Building Professionals

The new requirement for the application of Temporary Change of Use Permit (TP) for buildings with atrium spaces will be effected from 1 September 2009 onwards. After 1 September 2009, if there are no additional fire safety measures being installed at atrium spaces for TP events to be held, the Temporary Change of Use Permit (TP) applications from building owners will not be granted.

For enquiries on the new requirements for the application of Temporary Change of Use Permit, please e-mail your Name, Organisation / Company, Contact Number and your enquiries here.

Under the Fire Safety Act, anyone who intends to temporarily change the use of an area within a building or an outdoor area for the purpose of holding an event where temporary / makeshift structures are erected, is required to apply and obtain an approval from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). The reason for this is to look into the fire safety aspects as a result of the setting up of the temporary structures, to provide for the safety of the public who will attend such events. The aim is to ensure that there are adequate fire safety measures provided for the event.

Therefore, a “Temporary Change of Use” application or commonly known as a Temporary Permit application has to be made to SCDF for approval for events such as:

     a.  Promotional Activities

     b.  Stage Shows

     c.  Exhibitions

     d.  Trade Fairs

     e.  Carnivals

where temporary structures such as those shown below or similar are erected:

     a.  Tents

     b.  Stages

     c.  Booths

     d.  Stalls / Kiosks

Please see below for a list of the type of events that are likely to require a “Temporary Change of Use” approval. Since such events are supposed to be temporary in nature, the duration will be limited to at most 2 months.

1. Promotional Activities
   • sales, product launch
     
2. Stage Shows
   • live concerts, circus, games shows, opening ceremonies
     
3. Trade fairs
   • trade fairs, "pasar malam", expositions
     
4. Carnivals
   • food & funfair, charity events, sporting events, celebratory functions
     
5. Exhibitions
   • art exhibitions, displays

Hazardous and toxic materials are not permitted in the event and so is the use of highly flammable liquids and gases. Multi-storey structures are also not allowed in such events. Covered pedestrian walkways are not recommended for the conduct of events because the free movement of the pedestrians will be obstructed. Such walkways include the building’s own walkway which is on the periphery of the building.

Organisers of events incorporating fire-based shows / activities or “open- flame” cooking activities or pyrotechnic displays, are required to consult Fire Safety & Shelter Department (FSSD) on the fire safety conditions and obtain separate approval prior to making their application.

In making the applications, site / floor plans showing in colour the event’s location and the layout plans and cross-sectional diagrams of the temporary structures, showing the dimensions and the type of materials used, are to be submitted. All plans & drawings (in A4 size) must be sufficiently detailed. A brief description of the event’s activities is also required to enable SCDF to process the applications. All applications are to be submitted on per event basis, at least 7 days prior to the commencement of the event. The application fee per event is $50.

Events requiring an approval from SCDF can be generally categorised into 2 types:

           a.  Indoor events

           b.  Outdoor events

Indoor events are held within a building and are to be confined to the public areas of the building designated for such purposes. These areas are to be protected by an automatic fire fighting sprinkler system. The building management is required to oversee the fire safety of any event held at its premises.

Event organizers are required to obtain the approval of the landowner for the conduct of the event prior to making the application to SCDF. The organiser is required to submit the application form Temporary Change of Use (Outdoor Events) for approval together with the landowner’s authorization letter. Applications are to be made on-line at least 7 days before the commencement of the event. For on-line application submission, please visit at this website: Online Business Licensing Service (OBLS). In cases where the outdoor event is held within a building’s premises, the building management is required to make the application.

Such an application is not required if the event is held at any of the following facilities or similar that is purpose-built for holding such events:

       a.  Exhibition hall / Convention hall / Multi-purpose hall

       b.  Auditorium / Concert hall / Theatre

In such cases, the events have to comply with the conditions issued by the venue operator which in turn are based on the fire safety conditions issued by the Fire Safety & Shelter Department (FSSD) of SCDF. However, the venue operator may still require the event organiser to obtain FSSD’s approval on the fire safety requirements if the need arises.

Other activities that do not require a temporary change of use approval by SCDF are:

         a.  Sports events which are held at fields of stadiums, school or clubs.

         b.  The erection of temporary advertisement panels / banners. However, clearance from FSSD may be required if the installation of the panels / banners, etc have implications on the fire safety of the building.

Organisers of fire-based acts performed on stages in purpose built facilities such as concert halls, theatres, etc, need not obtain approval from FSSD unless specifically requested by the building owner.