DEFINITIONS OF USE IN THE BUILDING USE TABLE

"Residential" means premises used or intended to be used wholly or principally for human habitation for a single family.

Residential properties like apartments, flats, condominium units and landed houses are approved for residential purpose in accordance with the residential zone in the Master Plan. These residential properties or their individual rooms within the premises should not be rented out on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Such short-term occupancy, with transient occupiers, creates disturbances and inconveniences to other bona fide residents in the development. Premises that are approved for residential use are for longer term stays of 6 months or more.

The leasing of residential properties (whole unit) or subletting of rooms for residential purpose should be for long term stays of 6 months or more by the same occupiers and the following requirements should be observed:

Refrain from constructing internal partitioning works to alter the layout of the residential premises to create more rooms as this will cause over-crowding and pose safety concerns. The original unit should still be used as a single dwelling unit even though it might be shared by a few tenants.
In the case of master tenancies or en-bloc leasing-out situations [e.g. where a single agent leases out several units in a development], there shall be only one single tenancy agreement per residential unit to cover the requisite number of occupants for the unit. This is to retain the residential character of the development. Separate leasing of independent rooms within a single residential unit on an en-bloc basis will constitute a material change in the use of the residential premises to a hostel or dormitory and is not allowed. However, this requirement of a single tenancy agreement per residential apartment unit does not apply to situations where a single property / individual flat owner leases out rooms within his unit to different tenants under separate tenancy agreements.
To prevent overcrowding and disamenity to the neighbouring residents, the maximum allowable occupancy of a residential unit (inclusive of the owner if he is living within the premises) shall be based on 10 sqm per occupant subject to a maximum cap of 8 occupants. This occupancy guideline does not apply if the entire unit is occupied by a family with no subletting involved.

S/NO	USE	DEFINITION	EXAMPLES
1	Residential	"Residential" means premises used or intended to be used wholly or principally for human habitation for a single family. Residential properties like apartments, flats, condominium units and landed houses are approved for residential purpose in accordance with the residential zone in the Master Plan. These residential properties or their individual rooms within the premises should not be rented out on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Such short-term occupancy, with transient occupiers, creates disturbances and inconveniences to other bona fide residents in the development. Premises that are approved for residential use are for longer term stays of 6 months or more. The leasing of residential properties (whole unit) or subletting of rooms for residential purpose should be for long term stays of 6 months or more by the same occupiers and the following requirements should be observed: Refrain from constructing internal partitioning works to alter the layout of the residential premises to create more rooms as this will cause over-crowding and pose safety concerns. The original unit should still be used as a single dwelling unit even though it might be shared by a few tenants. In the case of master tenancies or en-bloc leasing-out situations [e.g. where a single agent leases out several units in a development], there shall be only one single tenancy agreement per residential unit to cover the requisite number of occupants for the unit. This is to retain the residential character of the development. Separate leasing of independent rooms within a single residential unit on an en-bloc basis will constitute a material change in the use of the residential premises to a hostel or dormitory and is not allowed. However, this requirement of a single tenancy agreement per residential apartment unit does not apply to situations where a single property / individual flat owner leases out rooms within his unit to different tenants under separate tenancy agreements. To prevent overcrowding and disamenity to the neighbouring residents, the maximum allowable occupancy of a residential unit (inclusive of the owner if he is living within the premises) shall be based on 10 sqm per occupant subject to a maximum cap of 8 occupants. This occupancy guideline does not apply if the entire unit is occupied by a family with no subletting involved.	Condominium flat, Flat, Detached house, Semi-detached house, Terrace house, Townhouse, Cluster housing and Strata landed house. (Change of housing form requires planning permission)
