1. URA has revised the Change of Use Lodgment Scheme to allow more shophouses and uses to qualify for the scheme.
   
   

   Existing Change of Use Lodgment Scheme

2. Currently, selected uses within the 1^st storey of a list of pre-identified shophouses can be granted instant approval upon a lodgment application under the existing Change of Use Lodgment Scheme.
   
   

   Revised Scheme to allow lodgment for more shophouses and uses

3. Beyond the list of pre-identified shophouses, the Change of Use Lodgment Scheme will be extended to 1^st storey premises approved for commercial use within all shophouses on sites zoned Commercial, Commercial & Residential or White in the Master Plan. URA has also included more uses that could qualify for lodgment.
   
   
4. The revision is part of continual efforts to improve the planning application process, and to facilitate more efficient change of use for business operators. URA expects the revised scheme to benefit more business owners and operators within shophouses. See Appendix 1 for the detailed set of criteria under the revised scheme. Business owners and operators can also visit “Allowable Use for Shophouses” tab on URA SPACE to find out if their change of use proposal is eligible for lodgment and make an instant lodgment application.
   
   
5. I would appreciate it if you could convey the contents of this circular to the relevant members of your organisation. You are advised to refer to the Development Control Handbooks for the most updated guidelines and procedures instead of referring to past circulars.
   
   
6. For other information on the master plan, urban design guidelines, private property use and approval, car park locations and availability, private residential property transactions, and conservation areas and buildings, use URA SPACE (Service Portal and Community e-Services). This is an online portal packed with useful data and visualisation to help building professionals, business operators and the general public in their decision-making. It consolidates detailed information on land use and private property into a one-stop platform presented on geospatial maps. For feedback or enquiries, please email us.

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