A&A Works Approval Process in Singapore: What Property Owners Need to Know

Planning Addition and Alteration (A&A) works in Singapore involves more than preparing a design and hiring a contractor.

Depending on your property and the work you plan to carry out, you may need approvals or clearances from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Building and Construction Authority (BCA), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), HDB, or other relevant agencies.

You may also need a Qualified Person (QP), such as a registered architect or professional engineer, to prepare and submit plans.

The approval route depends on the scope of your A&A works. Some minor works can follow simplified or lodgement procedures, while larger or more complex projects require formal submissions.

This guide explains how the A&A works approval process works in Singapore, what you need to check before construction, and how the requirements have changed in 2026.

Do A&A Works Require Approval in Singapore?

Not every alteration follows the same approval process.

The first step is to identify the exact work you want to carry out. Structural changes, extensions, changes affecting fire safety, changes in building use, and works affecting regulated building elements can trigger different approval requirements.

BCA states that building plans must be submitted for approval through a Qualified Person before applicable building works begin. The QP must be a registered architect or professional engineer with a valid practising certificate.

At the same time, BCA identifies certain building works that do not require plan submission. This means you should not assume that every A&A project needs the same BCA application.

Your property type also matters. A commercial unit, industrial property, warehouse, HDB commercial premises, condominium unit, landed property and conserved building can have different requirements.

The safest approach is to assess your proposed works before you start construction.

What Can Trigger an Approval?

You should check the approval requirements if your A&A project involves:

• Structural modifications
• Building extensions
• Changes to external walls or building elements
• Changes affecting fire compartments or escape routes
• Installation or modification of fire safety systems
• Changes to building use
• Major layout alterations
• Works affecting drainage, sewerage or other utilities
• Works involving HDB, JTC, MCST or landlord requirements
• Works to conserved buildings
• Additions that increase gross floor area

The exact requirements depend on the project.

How Does the A&A Works Approval Process Work?

A&A approval is not a single application that applies to every project. You normally need to establish the scope first, then determine which authorities and professionals need to be involved.

1. Assess Your Property and Proposed Works

Start by defining what you want to change.

Prepare a clear list of the proposed works, such as:

• Internal layout changes
• New partitions
• Wall removal
• Structural alterations
• Building extensions
• Roof modifications
• External façade changes
• New openings
• Mechanical and electrical modifications
• Fire protection changes
• Plumbing and drainage changes
• Change of use

You should also confirm the property’s current approved use and existing building information.

This initial assessment helps your project team determine whether the proposed work falls under a minor work, lodgement, direct submission or formal approval route.

It also prevents you from designing work that cannot receive the required approval.

2. Appoint a Qualified Person When Required

A Qualified Person plays an important role in many A&A projects.

BCA states that a QP for building plan submissions must be a registered architect or professional engineer with a valid practising certificate.

The QP assesses the proposed works and prepares or endorses the relevant plans and submissions.

Depending on the project, you may need architectural, structural, mechanical or electrical professionals.

Do not treat the QP as paperwork support only. Their involvement helps establish whether your proposed work complies with the applicable building and technical requirements.

3. Check URA Planning Requirements

URA planning permission is a separate consideration from BCA building plan approval.

Your project may require planning permission depending on factors such as:

• Proposed additions or extensions
• Gross floor area changes
• Land use
• Development parameters
• Building envelope changes
• Property location
• Conservation status

URA provides different submission routes, including Development Applications and Plan Lodgment for eligible projects.

For example, URA has specific Plan Lodgment criteria for certain additions and alterations to landed houses.

You should therefore confirm the appropriate URA route before finalising your construction plans.

4. Check BCA Building and Structural Requirements

After the planning requirements are established, the project team needs to determine the applicable BCA requirements.

BCA building plan submissions are made through a Qualified Person where approval is required.

Structural works may also require structural plans and professional involvement.

The scope of the work determines what needs to be submitted. A simple internal alteration does not necessarily follow the same process as a structural extension or major A&A project.

Your QP should assess the proposed work and identify the required building and structural submissions.

5. Check SCDF Fire Safety Requirements

Fire safety is an important part of A&A planning.

Your proposed work can affect:

• Fire compartments
• Fire-rated walls
• Fire doors
• Exit routes
• Sprinkler systems
• Fire alarm systems
• Mechanical ventilation
• Smoke control
• Other fire protection systems

SCDF states that proposed fire safety works require approval, with plans submitted by Qualified Persons on behalf of building owners.

SCDF also provides a Minor Addition & Alteration Works lodgement route for qualifying minor works.

For minor A&A works, the QP must submit the required application through CORENET before the work begins. The project must also meet the applicable criteria.

Do not assume that a small internal alteration is automatically exempt from fire safety requirements.

6. Check HDB, Landlord, MCST and Other Requirements

Government approval is only one part of the process.

Your property may also have additional requirements from the property owner, landlord, MCST, HDB, JTC or other relevant parties.

For HDB commercial premises, HDB has separate requirements for A&A works, lodgement works and exempted works.

HDB states that applicable A&A applications are submitted through CORENET by a QP. HDB also provides different procedures depending on whether the work falls under its A&A list, lodgement list or exemption list.

For strata properties, you should also check the MCST’s requirements before work begins.

If you lease the premises, review your tenancy agreement and obtain the landlord’s required consent before starting work.

