Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) Application Process
A comprehensive guide to the Fire Safety Certificate application process in Singapore. Follow these steps to ensure your building project meets all SCDF and FSSD requirements for fire safety compliance.
What is the Fire Safety Certificate (FSC)?
The Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) is a mandatory document issued by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) that certifies a building's fire safety measures comply with the Fire Code. Any building undergoing Additions & Alterations (A&A) or renovation works that affect fire safety measures requires an FSC.
The application process involves multiple stages — from engaging a Qualified Person (QP) to submitting building plans, obtaining Notice of Approval (NOA), and finally applying for the FSC upon completion of all works.
The entire process is managed by a Project Coordinator (typically your appointed QP or PE) who oversees submissions, liaises with SCDF/FSSD, and coordinates inspections by Registered Inspectors.
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Important: Pre-Approval Requirements
Approvals from URA, HDB, JTC, or BCA for Change of Use, Plan Lodgement, or any other matters related to other agencies shall be obtained first before the commencement of Fire Safety submission. Do not begin your FSC application until all relevant agency approvals are in place.
The 14-Step FSC Application Process
From engaging a Qualified Person to the final Fire Safety Certificate application, here is the complete step-by-step process managed by your Project Coordinator.
Engage a Qualified Person (QP)
The Owner or Registered Tenant must engage a Qualified Person (QP) by endorsing the Authorisation Letters. The QP shall then be appointed as the Project Coordinator for the entire FSC application process.
Present Proposed Layout Plans
The Interior Designer, Main Contractor, or Owner presents the proposed layout plan(s) for the unit to the QP or Professional Engineer (PE) for review and assessment.
QP / PE Assessment of Site & Plans
The Qualified Person (QP) or Professional Engineer (PE) assesses the site and plans presented, and makes necessary comments if any. This includes checking if sprinklers are affected or if Mechanical Ventilation is affected.
Amend Proposed Plans if Required
Amendments must be made on the proposed plan(s) if required based on the QP or PE's assessment and feedback from Step 3.
Submit Building Fire Safety Measures Plan (BP)
The final, amended, or proposed Building Fire Safety Measures Plan (BP) is submitted to the Fire Safety and Shelter Department (FSSD) of SCDF for review and approval.
Pay Application Fee for BP
The application fee for the Building Plan (BP) shall be made to FSSD/SCDF upon issuance of an acknowledgement letter for the submitted plans.
Receive Notice of Approval (NOA)
SCDF/FSSD will process all the submitted documents and issue a Notice of Approval (NOA) with the necessary Reference Number once the plans are approved.
Submit Fire Protection (FP) & ACMV Plans
If Fire Protection Measures (FP) and/or Aircon-Mechanical Ventilation System (ACMV) is affected by the works, then Steps 5 through 7 shall ensue for each of these components separately, if affected or required.
Commence Renovation / Construction Works
Renovation or construction works may only commence relative to the NOA that was issued. For example, if BP NOA was issued, only BP works may commence. Sprinkler works may only commence after FP NOA is issued.
Follow Approved Plans Strictly
All A&A or renovation works must follow strictly to the submitted and approved plans. Any deviations will result in a resubmission process of the amendment plans (repeat of Steps 5 through 7). Additional costs will apply.
Engage Registered Inspectors
Upon the completion of A&A works on site, the Project Coordinator shall then arrange for the engagement of a Registered Inspector (Architect) and/or Registered Inspector (M&E) to conduct site inspections.
Schedule Site Inspections
A date shall be set for site inspections by the Registered Inspectors (Architect and/or M&E) to verify that all works comply with the approved plans and regulations.
Registered Inspectors Issue Compliance Documents
The Registered Inspector(s) shall issue Form 01/02, Appointment Letters and Annex A should they find the project site and plan to be in compliance with the necessary fire safety regulations.
Final Application for Fire Safety Certificate (FSC)
The Project Coordinator (QP/PE) shall then consolidate all documents from the entire process and make the Final Application for the Fire Safety Certificate (FSC).
FSC Application Summary
A condensed overview of the entire Fire Safety Certificate application journey.
- 1
Engagement of Qualified Person (QP)
- 2
Presentation of Proposed Plans and Site Assessments
- 3
Amendments to Proposed Plan if necessary
- 4
Submission of Plan and Issuance of Acknowledgement Letter
- 5
Application Fees to FSSD/SCDF
- 6
Issuance of Notice of Approval (NOA) from SCDF/FSSD
- 7
Commencement of A&A / Renovation works on Site relative to the submitted and approved works
- 8
Submission of other components if any (Repeat Steps 4–7)
- 9
Completion of A&A / Renovation works
- 10
Engage Registered Inspector (R.I. Architect and/or R.I. M&E)
- 11
Application of FSC
Key Terms & Abbreviations
Fire Safety Certificate — the final certificate issued by SCDF upon successful compliance of all fire safety measures.
Qualified Person — a registered architect or professional engineer appointed as the Project Coordinator for the FSC application.
Professional Engineer — a registered engineer (Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil) who assesses and certifies fire safety plans.
Singapore Civil Defence Force — the national authority responsible for fire safety regulations and enforcement.
Fire Safety and Shelter Department — the SCDF department that processes fire safety plan submissions and issues approvals.
Building Fire Safety Measures Plan — the architectural plan showing fire safety provisions for the building.
Fire Protection Measures — fire safety systems including sprinklers, alarms, and smoke control.
Aircon-Mechanical Ventilation System — the building's air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation components.
Notice of Approval — the official document issued by SCDF/FSSD approving submitted fire safety plans.
Additions & Alterations — renovation or construction works that modify the existing building structure or systems.
Registered Inspector — a certified professional (Architect or M&E) who inspects completed works for SCDF compliance.
Urban Redevelopment Authority — agency governing land use and planning permissions in Singapore.
Building and Construction Authority — agency regulating Singapore's building and construction industry.
Housing & Development Board — Singapore's public housing authority.
Jurong Town Corporation — agency managing industrial land and estates in Singapore.
Need Help with Your FSC Application?
Our SCDF-registered Qualified Persons and Professional Engineers have managed hundreds of FSC applications across Singapore. From plan submissions to final inspections, we handle the entire process for you.