Development Control
Find guidelines to help you plan for development in Singapore and apply for planning permission.
Last updated 29 June 2026
Development Control (DC) guidelines help us regulate and facilitate developments on ground. These guidelines are reviewed periodically to meet changing needs, and to adapt to changing circumstances, taking into account feedback from professional bodies. Through this approach, we ensure that the planning intention of developments translate to good planning outcomes and contribute to a better built environment.
Residential handbooks
The residential handbooks provide development control guidelines and parameters for residential developments. It explains the parameters such as building setbacks, building coverage, intensity and height in detail.
Non-residential handbooks
The non-residential handbooks provide development control guidelines and parameters for non-residential developments like commercial and industrial developments. It discusses the allowable land uses and parameters in detail.
Apply for planning permission
Planning permission is required for development and building works including changing the use of premises.
Gross Floor Area Handbook
The Gross Floor Area Handbook explains the principles of what constitutes gross floor area. It also provides a listing of items counted, partially counted, and not counted as GFA.
View the Gross Floor Area Handbook.
Best Practice Guides
Get answers to common queries, learn best practices and access tools, and resources to support your development project.