Changing the Use of Your Premises

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.

Change of Use Approval may be required whether you:

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.

Use the Change of Use e-Advisor to find out whether your proposed use is likely to be allowed and whether you need to apply for planning permission.

Use Classes
There are 17 Use Classes, which are broad groups of similar building uses. Any use that does not fall under this list is an “unclassified use”.

When Change of Use Approval Is/Is Not Required
You may need to apply if you change from one Use Class to another, or if your proposed use does not fall into any of the existing Use Classes. If your premise and its proposed use falls under the Change of Use Lodgment Scheme, you can be granted instant approval by lodging the details of proposed use with us.

Change of Use Guidelines
Guidelines on permissible uses by property type and locations where various proposed businesses may be allowed.

How to Apply: Changing the Use of Your Premises
Step-by-step guide on applying for Change of Use Approval.

How to Apply: Renewing Temporary Written Permission to Continue the Approved Use
Apply to renew your temporary permission to continue the approved use.

How a Change of Use Application Is Assessed
In general, the proposed use is assessed against the 2008 Master Plan zoning of the site and prevailing planning policies. It should also not cause any inconvenience or disturbance to the community in the area.