Change of Use Lodgment

Proposals that do not qualify under the Lodgment Scheme will have to submit a planning application through a Change of Use application.

Applicability of Change of Use Lodgment Scheme 

The Change of Use Lodgment Scheme is only applicable to pre-identified uses within selected commercial buildings and 1st storey of shophouses on sites zoned Commercial, Commercial & Residential, Hotel or White in the Master Plan, provided the proposal fulfils all conditions for lodgment.

Business owners and operators can also visit URA SPACE (Allowable Uses for Shophouses) to find out if the use within a shophouse is eligible for lodgment.

Conditions for Lodgment

1. The premises is approved for commercial use or computed as commercial Gross Floor Area (GFA);

2. The premises cannot be located within a carpark of the building, covered or open walkway, a walkway within a pedestrian link, a public plaza or any other areas approved or authorised under the Planning Act for public use;

3. The change in use of the premises does not result in an increase in the floor area of the development;

4. The site is not affected by any special planning controls (e.g. use restrictions, retail quantum cap);

5. The building is not a gazetted monument.

6. The property/premises is not a conserved building within the Historic Conservation Areas. They refer to Kampong Glam, Chinatown, Little India, Boat Quay, Blair Plain, Emerald Hill and Cairnhill. For more details, refer to the Conservation website;

7. The change in use and use of the relevant premises do not create any nuisance, annoyance or inconvenience to the surrounding users;

8. The written consent of the owner must be obtained prior to the lodgment application;

9. Any approvals required from other relevant authorities, such as Land Transport Authority (LTA), Fire Safety and Shelter Department (FSSB), must be obtained before commencing the use;

10. The lodgment is only applicable to unit level conversion and does not apply to en-bloc conversion of the building;

11. No part of the premises comprises works that are unauthorised under the Planning Act (Cap 232); and

12. The proposed use has not commenced on ground.

Lodgment Application

A change of use lodgment is deemed approved upon a successful lodgment with URA. An acknowledgement slip (i.e. approval letter) will be sent to your email address within the same day.

Who can submit?

A lodgment application can be submitted by the business owner, landlord, consultant or a Qualified Person (QP) via GoBusiness Singapore. If the applicant is not the land owner, prior consent from the land owner must be obtained prior to submitting the lodgments application.

How much does it cost?

The processing fees for a Change of Use Lodgment is $150.

Can processing fees be refunded?

We are unable to refund the fees once the case is lodged and issued an approval.

How long is the processing time?

You will receive instant approval once you submit the lodgment.

What supporting documents do I need to submit?

• Location Plan [PDF, 325 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

• Owner’s Written Consent – Please obtain the property/unit owners' letter of consent for lodgment. If the premises is located within an approved community centre, please attach landowner’s consent from People’s Association (PA)

How to apply for Lodgment?

To apply for Lodgment, submit a lodgment 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, 2.2 MB] on submitting a Lodgment application.