Frankly, our local town council and city hall websites are really lacking in information about renovation guidelines.

I've managed to find some home renovation guidelines at the link below. There are for:
Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL)
Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ)
Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya (MPSJ)
Majlis Perbandaran Seremban (MPS). MPS's site has the best info... and its in English!

http://renoku.com/index.php/local-town-cou...guidelines.html

The best way to know for sure what the guidelines are to ask the town council/city hall themselves. Cos if the authorities find anything that is not in accordance with the law, the owner gets into trouble. Not the contractor. And not the folks who posted their advice on the forum.

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Added on August 1, 2008, 11:11 amFor those who are wondering whether their renovation requires town council approval, here is MPSJ's (Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya) guideline from The Star. Note that other town council's guidelines might differ.

MPSJ’s definition of proper building extensions or renovation:
* Any demolition work done to the original building
* Any extension work done to the original building (enlarging floor area)
* Any renovation work done to the internal building layout
* Construction of car porch, fencing wall, and waste chamber.
* Any other extension or renovation as prescribed in Act 133, Road, Drainage, and Buildings Act 1974

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Added on August 1, 2008, 11:13 amExtending kitchen to backyard will need a permit.

This post has been edited by finn@renoku: Aug 1 2008, 11:13 AM