2	Shop	"shop" — (a) means a building used for the carrying on of any trade or business where the primary purpose is the sale of goods or foodstuff by retail or the provision of services; and (b) includes a building used as a furniture shop, department store, pawnshop, dispensary, medical clinic, dental clinic, beauty salon, ticket agency, travel agency, confectionery or take-away foodshop, but does not include — (i) a building used for the carrying on of any trade or business where the primary purpose is the preparation of food for sale by distribution or catering and the food is for consumption away from the premises; (ii) a building used for the primary purpose of storage or wholesale of goods or foodstuff; (iii) a building used for the sale of coffins, sale of motor vehicles parts and accessories or repair and servicing of motor vehicles; (iv) a building used as a petrol station, laundry shop, dry cleaner’s shop, funfair, market, nightclub, bar, pet shop, showroom, motor vehicle showroom, amusement centre, health centre, betting outlet or an office; or (v) any part of an industrial retail building or a warehouse retail building used for business zone retail;”; and “take-away foodshop” – means a building used for the carrying on of trade or business where the primary purpose is the sale by retail of food or drinks for consumption away from the premises only and without any provision for consumption of food or drinks within the premises, and may include ancillary food preparation area”.	Retail shops: Departmental store, Supermarket, Provision shop, Minimart, Fashion boutiques, Florist, Gift shop, Electrical appliances / equipment, Computers & Accessories, Chinese medical hall, Furniture shop, Home Furnishings & Textile shop, Stationery, Aquarium, Shops selling takeaway food and drinks/beverages with no consumption on the premises. Services: Barber Shop, Beauty Salon, Hairdressing Salon, Photo Studio, Tailor Shop, Foot Reflexology, Chinese Physician/ Acupuncturist, Medical Clinic, Dental Clinic, Receiving Agency, Launderette (collection of goods to be washed/ cleaned elsewhere), Money Changer and Travel/Ticket Agency. *Take-away foodshops: Shops selling curry puffs, rice dumpling, pastries, buns, bubble tea and ice-cream, barbeque meat etc. purely for takeaway and without tables and chairs for dining at the premises. Light and simple ancillary food preparation such as baking, microwaving and steaming of food may be allowed in a take-away foodshop. The operator has to comply with NEA’s licensing conditions and ensure that the activities do not cause fumes, smell or other nuisances.
3	Offices, commercial schools	"office" — (a) means a building used as a place of business and for conducting administrative work; and (b) includes a bank, but does not include a shop. "commercial school" — (a) means a building used for the purpose of teaching, training or imparting of knowledge or skill; and (b) includes a tuition centre, language school, computer school, art school, music school, dance school, acting school, speech and drama school, child development centre or play school but does not include a primary school, secondary school, junior college, vocational and technical institution, polytechnic or university.	Offices: Finance Office, Bank, Insurance Company, Stock Exchange, Real Estate Housing Agency, Contractors, Transport Office, Professional/ Consultant/ Architect/ Engineer/ Lawyer / Accountant, Advertising, Political Party Office, Employment Agency, Secretarial Services, Astrologers/ Palmists, Security Office, Research & Marketing office. Commercial School: Tuition Centre Language School Computer School Dressmaking School Baking and Cooking School Music/ Dancing School Child Development School Children Playgroup Art School
4	Restaurant	"restaurant" — (a) means a building used for the carrying on of any trade or business where the primary purpose is the sale of foodstuff for consumption on the premises without performance of live music or live entertainment; and (b) includes a coffee shop, eating house, snack bar, cafeteria or foodcourt, but does not include a canteen, bar or pub. (Refer to circular to Professional Bodies URA/PB/2004/28 dated 6 Sep 2004)	Fast-food Restaurant, Foodcourt, Coffee Shop, Eating-House, Snack- bar, Teahouse, Cafeteria.
