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Change of Use Lodgment

The Change of Use Lodgment scheme allows certain uses in selected buildings to be granted instant approval upon an application with URA.

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 selected uses within certain commercial buildings and 1st storey of shophouses on sites zoned Commercial, Commercial & Residential 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.

The lodgment scheme is applicable only to buildings listed below for the respective uses and if the proposal fulfils the conditions of lodgment. Buildings not listed below are required to submit change of use application for proposed change in uses.

 

Types of Building

Uses that are eligible for Lodgment

1

Any building in Appendix A (excluding any pedestrian link)

Any building in Appendix B (excluding the 1st storey of such buildings and pedestrian link)

Any building in Appendix B-1 (excluding the 1st storey and basement of such buildings)

Shop
Office
Community Building
Gym/Fitness Centre
Commercial School
Showroom

Click here to learn more about the different uses 

2

The pedestrian link of any building in Appendix A

The 1st storey and pedestrian link of any building in Appendix B

The 1st-storey and basement of any buildings listed in Appendix B-1

Shop
Gym/Fitness Centre
Showroom

Click here to learn more about the different uses 

3

Any building in Appendix C

Any building in Appendix C-1 (excluding the 1st storey of such buildings and pedestrian link)

Shop
Office
Community Building
Gym/Fitness Centre
Commercial School
Showroom

Click here to learn more about the different uses  

4

The 1st storey and pedestrian link of any building in Appendix C-1

Shop
Gym/Fitness Centre
Showroom

Click here to learn more about the different uses 

5

Any building approved under the Act as a community centre or community club on land leased, or in respect of which a licence is granted, by the State to the People’s Association.

Shop
Office
Restaurant
Amusement Centre
Gym/Fitness Centre
Nightclub
Pet Shop
Commercial School
Bar/Pub
Showroom
Massage Establishment

Click here to learn more about the different uses 
 6 In the approved commercial component of Business Park developments. Shop

Office
Community Building
Gym/Fitness Centre
Commercial School
Showroom

Click here to learn more about the different uses 

The lodgment scheme is applicable only to 1st storey shophouses on sites zoned Commercial, Commercial & Residential or White in the Master Plan for the respective uses and if the proposal fulfils the conditions for lodgment. The lodgment scheme does not apply to the upper storeys. A change of use application is required for change in uses at upper storeys for our evaluation on whether the use can be allowed.

Master Plan zone

Uses that are eligible for lodgment at the 1st storey of shophouse
  • Commercial
  • Commercial & Residential
  • White

To find out the Master Plan zoning of your site, visit URA SPACE (Master Plan) and key the address of your site.
  • Gym/Fitness Centre
  • Pet Shop
  • Laundromat
  • Commercial School
  • Community Use
  • Office*

*Note: Office use is not eligible for lodgment in locations that require activity-generating uses on the first storey of the building. Find out more about such locations on URA SPACE under “Urban Design Guidelines” tab. In addition, office excludes car trading office (which is considered motor vehicle showroom use).

Click here to learn more about the different uses.

  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.

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 Licensing Portal. If the applicant is not the land owner, prior consent from the land owner must be obtained prior to submitting the lodgment application.

How much does it cost?

The processing fees for a Change of Use Lodgment is $160.50 (inclusive of GST).

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, 324KB)  – 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 Licensing Portal.

GoBusiness Licensing Portal 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, 4.03MB) on submitting a Lodgment application.

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