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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)

Exterior

Find out what you can change on the exterior of your bungalow or detached house.

Last updated 3 June 2026

Building Envelope

Diagram of building setbacks and permissible building envelope with road buffer distances.

Envelope Control

Under the envelope control guidelines, the overall building height is based on the allowable number of storeys and the floor-to-floor height in metres. The figures below show the building envelope and the relationship between storey height and allowable building height in meters.

  • Landed housing shall not exceed the 2-storey or 3-storey height control, or the prescribed storey height as shown in the designated landed housing plan in the Master Plan, whichever is lower.

  • The allowable building height is measured from the external platform level. If there is an existing level difference within the site, the allowable building envelope height may be taken separately from the two distinct platform levels.

Diagram showing building height restrictions: 12.0m max overall, attic, and 2-story height limit.
Diagram showing maximum building heights. Includes attic area, 3-storey height, and 45-degree angle.

Planter Box

Isometric view of a two-story house with planter boxes, rear setback, side setback, and road buffer.

Planter boxes are cantilevered box structures for planting purposes with maximum depth of 0.5m.

They may protrude a maximum of 0.5m into the road buffer. Planter boxes shall not encroach into the common boundary (side & rear) setback.

Bay Window

Isometric view of a house showing the permissible building envelope and bay window with a 0.5m measurement.

Bay windows are raised windows not exceeding one structural bay width and cantilevered at least 0.5m high from the floor. They shall be located within the permissible building envelope.

Ledge

Isometric diagram of a house showing the rear setback, side setback, and road buffer.

Ledges may protrude a maximum of 1.0m (or 1.4m for GCBA) into the road buffer and common boundary (side and rear) setbacks.

Sun Shading Devices

Diagram of house showing setback and buffer regulations. Text indicates allowed protrusions.

Horizontal sun-shading devices, vertical sun-shading fins/screens, minor decorative features may protrude a maximum of 0.5m into the road buffer.

They shall not encroach into the common boundary (side & rear) setback.

Balcony

Isometric diagram of a house, showing the permissible building envelope and the balcony.

Balconies may be covered or open-to-sky. They shall be located within the permissible building envelope.

Car Porch

Architectural diagram of a two-story house with canopy dimensions labeled. The canopy has plants on top.

A single storey car porch shall not exceed the height of 4.5m and shall be set back at least 2.4m from the road reserve line and 2.0m (or 3.0m for GCBA) from common (side & rear) boundary.

The car porch roof may be used as an outdoor balcony or garden, but it shall remain open-to-sky and unenclosed. Only the following structures may be allowed:

  • 1.0m high visually porous parapet

  • Planters for landscaping

  • A maximum 1.0m wide sun shading canopy

Terrace / Patio

Isometric view of a house with setback distances labeled for a free-standing pavilion. The side setback is 2m, and the front setback is 2.4m.

Terraces and patios shall be set back 2.4m (or 5.1m for GCBA) from the road reserve line and at least 2.0m (or 3.0m for GCBA) from the common boundaries.

Terraces and patios shall not be enclosed. It must remain open-sided at all times.

Swimming Pool

Isometric illustration of a modern house with a sunken swimming pool and balconies with plants.

Sunken swimming pools may abut common boundaries.

Raised swimming pools shall be set back 7.5m from the road reserve line, and 2.0m (or 3.0m for GCBA) from common boundaries.

Appropriate measures shall be taken to prevent splashing of water into neighbouring property.

Minor Structures

Isometric illustration of a house showing rear/side setbacks, road buffer, water tank, pump, and meter compartment with letterbox.

Water Tank, Pump, Meter Compartment & Letter Boxes 

Water tank and pump shall be set back 7.5m from the road reserve line, and 2.0m (or 3.0m for GCBA) from common (side & rear) boundaries. Sunken water pump is preferred.

Water tanks without pump not exceeding the boundary wall height of 1.8m (maximum) may abut the common boundaries.

Meter compartment and letter boxes shall not be more than 1.8m in height.

Boundary Wall

Diagram of a modern house with a 1.8m high red boundary wall, pool, balconies, and greenery.

Boundary walls shall not exceed 1.8m high.

Extensions

Isometric drawing of a house showing building extensions, rear and side setbacks, road buffer and reserve line.
Isometric view of a house showing rear and side setbacks, extension and road buffer.

Extensions shall be located at least 7.5m from the road reserve, and at least 2.0m (or 3.0m for GCBA) from the common (side & rear) boundaries.