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:

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.

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

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

Click on “Singapore Civil Defence Force”

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

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

Sample

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

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

Sample

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 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 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.

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}

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.

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

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:

Saturday                       : 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Excluding Sunday and Public Holiday.