BCA reminds the industry to obtain approval of changes before commencement of work

Singapore, 4 June 2021 – The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) reminds the industry players to obtain approval of building plans before commencement of non-structural building works. The Phase 2 Heightened Alert may have increased pressures but the industry players are expected to stay vigilant.

In respect of any material change(s) in building works that deviate from approved building plan, the Qualified Person (QP) is required to submit an amendment plan and obtain approval from the Commissioner of Building Control (Commissioner) prior to the commencement of the relevant building works.

For immaterial change(s) to building works that deviate from approved building plan, the QP is required to submit a record plan. The terms ‘immaterial changes’ and ‘material changes’ are defined in the Building Control Regulations 2003. For ease of reference:

1. Immaterial changes, in relation to building works, means any changes that do not affect the objectives and performance requirements set out in the Fifth Schedule relating to the approved plans, and that: a) do not affect any key structural elements; or b) affect the key structural elements but the effects are localised in nature and do not require a redesign of the key structural elements;
2. Material changes, in relation to building works, means any changes other than immaterial changes.

The QP is required to submit record plan(s) that reflect all immaterial changes to non-structural building works for our reference upon the completion of building works. The record plan(s) may be submitted prior to or together with an application for temporary occupation permit (TOP) for the building works. BCA highlights that the TOP application will not be processed and no TOP inspection will be conducted, unless the QP has complied with all relevant requirements under the Building Control Act, including submitting either a declaration that there is no deviation from the approved building plan or record plan(s) that set out immaterial changes in the building works.

For submitting record plan(s), QPs are required to submit the specific drawing sheets that set out building works with immaterial changes. In respect of any material change(s) in building works, the QP is required to submit an amendment plan and obtain approval from the Commissioner prior to the commencement of the relevant building works

If QPs are in doubt as to whether changes to building works constitute immaterial changes or material changes, QPs are advised to seek advice from BCA before the relevant building works are carried out.

– Construction+ Online

Source: BCA