Simplified Interior Renovation: Understanding the Rules for Buildings Under 6 Stories

Mr. Chen, a resident of a 5-story apartment building, breathed a sigh of relief after reading the previous article. He thought, “Great, my home is an H-2 type residence and it’s on the 5th floor, so it’s not a building ‘for public use.’ Now I can finally change the layout as I please!” He immediately contacted his contractor, ready to convert one of the three bedrooms into a master bathroom and enclose the balcony to enlarge the living room.

However, the contractor looked troubled and stopped him: “Mr. Chen, that’s not possible! Even though your home is on the 5th floor, you want to ‘add a bathroom’ and ‘enclose the balcony.’ These still require an application!” Mr. Chen was completely confused: “First, they say you don’t need it below the 6th floor, and now you’re saying I need it even on the 5th floor? Is this regulation playing games with people?”

This is precisely the most peculiar and landmine-prone gray area in interior renovation regulations. The statement “no application needed below the 6th floor” is the biggest myth. The truth is, the regulations offer a “convenient door” for residences on the 5th floor (and below), but this door is very narrow, with strict conditions and limitations. The official name for this door is “Simplified Interior Renovation” (abbreviated as “Simplified Renovation”). This article will thoroughly analyze this system, clarifying what it truly “simplifies” and what it “restricts.”

The Challenge of “Simplified Renovation”: Why the Intuition of “Below the 6th Floor” Fails to Measure the “True Application Conditions”

The saying “no application needed below the 6th floor” is only half true. The correct statement is: “For H-2 residences below the 6th floor, if they meet specific conditions, the application process can be simplified,” not “completely waived.” When homeowners interpret this with an “all or nothing” dichotomy, they naturally fall into the regulatory trap.

“Below the 6th Floor = No Application Needed”: The Biggest Survivor Bias

For decades, renovation projects in older apartment buildings rarely involved formal applications. Many homeowners knocked down partition walls or even added stories to their rooftops, and “apparently” nothing happened. This “survivor bias” has given new homeowners the illusion that “no one cares below the 5th floor.” However, as neighbors’ awareness of their rights increases, reporting channels become more accessible, and the government emphasizes public safety, the risks associated with this (jiǎoxìng -) mentality are rapidly escalating.

Misinterpreting “Not for Public Use”: Thinking “Low Risk” Equals “No Restrictions”

As mentioned earlier, residences on the 5th floor and below (H-2 type) are indeed “not for public use,” and the regulations have lower control intensity for them. However, “lower control” does not equate to “zero restrictions.” The regulations still delineate several “red lines” that must not be crossed, typically involving “structural safety” and “illegal structures.” For instance, Mr. Chen’s desire to “add a bathroom” significantly increases the “dead load” on the floor slab (pipes, waterproofing, bathtub) and involves pipes penetrating the floor, potentially causing damage to neighbors (e.g., leaks to the lower unit). Enclosing the balcony is a 100% “illegal structure” act. These actions, regardless of your floor, exceed the scope of “simplified,” and must be regulated.

How “Simplified Renovation” Rewrites the Rules: The Roles of “Significant Simplification” and “Professional Endorsement”

The “Simplified Renovation” system was not created to make things difficult for homeowners below the 6th floor; rather, it’s a significant “benefit” offered by the government. It acknowledges the lower risk associated with these types of residences and thus opens a “fast-track” legal channel, aiming to “encourage management” rather than “complete exemption.”

New Core Element: The True Meaning of “Simplification” (with bullet points)

What exactly does “Simplified Renovation” “simplify”? Compared to the “general renovation” application for buildings above the 6th floor, its biggest advantages are “accelerated processes” and “reduced documentation.” The specific simplifications vary slightly by city regulations, but generally include:

• Simplified Review Authority: The biggest change! In most cities (like Taipei and New Taipei City), “Simplified Renovation” cases do not need to be submitted to the Department of Urban Development for review. They can be directly entrusted to professional organizations like the “Architects Association” or “Interior Decoration Industry Association” for “drawing review.”
• Shortened Review Time: Because the association’s review replaces the administrative process of government agencies, the review speed is significantly accelerated, shortening from “several weeks” to “a few days.”
• Simplified Fire Safety Documents: As it does not involve fire safety regulations for “public use,” it usually “does not require” consultation with the fire department, unless there are major changes.
• Simplified Completion Inspection: Also conducted by the association or professionals, leading to higher efficiency.

