescribed.

(2) Where the owner of an industrial building fails to comply with a no- tice under subsection (1), the local authority may, at the expiration of the time specified in the notice, order the use of the industrial building to be dis- continued.

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(3) Where the owner of a building fails to comply with an order made under subsection (2), that owner shall commit an offence.

31. Petroleum, electric or internal combustion engine

(1) No petroleum, electric or internal combustion engine shall be used in a building without a special authorisation from the local authority.

(2) Sections 28 and 30 shall apply to every authorisation issued under this section.

PART VII – MISCELLANEOUS

32. Service of orders or notices

(1) Where, under this Act, any order or notice is required to be served on the owner or occupier of any premises or on any other party under this Act, such order or notice, addressed to the owner, occupier or party, shall be signed by the Chief Executive, and shall be served by an officer of the local authority personally on, or sent by registered post to, the owner or occupier.

(2) Every order or notice referred to in subsection (1) shall—

(a) specify the section of this Act under which the order or notice is given;

(b) clearly and explicitly specify— (i) the work to be executed; (ii) the building or part thereof to be secured, repaired, pulled

down or removed; or (iii) the infringement of this Act to be discontinued;

(c) contain an injunction to the person to whom the order or notice is addressed, to execute the work and shall specify the building or part thereof to be secured, repaired, pulled down or removed, or the infringement of this Act to be discontinued; and

(d) fix a reasonable time within which the works are to be executed, specifying the building or part thereof to be secured, repaired, pulled down or removed, or the infringement of this Act to be discontinued.

33. Offences

(1) Any person who contravenes this Act shall commit an offence.

(2) Any person who commits an offence under this Act, for which no specific penalty is provided, shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding 100,000 rupees and to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.

(3) The Court may, in addition to any penalty, order the pulling down or removal of any building at the expense of the offender where the offender

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has not complied, within such reasonable period fixed by a local authority, with the notice served upon him to pull down any building erected or made in contravention of this Act.

34. Regulations

(1) The Minister may, for the purposes of this Act, make such regulations as he thinks fit.

(2) Any regulations made under subsection (1) shall be made on the advice of the Council.

(3) Any regulations made under subsection (1) may provide— (a) for the form, time, manner and mode of giving notices and

orders under this Act; (b) for minimum building standards; (c) for minimum energy efficiency requirements for buildings; (d) for anything that is required to be prescribed; (e) that any person who contravenes them shall commit an offence

and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding 50,000 rupees and to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months.

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