National

Building Code
of the
Philippines
 National Building Code of
the Philippines
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1096

ADOPTING A NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES THEREBY

REVISING REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED SIXTY-FIVE HUNDRED FORTY-ONE

WHEREAS, the country’s accelerating economic and physical

development, coupled with urbanization and population growth, makes
imperative the formulation and adoption of a uniform building code which
shall embody up-to-date and modern technical knowledge on building
design, construction, use, occupancy and maintenance;
WHEREAS, while there is Republic Act. No. 6541, entitled “An Act to
Ordain and Institute a National Building Code of the Philippines”, the
same does not conform with the developmental goals and
infrastructure program of the Government and does not adequately
provide for all the technological requirements of buildings and
structures, in terms of up-to-date design and construction standards
and criteria;

WHEREAS, in the formation of new national building code, it is the

desire and policy of the Government to avail of and harness the
technical expertise and professional know-how of men not only in the
public but in the private sectors as well, NOW, THEREFORE, I,
FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the
powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby order and decree
the revision of Republic Act. No. 6541 to read as follows:
Chapter 1

GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 104. General Building Requirements

(a) All buildings or structures as well as accessory facilities thereto shall

conform in all respects to the principles of safe construction and must be
suited to the purpose for which they are designed.

(b) Buildings or structures intended to be used for the manufacture and/or

production of any kind of article or product shall observe adequate
environmental safeguards.

(c) Buildings or structures and all parts thereof as well as all facilities found
therein shall be maintained in safe, sanitary and good working condition.
Chapter 4

TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

SECTION 401. Types of Construction

For purposes of this Code, all buildings proposed for construction shall be
classified or identified according to the following types:

(1) Type I – Type I buildings shall be of wood construction. The structural

elements may be any of the materials permitted by this Code.

(2) Type II – Type II buildings shall be of wood construction with protective fire-
resistant materials and one-hour fire-resistive throughout: Except, that
permanent non-bearing partitions may use fire-retardant treated wood within the
framing assembly.
(3) Type III – Type III buildings shall be of masonry and wood construction.
Structural elements may be any of the materials permitted by this Code:
Provided, that the building shall be one-hour fire-resistive throughout. Exterior
walls shall be of incombustible fire-resistive construction.

(4) Type IV – Type IV buildings shall be of steel, iron, concrete, or masonry

construction. Walls, ceilings, and permanent partitions shall be of
incombustible fire-resistive construction: Except, that permanent non-bearing
partitions of one-hour fire-resistive construction may use fire-retardant treated
wood within the framing assembly.

(5) Type V – Type V buildings shall be fire-resistive. The structural elements

shall be of steel, iron, concrete, or masonry construction. Walls, ceilings, and
permanent partitions shall be of incombustible fire-resistive construction.
Chapter 5

REQUIREMENTS FOR
FIRE ZONE
SECTION 501. Fire Zones Defined

Fire zones are areas within which only certain types of buildings are
permitted to be constructed based on their use or occupancy, type of
construction, and resistance to fire. SECTION 502. Buildings located in more
than One Fire Zone A building or structure which is located partly in one fire
zone and partly in another shall be considered to be in the more highly
restrictive fire zone, when more than one-third of its total floor area is
located in such zone.
SECTION 502. Buildings located in more than One Fire Zone

A building or structure which is located partly in one fire zone and partly in
another shall be considered to be in the more highly restrictive fire zone,
when more than one-third of its total floor area is located in such zone.

SECTION 507. Designation of Fire Zones

The Secretary shall promulgate specific restrictions for each type of Fire
Zone. Cities and municipalities shall be divided into such Fire Zones in
accordance with local, physical, and spatial framework plans submitted by
city or municipal planning and/or development bodies.
CHAPTER 6
FIRE-RESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS
IN CONSTRUCTION

SECTION 601. Fire-Resistive Rating defined

Fire-resistive rating means the degree to which a material can withstand fire
as determined by generally recognized and accepted testing methods.

