Change of Use and other Requirements – Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) & Housing Development Board (HDB)
Change of Use
At Dyson Trading, we have worked with various businesses over multiple industries and we understand the importance of keeping up to date with the latest business trends. Sometimes certain F&B industries can start to overcrowd and you may want to take on another type of business. As they say, “Change is the only constant”, and we would love to help guide you through this process.
Although following the market trends can be a good business decision, it can come with its fair share of government regulations and paperwork. But with Dyson Trading guiding you along the whole process, you have nothing to
worry about.
If you’re thinking of changing the use of your commercial property, you will most likely require the permission of the URA. Depending on the new premise use, there are particular usage approval licences required such as the planning permission for Change of Use from URA. These licences can be used for a business that has changed, for example, from a shop to a restaurant, or from a restaurant to a pub.
Before signing a tenancy or purchase agreement in regards to your business’ property check if your new intended use of the property is allowed. If it is not currently allowed, it is important that you check if it is possible to obtain a Change of Use approval before signing the lease.
Reason for the Change of Use
Amenity problems can be caused to neighbouring premises due to the change of a premises’ use. Submitting a planning application for Change of Use allows for URA to conduct an assessment of the premises, with its new intended use in mind, and aptly deem whether the new use is still compatible with the current state of said premise.
Supporting Documents for the Change of Use
- Letter of Consent:
It is important to obtain a Letter of Consent from the owners of your business’ property, unit or premise. If the
property, unit or premise is leased from HDB, the Singapore Land Authority or Jurong Town Corporation, please
provide the respective government body’s Letter of Consent as land owner. - Location Plan:
This applies for multi-unit developments which include shopping malls and two-storey industrial buildings/factories.
On the Location Plan, it is necessary to indicate where your business’ units or premises are located within
the development. - Floor Plan:
This applies for a proposed layout and usage of the premises. - Others’
Depending on the new intended use of your premises, you may need to include a cover letter and clearances from
Government agencies related to your business’ new use such as the LTA, NEA, PUB, SCDF.
Activity Generating Use (AGU)
Sometimes your business does not need a licence but has a set of requirements to meet depending on the URA’s planning intention for certain designated areas and locations. An example would be places intended for AGU which refers to spaces that are meant to enliven streets and create a vibrant environment. There is a huge list of requirements for AGUs you can find on the URA Website.
Let Us Help
At Dyson Trading, we want to help you navigate these complicated, intricate processes. We understand that keeping track of the long list of licences, requirements and government regulations can be taxing. However, with our almost half century of experience, we are able to walk you through these licensing requirements with ease! Get in touch with us, and we would love to discuss your business’ necessities.
