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Temporary Change of Use

 

Definition & Purpose

Under the Fire Safety Act, an application to Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) for approval of temporary change of use is required for the purpose of temporary events such as stage shows, promotional activities, exhibitions, trade fairs or carnivals. The reason for this is to ensure adequate fire safety measures are provided at the event site due to the increase in fire load as a result of the temporary set-up.

Who shall apply for Temporary Change of Use Permit

 

The event organiser/vendor/individual applicant who intends to hold temporary event such as stage show, promotional activity, exhibition, trade fair or carnival is required to apply for approval of Temporary Change of Use from SCDF, i.e. Temporary Change of Use Permit.

 

However, plan submission to SCDF for approval via CORENET submission by a Qualified Person (Registered Architect or Professional Engineer) and approval of Fire Safety Certificate from SCDF are required if there is any proposed erection of temporary building or structure. The assessment of compliance of fire safety should be carried out by the Qualified Person concerned, and the Qualified Person would be required to ensure that the submitted plan on the proposed change/works is in full compliance to the prevailing fire safety requirements.

 

Where to apply and retrieve for Temporary Change of Use Permit?

To apply and retrieve for Temporary Change of Use Permit via GoBusiness Dashboard at:

https://dashboard.gobusiness.gov.sg/login.

 

Refer to the category “Application Procedures” for a step-by-step guide on the application procedure.

Who to seek assistance if you have enquiry on application of Temporary Change of Use Permit via GoBusiness Dashboard?

You may contact the technical team at +65 6336 3373, or email at AskGoBiz@crimsonlogic.com.sg.

 

GoBusiness e-Services Helpdesk Operating Hours:

Monday to Friday  : 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saturday                 : 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Excluding Sunday and Public Holiday.

When to apply for Temporary Change of Use Permit?

The application of Temporary Change of Use Permit shall be submitted at least 3 days prior to the commencement of each temporary event. Application of Temporary Change of Use Permit will be rejected if the submission date is less than 3 days from the event commencement date.

How to amend event details after application of Temporary Change of Use Permit has been submitted?

Any amendment of event details such as event duration, event title, event building, etc. after application of Temporary Change of Use Permit has been submitted would require to submit a new application of Temporary Change of Use Permit because no amendment of event details shall be made after application of Temporary Change of Use Permit has been submitted.

What documents are required to apply for Temporary Change of Use Permit?

  1. Approval letter from land owner/premises owner with date and indication of the title, duration and location of an event.
  2. Site and event/floor layout plan endorsed by land owner/premises owner with date and indication of the title, duration and location of an event.
  3. Actual photos of event location (include photos of actual tents’ setup, etc. if possible).

What are the fire safety conditions stipulated in Temporary Change of Use Permit?

The Fire safety conditions stipulated in Temporary Change of Use Permit shall be adhered to for the entire duration of the proposed temporary event (refer to the category “List of Fire Safety Conditions”). Failing to comply any of the fire safety conditions, enforcement action may be initiated.

How long is the validity of Temporary Change of Use Permit?

Each Temporary Change of Use Permit is valid up to 60 event days.

 

How much is the application fee to apply for Temporary Change of Use Permit?

An application fee to apply for each Temporary Change of Use Permit is S$60.

Who are the officers to contact if there is enquiry on Temporary Change of Use Permit?

Officer's NameContact NumberEmail Address
CPT Teo Mei Tin 6848 1483 teo_mei_tin@scdf.gov.sg
LTA Yeo Mian Ru 6848 2161 yeo_mian_ru@scdf.gov.sg
WO Veerasingam 6848 1481 veerasingam_muthusamy@scdf.gov.sg

 

Changes & Updates

NIL

Type of Temporary Events

Under the Fire Safety Act, temporary event such as stage show, promotional activity, exhibition, trade fair or carnival is required to apply for approval of Temporary Change of Use from SCDF, i.e. Temporary Change of Use Permit.

