What is the difference between A&A and reconstruction for a landed house?
URA's plan lodgment guidance treats works as additions and alterations only if they stay within set limits: added gross floor area of no more than 50% of the existing approved GFA, replacement of no more than 50% of the existing approved external walls, and structural changes to columns, beams and floor slabs of no more than 50% of the existing approved floor area. A proposal that exceeds these limits should be lodged as a new erection or reconstruction, which is assessed against the full set of current guidelines.
From the RRD Field Guide, checked against the sources cited in Landed House A&A in Singapore: Reconstruction vs A&A, Attics, Extensions and Approvals. General information, not advice for your project.
The fuller picture
In Singapore, landed house works stay A&A only within URA's limits: added floor area up to 50% of the existing approved GFA, and no more than 50% of external walls or structural floor area replaced. Anything larger is lodged as reconstruction or new erection. Extensions, attics and basements need URA planning permission and, where structural, BCA plans and a permit through a Qualified Person.
More questions on this topic
- Do I need URA approval to add an attic to my terrace house?
- Which landed house works need no BCA plan submission?
- Can I hack into my party wall to support a new beam?
- Does my renovated house need SCDF fire safety approval?
- What are the rules for Good Class Bungalow Areas?
- Do I need to tell my neighbours before renovating?
- How long does a landed house A&A approval take?