Do the NEA construction noise limits apply to office fit-outs?
NEA regulates noise from construction sites, and states that it regulates A&A works in landed homes, while HDB and MCSTs handle renovation in flats and condos. For fit-outs inside commercial buildings, the operative limits in practice are the landlord's fit-out guidelines, which commonly push noisy works to nights or weekends. Where a site may fall within NEA's construction noise regime, for example near homes, check with NEA before programming.
From the RRD Field Guide, checked against the sources cited in Construction Noise and Working Hours in Singapore: NEA Limits, Sunday Rules, Condo and HDB Renovation Hours. General information, not advice for your project.
The fuller picture
NEA limits construction noise near homes within 150 m to 75 dBA (12-hour average) from 7 am to 7 pm, 65 dBA (1-hour) from 7 pm to 10 pm and 55 dBA (1-hour) overnight, with stricter limits near hospitals and schools. Sites within 150 m of homes or hospitals cannot work from 10 pm Saturday to 7 am Monday, or over public holidays, without a permit. Fines reach S$40,000.
More questions on this topic
- What time can construction start in Singapore?
- Is construction work allowed on Sundays in Singapore?
- What are the construction noise limits near homes?
- What is the fine for breaching construction noise limits?
- What are the renovation hours for HDB flats?
- What are the renovation hours in a condominium?
- How is construction noise measured and monitored?