 

Below table shows some examples of temporary events such as stage shows, promotional activities, exhibitions, trade fairs or carnivals that require Temporary Change of Use Permit:

Category of Temporary Events Examples of Temporary Events
Stage Shows Stage performance, live concert, circus, games show, opening ceremony, etc.
Promotional Activities Sales, product launch, etc.
Exhibitions Art exhibition, display, etc.
Trade Fairs Bazaar, pasar malam, etc.
Carnivals Food & fun fair, sporting event, celebratory function, etc.

 

Restrictions

For the restrictions imposed for temporary event, please refer to fire safety conditions for the full list.

 

Below shows some examples of restrictions imposed for temporary event:

  • Any activity involving the use LPG or flammable liquids / gases is not permitted.
  • “Open-flame” cooking is not permitted.
  • No activity shall be carried out on the fire engine accessway (fire engine hardstanding) and fire engine access road at all times.

Application Procedures

The application of Temporary Change of Use Permit shall be submitted at least 3 days prior to the commencement of each temporary event. Application of Temporary Change of Use Permit will be rejected if the submission date is less than 3 days from the event commencement date.

What documents are required to apply for Temporary Change of Use Permit

  1. Approval letter from land owner/premises owner with date and indication of the title, duration and location of an event.
  2. Site and event/floor layout plan endorsed by land owner/premises owner with date and indication of the title, duration and location of an event.
  3. Actual photos of event location (include photos of actual tents’ setup, etc. if possible).


How and where to apply for Temporary Change of Use Permit?

Please see the step-by-step guide below to login at GoBusiness Dashboard at https://dashboard.gobusiness.gov.sg/login for the application of Temporary Change of Use Permit.

 

Login to GoBusiness Dashboard at https://dashboard.gobusiness.gov.sg/login

Picture 1

Once login, click on “Dashboard” tab, followed by “Find Licence

 

Picture 2

Click on “Singapore Civil Defence Force

 

Search for “Apply for Temporary of Use Permit”  and then select “Apply

Picture 3

Click “Apply” to start the online application and proceed through the application process

 

Picture 4

Sample

Picture 5

Should you have enquiry on application of Temporary Change of Use Permit via GoBusiness Dashboard, please contact the technical team at +65 6336 3373, or email at AskGoBiz@crimsonlogic.com.sg.

 

GoBusiness e-Services Helpdesk Operating Hours:

Monday to Friday        : 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saturday                     : 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Except Sunday and Public Holiday.

 

 

 

How and where to retrieve a copy of Approval Letter for Temporary Change of Use Permit?

Please see the step-by-step guide below to login at GoBusiness Dashboard to retrieve a copy of Approval Letter for Temporary Change of Use Permit once the application has been approved.

Login to GoBusiness Dashboard at https://dashboard.gobusiness.gov.sg/login

Picture 6

Once login, click on “Licences” tab, followed by “Download” as shown below.

 

Sample

Picture 7

Should you have enquiry on application of Temporary Change of Use Permit via GoBusiness Dashboard, please contact the technical team at +65 6336 3373, or email at AskGoBiz@crimsonlogic.com.sg.

 

GoBusiness e-Services Helpdesk Operating Hours:

Monday to Friday        : 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saturday                     : 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Except Sunday and Public Holiday.

Indoor Events

Indoor events are events that are situated, conducted, or used within a building or under cover.

Below is the fire safety conditions for indoor event as stipulated in Temporary Change of Use Permit and to be adhered to for the entire duration of the proposed temporary event.


Temporary Booths and Structures Set-up and Layout

  1. Erection of tent within indoor spaces is not permitted.
  2. The temporary booths and structures are to be erected in accordance with the submitted layout plans.
  3. The temporary set-up shall be confined within areas of the building designated for such purposes.
  4. Height of the booths and structures are not to exceed 3 m.
  5. Enclosed booths and structures shall be provided with fire extinguisher (with sprinkler type) for every 12 m2 of covered area.
  6. Row of booths shall not exceed 15 m in length and 6 m in width.
  7. Passageway of at least 1.2 m shall be maintained between rows of booths.
  8. Enclosed booths and structures shall be provided with at least 2 exits. To include provision on emergency lights and exit signs.

