New Requirement in Building Code for Minimum Clearance along Corridors

Ms Lee Li Lian asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the revision to the Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment requiring 1.5 metres of minimum clearance along common corridors applies to buildings built before 1 April 2014; (b) if so, whether there are plans to align SCDF guidelines with this; and (c) if not, whether Town Councils will need to have two sets of by-laws for flats built before and after 1 April 2014.

The Senior Minister of State for National Development (Mr Lee Yi Shyan) (for the Minister for National Development) : Madam, to prepare for an ageing population and to provide wider access routes for people using mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and walking frames, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) revised the Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment in 2013 to require a minimum corridor width of 1.5 metres for all residential buildings. This applies to new buildings and existing buildings undergoing major

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retrofitting works, with plans submitted for regulatory approval on or after 1 April 2014.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)'s guidelines, on the other hand, stipulate that there must be a clear passage of at least 1.2 metres along the corridors, so as not to impede fire-fighting and rescue operations. SCDF also does not allow the storage of combustible materials along the corridors.

Town Councils have a duty to keep the corridors free from obstructions and comply with both BCA's accessibility requirements and SCDF's guidelines. There is no need for two sets of by-laws as TCs can exercise their discretion in the wording of the by-laws to meet the prevailing requirements and guidelines.

Residents can also do their part in removing corridor clutter to ensure that passages are clear for a safe and pleasant living environment for all.