SECTION 602. Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating

Fire-resistive time period rating is the length of time a material can withstand
being burned which may be one-hour, two-hours, three-hours, four-hours, etc.
SECTION 603. Fire-Resistive Standards
All materials of construction, and assemblies or combinations thereof shall
be classified according to their fire-retardant or flame-spread ratings as
determined by general accepted testing methods and/or by the Secretary.
SECTION 604. Fire-Resistive Regulations

The Secretary shall prescribe standards and promulgate rules and regulations
on the testing of construction materials for flame-spread characteristics,
tests on fire damages, fire tests of building construction and materials, door
assemblies and tinclad fire doors and window assemblies, the installation of
fire doors and windows and smoke and fire detectors for fire protective
signaling system, application and use of controlled interior finish, fire-
resistive protection for structural members, fire-resistive walls and
partitions, fire-resistive floor or roof ceiling, fire-resistive assemblies for
protection of openings and fire-retardant roof coverings.
CHAPTER 7
CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL
REQUIREMENT OF ALL
BUILDINGS BY USE OR
OCCUPANCY
SECTION 701. Occupancy Classified
(a) Buildings proposed for construction shall be identified according to
their use or the character of its occupancy and shall be classified as
follows:
(1) Group A – Residential Dwellings Group
A Occupancies shall be dwellings.
(2) Group B – Residentials, Hotels and Apartments
Group B Occupancies shall be multiple dwelling units including boarding
or lodging houses, hotels, apartment buildings, row houses, convents,
monasteries and other similar building each of which accommodates
more than 10 persons.
SECTION 708. Minimum Requirements for Group A
Dwellings
(a) Dwelling Location and Lot Occupancy
The dwelling shall occupy not more than ninety percent of a corner lot and
eighty percent of an inside lot, and subject to the provisions on Easements
of Light and View of the Civil Code of Philippines, shall be at least 2 meters
from the property line.

(b) Light and Ventilation

Every dwelling shall be so constructed and arranged as to provide adequate
light and ventilation as provided under Section 805 to Section 811, of this
Code.

(c) Sanitation
Every dwelling shall be provided with at least one sanitary toilet and
adequate washing and drainage facilities.
(d) Foundation
Footings shall be of sufficient size and strength to support the load of the dwelling
and shall be at least 250 millimeters thick and 600 millimeters below the surface of
the ground.
(e) Post
The dimensions of wooden posts shall be those found in Table 708-A: Dimensions of
Wooden Posts (Annex B-1). Each post shall be anchored to such footing by straps
and bolts of adequate size.

(f) Floor
18 The National Building Code (P.D. 1096) The live load of the first floor shall be at
least 200 kilograms per square meter and for the second floor, at least 150 kilograms
per square meter.

(g) Roof
The wind load for roofs shall be at least 120 kilograms per square meter for vertical
projection.
(h) Stairs
Stairs shall be at least 750 millimeters in clear width, with a rise of 200
millimeters and a minimum run of 200 millimeters.

(i) Entrance and Exit

There shall be at least one entrance and another one for exit.

(j) Electrical Requirements

All electrical installation shall conform to the requirements of the Philippine
Electrical Code.

(k) Mechanical Requirements

Mechanical systems and/or equipment installation shall be subject to the
requirement of the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Code.
CHAPTER 8
LIGHT AND VENTILATION SECTION

Section 801. General Requirements of Light and

Ventilation
(a) Subject to the provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines on Easements of Light and
View, and to the provisions of this part of the Code, every building shall be designed,
constructed, and equipped to provide adequate light and ventilation.

(b) All buildings shall face a street or public alley or a private street which has been duly
approved.

(c) No building shall be altered nor arranged so as to reduce the size of any room or the
relative area of windows to less than that provided for buildings under this Code, or to
create an additional room, unless such additional room conforms to the requirements of
this Code.

(d) No building shall be enlarged so that the dimensions of the required court or yard would
be less than that prescribed for such building.
SECTION 802. Measurement of Site Occupancy

(a) The measurement of site occupancy or lot occupancy shall be taken at the
ground level and shall be exclusive of courts, yards, and light wells.

(b) Courts, yards, and light wells shall be measured clear of all projections from
the walls enclosing such wells or yards with the exception of roof leaders, wall
copings, sills, or steel fire escapes not exceeding 1.20 meters in width.
SECTION 805. Ceiling Heights

(a) Habitable rooms provided with artificial ventilation shall have ceiling heights not less
than 2.40 meters measured from the floor to the ceiling; Provided that for buildings of more
than one storey, the minimum ceiling height of the first storey shall be 2.70 meters and that
for the second storey 2.40 meters and succeeding storeys shall have an unobstructed typical
head-room clearance of not less than 2.10 meters above the finished floor. Above stated
rooms with a natural ventilation shall have ceiling heights not less than 2.70 meters.

