BCA Submission Service Singapore: Every Submission Type Explained (2026 Guide)

In short: Every building project in Singapore that touches structural elements requires one or more BCA submissions — the regulatory approvals issued by the Building and Construction Authority. The most common types are A&A (Addition & Alteration), new erection, regularisation, ERSS, temporary structures, and Periodic Structural Inspection. Each submission requires a registered Professional Engineer's endorsement. From 1 October 2026, all new building projects regardless of size must submit through CORENET-X (BCA's BIM-based platform). CVC Engineers Pte Ltd handles BCA submissions across all categories — PE Civil endorsement signed personally by Er. Cavan Chai (PEB Reg. 5376), with PE (Geotechnical) coverage via our strategic partner panel.

Every BCA Submission Type, Explained

1. Structural Plan Approval (New Erection)

For any new building, BCA requires structural plan approval before construction. The submission includes architectural drawings cross-referenced with structural drawings, design calculations to Eurocodes (with Singapore National Annexes), site investigation report, foundation design, and PE Civil endorsement. From 1 October 2026, this is via CORENET-X for all new buildings regardless of size.

2. A&A (Addition & Alteration) Submission

Required for renovation, extension, or change-of-use works affecting structural elements. Common scenarios: removing or modifying load-bearing walls, adding floors or mezzanines, structural strengthening, opening up structural members for new openings. Fees typically S$1,500–S$10,000 depending on scope. Timelines 1–3 weeks for the PE side.

3. Regularisation Submission

Retroactive BCA approval for unauthorised structures. Common scenarios: enclosed balconies, mezzanines, modified load-bearing walls, illegal extensions in landed property. PE conducts site assessment, prepares as-built drawings, specifies remedial works if needed, and submits the package to BCA. Fees S$2,500–S$20,000+ depending on complexity, timelines 4–12 weeks.

4. ERSS Submission (Earth Retaining and Stabilising Structures)

For any earth retention work — sheet piles, contiguous bored piles, secant piles, diaphragm walls, ground anchors, soil nailing. Required for basement excavation, deep service trenches, slope stabilisation, and works adjoining sensitive structures. PE (Geotechnical) endorsement mandatory; Independent Checker required for higher-risk schemes. Fees S$3,000–S$15,000+ for typical projects.

5. Temporary Structure Submission

Required for hoardings, scaffolds (beyond standard configurations), event stages, gantries, and high-rise formwork systems. PE Civil endorsement required before erection. Fees from S$300 for simple hoardings to several thousand for complex temporary structures.

6. Periodic Structural Inspection (PSI) Submission

Mandatory periodic inspection for buildings 13+ years old: every 5 years for non-residential, every 10 years for residential. Conducted by PE Civil, report submitted to BCA. Fees S$1,500–S$8,000.

7. Demolition Plan Endorsement

For complex or sensitive demolition works (party walls, deep excavation interfaces, adjoining occupied properties), BCA requires PE-endorsed demolition plans before commencement. The plan covers sequence, support to adjoining structures, dust and debris control, and structural integrity during demolition.

8. ECM (Earth Control Measures) Submission

Submission to PUB (not BCA, but typically coordinated alongside BCA submissions) for earth and stormwater control during earthworks. Required for projects with significant land disturbance, slope works, or earthfill operations.

9. SCDF Fire Safety Submission

Approval from Singapore Civil Defence Force for fire safety provisions — structural elements supporting fire-rated systems, smoke control, escape routes, fire compartmentation. Often coordinated with BCA structural submissions on the same project.

How CORENET-X Affects All BCA Submissions

BCA's CORENET-X is the digital submission platform replacing legacy CORENET. Mandatory since 1 October 2025 for projects ≥30,000 sqm GFA, and from 1 October 2026 for ALL new building projects regardless of size. CORENET-X requires BIM-based, model-driven submissions with federated information across architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines, with object classification and property data per BCA technical specifications. Independent of the CORENET-X tier, BIM model data inclusion is required for any project >5,000 sqm GFA under existing BCA rules.

How to Choose a BCA Submission Partner

1. PEB registration current — verify on Professional Engineers Board directory

2. Discipline match — PE Civil for structural, PE Geotechnical for foundations and earth retention

3. CORENET-X readiness — ask for prior CORENET-X-cleared submissions, especially as the universal mandate approaches

4. Track record across regulators — BCA, SCDF, PUB, LTA, HDB experience matters for projects spanning multiple authorities

5. Personal endorsement policy — confirm the named PE will personally sign every endorsement

About CVC Engineers

CVC Engineers Pte Ltd (UEN 202332143E) handles every BCA submission type as a core specialisation. Lead PE: Er. Cavan Chai Han Hon, PE (Civil), PEB Reg. No. 5376. 300+ projects across HDB, LTA, PUB, MOE, MHA, BCA, and the Singapore private sector. Operating in CORENET-X / BIM workflows ahead of the universal mandate. Phone: +65 9342 7551 · Email: stephen@cvcengineers.com · 9 Tagore Lane #B1-01, Singapore 787472.