5	Showroom	"Showroom" means a building used for the display of goods with no retail sales but does not include a shop or motor vehicle showroom. (Refer to circular to Professional Bodies URA/PB/2003/24 dated 7 Jul 2003)	Computers, Electrical/ Electronic Appliances, Building Materials, Art Pieces/Paintings, Photocopiers/ Printing Equipment, Musical Instruments, Sports Equipment
6	Health Centre, Amusement Centre	"health centre" — (a) means a building used for physical exercise and fitness activities; and (b) includes a building used as a fitness centre, gymnasium, massage establishment and spa; "amusement centre" — (a) means a building where jackpot machines, pin-ball machines, video game machines or any other similar game machines are provided for entertainment; and (b) includes a video games arcade, computer gaming centre, billiard saloon or bowling alley.	-
7	Nightclubs	"nightclub" — (a) means a building used for the carrying on of any trade or business where the primary purpose is the sale of alcoholic drinks (with or without sale of foodstuff) for consumption on the premises with singing, dancing or performance of live music or live entertainment; and (b) includes a building used as a karaoke lounge or discotheque.	-
8	Bar/Pub	" bar" or "pub" means a building used for the carrying on of any trade or business where the primary purpose is the sale of alcoholic drinks for consumption on the premises without dancing, singing or performance of live music or live entertainment.	-
9	Confectionery	"confectionery" means a building, with ancillary baking and preparation area, where the primary purpose is the sale of cakes, pastries, bread and sweets by retail for consumption away from the premises;	-
10	Betting Outlet	"betting outlet" means a building used for the sale of gaming or gambling bets.	-
11	Pet Shop	"pet shop" means a building used for the sale of live animals or birds normally kept as domestic pets and includes a veterinary clinic or for domestic pet grooming service, but does not include a building or aquarium used for the sale of ornamental fish.	-
12	Motor Vehicle Showroom	"motor vehicle showroom" — (a) means a building used for the display and sale of new or used motor vehicles; and (b) includes a building used as a car mart, car-trading office, motor vehicle rental office or motor vehicle trading office.	-
13	Cinema	"cinema" means any building used mainly for the screening of cinematograph films.	Cinema, Cineplex and Multiplex.
14	Theatre	"theatre" means a building where live theatrical performances, including plays, operas and music are performed but does not include a building used as a nightclub or cinema.	Theatre, Music Hall, Concert Hall
15	Serviced Apartment	"Serviced Apartment" means residential premises comprising non-strata subdivided, self-contained apartments with provision for kitchenette/ kitchen that are rented out for lodging purpose for a minimum of 7-day basis. It excludes hotels, boarding houses, guest houses, workers’ dormitory and students’ hostels.	-
16	Students’ Hostel	"Students’ Hostel" means premises used for providing board and lodging of more than 3 students per bedroom or more than 15 students in a residential premises for students who are not related by blood, adoption, marriage or legal guardianship and are studying in the local primary schools, secondary schools, junior colleges and tertiary institutions. (Refer to circular to Professional Bodies URA/PB/2005/24-DCD dated 5 Sep 2005)	-
17	Boarding/ Guest House	"Boarding house / Guest House" means premises used for providing board and lodging or lodging only and is run as a business undertaking for the purpose of gain or profit, but without provision for a bar and restaurant.	-
18	Hotel	"Hotel" means premises used for providing board and lodging or lodging only and is run as a business undertaking for the purpose of gain or profit, with provision for a bar and restaurant.	-
19	Research and Development	This use group refers to uses involved in the scientific search for new and improved products and manufacturing process. (Refer to the circular to Professional Bodies URA/PB/00/18 dated 23 Jun 2000)	R&D in information/computer technology R&D in live sciences
20/21	Data Processing/ Computer Centre/ Software Development	This use group includes data processing and any related computer works such as software or computer product development, system integration, systems design. (Refer to the circular to Professional Bodies URA/PB/00/18 dated 23 Jun 2000)	Uses which are permitted within the 60% predominant quantum in Science Parks and Business Parks developments.
22	Food Catering Service	"Food Catering Service" refers to uses involved in the preparation or cooking or distribution of food or beverages for consumption or retail elsewhere.	Food processing, Food manufacturing, Food catering for functions, birthdays, daily meals etc. Distribution centre for food stuff, drinks and beverages.
