Multi-Agency Effort To Intensify Enforcement On Use Of Outdoor Display Areas

Source : Housing Development Board (HDB) Press Releases, Oct 11, 2007

Some HDB shop retailers have misused the outdoor display area (ODA) of their shop fronts by subletting the spaces illegally or displaying their wares beyond permitted limits. Such irresponsible acts pose a danger to residents as they block the access routes in times of fire or other emergencies. The placing of bulky items across covered drains may also obstruct their cleaning and lead to mosquito breeding.

2 Following the recent shophouse fire at Hougang Ave 8 which led to the loss of two innocent lives, HDB, Town Councils and SCDF have received complaints and feedback from HDB residents and members of the public concerning the obstruction of common property in HDB estates.

3 HDB, SCDF, NEA and Town Councils will intensify enforcement to ensure the appropriate use of ODA by HDB shop retailers.


ODA Guidelines

4 A set of ODA guidelines (see Annex A) has been drawn up to guide the use of ODA. Shop retailers are to confine the display of their wares within designated boxes drawn by the Town Councils. This is to ensure that there is sufficient passageway for the residents so that fire escape routes are not obstructed, and that drains in front of the shops can be cleaned. Retailers are also required to keep their wares inside the shops after their operating hours. They are not allowed to sublet the ODA to third parties. Please see the photographs in Annex B for a pictorial representation of the guidelines.


Intensified Enforcement Action

5 The Town Councils will conduct regular checks to ensure that the ODA guidelines are followed strictly. Joint inspections with the HDB, SCDF and NEA will also be mounted to complement the checks by Town Councils. Retailers are strongly advised to cooperate with the Town Councils and comply with the ODA guidelines. Retailers who do not cooperate and persist in violating these guidelines will be dealt with severely. Failure to comply with the guidelines may result in fines up to $5,000 under the Town Councils Act.

ANNEX A

Guidelines on Shop Front Display
- Minimum 1.5m-wide clear corridor passageway to be maintained from the front of the shop to ODA
- Minimum 1m-wide open path to be maintained between goods
- Row of goods should not exceed 3m in length
- Goods should not be placed within 3m of exit staircases.
- Goods, shelves or racks should not be left overnight outside the shop
- No enclosure is allowed (including drop-down screens/blinds)
- No subletting of ODA
- Goods should not cover the drains at shop front
- No extension of ODA during festive period


Annex B