Do I need an Occupational Permit (OP) before I can operate my business?
An OP is a legal requirement to indicate that a building is safe for occupation and use.
If you are planning to start a business and want to know whether you need an OP or any other building-related requirements before you can commence business operations, start by answering the following questions:
1. Do you plan to amend or change any space, light and ventilation requirement?
2. Do you plan to amend or change any structural requirement?
3. Do you plan to amend or change any constructional requirement (such as party walls, cooking facilities, dimensions of staircases)?
4. Do you plan to amend or change any fire requirement and fire protection system (such as fire alarms, detection, extinguishment, fire-fighting access)?
5. Do you plan to amend or change any electrical installation or increase of power capacity?
6. Do you plan to amend or change any water, sewerage, sanitary, drainage or plumbing system?
7. Do you plan to amend or change any gas piping and detection system?
8. Do you plan to amend or change any use of building, road system, or car parking requirement?
If you answered YES to any of the questions above, you will need to obtain an OP and will have to start by obtaining Development Permission.
If you answered YES to Question 8, you will have to first start by obtaining Planning Permission.
If in doubt, you should consult a Qualified Person (QP) or ABCi to advise you accordingly:
