Tainan City’s Simplified Interior Renovation: Application Process & Required Documents

A comprehensive guide to the application process and necessary documents for simplified interior renovations in Tainan City, ensuring legal and hassle-free home improvements.

What is a “Simplified Interior Renovation”?

In Tainan City, a “Simplified Interior Renovation” refers to a streamlined application process designed for low-risk, small-scale interior renovation projects. This initiative aims to reduce the burden on applicants while ensuring that renovation work complies with safety standards. To enhance administrative efficiency and public service, the Tainan City Government’s Public Works Bureau has established a simplified review procedure for interior renovations that fall within a certain scale and do not involve changes to the building’s main structure or fire safety systems.

Applicable Conditions: Renovations covering an area of less than 100 square meters, which do not involve structural changes, alterations to fire safety equipment, or changes in building use. The simplified review procedure excludes renovations in buildings open to the public and those designated by the Ministry of the Interior as not for public use, which require a formal review and permit.

Since its implementation, Tainan City’s simplified interior renovation review process has significantly reduced applicant waiting times, shortening the review period from the original 20 working days for the standard process to just 7 to 14 working days. This measure is particularly beneficial for small-scale renovations in residences, small offices, and shops, allowing citizens to complete legal renovation procedures more conveniently.

Eligibility and Scope of Application

To apply for a simplified interior renovation in Tainan City, the following conditions must be met: the renovation floor area must be under 100 square meters, and the building must not be for public use or designated by the Ministry of the Interior as a non-public use building requiring review. Furthermore, the renovation must not involve changes to the building’s main structure (such as beams, columns, load-bearing walls, floors, etc.), nor should it affect fire safety equipment, evacuation facilities, smoke control systems, or fire compartmentation.

Applicable Project Types

• Ceiling Renovations: Installation of suspended ceilings or ceilings made of fire-resistant materials.
• Internal Wall Renovations: Alterations to non-load-bearing partitions or surface finishing of walls.
• Floor Installation: Laying tiles, wooden flooring, carpets, etc.
• Fixed Cabinetry: Installation of built-in cabinets or storage units.
• Surface Finishing: Painting, wallpapering, or installation of decorative panels.

Inapplicable Situations

The following situations do not qualify for the simplified interior renovation process and require a standard interior renovation permit: renovations involving changes to the building’s main structure, adding rooms or bathrooms, altering fire safety equipment, affecting evacuation routes or fire compartmentation, renovations in buildings open to the public, and renovations in non-public use buildings designated by the Ministry of the Interior for review.

Four Steps in the Application Process

The application process for simplified interior renovations in Tainan City is divided into four main steps, from document preparation to final inspection, typically taking about 3-4 weeks. Here is a detailed breakdown of the application process:

1. Prepare Application Documents

Gather all necessary documents, including the application form, renovation plan, proof of building ownership, and more. Applicants should ensure all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays in the review process. It is recommended to download the latest application forms and sample documents from the Public Works Bureau’s website in advance.

2. Submit Application Online or In-Person

Submit your application through the Tainan City Government’s online application system or in person at the Public Works Bureau, along with the application fee. Online submissions allow you to track the application status at any time, saving travel time. Ensure all documents are complete upon submission to prevent delays due to missing items.

3. Review and Approval

The Public Works Bureau will conduct a written review, and on-site inspections may be arranged if necessary. Upon approval, a permit document will be issued. If additional information is required during the review, the applicant must provide it within the specified timeframe. The approved permit is valid for six months from the issuance date, and construction must commence within this period.

4. Construction and Inspection

Proceed with construction according to the approved plans. After completion, report for a final inspection to obtain a compliance certificate. During construction, adhere strictly to the approved drawings; any changes require a new application. A final inspection must be requested within 15 days of completion, and the renovated space can only be used after passing the inspection.

Throughout the application process, the Public Works Bureau offers a one-stop service to assist citizens with any issues encountered. Applicants can also seek professional help and guidance through phone or online consultation systems to ensure a smooth application process.