(b) Mezzanine floors shall have a clear ceiling height not less than 1.80 meters above
and below it.
SECTION 806. Size and Dimension of Rooms
Minimum sizes of rooms and their least horizontal dimensions shall be as
follows:

1. Rooms for Human Habitations – 6.00 square meters with a least dimension of
2.00 meters.

2. Kitchens – 3.0 square meters with a least dimension of 1.50 meters.

3. Bath and toilet – 1.20 square meters with a least dimension of 0.90 meter.
SECTION 807. Air Space Requirements in Determining the Size
of Rooms
Minimum air space shall be provided as follows:

1. School Rooms – 3.00 cubic meters with 1.00 square meter of floor area per
person;

2. Workshops, Factories, and Offices – 12.00 cubic meters of air space per
person;

3. Habitable rooms – 14.00 cubic meters of air space per person.

SECTION 811. Artificial Ventilation

(a) Rooms or spaces housing industrial or heating equipment shall be provided with
artificial means of ventilation to prevent excessive accumulation of hot and/or
polluted air. (b) Whenever artificial ventilation is required, the equipment shall be
designed and constructed to meet the following minimum requirements in air
changes:

1. For rooms entirely above grade and used for office, clerical, or administrative
purposes, or as stores, sales rooms, restaurants, markets, factories, workshops, or
machinery rooms, not less than three changes of air per hour shall be provided.
2. For rooms entirely above grade and used as bakeries, hotel or restaurant kitchens,
laundries other than accessory to dwellings, and boiler rooms – not less than ten
changes of air per hour shall be provided.

3. For auditorium and other rooms used for assembly purposes, with seats or other
accommodations – not less than 0.30 cubic meter of air per minute shall be supplied
for each person.

4. For wards and dormitories of institutional buildings – not less than 0.45 cubic
meter of air per minute shall be supplied for each person accommodated. 5. For
other rooms or spaces not specifically covered under this Section of the Code,
applicable provisions of the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Code, shall be
followed.
CHAPTER 9
SANITATION

SECTION 901. General Requirements

Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Civil Code of the Philippines on Property,
Ownership, and its Modification, all buildings hereafter erected, altered,
remodeled, relocated or repaired for human habitation shall be provided with
adequate and potable water supply, plumbing installation, and suitable wastewater
treatment or disposal system, storm water drainage, pest and vermin control, noise
abatement device, and such other measures required for the protection and
promotion of health of persons occupying the premises and others living nearby.
SECTION 903. Wastewater Disposal System

(a) Sanitary sewage from buildings and neutralized or pre-treated industrial

wastewater shall be discharged directly into the nearest street sanitary sewer main
of existing municipal or city sanitary sewerage system in accordance with the
criteria set by the Code on Sanitation and the National Pollution Control
Commission.

(b) All buildings located in areas where there are no available sanitary sewerage
system shall dispose their sewage “Imhoff” or septic tank and subsurface
absorption field.

(c) Sanitary and industrial plumbing installations inside buildings and premises
shall conform to the provisions of the National Plumbing Code.
SECTION 907. Pipe Materials

All pipe materials to be used in buildings shall conform to the Standard

Specifications of the Philippine Standard Council.
CHAPTER 10
BUILDING PROJECTION OVER PUBLIC
STREETS

SECTION 1006. Movable Awnings or Hoods

(a) Definition.
An awning is a movable shelter supported entirely from an exterior wall of a building and
of a type which can be retracted, folded, or collapsed against the face of a supporting
building.

(b) Clearance.
The horizontal clearance between the awning and the curb line shall not be less than 300
millimeters. The vertical clearance between the undermost surface of the awning and the
pavement or ground line shall be not less than 2.40 meters. Collapsible awnings shall be
so designated that they shall not block a required exit when collapsed or folded.
SECTION 1007. Doors, Windows, and the like

Doors, windows, and the like less than 2.40 meters above the pavement or
groundline shall not, when fully opened or upon opening, project beyond the
property line except fire exit doors.
CHAPTER 11
PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS DURING
CONSTRUCTION OR DEMOLITION

SECTION 1101. General Requirements

(a) No person shall use or occupy a street, alley or public sidewalk for the performance of
work covered by a building permit except in accordance with the provisions of this
Chapter.

(b) No person shall perform any work on any building or structure adjacent to a public
way in general use for pedestrian travel, unless the pedestrians are protected as
specified in this Chapter.

(c) Any material or structure temporarily occupying public property, including fence,
canopies, and walkways, shall be adequately lighted, between sunset and sunrise.
SECTION 1102. Storage in Public Property

Materials and equipment necessary for work to be done under a permit when
placed or stored on public property shall not obstruct free and convenient
approach to and use of any fire hydrant, fire or police alarm box, utility box,
catch basin, or manhole and shall not interfere with any drainage of any street or
alley gutter.
CHAPTER 12
GENERAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 1201. General Requirements

Buildings proposed for construction shall comply with all the regulations and
specifications herein set forth governing quality, characteristics and properties
of materials, methods of design and construction, type of occupancy and
classification. All other matters relative to the structural design of all buildings
and other structures not provided for in this Chapter shall conform with the
provisions of the National Structural Code of Buildings, as adopted and
promulgated by the Board of Civil Engineering pursuant to Republic Act Number
544, as amended, otherwise known as the “Civil Engineering Law”.
SECTION 1202. Excavation, Foundation, and Retaining Walls

(a) Subject to the provisions of Articles 684 to 686 of the Civil Code of the Philippines
on lateral and subjacent support, the design and quality of materials used structurally
in
excavation, footings, and in foundations shall conform to accepted engineering
practice.

