Submission Process for Additions and Alterations (A&A) and Category 3 Works
The following outlines the types of works and submission processes for Additions and Alterations (A&A) and Category 3 works to conserved buildings.
Last updated 13 July 2026
Overview
You are required to get Conservation Permission if you are carrying out conservation works and additions & alterations (A&A) to a building within a conservation area. This process is independent of whether the works require a submission of plans to the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) for approval.
Types of Works
Category 1
Any works to conserved buildings require Conservation Permission prior to the start of works.
Category 1 works refer to proposals that affect the key elements of conserved buildings. They have a significant impact on the architectural character and spatial integrity of conserved buildings. The submission must be made by a Qualified Person (QP) who is a Registered Architect. The works include, but are not limited to:
Examples of Category 1 works
Roof | Restoration of roof profile, pitch or height Addition, removal or change in size or location of jack roof or skylight Addition or removal of reinforced concrete structures on existing flat roof |
Front & Side Facade | Restoration of architectural elements such as windows, doors and original decorative features |
Gable End Wall, Rear Facade & Rear Service Block | Restoration of architectural elements such as windows, doors and original decorative features Addition or removal of window or door |
Upper Storey Floor | Change of entire floor using similar or different material Addition or removal of:
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Others | Addition of new rear extension Structural strengthening work |
Category 2
Any works to conserved buildings require Conservation Permission prior to the start of works.
Category 2 works refer to proposals that affect the key elements of conserved buildings to a lesser extent. They have some impact on the architectural character and spatial integrity of conserved buildings. The submission must be made by a Qualified Person (QP) who can be a Registered Architect or a Professional Engineer. The works include, but are not limited to:
Examples of Category 2 works
Roof | Replacement of roof tiles Addition of pergola or shelter with non-load bearing cover on flat roof |
Airwell | Addition or removal of window, inclusive of transom above a window Addition of cover over airwell |
Rear Court | Restoration of architectural elements such as windows, doors and original decorative features Addition or removal of roof over rear court |
Party Wall | Addition or sealing of opening in party wall |
Staircase & Lift | Addition or removal of
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Category 3
All Category 3 works to conserved buildings require URA Conservation Permission prior to the start of works.
Category 3 works refer to works carried out on any conserved building that are minimal and localised and/or for the purpose of repair and maintenance. The submission does not need to be made by a Qualified Person, it can be made by owners and contractors. The works include but are not limited to the table below.
Proposals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine if they qualify as Category 3 works. Owners and contractors may be asked to resubmit their proposals under Category 1 or Category 2 where applicable. If unsure whether the proposed works require Conservation Permission, please consult URA before starting.
Examples of Category 3 works
Roof | One-for-one localised replacement and/or repair of roof tiles and rafters |
Jackroof | Change in design and infill material for jackroof opening |
Front, Side & Rear Facade, Gable End Wall & Rear Service Block | One-for-one replacement or repair of door or window, transoms and vents Localised repair of decorative features Addition, repositioning or change in material, design or size of vents Addition, replacement or removal of secondary door or window Addition or removal of security grilles Addition or removal of canopy above window Addition or removal of tiled canopy or retractable awning For commercial buildings with residential front control:
For buildings without residential front control:
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Five-Foot Way | Change of flooring material at five-foot way |
Upper Storey Floor | One-for-one localised replacement of timber floor boards and joists |
Party Wall | Sealing up of party wall opening |
Mechanical & Electrical Services | Addition, repositioning or change in material or design of flue Addition or repositioning of air-conditioning units and screening Addition of solar panels and/or solar heater on existing roof |
Building Colours | Painting of building facades Painting of mural |
Signage | Addition or repositioning of business signs |
Submission Process for Category 1 and 2 Works
Submit your application electronically through CORENET, you can expect a decision within 20 working days.
1. Consult
Your registered architect will consult the relevant technical departments before submitting plans for the proposed works.
2. Submit Plans to URA
Your registered architect should submit plans for Conservation Permission after receiving structural input from a professional engineer. The architect should also submit a detailed structural investigation report (including pictures of the building’s exteriors and interiors), method statement and protection plan, that is prepared and endorsed by the engineer.
Submission Requirements
The submission requirements for development control are applicable for conserved buildings.
For Conserved Buildings, please also include the following in your submission:
1 set of Measured Survey Drawings with registered Surveyor's endorsement
1 set of Structural Report from Professional Engineer
1 set of Calculation Plans
Photographs of the existing front, rear, side (if any), elevation and roof
3. Conservation Permission Issued
We will issue the Conservation Permission to you.
4. Submit Plans to BCA
Your architect should submit building plans to BCA and obtain Building Plan clearance from relevant technical departments. The architect should also obtain Building Plan approval from BCA. After which, you will receive from the BCA the permit to begin works.
5. Site Inspections
Interim site inspections may be carried out by URA when necessary.
6. TOP/CSC Clearance
You should inform us when the works are completed so that you can obtain TOP/CSC Clearance.
Please submit an application to request for TOP/CSC site inspection of the conserved buildings electronically through CORENET.
TOP/CSC Clearance can only be granted if the building works are completed according to the Approved Plans.
Submission Process for Category 3 Works
You will need to submit the following:
i) Letter of Owner's Authorisation
ii) Proposal for Repair and Maintenance works using either:
• Colour photo in “JPEG” format; or
• Floor plans/elevations drawn to scale.
The application is free-of-charge and will take about two weeks to process. If the proposal is in order, we will issue a Conservation Permission for the works.
After the works are carried out, you will need to submit photographs of the completed works to us using the Apply for Category 3 Works for Conserved Buildings e-Service. If the works are in order, we will issue a Letter for Endorsement of Completed Works. No works should be carried out before Conservation Permission is issued.
Apply for Category 3 Works
Use this service to apply for approval of Category 3 works and to request a site inspection of completed Category 3 Works. Proposed works must comply with Conservation Guidelines. If the works are extensive, an Additions & Alterations (A&A) development application must be submitted instead. This service is free of charge and it generally takes about two weeks to process.
Application Fee for Additions and Alterations (A&A) works
Your application fee varies depending on the gross floor area, site area, application type and development type of your proposal.
Click to view fees for development application [PDF, 347 KB].
Development Charges
With effect from 1 August 2022, a new Land Betterment Charge (LBC) will replace Differential Premium (DP), Development Charge (DC) and Temporary Development Levy (TDL), and be administered by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA). Please click here for more information.
Development charge is the tax on the enhancement in land value resulting from the State approving a higher value development proposal.
A development charge, where applicable, will also be imposed on all new extensions and new floor areas, for example, roof mezzanines within the envelope of the conserved building.
However, you may be exempted from paying the development charge if:
The value of the development has been enhanced due to proposed use or use changes on the gross floor area for the conserved building or part thereof provided that the restoration work is carried out according to the approved plans and completed within a two year period from the date of Conservation Permission.
Car Park Deficiency Charges
A car parking deficiency charge is payable by the developer if they are unable to provide the number of car park lots that are required by planning as part of their development.
All new extensions to conserved buildings are required to provide car parking spaces under the Parking Places Rules.
The car park deficiency charge for a conserved building is waived if:
Conservation Guidelines are fully complied with
Conservation works are completed according to the approved plans