RULE 2

Rule 2 of the National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096) covers
Administration and Enforcement. This section of the code establishes who is in
charge of regulating buildings and how those regulations are enforced.

It essentially sets the hierarchy of authority from the national level (DPWH Secretary)
down to the local level (Building Official) and defines penalties for non-compliance.

Executive Summary

Rule 2 serves as the "governance" chapter of the building code. It vests the ultimate
power of administration in the Secretary of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) but
delegates the actual groundwork—permits, inspections, and enforcement—to the
Building Official (usually the City or Municipal Engineer). It also establishes the
framework for collecting fees, imposing fines, and declaring buildings "dangerous" or
"ruinous."

Key Details by Section

1. Hierarchy of Authority (Sections 201–204)

 The Secretary (DPWH): The highest authority responsible for the overall
administration and enforcement of the Code.

o Powers: Formulates policies, issues rules/regulations, prescribes fees, and

appoints Building Officials.

 Technical Staff (NBCDO): The National Building Code Development Office

acts as the technical staff to assist the Secretary in reviewing issues, conducting
seminars, and evaluating compliance.

2. The Building Official (Sections 205–207)

This is the most critical role for day-to-day operations (permitting and construction).

 Role: Responsible for enforcing the Code in their specific local jurisdiction (city or
municipality).

 Qualifications: Must be a Filipino citizen, a Registered Architect or Civil

Engineer, a member of an accredited professional organization, and have at least
5 years of diversified experience in building design/construction.

 Duties:

o Issues, denies, suspends, or revokes building permits.

o Undertakes inspections of buildings (during and after construction).

o Orders work stoppages (if construction violates the code) or discontinuance

of occupancy (if a building is unsafe).
3. Fees and Funding (Sections 208–210)

 Collection: The Building Official collects fees (for permits, inspections, etc.).

 Sharing Scheme:

o 20% of collected fees are retained by the Building Official’s office to cover
operating expenses (equipment, travel, etc.).

o 80% goes to the general fund of the city or municipality.

4. Administrative Fines and Penalties (Sections 211–213)

 Fines: The Secretary determines the fines for violations.

 Surcharges: Violators (e.g., building without a permit) must pay the permit fee
plus a surcharge:

o 10% Surcharge: For excavation violations.

o 25% Surcharge: For foundation works.

o 50% Surcharge: For superstructure up to 2.0 meters.

o 100% Surcharge: For superstructure above 2.0 meters.

 Criminal Penalty: Violators can be fined up to Php 20,000 and/or imprisoned for
up to 2 years.

5. Dangerous and Ruinous Buildings (Sections 214–215)

 Definition: A building is "dangerous" if it is structurally unsafe, constitutes a fire

hazard, lacks safe egress, or is dilapidated/abandoned.

 Abatement: The Building Official has the authority to order the repair, vacation, or
demolition of these buildings to protect public safety.
RULE 3
Rule 3 of the National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096) is titled
"Permits and Inspection." It is arguably the most practical section of the code for
professionals and owners, as it dictates the step-by-step legal requirements for
constructing, altering, or occupying a building.

The core mandate of Rule 3 is simple: No person, firm, or corporation can

construct, alter, repair, convert, use, occupy, move, demolish, or add to any
building without first obtaining a building permit from the Building Official.

Executive Summary

Rule 3 outlines the "lifecycle" of a building's legal paperwork. It starts with the
Application (what documents you need), moves to Processing (review by the Building
Official), covers the Issuance and Validity of the permit (how long it lasts), mandates
Inspections during construction, and ends with the Certificate of Occupancy
(permission to actually use the building).

Key Details by Section

1. The Building Permit Requirement (Section 301)

 Mandatory: You need a permit for almost any construction activity, including
excavation, erection, alteration, or demolition.

 Ancillary Permits: Apart from the main Building Permit, you typically need
accompanying permits for specific trades:

o Architectural, Civil/Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, Sanitary, Plumbing,

Electronics.

2. Application Requirements (Section 302)

To get a permit, you must submit specific documents. This is often where applicants face
delays due to incomplete requirements.

 Forms: Five (5) sets of the unified application form.

 Property Documents: Certified True Copy of the TCT (Title), Tax Declaration, and
current Real Property Tax Receipt.