List of Required Documents for Application

The following documents are required for applying for a simplified interior renovation in Tainan City. All documents should be prepared in the specified format, and their content must be accurate:

Basic Application Documents

• Application Form (Standard form provided by the Public Works Bureau)
• Proof of Building Ownership (Title deed or letter of consent for use)
• Copy of Applicant’s Identification Document
• Power of Attorney (if submitting through a representative)
• Household registration transcript or household book from the last three months
• Building Registration Transcript (Original)

Technical Documents

• Interior Renovation Plan (including material specifications)
• Floor and Elevation Plans of the Renovation Area (with dimensions clearly marked)
• Material Specification Sheets (including fire resistance certificates)
• Photographs of the Existing Condition Before Renovation (from various angles)
• Construction Statement (including construction methods and timeline)
• Equipment Layout Diagram (for electrical appliances, lighting, etc.)

Documents for Special Circumstances

• Consent Letter from the Apartment Owners’ Committee (for residential buildings in complexes)
• Fire Safety Equipment Modification Plan (if applicable)
• Structural Safety Impact Assessment (if concerns arise)
• Neighbor Consent Letter (for work on shared walls)
• Environmental Protection Plan (for waste disposal during construction)
• Other relevant supporting documents

All documents should be on A4 size paper, with clear and precise drawings including a scale. Applicants should prepare two sets of documents: one original and one copy. Incomplete submissions will result in a notification for supplementary documents, and the application will be rejected if not rectified within the deadline.

Review Time and Fees

The review time and fee standards for simplified interior renovation applications in Tainan City are as follows:

• Application Review: 7-14 working days. Fees are calculated based on area. Applicable for renovations under 100 square meters.
• On-site Inspection: Scheduled separately. No additional fee. Arranged as needed.
• Correction Period: Within 7 working days. No additional fee. Application rejected if not corrected within the deadline.
• Final Inspection: 3-5 working days. Fee included in the application fee. To be applied for after construction is complete.
• Certificate Issuance: 2-3 working days. No additional fee. Issued after passing the inspection.

Application fees are calculated based on the renovation area, at NT$50 per square meter. The minimum fee is NT$1,000, and the maximum fee is NT$5,000. Additionally, a certificate fee of NT$200 and postage fees (if mailing is required) apply. Low-income households facing financial difficulties may apply for fee reductions by providing supporting documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: In what situations is an interior renovation permit not required?

A: Surface renovations such as painting, wallpapering, or replacing floor tiles, which do not involve partition changes or alterations to fire safety equipment, generally do not require a permit. Specifically, the following situations are exempt: 1. Decorative work like applying wallpaper, wall coverings, curtains, furniture, movable partitions, or carpets. 2. Ceiling work that does not alter the height and does not obstruct or block fire safety equipment. 3. Changes to partition walls that do not create new rooms and do not affect fire compartmentation. 4. Simple renovations that do not involve changes to the building’s main structure.

Q: What are the common reasons for application rejection?

A: Common reasons include incomplete documentation, discrepancies between drawings and the actual site, structural modifications, fire safety concerns, or violations of relevant building codes. Specifically: 1. Application forms not filled out correctly or lacking required signatures. 2. Insufficient or inaccurate supporting documents. 3. Renovation content involving changes to the building’s main structure. 4. Impairment of fire safety equipment function or evacuation routes. 5. Violations of building technical regulations or related laws. 6. Failure to submit corrections within the deadline or missing an inspection appointment.

Q: Can design content be changed after approval?

A: If design changes are necessary after approval, a new permit for the modifications must be obtained; unauthorized changes to the approved content are prohibited. Change applications must include drawings and explanations for the modified sections and can only be implemented after approval. However, minor changes that do not affect the main design and comply with regulations may be reported during the final inspection. Significant changes require a new application, rendering the original approval invalid.

Q: What are the regulations regarding the construction period?

A: The simplified interior renovation permit is valid for six months, within which construction must commence. Construction should be completed within three months of commencement. Extensions may be applied for if completion is delayed, with each extension not exceeding three months and limited to two such extensions. A final inspection must be requested within 15 days of completion; failure to do so will render the original permit invalid.

Contact Information

Tainan City Government Public Works Bureau

Address: No. 6, Section 2, Yonghua Road, Anping District, Tainan City

Phone: +886-6-299-1111 (Ext. 1234)

Fax: +886-6-298-2711

Online Application System: https://public.tainan.gov.tw

Service Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Lunch Break: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM)

Email: [email protected]

© 2023 Tainan City Government Public Works Bureau | Last Updated: November 15, 2023

This information is for reference only. Actual application procedures are subject to the latest announcements by the Tainan City Government.