License / Permit / Service Description

• Professional MBJB Renovation Permit Application and Building Alteration Compliance Support services for residential houses, shoplots, restaurants, cafés, offices, commercial buildings, factories, warehouses and other applicable premises in Johor Bahru. We assist clients in identifying the appropriate application category for proposed renovation activities, including minor building works, internal layout modifications, building extensions, structural alterations, mezzanine floors and amendments to existing approved building plans. Our services include preliminary renovation assessment, verification of property details, review of available approved plans, coordination of landlord consent, collection of site photographs, preparation of administrative documentation and liaison with appointed architects or engineers.

Related Departments / Regulatory Bodies ​

• Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (MBJB)
• MBJB Building Control Division
• MBJB One Stop Centre (OSC)
• MBJB Planning Department, where applicable
• MBJB Engineering Department, where applicable
• MBJB Building Enforcement Unit
• MBJB Licensing Department, where applicable
• Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (BOMBA), where applicable
• Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM)
• Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)
• Principal Submitting Person (PSP)
• Professional Architect
• Professional Engineer
• Registered Building Draughtsman, within the legally permitted scope
• Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH / JKKP), where applicable
• Department of Environment (DOE / JAS), where applicable
• Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM), where applicable
• Relevant utility providers
• Property owner or landlord
• Joint Management Body (JMB) or Management Corporation (MC), where applicable
• Other technical authorities depending on the proposed renovation
  

License Name ( Bahasa Malayu )

• Permohonan Permit Renovation MBJB
  

Application Scenarios & Business Necessity

• A shoplot tenant plans renovation before commencing business.
• A restaurant intends to modify its kitchen layout.
• A café proposes internal partition works.
• A retail store requires additional changing rooms.
• A salon wants to redesign its treatment rooms.
• An office requires new meeting rooms.
• A clinic plans additional consultation rooms.
• A commercial tenant intends to install new internal walls.
• A business proposes changes to its entrance or door arrangement.
• A restaurant needs to modify its exhaust or ventilation system.
• A property owner plans an extension to the existing building.
• A factory requires additional office or storage space.
• A warehouse operator intends to alter its internal layout.
• An industrial premises owner plans a mezzanine floor.
• A company requires an amended building plan for renovation.
• A landlord needs to review a tenant's proposed works.
• A contractor requires clarification on the correct approval category.
• A property owner needs to review existing approved building plans.
• A business requires building compliance documentation for licensing.
• A renovation may affect emergency exits or fire protection systems.
• A client needs architectural or structural engineering coordination.
• A building owner proposes changes to plumbing or drainage.
• A premises operator requires assessment of renovation work already completed.
• A property owner has received an MBJB enforcement notice.
• A company requires assistance responding to MBJB technical comments.
• A renovation project requires coordination with BOMBA.
• A client needs to determine whether Planning Permission is required.
• A business needs an organised record of renovation permits and approvals.
• A property owner wishes to confirm compliance before commencing construction.
• A company requires professional application coordination for renovation approval.

Important Rules & Compliance Standards

• The premises must be confirmed to be within MBJB's jurisdiction.
• The proposed renovation must be classified according to its actual scope.
• MBJB publishes a specific Small Renovation Works Permit Plan Application Checklist under OSC 3.0 Plus Online.
• MBJB separately provides checklists for amended building plans, new building plans and temporary building permits.
• Minor renovation permits must not be assumed to authorise structural alterations or major extensions.
• Renovation works must comply with the applicable Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133) and Uniform Building By-Laws 1984, as applicable in Johor.
• The appropriate official MBJB checklist must be followed.
• The 2025 amended building plan checklist includes Form A, relevant amended drawings and supporting property documents.
• Existing approved plans should be reviewed before preparing renovation proposals.
• Changes affecting the approved building layout may require amended plan approval.
• Structural alterations must be assessed by qualified professionals.
• Mezzanine floors must be reviewed for structural loading, additional floor area and fire safety.
• Building extensions must comply with applicable planning, setback and building requirements.
• Planning Permission or an applicable exemption must be addressed where required.
• Renovation works must not compromise emergency escape routes.
• Fire protection equipment and systems must remain compliant.
• BOMBA review or supporting documentation may be required depending on the work.
• Adequate ventilation, lighting and sanitation must be maintained.
• Restaurant and food premises renovations may trigger additional health requirements.
• Property owner or landlord consent must be obtained where required.
• JMB or MC approval may be required for strata properties.
• Renovation works must not encroach on neighbouring property or public areas.
• Construction waste, noise, dust and site safety must be managed appropriately.
• Scaffolding, hoarding or temporary structures may require separate permission.
• Approved drawings and permit conditions must be followed.
• Material changes to approved renovation plans may require further approval.
• The necessary statutory approvals must be obtained before commencing regulated building works.
• A pending application does not constitute approval to begin renovation.
• Unauthorised completed works may require professional assessment and rectification.
• Retrospective approval is not guaranteed.
• MBJB may require additional documents, inspections or technical amendments.
• Official application fees depend on the category and applicable fee calculation.
• Final approval remains subject to MBJB and relevant technical requirements.
  

Compound & Legal Penalties

• Rejection or delay of renovation applications due to incomplete documents.
• Enforcement action for undertaking regulated building works without the required approval.
• Stop-work notices or orders where authorised under the applicable law.
• Requirements to alter, rectify or remove unauthorised building works.
• Possible compounds, fines or prosecution under Act 133 and applicable building by-laws.
• Additional costs for professional structural assessments or technical reports.
• Delay in obtaining building compliance documentation.
• Restrictions on the use of unsafe or non-compliant renovated spaces.
• Separate enforcement consequences for compromising fire safety or emergency exits.
• Action concerning unauthorised extensions or encroachment.
• Requirements to reinstate affected building areas.
• Additional costs for revised plans or repeat applications.
• Potential liability for structural damage or unsafe construction.
• Consequences for breaching landlord or strata management conditions.
• Delays in business opening or project completion.
• Contractual disputes with contractors, landlords or neighbouring occupants.
• Legal consequences for false declarations or misleading technical submissions.
• An application submitted after renovation works have been completed does not automatically cancel an existing enforcement notice.

Frequently Asked Question