 Technical Plans: Five (5) sets of plans and specifications prepared, signed, and
sealed by the appropriate professionals:

o Architect: Architectural plans.

o Civil Engineer: Structural plans.

o Professional Electrical Engineer: Electrical plans.

 o Professional Mechanical Engineer: Mechanical plans.

o Sanitary Engineer/Master Plumber: Sanitary/Plumbing plans.

3. Processing and Issuance (Sections 303–304)

 Review: The Building Official evaluates the plans to ensure they conform to the
Code and land use/zoning ordinances.

 Timeline: If everything is compliant, the Building Official must issue the permit
within 15 days from the payment of the required fees.

 Liability: The issuance of a permit does not approve any violation of the Code.
The design professionals remain liable for their plans.

4. Validity and Expiration (Section 305)

A building permit does not last forever. It becomes null and void if:

1. No Start: Construction does not commence within 1 year from the date of
issuance.

2. Abandonment: Construction is suspended or abandoned for a period of 120 days

(4 months) at any time after it has started.

5. Non-Issuance, Suspension, or Revocation (Section 306)

The Building Official can deny or cancel a permit for these reasons:

 Errors: Incorrect or inaccurate data in the plans/specifications.

 Non-compliance: The plans violate the Code or Zoning Ordinance.

 Notice: The applicant must be notified in writing of the grounds for non-issuance.

6. Inspection and Supervision (Section 308)

 Professional in Charge: The owner must hire a full-time Architect or Civil

Engineer to supervise the construction. This person is liable for the actual work on-
site.

 Logbook: A Logbook of Daily Construction Activities must be kept at the job site,
detailing weather, manpower, and progress. It must be available for inspection by
the Building Official at any time.

7. Certificate of Occupancy (Section 309)

This is the final step.

 Requirement: You cannot use or occupy the building until this certificate is
issued.

 Process: After construction is finished, the owner submits a "Certificate of

Completion." The Building Official inspects the finished structure. If it matches the
approved plans, the Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
RULE 4
Rule 4 of the National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096) is titled "Types
of Construction."

This rule classifies buildings based on their fire resistance and the materials used for
their structural elements (wood, masonry, steel, concrete). It is a critical section because
a building's "Type" dictates its allowable height, floor area, and proximity to property
lines.

The general principle is: The higher the Type number (I to V), the more fire-
resistant and "sturdy" the building is required to be.

Executive Summary

Rule 4 categorizes all buildings into five distinct types ranging from Type I
(Wood/Light) to Type V (Fire-Resistive/Heavy). It mandates that if you change a
building's type (e.g., renovating a wood house to include concrete), you must meet the
stricter safety requirements of the new type. It also sets standards for fire ratings (how
long a wall can burn before failing) and flame-spread characteristics of finishes.

Key Details by Section

1. The Five Types of Construction (Section 401)

This is the core of Rule 4. Every building permit application requires you to declare which
of these types your project falls under.

 Type I (Wood Construction):

o Description: The most basic type. Structural elements can be wood.

o Fire Rating: No specific fire-resistive rating is required for the structural

frame.

o Typical Use: Traditional nipas, small wooden residential houses.

 Type II (Wood with Fire Protection):

o Description: Wood construction but with protective fire-resistant materials.

o Fire Rating: The building must be One-Hour Fire-Resistive throughout.

o Note: You can use fire-retardant treated wood for non-bearing partitions.

 Type III (Masonry and Wood):

 o Description: A mix of materials. Exterior walls are masonry (incombustible),
but the interior frame can be wood.

o Fire Rating: One-Hour Fire-Resistive throughout. Exterior walls must be

incombustible.

 Type IV (Steel, Iron, Concrete, or Masonry):

o Description: Construction using non-combustible materials for walls,

ceilings, and partitions.

o Fire Rating:

 Walls and ceilings: Incombustible.

 Permanent non-bearing partitions: Can be One-Hour Fire-Resistive

(treated wood is allowed here within framing).

 Type V (Fire-Resistive):

o Description: The highest safety standard. Structural elements must be

steel, iron, concrete, or masonry.

o Fire Rating: Four-Hour Fire-Resistive throughout.

2. Changes in Type (Section 402)

 The Rule: You cannot change the type of construction of an existing building if the
change makes it less safe (e.g., downgrading from Type V to Type I).

 Upgrading: If you upgrade a building (e.g., changing a Type I wood house to a

Type V concrete structure), the new construction must fully comply with the stricter
requirements of the new Type.

3. Requirements on Type of Construction (Section 403)

This section details specific fire safety standards for materials used in the different types.

