Change of Use Approval

Apply for Change of Use Approval

Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)

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Application Details

If you want to change the use of a property (e.g. from a shop to a restaurant, or from a restaurant to a pub), you may need to apply for planning permission for Change of Use from URA. Please note that Land Betterment Charge (LBC) may be collected by SLA for the change of use. For more information on LBC, please visit SLA’s website.

• For SLA’s properties tenanted out for interim uses or HDB's commercial properties, you are required to seek consent from SLA and HDB, respectively. Application to URA is not required if the proposal falls under one of the allowable uses. For more information, please refer to Circular No : URA/PB/2015/05-DCG for SLA properties and Circular No : URA/PB/2011/05-DCG for HDB commercial premises.
• However, if your proposal is on vacant land or involves new structures or additions/alteration works to existing buildings, you will need to apply for planning permission for New Erection or Addition/Alteration from URA by submitting a Development Application (DA) via CORENET. The proposed change of use of the land/building can be incorporated in the DA. For more information please visit https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Guidelines/Development-Control/Planning-Permission/using-CORENET-eSS

Before signing a tenancy or purchase agreement of the property, you should check if your intended use for that property can be allowed, and obtain Change of Use Approval if it is required.

In addition to URA’s change of use approval, you are advised to ensure clearances/licences (if applicable) are obtained from the relevant authorities before starting the use at the premises:

1. SCDF
• The premises is to be in compliant with SCDF’s fire safety requirements.
• There must be a valid Temporary Fire Permit (TFP)/Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) for the new usage at the premises following the Change of Use approval.
• Plan submission to SCDF is required if:
  • the premises does not have a valid TFP/FSC for the new usage; or
  • fire safety works are to be carried out.
  (Note: Any unauthorised fire safety works may result in fines up to $200,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 2 years.)
• For more information , please visit the SCDF website at https://www.scdf.gov.sg/fire-safety-services-listing/plans-submission-process/plan-approval. If you need any clarification on fire safety requirements for the use of your premises, please consult SCDF using this link https://form.gov.sg/673be1c886e90e3123cefa94.
2. Other licensing agencies
• If the use is subject to other licensing controls (e.g. Foodshop Licence from SFA, Liquor Licence from SPF etc), please obtain the necessary licences and permits from the relevant licensing authorities. You can find out more about the licences/permits that you may require via https://www.gobusiness.gov.sg/licences/find-licence-by-sector/

FAQ

1. Where can I find out more about Change of Use for my property?
   You may refer to Change Use of Property for Business.
2. I am wondering if my proposal qualifies under the Change of Use Lodgment scheme, where I can lodge my application for instant approval at a reduced cost compared to a Change of UseApplication. Where can I find out more about Change of Use Lodgment?
   You may refer to Change of Use Lodgment.