Some personal thought of a watchout list on RLA SCC to share: 1.0 Matching Statutory Submissions 1.1 Matching GBP - In theory, a SCC is to self-certify what has been implemented onsite against an approved LMP and/or an approved tree removal application with compensatory proposal. But a RLA should also check these approved landscape/ tree submission against the approved GBP. Discrepancies may hinder SCC. 1.2 Matching approval by Water Authority – Water supply and usage in Hong Kong is strictly controlled by Water Authority under relevant Ordinance(s). An irrigation water point installed onsite should be considered incomplete if it lacks legal water supply for irrigation purposes. The RLA may consider checking, for example, the project’s WWO Form 46 completed by Licensed Plumber, Authorized Person, Registered Consumer and the Water Authority, before his or her SCC. 2.0 Completion of Landscape Hardworks 2.1 SCC under JPN3 - If a SCC is carried out for compliance under JPN3, all landscape hardworks within the extent of the SCC should be practically completed before a RLA sending out the SCC. It is the responsibility of the RLA to ensure all landscape hardworks are genuinely completed, safe and operational. 2.2 SCC under LandsD LAO 7/2007 only - If a SCC is carried out for compliance under LandsD LAO PN 7/2007 only, the landscape hardworks should be completed at least to an extent in which any completed planting will be not adversely affected by any subsequent site work. 3.0 Proposed New Planting 3.1 Additional planting – It is common for a development in to realize more planting opportunity during implementation. A RLA should exercise professional judgement suitably in accepting more planting during his/ her SCC. For example, an additional tree may be allowed if it has been planted on sufficient soil (min. 1.2m excluding drainage layer) at sufficient spacing. However, additional trees may affect certain low-floor zone property buyers who have made their decision based on sales brochures and models. The RLA should inform his or her client of his or her limitation in acknowledging other potential effects outside the scope of a landscape architect. 3.2 Tree structure and health – A tree may look healthy from outside; the tree structure may often be hidden by a dense crown. A RLA should examine from an arboricultural perspective all trees during his/ her SCC. 4.0 Other works 4.1 Opening up for Inspection – A RLA who carried out SCC does not necessarily involve in the construction phase of a project. If a RLA is commissioned to carry out a SCC only when a project is completed or nearly completed, he or she should check all architect’s or engineer’s drawings, and verify onsite as far as possible. In case of reasonable doubt, the RLA should request his or her client to arrange a contractor to open up selected locations for inspection. It is advisable that the RLA inform his or her client of such possible arrangement before accepting the commissioning. 4.2 Landscape Lighting - Landscape lighting is not a requirement under JPN3, but it often involves underground conduits underneath landscape paving and planting. Underground electric ducts and drawpits are common installation to minimize disturbance aboveground. For armoured electric cables directly buried in the soil of planting areas, a RLA should make sure such installation is completed before the SCC. 4.3 Outdoor Play Area/ Fitness Station – Most play/ fitness equipment and impact absorbing floor matting are manufacturers’ products subject to respective international standards. These standards may involve product design, manufacturing quality control, and installation quality compliance. The RLA should secure and keep records of relevant catalogues, design drawings and standard compliance certificates from both manufacturers and installation contractors. There should be separate certificates for products and for the installation, as manufacturers (usually aboard) and the installation contractors are often of different companies. In case of a manufacturer from a country in which English is not the first language (such as Korean), the RLA should request his or her client to obtain a proper English translation from the manufacturer for examination.
Posted on: Thu, 09 Oct 2014 05:38:18 +0000
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