23	Light Industrial	"light industrial building" — (a) means an industrial building in which the processes carried on or the machinery installed are such as can be installed in any residential area without detriment to the amenity of the area by reason of noise, vibration, smell, fumes, smoke, soot, ash, dust or grit; and (b) includes a building used for any industrial use which is classified as "light industry" by the Director of Environmental Pollution Control;	Manufacture of made-up textile goods (except wearing apparel) without dyeing, bleaching and/ or other finishing operations). Servicing and refilling of fire extinguishers. Packing and bottling of medicinal herbs and medicated oil. Manufacture of aluminium window frames and grilles from Aluminium extrusions without spray-painting operations. Packing of dried foodstuff. Manufacture of containers and boxes of paperboard. Printing, publishing and allied industries. (Refer to PCD’s Code of Practice for more details)
24	General Industrial	"general industrial building" — (a) means an industrial building other than a light industrial building or special industrial building; and (b) includes a building used for any industrial use which is classified as "general industry" by the Director of Environmental Pollution Control.	Vehicle / motorcycles repair and servicing Sales & installation of tyres & batteries Sale & installation of car accessories Food manufacturing, food catering Manufacture of furniture & fixtures. Manufacture of musical instruments. Manufacture of wooden & cane containers & small cane wares. Manufacture of emergency lighting and power supply system. Repair and maintenance of engines, motor and mechanical pumps. Industrial laundry services without scheduled boilers. Manufacture of sporting and athletic goods Blending of detergents and cleaning preparations, perfumes, hair-care products, cosmetics and other toilet preparations. (Refer to PCD’s Code of Practice for more details)
25	Special Industrial	"special industrial building" — (a) means an industrial building in which the processes carried on are dangerous or offensive; and (b) includes a building used for any industrial use which is classified as "special industry" by the Director of Environmental Pollution Control.	-
26	Warehouse	"warehouse" means a building (excluding any land occupied therewith) where storage is the principal use and where no business is transacted other than incidentally to such storage.	Storage of goods and finished products Storage of raw materials Central Distribution Centre Centralised LPG Store
27	Workers’ Dormitory	"Workers’ Dormitory " means premises used for lodging workers who are not related by blood, marriage, adoption or legal guardianship.	-
28	Hospital	"Hospital" means a building providing medical treatment, lodging and care for ill and injured people.	Singapore General Hospital, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National University Hospital, Changi Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital, Alexandra Hospital
29	Convalescent/ Nursing Home	"convalescent home or nursing home" means a building used or intended to be used for the reception and lodging of, and the provision of nursing for, persons suffering or convalescing from any sickness, injury or infirmity but does not include — (a) a building used solely for the reception, lodging and care of dying or terminally ill persons; or (b) a hospital.	Day care centres Nursing homes
30	Religious Building	"Religious Building" means use of a building for public worship, religious teaching, studies, seminars, and includes seminaries. (Refer to the circular to Professional Bodies URA/PB/00/04 dated 28 Jan 2000)	Buddhist temple, Chinese temple, Church, Hindu temple, Mosque, Sikh temple, religious association, religious centres monasteries, nunneries *Planning permission is required for change of use between PWs*
31	Child Care Centre, Students Care Centre, Kindergarten	"child care centre" means — (a) a building that is licensed as a child care centre under section 4 of the Child Care Centres Act (Cap.37A); (b) a building used as a centre at which 5 or more school-going children who are between the ages of 7 and 14 years are habitually received for the purposes of care and supervision before or after school hours; or (c) a kindergarten registered as a kindergarten under section 23 of the Education Act (Cap.87). (Refer to the circular to Professional Bodies URA/PB/2005/08-DCD dated 18 Mar 2005)	-
32	Home for the Aged	"home for the aged" or "home for the disabled" means a building used for the reception, lodging and care of old or disabled persons, as the case may be, but does not include — (a) a convalescent home or nursing home; or (b) a building used solely for the reception and care of dying or terminally ill persons.	-
33	Community Building	"community building" means — (a) a building used for community-based activities; and includes an office of an association or a society, a community centre, community club, family service centre or resident’s committee centre, but does not include a building used as a funeral parlour, welfare home, child care centre, a home for the aged or a home for the disabled.	Association e.g. Clan/ Dialect/ Mutual Aid/ Trades/ Professional/ Old Boys Community Club/ Centre Residents’ Committee Centre Senior Citizens’ Corner Study Corner Counseling centre Family service centre Youth centre Day activity centre
34	Sports & Recreation Use	"sports and recreation building" — means a building used for sports and recreational activities; and includes a building used as a sports club, sports complex, recreation club, clubhouse, fitness centre or gymnasium.	Sports & Recreation Club, Clubhouse, Fitness Centre, Gymnasium
35	Bus/MRT Depot/LRT	This use group includes Bus/MRT/LRT depot & interchange	-
36	Petrol Station	"Petrol Station" means land and building used for the retail of petroleum products and automotive accessories and includes greasing, tyre & motor servicing and car wash.	-
37	Vehicle Park	"Vehicle Park" means a site or building used for parking of motor vehicles.	Car Park, Lorry Park, Heavy Vehicle Park, Coach Park