Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Government agencies communicate via .gov.sg websites (e.g. go.gov.sg/open). Trusted websites
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Welcome to our refreshed website!

We've updated the site to make information easier to access and navigate. While some content may have been reorganised, you can browse our updated sections to find what you need.

Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)

Building Length

Check the guidelines relating to building length for flats and condominiums.

Last updated 7 June 2026

The chart below illustrates the acceptable building height and building length of flats and condominium developments of at least 8 storeys. The objective is to minimise the creation of wall-like developments which would adversely affect the quality of our built environment. Each residential block shall be guided by the height and length ratio shown under the ‘Acceptable Zone’:

Chart showing building height vs length, with zones labeled Acceptable, Intervention, and Undesirable based on these dimensions.

Framework for Building Height and Building Length

Where there are multiple building blocks, there shall be a minimum spacing between each block to visually break the massing of the development.

The minimum spacing standard is shown in the table below:

Table 1: Minimum spacing standard

Number of Storeys

Building Height

Minimum Building Spacing

1 - 18

≤ 68m

10m

19 - 24

> 68m - 90m

12m

>24

> 90m

15m

  • If 2 or more blocks fall within different height bands, the height of the taller block shall be used to determine the minimum building spacing.

  • If 2 or more blocks are unable to meet the minimum building spacing, the blocks shall be treated as a single block.

The zones illustrated in the graph above are:

a. Acceptable Zone

  • Flats and condominium developments complying with the height and length ratio in an Acceptable Zone are unlikely to have an adverse impact on the surrounding environment.

Building profile of Newton Suites L52.7m x H114.2m, with decreasing height represented by red and green dashed lines.

An example of a building height and length profile in the Acceptable Zone

b. Intervention Zone

  • Flats and condominium developments with the height and length ratio shown below may or may not pose severe impact on the surrounding environment, depending on the site context and the design measures adopted by the designers.

Building profile of Soleil @ Sinaran, L94 x H146.5m. Shows height vs. building length with lines indicating spacing.

An example of a building height and length profile in the Intervention Zone

c. Undesirable Zone

  • Flats and condominium developments with the height and length ratio shown below are considered to be too massive in scale, and may adversely impact the surrounding environment. Apart from impeding wind flow, such buildings will block off views of the surrounding development and result in a congested skyline. Such developments are not likely to be supported.

Building profile of a residential development: a chart showing building height decreasing across a 250m length.

An example of a building height and length profile in the Undesirable Zone

Flats and condominium developments within the Intervention Zone shall be subject to detailed evaluation. For developments falling within the Intervention Zone, the following 3 performance criteria [refer to (a) to (c) below] shall be met. This may be achieved through the suggested measures listed below, or other alternatives that the QP may propose:

a. Whether the development enhances the streetscape

  • Blocks fronting roads shall be staggered at the foreground and background so that pockets of greenery are created along the street.

Two images comparing dense vs. spaced apartment block designs, showing differing greenery at street level.

Positioning of blocks along the streetscape

b. Whether the surrounding developments can also view major green and blue public spaces

  • The placement and design of the blocks shall minimise blocking of views towards public assets such as waterbodies, parks, etc.

  • The design of the blocks shall provide permeability in the form of sky terrace floors or fenceless boundaries so as to promote visual relief and wind movement.

Diagram comparing dense building placement blocking views versus spaced placement preserving views.

Spacing between blocks

c. Whether effective mitigating measures have been adopted to break down building massing

  • Building heights may be varied.

  • More interesting building ‘crowns’ may be proposed as opposed to flat roofs.

  • Landmark blocks may be strategically located within the development to provide a focal point.

  • The façade shall be well articulated with visually interesting patterns.

Two illustrations showing building massing. On the left, two blocky, flat-topped towers; on the right, the same towers with mitigating features like sky terraces.

Facade articulation

For further information on Building Height and Building Length, refer to the following link.