The Unchanged Bottom Line: The Endorsement Responsibility of “Professionals”

Please note, “simplification” does not mean “DIY.” “Simplified Renovation” is still a formal legal procedure. This means you still need to commission a “licensed architect” or a “licensed interior renovation contractor” to “endorse and take responsibility” for your drawings. You cannot submit your own drawings, because the foundation of this process is “professional endorsement” replacing “government review,” and the legal responsibility is in no way reduced.

Beyond “Floor Level”: 3 New Indicators to Determine “Simplified Renovation” Eligibility

So, the key question arises: Does my home qualify for “Simplified Renovation”? You must move beyond the singular focus on “below the 6th floor” and use a multi-dimensional “dashboard” to check. Your renovation activities must “simultaneously” meet all conditions to be eligible for this fast-track process.

Core Indicator: Building “Floor Level” and “Use”

This is the basic entry ticket. Your property must be a building “not for public use.” The most common judgment standard is: located on the 5th floor (or below) and classified as H-2 (residential). If your home is on the 6th floor, or if your building is a B-type (commercial) space below the 5th floor, it does not apply.

Key Indicator: 3 Major “Restrictions” on Renovation Activities (Prohibitions)

This is why 90% of homeowners are rejected. To qualify for “Simplified Renovation,” your renovation content “must not” include the following activities (according to Article 29-1 of the “Regulations for Management of Building Interior Decoration”):

1. Must not add toilets or bathrooms.
2. Must not add 2 or more rooms (causing “subdivision of units”).
3. Must not alter “partition walls” (the wall shared between you and your neighbor).

This is why Mr. Chen was immediately turned down by his contractor when he wanted to “add a bathroom.” Because if he violated the first point, he would lose his eligibility for “Simplified Renovation” and would have to follow the “general renovation” process for buildings above the 6th floor, submitting to the Department of Urban Development for review.

Simplified Renovation vs. General Renovation: Eligibility Restriction Dashboard

We have compiled these complex conditions into a clear dashboard. You can use your renovation plan to check directly:

• Check Indicator: Building Floor Level (H-2 Type)
  • ✅ Eligible for “Simplified Renovation” (Below 5th Floor): 5th floor (and below)
  • ❌ Must switch to “General Renovation”: 6th floor (and above)
• Activity: Demolishing/Adding Partition Walls
  • ✅ Eligible: Yes (e.g., converting a three-bedroom to a two-bedroom)
  • ❌ Must switch to “General Renovation”: Yes
• Activity: Renovating Ceilings
  • ✅ Eligible: Yes
  • ❌ Must switch to “General Renovation”: Yes
• Restriction: Adding Bathrooms/Kitchens
  • ✅ Eligible: Prohibited (0 units)
  • ❌ Must switch to “General Renovation”: Allowed (requires review)
• Restriction: Adding Rooms (creating studio apartments)
  • ✅ Eligible: Not more than 1 unit
  • ❌ Must switch to “General Renovation”: Allowed (requires review)
• Restriction: Altering Partition Walls
  • ✅ Eligible: Prohibited
  • ❌ Must switch to “General Renovation”: Allowed (requires review)

The Future of “Simplified Renovation”: A Choice Between “Convenience” and “Legality”

The regulatory spirit of “Simplified Renovation” is not “do whatever you want below the 6th floor,” but rather “we offer convenience, please abide by the law.” It is a well-intentioned “fast track” designed to encourage homeowners of older apartments, who represent the largest proportion, to “legalize” their renovation activities with minimal administrative costs.

You can choose to abuse this convenience and ignore the restriction of “no adding bathrooms,” gambling on a future where you won’t be reported. Or, you can choose to cherish this convenience, plan your layout within the legal red lines, and quickly obtain the “certificate of compliance” that protects your property value through legal professionals.

Your choice determines whether you are a speculator seeking advantage in the “gray area” or a smart homeowner who effectively utilizes the “legal shortcut.”