     

    Fire Safety Provision

  9. The building’s fire protection systems are not to be obstructed. A minimum 1.5 m clearance must be maintained.
  10. A minimum 0.5 m clearance must be maintained below sprinkler heads.
  11. Class ‘AB’ type of portable fire extinguishers shall be displayed prominently at every 15 m and secured at 1.2 m above ground level for ease of use during emergency.
  12. All escape routes must be free of obstruction.
  13. Qualified Person (QP) certification is required on the stage structures or enclosed booths and to include the requirement on exits, exit signs, emergency lightings and provision of fire extinguishers.
  14. The designed occupant load (OL) of the building (to include net usage areas) shall not be exceeded.

     

    Other Fire Safety Measures

  15. Any activity involving the use LPG or flammable liquids / gases is not permitted.
  16. “Open-flame” cooking is not allowed except where solid fuel burners are used to warm food that has already been prepared and cooked.
  17. Electrical fixtures /wiring are firmly secured away from public’s path.
  18. Storage of items below any raised floor or stage is not permitted.
  19. The event organizer shall provide emergency response team at event location.
  20. The event organizer shall inform the building owner / land owner and safety manager (if applicable) should any fire safety issue or fire incident occur at event location during entire duration of event period, during set-up of event or during removal of set-up after event.
  21. The event duration is limited to 60 days for each application of SCDF Temporary Change of Use Permit.

Outdoor Events

Outdoor events are events that are situated, conducted, or used outside a building that does not have a roof.

Below is the fire safety conditions for outdoor event as stipulated in Temporary Change of Use Permit and to be adhered to for the entire duration of the proposed temporary event.

 

Temporary Tents Set-up

  1. The maximum size of a single tent must not exceed 2,000 square metres.
  2. Tents are to be erected according to the submitted layout plans and the activities are to be confined within the allocated areas.
  3. Floor markings of the tents’ perimeter are to be marked out clearly.
  4. Tents are to be separated at least 3 m away from building facades.
  5. Unauthorized extension of canvas between the set-up tentage and building facade is strictly prohibited. Only a maximum of 3 m in width of open-sided walkway linking between the set-up tentage and building facade for sheltering purpose can be allowed
  6. A row of booths within a tent must not exceed 15 m in length and 6 m in width.
  7. Passageway of at least 1.2 m shall be maintained between rows of booths.
  8. Height of the booths within the tent shall not exceed 3 m.
  9. No storage of goods / materials below any raised floors is permitted.
  10. The maximum travel distance from any point to the nearest exit shall not exceed 45 m.
  11. All escape routes / passageways must be free of obstruction.

    Fire Safety Provisions

  12. Tent shall not be located within 1.5 m of any fire hydrant, breeching inlets of fire-fighting rising mains or fire exit staircases of nearby buildings.
  13. Class ‘AB’ type of portable fire extinguishers shall be displayed prominently within the tent at every 15 m and secured at 1.2 m above ground level for ease of use during emergency.
  14. Class ‘AB’ type of 50 kg portable fire extinguisher with trolley shall be provided for food and beverage (F&B) activities.
  15. At least 2 portable fire extinguishers of Class ‘AB’ type and a set of absorbent kits (to absorb spillage and prevent them from spreading further) shall be provided in the vicinity of the electrical generators.
  16. Electrical generators shall be at least 3 m away from buildings and tents.

