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Changing the Use of Your Property

Changing the use of your property (e.g. from a shop to a commercial school) may require planning permission. Find out if you need to obtain planning permission before committing to a tenancy or starting the renovation works on the premises.

Allowable Uses of Shophouses

Allowable Uses in Shophouses & Selected Commercial and Industrial Properties (URA SPACE)

You can find out the allowable and the last approved uses for all shophouses & selected commercial and industrial properties in Singapore. It is based on planning guidelines and records at the date of enquiry.

Considerations for Property Use

Depending on your business use and the type of property you have in mind, you may need to apply for planning permission. For example, you want to set up a restaurant in a particular commercial building. Use this list to find out if you need to apply for planning permission.

There are certain designated areas and locations where the planning intention is to introduce activity generating uses (AGU). This is to activate and enliven streets by contributing to its vibrancy, and attracting visitorship to precincts. Learn more about AGU requirements from the Urban Design Requirements tab in the respective DC Handbook or your development type. Check URA SPACE to find out whether your property is within an AGU area.

Select your business use below to find out where your business can be allowed.

Skyline of CBD Singapore

Why do you need to apply for planning permission to change the use of a premises?

Changing an approved use of a premises to another use may cause amenity problems to neighbouring premises in the area. A planning application for change of use would allow URA to assess if the intended new use is compatible and acceptable.

We work with other licensing agencies such as the Land Transport Authority (LTA), Singapore Police Force (SPF), and National Environment Agency (NEA) to ensure that the proposal can meet their requirements in addition to planning and land use considerations.

After a change of use approval is obtained, you are required to apply for the necessary permits and licences separately from the relevant government agencies through GoBusiness Singapore.

Application for Change of Use

A change of use application is subject to contextual evaluation and may be approved or disapproved. You are advised not to commit on tenancy or renovation works before a receiving a decision from URA.

Who can submit?

A change of use application can be submitted by the business owner, landlord, consultant or a Qualified Person (QP) via GoBusiness Singapore.

How much does it cost?

The processing fees for a change of use application is $500.

Can processing fees be refunded?

Processing fees are collected to account for the efforts done to process the case and are non-refundable.

How long is the processing time?

It generally takes 10 working days to assess your application. More time may be required if the submission is incomplete and if we need to consult other agencies for your application.

What supporting documents do I need to submit?

  • Location Plan (PDF, 324 KB) – For multi-unit developments (e.g. shopping centre, flatted factory), please attach a location plan indicating where your unit is located within the development
  • Floor Plan (PDF, 239 KB) – A floor plan showing the proposed layout and usage of the premises
  • Owner’s consent – Please obtain the property/unit owners' letter of consent for the proposed change of use. If the premises are leased from the Singapore Land Authority, Housing Development Board or Jurong Town Corporation, please provide their letter of consent as land owner
  • Other supporting documents (if applicable) – These include a cover letter and clearances from other Government agencies (e.g. SCDF, LTA, NEA, PUB) relevant to your proposed use

How to apply for change of use?

To apply for Change of Use, submit a change of use application via GoBusiness Singapore. GoBusiness Singapore is a one-stop business licensing portal that allows businesses to apply for various licences they need to set up a business.

Download this step-by-step guide (PDF, 3.80 MB) on submitting a Change of Use application.

 

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