Is a change of use an SCDF matter?
Yes. Section 61 of the Fire Safety Act requires prior approval for a change of use that would make the existing fire safety measures inadequate, with a maximum of S$200,000, two years' jail, or both. Typical fit-out examples include converting offices to classrooms, stores to showrooms, or car park areas to storage. SCDF's enforcement material lists unauthorised change of use among its most common fire safety offences.
From the RRD Field Guide, checked against the sources cited in SCDF Fire Safety for Fit-Outs in Singapore: Approvals, Inspections and Common Failures. General information, not advice for your project.
The fuller picture
Under Singapore's Fire Safety Act, fit-out works that touch fire safety — partitions affecting exits, sprinklers, fire doors, ventilation, change of use — need SCDF plan approval through a Qualified Person before work starts. Small works in buildings with a TFP or FSC can be lodged for S$90 within strict limits. After approved works, a Registered Inspector must certify them before SCDF issues a TFP or FSC.
More questions on this topic
- Does every office fit-out need SCDF approval?
- What is the difference between an FSC, a TFP and a Fire Certificate?
- Who is the Registered Inspector and who appoints them?
- How many sprinklers can I move without full SCDF approval?
- Can I put up a partition without telling SCDF?
- What happens if SCDF finds problems at inspection?
- Does the building's Fire Safety Manager need to approve my works?