Section 32
Application for change of use of premises
(1)
Any person who changes the use of a premises shall, if such change of use would cause the existing fire safety measures to become inadequate, prior to carrying out the change, apply to the Director for approval to change the use of the premises.
(2)
All applications for permission to change the use of the premises shall be made to the Director in such form as the Director may determine and in the manner prescribed in any regulations made under this Act.
(3)
The Director may, on application in the prescribed manner, in relation to any premises or part thereof —
(a)
grant permission for the change of use, subject to such conditions as he may impose; or
(b)
in writing direct the applicant to comply, within such period as may be specified in the direction, with such requirements as the
Director may specify for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the provisions of this Act and such written directions may also —
(i)
require the applicant to provide additional fire safety measures in relation to the building; or
(ii)
provide that the work or alteration shall be completed before the expiration of a specified period.
(4)
If the person to whom any written direction under subsection (3)(b) fails to comply with the requirements specified in the direction within the time specified therein, the application is deemed to be withdrawn.
(5)
Any person who fails to comply with this section or with any condition imposed by the Director under subsection (3)(a) is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $1,000 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.
(6)
Nothing in this section shall be taken in any way to derogate from the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Development Control)
Act (Chapter 143) and any relevant rules made thereunder relating to change of use of premises.
Fire Safety
B.L.R.O. 8/2022 39