Chapter 9
Additional Requirements for Each Purpose Group
Chapter 9 sets out purpose-group-specific fire safety requirements that supplement the general provisions in Chapters 1–8. Each clause addresses the unique risks, occupancy patterns, and structural characteristics of one of the nine Purpose Groups (I–VIII plus Others). Requirements range from simplified exit provisions for small houses (PG I) to detailed compartmentation, smoke-control, and sprinkler thresholds for hospitals, factories, warehouses, and assembly buildings. Clause 9.9 covers special building types including conservation shophouses, buildings under construction, engineered timber structures, mega underground developments, and flammable refrigerant restrictions.
Scope: All buildings in Singapore classified under Purpose Groups I through VIII and special building types covered by Clause 9.9. Requirements supplement and, where they conflict with, take precedence over Chapters 1–8.
Source: SCDF Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Buildings 2023. This is a guidance summary — always verify against the full Fire Code clause text.
Critical points
One exit staircase is permitted for aboveground shop floors only if habitable height ≤15 m, floor ≤4th storey, and AFA ≤200 m². Same conditions apply for basement shop floors (plus non-combustible construction and depth ≤9 m).
CriticalCl.9.5.1aODAs along covered walkway must maintain a clear walkway width of ≥1.2 m at the shop front; racks ≤3 m long, ≥1 m clear path between rows, goods ≤2 m height.
ImportantCl.9.5.2b.(3)Hose reel required for ODA (covered walkway or canopy) if total shop + ODA area per unit exceeds 150 m² or if the unit above is non-residential; hose reel within 5 m of exit.
ImportantCl.9.5.2b.(3)(f), Cl.9.5.2b.(4)(g)No open-flame activities are permitted at any ODA. ODAs must not encroach onto any fire engine accessway/fire engine access road.
ImportantCl.9.5.2b.(5)(a)–(b)For roofed-over detached ODAs, maximum total stall length is 6 m; separation ≥3 m required if total length exceeds 6 m (waived if hose reel covers stalls). Display area ≥3 m from building eaves/boundary.
ImportantCl.9.5.2b.(2)Drop-down screens at ODAs are not permitted except retractable type approved by SCDF that retracts on smoke detector activation or power failure.
NoteCl.9.5.2b.(3)(c)
Compliance thresholds
| Parameter | Value | Condition | Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max AFA for single-staircase shop floor | 200 m² | Single exit staircase, aboveground or basement shop floor | Cl.9.5.1a.(1)(c) |
| Max habitable height for single-staircase shop floor | 15 m | Aboveground shop, single staircase | Cl.9.5.1a.(1)(a) |
| Min clear walkway width at shop front (ODA along covered walkway) | 1.2 m | ODA along covered walkway | Cl.9.5.2b.(3)(a) |
| Max rack length (ODA covered walkway / canopy) | 3 m | Racks for displaying goods in ODAs | Cl.9.5.2b.(3)(b) |
| Max goods stacking height (ODA) | 2 m above floor level | ODAs along covered walkway and with canopy | Cl.9.5.2b.(3)(b) |
| Min clear path between rack rows | 1 m | ODA rack displays | Cl.9.5.2b.(3)(b) |
| Total shop + ODA area threshold for hose reel | 150 m² | Hose reel required if exceeded or if unit above is non-residential | Cl.9.5.2b.(3)(f) |
| Max awning depth (ODA with extended canopy) | 2.4 m | ODAs with extended awning/canopy | Cl.9.5.2b.(4)(a) |
| Separation from exit staircase discharge points (ODA goods/awning) | 3 m (reducible to 1.5 m with multiple exits) | ODAs along covered walkway and with canopy | Cl.9.5.2b.(3)(d) |
| Max distance to fire extinguisher (ODA) | 15 m | Fire extinguisher coverage for ODAs | Cl.9.5.2b.(5)(c) |
Interactive decision tree
Does the PG V premises include an Outdoor Display Area (ODA)?