We recently revamped our online map portal, URA SPACE, to help building professionals, operators, and the general public in their decision making. The new and enhanced features make information more easily accessible and online transactions effortless, allowing you to save time and money. Here are some features that we think are particularly useful to QPs:

1. Approved and Allowable uses for Shophouses
   
   
   
    
   Business operators sometimes engage QPs to advise them on whether they can operate in a certain shophouse unit. URA SPACE can tell you whether the proposed use is likely to be allowed within the particular shophouse unit, the conditions for approval, and whether planning permission is required.
   
   Select "Property Use and Approval" from the left menu, then "Allowable Use for Shophouses". Select the shophouse site, then select "Allowable Uses" from the right menu. In the pop-up, select the desired use on the left dropdown, and the storey that the unit is located on. Scroll down in the pop-up to see the uses allowed or not. You can also select "Approved & Disapproved Uses" on the right menu to see the currently approved use, and the list of uses that were previously disapproved.
   
   Previously, a search fee of $53.50 applied to such enquiries, and it took up to seven working days to receive the information. This new function provides the information instantaneously and at no charge, better enabling QPs to advise clients on whether to buy or rent shophouse premises for the clients' intended use.

2. Planning decisions and downloadable notices for each site
   
   
   
   
   
   All approvals, such as Written Permissions, that have been issued since the year 2000 are available for the public to download on URA SPACE. These documents contain information such as approved GFA, approved use, and planning conditions, which can be useful to a QP’s project research.
   
   Select “Property Use and Approval” from the left menu, then “Planning Decisions”. Select your site by clicking on the map, or by entering the address or lot number into the bar above the map. Select the decision you want from the right menu and click on “Request for Decision Notice” to view or download it immediately.

3. Urban Design plans, guidelines, and circulars relevant to Central Area planning areas
   
   
   
   
   
   To create a more distinctive cityscape, developments within the Central Area have to adopt Urban Design Guidelines unique to the character of the precinct. On URA SPACE, all the urban design plans, guidelines, and circulars concerning developments within a planning area are listed out with a single click.
   
   Select "Urban Design Guidelines" from the left menu and select the planning area from the right menu.

4. Conservation status and guidelines of properties
   
   
   
   If your development is conserved or preserved, it will be subject to specific guidelines and submission procedures. URA SPACE consolidates this information for easy reference.
   
   Select "Conservation Areas and Buildings" from the left menu. From the right menu, select the information layers you wish to see – "Conserved Area", "Conserved Building", "Envelope Control Site", and/or "National Monument". If your site falls within these boundaries, click on it in the map and select "Guidelines & Procedures" to find out the applicable conservation, signage, and other requirements.

5. Development Charge rates and comparison of rates over time
   
   
   
   
   
   Development Charge Rates are revised every six months. URA SPACE allows you to determine the DC Rates for your site, and compare the current rate against previous rates in tabular and graphical form.
   
   Select "Property Use and Approval" from the left menu, then "Development Charge Rates". Select your site from the map, and the current DC Rates appear on the right menu. Tip: Click on the "Use Group" (e.g. "C') to see an explanatory pop-up (e.g. "Hospital, hotel room and hotel-related uses").

6. Contact details of Development Control officers-in-charge
   
   
   
   You can find out the relevant URA Development Control officer to contact about your development application on URA SPACE.
   
   Select "Property Use and Approval" from the left menu, then "Officers-In-Charge". On the right menu, click on the blue arrow pointing to the right, to scroll through the different types of development applications and the relevant Officers-In-Charge. Different officers may be responsible for specific proposals involving the Change of Use of premises, works to single unit of landed housing, Business 1/2 (industrial) developments and other developments.

URA SPACE is also accessible on smartphones and tablets. Check it out for yourself, and let us know how we can improve further.

Note: All DC.Connect articles are only for general information. We strongly advise readers to read the relevant circulars we issue to professional institutes for full and accurate information on development control matters as these will continue to take precedence.