 Fire-Resistive Ratings:

o Exterior Walls: Must generally be 4-hour fire-resistive for Type V.

o Structural Frames:

 Type II & III: 1-hour rating.

 Type IV: 2-hour rating.

 Type V: 3-hour rating.

 Interior Finishes: Materials used for wall and ceiling finishes are classified by
their flame-spread characteristics (how fast fire travels across them).
 o Tunnel Test: Materials are tested using the "Tunnel Test" to determine their
smoke density and toxicity.

o Flash Point: The temperature at which a material gives off enough vapor to
ignite.

RULE 5
Rule 5 of the National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096) is titled
"Requirements for Fire Zones."

While Rule 4 defined the "Types of Construction" (how fire-resistant a building is), Rule 5
defines where those specific types of buildings are allowed to be built within a city or
municipality.

Its primary goal is urban fire safety management. By dividing a city into "Fire Zones,"
the government restricts the use of flammable materials (like wood) in densely
populated or high-risk areas, forcing developers to use concrete and steel instead.

Executive Summary

Rule 5 mandates that every city and municipality must be divided into specific Fire Zones
based on density and usage. The closer you are to the city center or high-density areas,
the stricter the construction requirements become. It also establishes the "One-Third
Rule" for buildings that straddle two different zones and dictates that you cannot move
a fire-prone building into a safe zone.

Key Details by Section

1. The Three Fire Zones (Section 501 & 503)

The code classifies areas into three distinct zones based on fire risk. The Local Legislative
Council (Sangguniang Bayan/Panlungsod) is responsible for enacting ordinances to map
these zones.

 Non-Fire Restricted Zones (NFRZ):

o Location: Typically, rural areas, farmlands, or low-density subdivisions.

o Allowed Construction: All Types (I, II, III, IV, V) are allowed.

o Note: You can build a fully wooden house (Type I) here without issue.

 Fire Restrictive Zones (FRZ):

o Location: Suburban areas or fringes of the city center.

o Allowed Construction: Types II, III, IV, and V.

 o Restriction: Type I (Wood Construction) is strictly PROHIBITED.
Buildings here must have at least a One-Hour Fire-Resistive rating.

 Highly Fire Restrictive Zones (HFRZ):

o Location: City centers, CBDs, and high-density commercial/industrial areas.

o Allowed Construction: Types IV and V ONLY.

o Restriction: Types I, II, and III are PROHIBITED. Buildings here must be
built of non-combustible materials (steel, concrete, masonry) with at least a
3 to 4-Hour Fire-Resistive rating.

2. Buildings Located in More Than One Fire Zone (Section 502)

Sometimes, a large property or building sits right on the boundary line between two
different zones (e.g., half in a Fire Restrictive Zone and half in a Highly Fire Restrictive
Zone).

 The One-Third Rule: If more than one-third (1/3) of the building's total floor
area falls inside the more restrictive zone, the entire building must follow the
requirements of that stricter zone.

3. Moved Buildings (Section 503)

 If you move a building from one location to another, it must comply with the rules
of the new location.

 Example: You cannot move a wooden house (Type I) from a rural area (NFRZ) into
a city center (HFRZ).

4. Temporary Buildings (Section 504)

The Building Official can issue special permits for temporary structures in fire zones,
even if they don't meet the zone's strict requirements.

 Allowed Uses: Reviewing stands, sheds, canopies, fences for construction

protection.

 Condition: They must be completely removed once the permit expires.

5. Center Lines of Streets (Section 505)

For the purpose of measuring distances and determining boundaries between zones, the
center line of the adjoining street or alley is considered the adjacent property line.

Type II Type IV Type V

Type III
Risk Type I (Wood w/ (Steel/ (Fire
Fire Zone (Masonr
Level (Wood) Protectio Concrete Resistiv
y/ Wood)
n) ) e)

Non-Fire Low ✅ ✅ Allowed ✅ Allowed ✅ Allowed ✅ Allowed

 Type II Type IV Type V
Type III
Risk Type I (Wood w/ (Steel/ (Fire
Fire Zone (Masonr
Level (Wood) Protectio Concrete Resistiv
y/ Wood)
n) ) e)

Restricte
Allowed
d

Fire ❌
Mediu
Restrictiv BANNE ✅ Allowed ✅ Allowed ✅ Allowed ✅ Allowed
m
e D

Highly
❌
Fire ❌
High BANNE ❌ BANNED ✅ Allowed ✅ Allowed
Restrictiv BANNED
D
e

RULE 6
Rule 6 of the National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096) is titled "Fire-
Resistive Requirements in Construction."