What Documents Are Needed for A&A Approval?

The documents depend on the scope of your project and the authority involved.

Your project may require:

• Existing floor plans
• Proposed floor plans
• Site plans
• Elevations
• Sections
• Architectural drawings
• Structural drawings
• Structural calculations
• Fire safety plans
• Mechanical and electrical drawings
• Details of proposed materials
• QP endorsements
• Owner or landlord consent
• MCST approval
• HDB documents
• Supporting technical reports
• Other authority-specific forms

For example, SCDF’s minor A&A submission requirements include a site or location plan, whole-floor plan, detailed proposed layout, sectional plan and partition details.

HDB also specifies drawing and documentation requirements for applicable commercial A&A submissions.

The important point is simple: prepare the documents based on your actual project instead of using a generic renovation checklist.

What Has Changed for A&A Approvals in 2026?

One of the biggest changes you should know about is the continued rollout of CORENET X.

As of 1 October 2026, the revised CORENET X implementation plan requires Gateway Process submissions for new projects with a GFA of 5,000 square metres or more that fall within the specified scope.

This includes:

• New buildings with total GFA of at least 5,000 square metres
• Additions or extensions creating at least 5,000 square metres of additional GFA
• Major A&A works with affected or replaced GFA of at least 5,000 square metres

Projects below 5,000 square metres can continue using CORENET 2 for now, while CORENET X Gateway submission remains voluntary for that category.

The change matters because larger A&A projects now need to account for the updated digital submission process when planning their approvals.

URA and BCA reported in July 2026 that more than 140 projects involving about 300 firms had submitted through CORENET X. Those projects reported time savings of up to two months and fewer resubmissions, although the agencies noted that the productivity gains were most pronounced on larger and more complex projects.

For a smaller commercial A&A project, this does not mean you automatically need to use the CORENET X Gateway Process. The applicable route depends on the project’s scope, size and submission status.

How Long Does A&A Approval Take?

There is no single approval timeline for every A&A project.

The timeline depends on:

• Property type
• Project size
• Structural complexity
• Number of authorities involved
• Completeness of drawings
• QP submissions
• Required technical clearances
• Whether revisions are required
• HDB, landlord or MCST requirements

HDB currently states that its applicable commercial A&A application would likely take 14 working days for approval, subject to review. Its lodgement application would likely take 7 working days.

These are HDB processing indications. They do not represent the complete project timeline.

A project can still require additional time for design, QP preparation, other authority clearances, revisions and construction.

You should therefore separate the approval timeline from the overall A&A project timeline.

Can You Start A&A Works Before Approval?

If your proposed work requires approval, do not start construction before you receive the required approval.

This includes work that affects structural elements, fire safety systems or other regulated building components.

Starting work before approval can create additional problems if the completed work does not match the requirements or approved plans.

BCA has procedures for dealing with unauthorised building works, including situations where owners need to regularise existing works.

HDB also states that applicable A&A and lodgement works involving hacking can only begin after the required approval has been obtained.

The same principle applies to other property-specific approvals and landlord or building-management requirements.

Before your contractor starts work, confirm that all required approvals and permissions are in place.

A&A Works Approval Checklist

Use this checklist before starting your project:

1. Define the complete scope of work.
2. Confirm the property’s approved use and property type.
3. Check whether structural changes are involved.
4. Determine whether you need a Qualified Person.
5. Check URA planning requirements.
6. Check BCA building and structural requirements.
7. Check SCDF fire safety requirements.
8. Check HDB requirements where applicable.
9. Check MCST or landlord requirements.
10. Prepare the required drawings and documents.
11. Submit the applications through the appropriate channels.
12. Wait for the required approvals before starting applicable works.
13. Build according to the approved scope.
14. Complete the required inspections and documentation.

Planning A&A Works in Singapore?

A&A projects require careful coordination between design, approvals and construction.

Green City Management provides Addition and Alteration Works in Singapore for commercial, office, industrial, warehouse and other applicable properties. Our existing A&A service covers project assessment, drawings, authority coordination, construction and handover.

If you are planning A&A works, start by confirming what approvals your project needs. The right approval route depends on your property and the scope of work.

Learn more about our Addition & Alteration Works services or speak with our team about your project requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all A&A works require BCA approval?

No. BCA identifies certain building works that do not require plan submission. Other A&A works require building or structural plan approval depending on their scope. A Qualified Person can assess the applicable requirements.

Do A&A works always need URA approval?

No. URA requirements depend on the proposed development and property. Some projects require planning permission, while eligible projects may follow a different submission or lodgement route.

Do I need a Qualified Person for A&A works?

Many A&A projects involving regulated building or structural works require a Qualified Person. BCA specifies that the QP for building plan submissions must be a registered architect or professional engineer with a valid practising certificate.

Does SCDF approval apply to A&A works?

It depends on the proposed work. If the alteration affects fire safety systems or other regulated fire safety elements, SCDF approval or an applicable minor A&A lodgement may be required.

Can I start A&A works while approval is pending?

You should not start work that requires approval before the required approval is granted. Check the specific requirements for your project before construction begins.

How long does A&A approval take in Singapore?

There is no standard timeline for every A&A project. The time depends on the property, scope, authority submissions, technical requirements and whether revisions are required. Individual authorities publish their own processing indications for specific application types.