    Other Fire Safety Measures

  17. No activity shall be carried out on the fire engine accessway (fire engine hardstanding) and fire engine access road at all times.
  18. Any activity involving the use LPG or flammable liquids / gases is not permitted.
  19. “Open-flame” cooking is not permitted except where solid fuel burners are used to warm food that has already been prepared and cooked.
  20. Electrical fixtures /wiring are firmly secured away from public’s path.
  21. Generators are to be sited at least 3m away from buildings and tents.
  22. Ingress and egress signages shall be displayed prominently to facilitate smooth evacuation during any emergency.
  23. No usage of any object that may affect smooth evacuation during any emergency.
  24. The event organizer shall provide emergency response team at event location.
  25. For festive trade fairs (e.g. Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali and Christmas), event organizer shall provide third party fire safety enforcement team at event location during entire duration of event period.
  26. The event organizer shall inform the building owner / land owner and fire safety manager (if applicable) should any fire safety issue or fire incident occur at event location during entire duration of event period, during set-up of event or during removal of set-up after event.
  27. The event duration is limited to 60 days for each application of SCDF Temporary Change of Use Permit.

Events not requiring a "Temporary Change of Use" approval

What are some of the events that does not require a “Temporary Change of Use” approval?

  • If the event is held at any of the following facilities or similar that is purpose-built for holding such events:
    • Exhibition Hall / Convention Hall / Multi-purpose Hall
    • Auditorium / Concert Hall / Theatre
  •  Sports events at fields of stadiums, schools or clubs
  • Religious Events (e.g. wedding and funeral)
  • Erection of temporary advertisements panels / banners*

*Clearance from SCDF may be required if the installation of the panels/banners have implications on the fire safety of the building


Fire-Based Shows / Activities

Organisers of indoor fire-based performances and demonstrations performed on stages in purpose built facilities such as concert halls, theatres, etc, need not obtain approval from SCDF unless specifically requested by the building owner. For outdoor fire-based performances and demonstrations, the event organiser is required to obtain SCDF's approval on the fire safety requirements. Please refer to the attachment file listed below for the fire safety conditions.

 

1370313962793

1370313990896

Fireworks / Pyrotechnics Displays

Event organizers who wish to execute fireworks / pyrotechnics are required to engage companies that are exempted under the Dangerous Fireworks (Exemption) Notification for the displays. Please refer to the  Dangerous Fireworks (Annual Exemption) Notification issued by Singapore Police Force (SPF) for the list of approved companies.

 

These approved companies will provide advice on the type of fireworks / pyrotechnics that can be used, the type of locations / places where it can be discharged and the approved type of functions where such displays can be held.

 

The company will have to make the application to SPF on behalf the event organizer. The approving authority for the fireworks / pyrotechnic display is the Singapore Police Force. The company will have to ensure compliance with the requirements stipulated in the Exemption Notification for the display.

Enquiries

For enquiry on Temporary Change of Use Permit, you may wish to contact the following officers:

Officer's NameContact NumberEmail Address
CPT Teo Mei Tin 6848 1483 teo_mei_tin@scdf.gov.sg
LTA Yeo Mian Ru 6848 2161 yeo_mian_ru@scdf.gov.sg
WO Veerasingam 6848 1481 veerasingam_muthusamy@scdf.gov.sg

 

For enquiry on application of Temporary Change of Use Permit via GoBusiness Dashboard , you may wish to contact the technical team at +65 6336 3373, or email at AskGoBiz@crimsonlogic.com.sg.


GoBusiness e-Services Helpdesk Operating Hours:

Monday to Friday       : 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saturday                       : 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Excluding Sunday and Public Holiday.

List of Fire Safety Conditions

S/noEventAttachment Files
1.Indoor EventIndoor Event Fire Safety Conditions
2.Outdoor EventOutdoor Event Fire Safety Conditions
3.Outdoor Enclosed  TentEnclosed Tent Fire Safety Conditions
4.Outdoor Inflatable TentInflatable Tent Fire Safety Conditions
5.Fire Based Shows / ActivitiesFire-Based Shows / Activities
6.Fire Safety Guidelines for Wedding and Religious Events at Common Areas
Wedding and Religious Events at Common Areas Fire Safety Guidelines
7.Fire Safety Guidelines for Cooking Activities within Religious Premises
Cooking Activities within Religious Premises Fire Safety Guidelines