While Rule 4 gave us the "Types" (e.g., Type V is 4-hour fire-resistive) and Rule 5 told us
"Where" to build them, Rule 6 explains how to achieve those fire ratings.

It deals with the technical specifications of materials. It answers questions like: "How
thick does a concrete wall need to be to last 4 hours in a fire?" or "How much concrete
covering does a steel beam need so it doesn't melt?"

Executive Summary

Rule 6 defines Fire-Resistive Rating as the length of time a material or assembly can
withstand a standard fire test without structurally failing. It establishes the standards for
materials (concrete, masonry, steel) to ensure they meet the 1-hour, 2-hour, 3-hour, or
4-hour requirements. A key focus is protecting structural steel (which weakens rapidly in
heat) by encasing it in concrete or masonry.

Key Details by Section

1. Fire-Resistive Rating Defined (Section 601)

 Definition: The degree to which a material can withstand fire.

 Measurement: It is measured in Hours. This represents the time the material can
maintain its structural integrity and block the passage of flame/heat during a fire.
2. Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating (Section 602)

This section classifies the ratings used throughout the code.

 Ratings: Common ratings are 1-hour, 2-hour, 3-hour, and 4-hour.

 Interpretation: A "4-hour fire-resistive" wall means that in a controlled fire test,

the wall stood for 4 hours before collapsing or letting fire pass through.

3. Fire-Resistive Standards (Section 603)

 Testing: Materials must be tested according to accepted international standards

(like ASTM).

 Materials: It covers the ratings for various combinations of materials, such as:

o Reinforced Concrete

o Brick and Masonry

o Plaster on Lath

o Protective coverings for Steel

4. Fire-Resistive Regulations (Section 604)

This is the practical application section, detailing how specific parts of a building must be
protected.

 Structural Steel Protection:

o The Problem: Steel is non-combustible, but it loses strength quickly at high

temperatures (around 500°C), leading to building collapse.

o The Solution: Steel columns, beams, and girders must be encased or

covered with fire-resistive materials (like concrete, masonry, or specialized
fireproofing spray) to delay this heating process.

 Floors and Ceilings:

o They must have the necessary fire rating to prevent fire from jumping from
the first floor to the second floor.

 Roofs:

o Roof coverings must be fire-retardant. Combustible materials (like untreated

wood shingles) are restricted, especially in Fire Zones.

o Attic Spaces: If a ceiling is combustible, the attic space must be partitioned

into smaller areas (max 250 sq. meters) to stop fire from spreading across
the entire roof of a building hidden from view.

Why This Matters for You:

  Steel Construction: If you are building a steel warehouse or office, you cannot
just leave the I-beams exposed (unless you use expensive intumescent paint). Rule
6 requires you to box them in or spray them to meet the fire zone requirements.

 Renovations: You cannot replace a concrete firewall with a thin plywood partition,
as that destroys the "Hour Rating" of that boundary.

Would you like to move on to Rule 7 (Classification and General Requirement of all
Buildings by Use or Occupancy)? This is a massive rule that defines categories like
"Residential R-1" vs "Commercial C-2" and sets the rules for how many people can be in
a building (Occupant Load).

Thickness for 2-Hour Thickness for 4-Hour

Material
Rating Rating

Solid Concrete Slab ~125 mm (5 inches) ~175 mm (7 inches)

Solid Masonry Wall ~150 mm (6 inches) ~200+ mm (8+ inches)

Steel Column Requires ~50mm concrete Requires ~75-100mm

Protection cover concrete cover
RULE 7
Rule 7 of the National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096) is titled
"Classification and General Requirement of all Buildings by Use or Occupancy."

This is one of the most extensive and frequently referenced rules. While previous rules
dealt with materials (Rule 4) and zones (Rule 5), Rule 7 classifies buildings based on
Human Activity—what people are actually doing inside.

The logic is simple: A hospital (Group D) has different safety needs than a warehouse
(Group G) or a private home (Group A). This rule assigns every building to a specific
"Occupancy Group" (A through J), which dictates requirements for exits, fire
separation, and setbacks.

