Existing Requirements

1. Currently, lessees and tenants of HDB commercial premises, including the HDB LQs, are required to lodge their proposals with the URA to change the use of their premises. As a prerequisite, HDB's approval is required for the proposed change of use and a lodgment fee of $300 (subject to GST) is payable to the URA.

Planning Authorisation for HDB Commercial Premises

2. As part of the URA’s continuous efforts to simplify the change of use approval process and reduce business costs, we will henceforth cease the requirement for commercial premises leased and sold by the HDB to lodge plans with the URA for the change in uses listed in Table 1 of Appendix A. The uses listed, are deemed authorised and will be subject to the conditions set out in Table 1. Uses that fall outside this list will continue to require planning permission from the URA before the new use can commence.

Planning Authorisation for HDB Living Quarters (LQs)

3. HDB LQs were originally intended for residential use and hence, uses that may cause amenity problems are not encouraged. We will also cease the requirement to lodge plans with the URA for the proposed change in use outside the non-allowable uses in Table 2 of Appendix A. Uses that fall outside the list of non-allowable uses are deemed authorised and will be subject to the conditions set out in Table 3. Examples of allowable uses in HDB LQs are listed in Table 3 of Appendix A for reference.

HDB’s Approval and Clearance from Other Government Agencies

4. Notwithstanding the above, lessees and tenants of HDB commercial premises and HDB LQs should seek HDB’s approval and clearance from other government agencies. No change of use shall commence without HDB’s prior approval and clearances from the relevant technical agencies (e.g. NEA, SPF, FSSD, LTA, AVA).
5. The above changes apply to individual unit / premises within the buildings and exclude en-bloc conversions.
6. I would appreciate it if you could convey the contents of this circular to the relevant members of your organisation. If you or your members have any queries concerning this circular, please do not hesitate to call our Development Control Group (DCG) Enquiry Line at Tel: 6223 4811 or e-mail us at ura_dcd@ura.gov.sg. We will be pleased to answer queries on this subject and any other development control matters. For your information, our past circulars to the professional institutes are available from our website http://www.ura.gov.sg

Appendix A

Table 1 – List of Authorised Uses in Commercial Premises and Shops Leased or Sold by HDB

Table 2 – List of Non-Allowable Uses [i.e. Uses that may cause amenity problems] for HDB Living Quarters

Table 3 – Examples of Uses Allowed in HDB Living Quarters

"HDB living quarters" refers to the part of any shop premises sold or leased by the HDB, which was originally constructed with permission granted under the Planning Act for the purpose of providing residential living quarters within the shop premises.