Kaohsiung City’s Simplified Interior Renovation: Eligibility and Application Guide

Kaohsiung City’s Simplified Interior Renovation: Eligibility and Application Guide

A Convenient Measure Explained: Your Fast-Track Guide to Minor Renovations. To streamline the application process for minor interior renovations, the Kaohsiung City Government has introduced a “Simplified Interior Renovation” initiative. This offers a more straightforward application channel for low-risk, small-scale renovation projects. This article will detail the eligibility criteria, application procedures, and important considerations for simplified renovations, helping Kaohsiung residents understand how to legally complete small renovation projects.

Who Qualifies for Simplified Interior Renovations?

Who Can Apply for Simplified Interior Renovations?

Simplified interior renovations are suitable for low-risk, small-scale projects. Renovations meeting the following conditions can apply:

Residential Renovations

Scope: Single-family homes, attached houses, apartment units.

Project Types: Interior partition changes, surface finishing, equipment upgrades.

Area Limit: Renovation area under 100 square meters.

Floor Limit: Limited to the second to fifth floors above ground level.

Commercial Space Renovations

Scope: Small shops, offices, service establishments.

Project Types: Interior finishing, counter installation, display rack setup.

Area Limit: Renovation area under 100 square meters.

Industry Limit: Non-hazardous workplaces.

Specific Project Types

Ceiling Renovations: Suspended ceilings, fire-rated ceilings.

Interior Partitions: Lightweight partition walls, built-in cabinetry.

Flooring Projects: Tile installation, wood flooring installation.

Surface Treatments: Painting, wallpapering, decorative paneling.

Simplified vs. Standard Renovation Eligibility Comparison

• Renovation Area: Simplified applies to 100 sq. meters or less; Standard applies to over 100 sq. meters.
• Floor Limit: Simplified applies to floors 2-5; Standard applies to all floors (ground and 6th+ floors require standard application).
• Project Type: Simplified for low-risk projects; Standard for all project types (refer to the list of restricted items).
• Building Type: Simplified primarily for H-2 category residential buildings; Standard for all building types (H-2: Residential).
• Review Time: Simplified takes 7-14 business days; Standard takes 14-30 business days (actual time varies by project complexity).
• Application Fee: Lower for Simplified; Higher for Standard (based on area and project complexity).

Simplified Renovation Application Process

Complete Your Simplified Renovation Application in Four Steps

The application process for simplified interior renovations in Kaohsiung has been significantly simplified, making it easier to legalize small-scale renovations:

1. Prepare Application Documents

   Fill out the application form, prepare the renovation plan, and gather relevant supporting documents.

2. Submit Online or In-Person

   Submit your application through the Kaohsiung City Construction Management Office’s online system or in person.

3. Simplified Review Procedure

   The Construction Management Office conducts a written review, with on-site inspections as necessary.

4. Obtain Approval and Report Completion

   Commence construction after obtaining permission and report for final inspection upon completion.

Estimated Application Timeline

• Document Preparation: 3-7 days. Ensure all documents are complete and accurate. Common delays: incomplete documents, incorrect drawings.
• Submission & Review: 7-14 days. Online submission is faster. Common delays: requests for supplementary information, on-site inspections.
• Approval Notification: 1-3 days. Notification via SMS or email. Common delays: incorrect contact information.
• Construction Period: Varies by project scale. Must be completed within the deadline. Common delays: project extensions, design changes.
• Completion Inspection: 3-7 days. Prepare completion photos and documents. Common delays: discrepancies between site and drawings.

Required Documents for Application

Simplified Renovation Application Document Checklist

The following documents are required for applying for simplified interior renovations in Kaohsiung:

Basic Application Documents

• Application Form: Kaohsiung City Simplified Interior Renovation Application Form.
• Proof of Identity: Copy of the applicant’s ID card.
• Proof of Ownership/Usage Rights: Building ownership certificate or letter of consent for use.
• Power of Attorney: Required if authorizing someone else to handle the application.

Technical Documents

• Renovation Plan: A brief description of the renovation scope and content.
• Location Map: A schematic diagram of the renovation area.
• Material Specifications: Details on materials used and fire-resistance certifications.
• Photographic Record: Before-renovation photos of the existing conditions.

Documents for Special Circumstances

• Structural Safety Declaration: Required if structural partitions are being altered.
• Fire Safety Plan: Required if escape routes are being modified.
• Neighbor Consent Letter: Recommended when working on shared walls.
• Property Management Committee Approval: Required for community residences.

Document Preparation Tips

It is recommended to download the latest application forms and examples from the Kaohsiung City Construction Management Office website. Read the filling instructions carefully before completing them. If you are unsure how to fill out the forms, contact the Construction Management Office service desk for assistance to avoid delays due to incomplete or incorrect documents.

Restrictions and Prohibited Items for Simplified Renovations

Types of Projects Not Eligible for Simplified Renovations

The following types of projects are not eligible for simplified interior renovations and require a standard interior renovation permit:

Structural Alteration Projects

• Prohibited Items: Alterations to beams, columns, load-bearing walls, shear walls.
• Prohibited Items: Floor openings, staircase modifications, addition of mezzanines.
• Prohibited Items: Foundation excavation, basement works.
• Reason: Affects the structural safety of the building.

Fire Safety Related

• Prohibited Items: Altering fire compartments, removing fire doors.
• Prohibited Items: Modifications to escape routes, safety stairs.
• Prohibited Items: Relocation of fire-fighting equipment.
• Reason: Affects public fire safety.

Change of Use Projects

• Prohibited Items: Converting residential to commercial use.
• Prohibited Items: Adding bathroom or kitchen facilities.
• Prohibited Items: Increasing the number of rooms.
• Reason: Involves changes to the building’s usage category.

Exterior and Common Areas

• Prohibited Items: Exterior wall alterations, enlarging openings.
• Prohibited Items: Enclosing balconies, installing sunshades.
• Prohibited Items: Renovating common stairwells or corridors.
• Reason: Affects the building’s exterior appearance and public safety.

Comparison of Simplified vs. Standard Renovation Scope

• Partition Wall Changes: Simplified allows lightweight partitions; Standard allows all types. Review focuses on material fire performance and location.
• Ceiling Renovations: Simplified allows suspended ceilings; Standard allows all types. Review focuses on fire-rated materials and height restrictions.
• Floor Installation: Simplified allows tiles and flooring; Standard allows all types. Review focuses on floor load capacity and slip resistance.
• Bathroom Addition: Not applicable for Simplified; Requires application for Standard. Review focuses on plumbing, drainage, and waterproofing.
• Kitchen Installation: Not applicable for Simplified; Requires application for Standard. Review focuses on ventilation systems and fire compartments.
• Electrical Updates: Simplified for partial updates; Standard for comprehensive updates. Review focuses on wire gauge specifications and circuit design.

Online Application Services in Kaohsiung

Convenient Online Services: Easier Applications

The Kaohsiung City Government offers various online services to make simplified renovation applications more convenient:

Online Application System

Kaohsiung City Construction Management Office’s online application system allows submissions 24/7.

Progress Tracking

Track application progress online in real-time to monitor review status.

Features: Case status, requests for supplementary information, approval progress.

Document Downloads

Download application forms and templates to reduce the need for in-person visits.

Content: Application forms, plan templates, filling instructions.

Online Consultation

Schedule online consultations to minimize waiting times.

Channels: Phone, email, video consultations.