Executive Summary

Rule 7 establishes 10 distinct Occupancy Groups (A–J). It sets the rules for Occupant
Load (how many people can safely be in a space), Mixed Occupancy (buildings with
multiple uses), and Allowable Floor Areas. It also contains Section 708, which
provides specific, simplified construction standards for small residential houses (Group
A), covering everything from foundation depth to stair dimensions.

Key Details by Section

1. Occupancy Classification (Section 701)

Every building must be classified into one of these groups. This classification determines
almost every other requirement in the code.

 Group A: Residential (Dwellings)

 o Single-family or two-family dwellings (e.g., standard houses, duplexes).

 Group B: Residential (Hotels/Apartments)

o Multiple-dwelling units like boarding houses, hotels, apartments, and

convents.

 Group C: Education & Recreation

o Schools, daycares, and recreational buildings.

 Group D: Institutional

o Buildings where personal liberties are restricted or people are cared for
(Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Jails, Mental Institutions).

 Group E: Business & Mercantile

o Gas stations, office buildings, shops, markets, restaurants.

 Group F: Industrial

o Factories and workshops (Non-hazardous).

 Group G: Storage & Hazardous

o Warehouses, storage facilities, and hazardous industries (chemicals, wood

working, explosives).

 Group H: Assembly (Less than 1,000 occupants)

o Theaters, assembly halls, churches (smaller scale).

 Group I: Assembly (1,000 or more occupants)

o Large stadiums, coliseums, convention centers.

 Group J: Accessory

o Private garages, sheds, agricultural buildings, fences, towers, swimming

pools.

2. Mixed Occupancy (Section 703)

What happens if you have a shop on the ground floor (Group E) and apartments above
(Group B)?

 General Rule: The building must meet the requirements of the most restrictive
occupancy.

 Separation: If you want to apply different rules to different parts, you must
separate the occupancies with a Fire Wall or fire-resistive floor/ceiling.

3. Location on Property (Section 704)

This section introduces the concept of Fire Ratings based on distance to the property
line.

 Eaves: Eaves over required windows generally cannot be less than 750mm from
the side and rear property lines.

 Firewalls: While allowed, strictly no openings (windows/doors) are permitted in a

firewall.

4. Allowable Floor Areas (Section 705) & Height (Section 707)

 The area and height of a building are limited by its Type of Construction (Rule 4)
and Occupancy (Rule 7).

 Example: A wooden building (Type I) is strictly limited in size and height compared
to a concrete building (Type V).

 Automatic Fire Sprinklers: Installing sprinklers often allows you to double or

triple your allowable floor area.

5. Minimum Requirements for Group A Dwellings (Section 708)

This is a critical section for small homeowners. It acts as a "mini building code" for simple
houses, setting minimum standards so they don't collapse or cause health issues.

 Foundation: Footings must be at least 250mm thick and 600mm below the
ground surface.

 Live Load:

o Ground Floor: 200 kg/sqm

o Second Floor: 150 kg/sqm

 Stairs:

o Max Rise (height): 200mm

o Min Run (depth): 200mm

o Min Width: 750mm

 Entrance: At least one entrance/exit.

 Ceiling Height: (Referenced here but detailed in Rule 8) generally minimum 2.10
meters? (Note: Rule 8 specifies 2.4m for habitable rooms, but Section 708 gives
simplified rules for basic dwellings).

Why This Matters for You:

 Permit Application: You must correctly identify your "Group" on the permit form.
If you label a boarding house (Group B) as a private residence (Group A) to save
money/effort, it is a violation and dangerous due to different fire exit requirements.

 Change of Business: If you rent an old warehouse (Group G) and want to turn it
into a church (Group H), you technically need a "Change of Use" permit because
the safety requirements for people (Assembly) are stricter than for boxes
(Storage).
 Grou
Category Examples
p

Residential
A Private Houses, Duplexes
(Simple)

Residential
B Apartments, Hotels, Dorms
(Multiple)

Education/
C Schools, Daycare
Recreation

D Institutional Hospitals, Jails

Business/
E Offices, Malls, Shops
Mercantile

Factories (Ice plants, power

F Industrial
plants)

G Storage/Hazardous Warehouses, Chemical Plants

Assembly (<
H Churches, Small Theaters
1,000)

I Assembly (1,000+) Stadiums, Coliseums

J Accessory Fences, Carports, Towers

RULE 8
Rule 8 of the National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096) is titled "Light
and Ventilation."
It is widely considered the most critical and most violated rule in Philippine
architecture and construction. It directly impacts the health, comfort, and quality of life
of building occupants by ensuring every room gets adequate natural light and fresh air.

