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)

Exterior

Find out what you can change on the exterior of your terrace house.

Last updated 6 June 2026

Building Envelope

Illustration of building setbacks, road buffers and permissible building envelope.

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 metres.

  • 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. This is to ensure that the height of the development is sympathetic to the existing neighbourhood character.

  • 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 of a building with height measurements, including overall height, attic height, and height in storeys.
Diagram showing building height restrictions, including attic and storey height limits.

Planter Box

Isometric illustration of modern townhouse with measurements for side, rear, and road setbacks and balcony planter boxes.

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

Architectural illustration of a house showing setback distances. Includes rear, side, and road reserve line labels.

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 view of a residential building showing setback and buffer distances.

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

Sun Shading Devices

Isometric diagram of a house illustrating allowed/disallowed encroachments into setbacks and buffers.

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

Architectural drawing of a house, showing setbacks, road buffer, and road reserve line.

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

Car Porch

Architectural drawing of a house, including dimensions of railing, canopy, screen, and building depth.

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 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

  • 1.8m high lightweight screen (to provide privacy for neighboring house)

Terrace / Patio

Isometric view of a townhouse with labeled features: terrace, patio, side setback, road reserve line and dimensions.

Terraces and patios shall be set back 2.4m from the road reserve line and at least 2.0m from the common boundaries.

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

Swimming Pool

Isometric view of a modern multi-unit house with balconies, carport, and a sunken swimming pool outlined in red.

Sunken swimming pools may abut common boundaries.

Raised swimming pools shall be set back 7.5m from the road reserve line, and 2.0m from common boundaries.

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

Minor Structures

Architectural drawing of a modern house showing setback distances for a water tank and meter/letter box.

Water Tank, Pump, Meter Compartment & Letter Boxes 

Water tank and pump shall set back 7.5m from the road reserve line, and 2.0m 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

Isometric drawing of two-story townhouses with a 1.8m boundary wall highlighted in red.

Boundary walls shall not exceed 1.8m high.

Extensions

Isometric drawing of a multi-unit dwelling showing road reserve line, road buffer, and rear/side setbacks.
Isometric diagram of a house showing setbacks and extension with 2m minimum measurements.

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