Page 7 - Kew News 2021-02 Final

Q5: Could Subsidiary Proprietors (SPs) vote to convert public space in the basement to become condo storage space, which SPs could then lease back from the condo?
A vote in an AGM (Annual General Meeting) or EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting) would need to pass for a change of use of any or all of the basement areas. Any change of use of space would then require the following:
(1) Submission to SCDF for approval
(2) Engage a professional Architect to design a modification (e.g. a storage box)
(3) Validation by a Qualified Engineer that it meets SCDF requirements
Cost to MCST would be at least $25,000 for a submission on behalf of the condo or at least $1,500-3,500 for individual submissions
(4) SCDF review of each submission for fire risks
(5) If SCDF rejects the submission, redesign and resubmit (at additional cost). In case of approval, engage a builder according to the approved plan
(6) The building works would need to be inspected by a Registered Inspector (at cost) for approval
(7) Submission of report to the SCDF for audit and to issue a Safety Certificate
Maintenance
We have been advised by the Fire protection specialist that such applications are rarely successful as SCDF requirements are extremely stringent for any designs, e.g. of storage boxes, as enclosed spaces need adequate access and ventilation which simultaneously do not risk fire.
In the 15th AGM held in April 2016, SPs voted to allow individual owners to build a shed in the common property below their units, provided they had approval from the relevant authorities at their own cost with a deadline of 1 July 2016. As of today, no SP has made such an application.
Q6: What flexibility is there to have personal items in the basement, even if it is common property?
The Council has specifically asked the SCDF about storage of any personal items. The SCDF wrote: “Generally, we can allow similar items (i.e. small shoe racks, clothes racks
Q7: What happens if there is a fire involving any of my personal belongings in the common property in the basement underneath my unit?
The MCST is legally obliged by the BMSMA (Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act) to insure the whole condo property for fire damage. Individual SPs may also insure the content of their homes within each individual property unit. But any residents’ personal items which cause a fire in common property such as the basement car parking area may make that resident liable (and not the MCST) for insurance claims (such as reinstatement of items or replacement to original condition) for any damage to common property, or to other residents’ property, or from loss of life/income.
etc.) and items such as bicycles at the car park area. The primary usage of the car park should still be used for parking of vehicles and not to be
converted into a storage area.”
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