Form DC 5

Explanatory Notes for Earthworks

1. What constitutes Earthworks?

Earthworks is defined as any operations or works in, on over land which result in a substantial modification to the existing ground terrain, land form or slope. These include excavation, formation of any new slope or embankment, cut and fill operations. These may or may not be carried out in conjunction with the development of buildings or structures on the land.

2. When is planning permission required?

• For applications submitted by Government agencies:
  Earthworks involving changes in levels of more than 10 m. Earth works less than 10 m do not require planning permission. However, please ensure clearances are obtained from other relevant agencies, such as Singapore Land Authority (SLA).

• Others:
  Earthworks involving more than 2,000 sq m of land or a change in the level of the land of more than 1.5 m anywhere in the development site or relative to the neighbouring land. However, for small residential plots, where the final platform level of earthfill is raised above the neighbouring land or 1.0 m above the existing level of the development site, permission is required.

• When the proposed earthworks are carried out in conjunction with erection of buildings or structures, a separate earthwork submission is not necessary.

3. Application forms

• Every application for permission to carry out earthworks, engineering, mining or other operation in, on, over or under land must be made on the prescribed application form. The applicant must state and explain clearly the purpose of the earthworks by a covering letter.

• In order for the application to be processed quickly, all particulars requested should be given. The Competent Authority may also request additional information on the application under consideration.

• The application form must be accompanied by a letter of authorisation or endorsement from the owner/s of the land. Where an option to purchase the land has been exercised, the application must be accompanied by a letter from the owner or the owner's solicitor.
  

4. Plans to be submitted

The plans must be submitted through the Electronic Development Application (EDA).

Every application must be accompanied by the following:

• 1 copy of the Location Plan (applicable only to part lot submissions). The Location Plan can be purchased from Integrated Land Information Service (INLIS) ↗ (opens in new tab). Alternatively, you may contact the INLIS Helpdesk at Tel: 6238 9353.

• 1 copy of the survey/topographical plan showing the existing terrain, contours at 1m interval, levels, water courses and trees on the subject lot and the adjacent lots.

• 1 copy of the proposal plan highlighting the following

  1. extent of the proposed earthworks.

  2. the proposed contours at 1 m intervals, levels, tree planting or felling of existing trees, and drainage system (additional spot level if relevant).

  3. cross-sections and longitudinal section for existing and proposed gradients of the subject site, its relation to its neighbouring lots. The respective level should be clearly indicated.

5. Fee

Please refer to the Fee Schedule [PDF, 451 KB] ↗ (opens in new tab).

6. Definition of Owner

"Owner" in relation to land or premises is defined in the Planning Act (Cap 232, 1998 Ed) as the person for the time being receiving the rent of the land or premises whether on his own account or as trustee for any other person or as receiver (not being appointed by or on behalf of a mortgagee) or the person who would receive the rent if the land or premises were let to a tenant and includes:

• a mortgagee in possession; and

• the purchaser of any newly constructed premises or part thereof in respect of which a temporary occupation permit or a certificate of statutory completion has been granted.