Houses turned into shops

By JADE CHAN

Tuesday November 18, 2008

MORE and more businesses, such as bridal galleries, are operating from houses and bungalows along the main road in SS2, Petaling Jaya.

One reason such businesses are mushrooming is obviously the area’s popularity as a commercial centre, with many coffee shops, restaurants, a huge food court and a weekly pasar malam.

Another reason is that the houses along the main roads are losing their privacy and many of the property owners do not enjoy staying there any more.

The heavy traffic flow, noise and air pollution, has apparently lowered the value of the houses.

Boomtown: More and more businesses are springing up in houses in SS2.

But, the strategic location of the houses within the popular business area has increased their attraction for business operators. So, many owners either sell or rent out their houses to business operators.

Besides bridal galleries, there are also several other businesses like a locksmith, beauty centre, specialist clinic and furniture showrooms.

While the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) does allow the conversion of properties from residential to limited commercial status, there are certain rules to adhere to.

“According to the MBPJ town planning guidelines, only houses along parts of Jalan SS2/24 are allowed to conduct limited commercial activities,” MBPJ public relations director Haniza Abdul Hamid said.

But, she said the business operation in houses on the other roads like Jalan SS2/75 could be legalised if they applied for the conversion of the premises and the consent of the neighbouring houses had been obtained.

Looking good: Some of the premises have been extensively renovated.

“The MBPJ licensing division’s database has a list of 29 licensed bridal galleries in PJ, of which 16 are in SS2,” she said.“The council has so far issued notices to three bridal galleries in SS2 regarding traffic obstruction and for converting the houses into business premises without the proper planning approval,” Haniza said.

“Those caught conducting commercial activities without the proper planning approval can be charged under the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 Act 133,” she said.

“If convicted of flouting the law, an offender could be fined up to RM25,000 for the first offence,” Haniza said.

The three major town planning guidelines on converting the use of a building, in this case from residential to commercial, are:·There are only 16 locations in PJ where limited commercial activities are allowed;·

Adequate parking space must be provided; and The application for the building conversion must be renewed every year.

“Should a business operator want to do extension work on the property, like building a car porch or an open terrace, he must submit all the necessary documents and sketch plans for the council’s approval,” Haniza said.

“If approved, the building control division will issue a permit, which must be renewed every year,” she said. “Those caught for flouting the guidelines will be charged,” Haniza said.

According to Damansara Utama assemblyman Dr Cheah Wing Yin, the sprouting of such bridal galleries is a recent phenomenon that started about a year ago.

“It started with the Jalan SS2/24 bungalows, which was planned for in the PJ Local Draft Plan 1 (RTPJ1) to allow limited commercial activities, like showrooms,” Cheah said.

“When the PJ Local Draft Plan 2 (RTPJ2) was drafted, Jalan SS2/75 was kept as it is with no proposal or objection for changes,” he said.

“However, after the objection period was over, a few of the Jalan SS2/75 property owners made requests to allow for change in status,” Cheah said.

“While there have not been any formal complaints about these bungalows being turned into shops, there are concerns by residents staying along Jalan SS2/75 that there would be a drop in terms of quality of life, and many have already moved out as they’re unable to put up with the noise pollution,” he said.

“Since those operating businesses along Jalan SS2/75 need legal approval, one possible recourse is for the property owners to submit a petition to the MBPJ to seek a conversion of status for that road,” he said.

Cheah said it would be easier for bungalows in high traffic areas to request for conversion to limited commercial status.

He cited the example of property owners in Jalan Universiti, who were making headway in their applications to convert the area to limited commercial status.

He cautioned that some people could abuse the limited commercial status of an area by having businesses that developed retail characteristics that would affect the traffic flow.

“In line with the livable city and sustainable development concept, residents and property owners will have to adjust and accommodate to the growth of the city,” Cheah said.

“The MBPJ will have to be proactive in developing the economy of PJ as a whole, while balancing the needs of the community,” he said.