URA has introduced new rules to allow more leeway when it comes to altering building interiors. Under the new rules, the floor-to-floor height requirement is abolished. Currently, the height limit for first storey is 4.5m, and 3.6m each for the second and third storeys. The new guidelines also relax a rule that the third storey will have to be set back an additional 1m from the first and second storeys. Moreover, attic roofs do not need to be pitched, while basements may protrude more than 1m above ground. The rules will take effect from May.

This article appeared in the City & Country of Issue 665 (Feb 23) of The Edge Singapore.