Fifty-Storey Height Limit for HDB Blocks

Mr Seah Kian Peng asked the Minister for National Development (a) why commercial buildings in the vicinity of HDB blocks can be more than 50 storeys high when HDB blocks are limited to a maximum height of 50 storeys; and (b) whether HDB will review the current 50-storey height limit for HDB blocks.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: There is no "50-storey height limit for HDB flats". However, like all other developments, HDB blocks are subject to height control, based on planning rules, flight paths and other technical requirements. In new towns, HDB already builds to the maximum allowable height. However, in the Central Area where the height limits are less restrictive, HDB may not build to the maximum allowable height. This is because very high-rise buildings will require high-speed lifts and an additional fire safety refuge floor. These additional requirements will be expensive to provide and maintain.

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