The core mandate is simple: You cannot build to cover your entire lot. You must
leave open spaces (setbacks, courts, yards) to let the building "breathe."

Executive Summary

Rule 8 dictates the minimum requirements for windows, ceiling heights, room sizes,
and open spaces (setbacks and easements). It introduces key formulas like PSO
(Percentage of Site Occupancy), TOSL (Total Open Spaces within Lot), and ISA
(Impervious Surface Area). It also establishes the "Line of View" requirements to
ensure that buildings don't just face a blank wall.

Key Details by Section

1. General Requirements (Section 801-803)

 Subject to Direct Light/Air: Every building must be designed so that all rooms
intended for human habitation have access to direct natural light and ventilation
(usually via windows opening to a street, alley, or yard).

 Easements: No building can be constructed on a public easement (the strip of

land along rivers, creeks, or esteros).

2. Minimum Room Sizes (Section 806)

The code sets absolute minimums for room dimensions to prevent overcrowding and
inhumane living conditions.

 Habitable Rooms (Living/Dining/Bedroom): Min. Area 6.00 sq. meters; Min.

Dimension 2.00 meters.

 Kitchens: Min. Area 3.00 sq. meters; Min. Dimension 1.50 meters.

 Toilet & Bath: Min. Area 1.20 sq. meters; Min. Dimension 0.90 meters.

3. Ceiling Heights (Section 805)

 Habitable Rooms (Natural Ventilation): Minimum 2.70 meters.

 Habitable Rooms (Artificial Ventilation/AC): Minimum 2.40 meters.

 Mezzanine: Minimum 1.80 meters.

 Multi-story Buildings:

o Ground floor: 2.70m

o Second floor: 2.40m

 o Succeeding floors: 2.10m

4. Window Requirements (Section 808)

Windows aren't just for looking out; they are calculated based on the floor area of the
room to ensure airflow.

 Habitable Rooms: Total window area must be at least 10% of the floor area.

 Bathrooms/Utility: Total window area must be at least 1/20 (5%) of the floor
area.

 Opening Mechanism: The openable part of the window must be at least 50% of
the required window area.

5. Setbacks and Open Spaces (Section 804)

This is the heart of Rule 8. It mandates that a certain percentage of the lot must remain
unbuilt.

 PSO (Percentage of Site Occupancy): The maximum part of the lot your
building can cover (e.g., 60-80% depending on zoning).

 TOSL (Total Open Spaces within Lot): The remaining area (open courts, yards,
gardens).

o ISA (Impervious Surface Area): Paved open spaces (driveways, walks).

o USA (Unpaved Surface Area): True soil/greenery (critical for drainage).

 Setbacks: The required distance from the property line to the building wall.

o R-1 (Low Density Residential):

 Front: 4.50m

 Side: 2.00m

 Rear: 2.00m

6. Courts and Yards (Section 807)

 Minimum Width: Inner courts (holes inside the building for light) must be at least
2.00 meters wide.

 Ventilation Shafts: Bathrooms can be ventilated via air ducts if windows aren't
possible, but they must meet mechanical code standards.

The "AMBF" Concept

Rule 8 defines the AMBF (Allowable Maximum Building Footprint).

 Formula: Lot Area - Required Setbacks = AMBF.

 Crucial Note: Just because you own the land doesn't mean you can build on every
square inch of it. The setbacks are legally "no-build zones" for permanent
structures.

Why This Matters for You:

 Airflow: Following Rule 8 ensures your house isn't a "hot box." Cross-ventilation
depends on these window sizes and locations.

 Legal Trouble: Neighbors can sue you for "Abatement of Nuisance" if your
building violates setbacks and blocks their light or view.

 Occupancy Permit: The Building Official can deny your Occupancy Permit if
actual site measurements show you encroached on the setbacks.

Minimum
Feature
Requirement

Room Size 6.00 sqm (min side

(Bedroom) 2.00m)

Room Size 3.00 sqm (min side

(Kitchen) 1.50m)

1.20 sqm (min side

Room Size (T&B)
0.90m)

Ceiling Height
2.70 meters
(Ground)

Ceiling Height
2.40 meters
(2nd Flr)

Window Size
10% of Floor Area
(Room)

Window Size (T&B) 5% of Floor Area