(b) Excavation and Fills

(1) Excavation or fills for buildings or structures shall be so constructed or protected

that they do not endanger life or property.
(2) Whenever the depth of excavation for any construction is such that the lateral
and subjacent support of the adjoining property or existing structure thereon
would be affected in a manner that the stability or safety of the same is
endangered, the person undertaking or causing the excavation to be undertaken
shall be responsible for the expense of underpinning or extending the foundation
or footings of the aforementioned property or structure.

(3) Excavation and other similar disturbances made on public property shall,
unless otherwise excluded by the Building Official, be restored immediately to its
former condition within 48 hours from the start of such excavation and
disturbances by whosoever caused such excavation or disturbance.
(c) Footings, Foundations, and Retaining Walls

(1) Footings and foundations shall be of the appropriate type, of adequate size, and capacity
in order to safely sustain the superimposed loads under seismic or any condition of external
forces that may affect the safety or stability of the structure. It shall be the responsibility of
the architect and/or engineer to adopt the type and design of the same in accordance with
the standards set forth by the Secretary.
(2) Whenever or wherever there exist in the site of the construction an abrupt change in the
ground levels or level of the foundation such that instability of the soil could result,
retaining walls shall be provided and such shall be of adequate design and type of
construction as prescribed by the Secretary.
SECTION 1203. Veneer

(a) Definition.

Veneer is a nonstructural facing of brick, concrete, tile, metal, plastic, glass, or other
similar approved materials attached to a backing or structural components of the
building for the purpose of ornamentation, protection, or enclosure that may be
adhered, integrated, or anchored either on the interior or exterior of the building or
structure.

(b) Design Requirements. The design of all veneer shall comply with the
following:
(1) Veneer shall support no load other than its own weight and the vertical dead load of
veneer immediately above.
(2) Surfaces to which veneer is attached shall be designed to support the
additional vertical and lateral loads imposed by the veneer.

(3) Consideration shall be given to differential movements of the supports

including those caused by temperature changes, shrinkage, creep, and
deflection.

(4) Adhered veneer and its backing shall be designed to have a bond to the
supporting elements sufficient to withstand shearing stresses due to their
weights including seismic effects on the total assemblage.

(5) Anchored veneer and its attachment shall be designed to resist horizontal
forces equal to twice the weight of the veneer.

(6) Anchors supports and ties shall be non-combustible and corrosion-resistant.

SECTION 1205. Floor Construction

(a) Floors shall be of such materials and construction as specified under

Chapter 5 Fire Zones and Fire-Resistive Standards and under Chapter 6 – Types
of Construction.

(b) All floors shall be so framed and secured into the framework and supporting
walls as to form an integral part of the whole building.

(c) The types of floor construction used shall provide means to keep the beam
and girders from lateral buckling.
SECTION 1206. Roof Construction and Covering

(a) Roof Covering.

Roof covering for all buildings shall be either fire-retardant or ordinary depending upon the
fire-resistive requirements of the particular type of construction. The use of combustible
roof insulation shall be permitted in all types of construction provided it is covered with
approved roof covering applied directly thereto.

(b) Roof Trusses.

All roofs shall be so framed and tied into the framework and supporting walls so as to form
an integral part of the whole building. Roof trusses shall have all joints well fitted and shall
have all tension members well tightened before any load is placed in the truss. Diagonal
and sway bracing shall be used to brace all roof trusses. The allowable working stresses of
materials in trusses shall conform to this Code. Camber shall be provided to prevent
sagging.
(c) Attics.
(1) Access.

An attic access opening shall be provided in the ceiling of the top floor of
buildings with a combustible ceiling or roof construction. The opening shall be
located in a corridor or hallway of buildings of three or more storeys in height ,
and readily accessible in buildings of any height. An opening shall not be less
than 600 millimeters square or 600 millimeters in diameter. The minimum clear
headroom of 800 millimeters shall be provided above the access opening. For
ladder requirements, refer to the Philippine Mechanical Engineering code.
(2) Area Separation.
Enclosed attic spaces of combustible construction shall be divided into horizontal areas not
exceeding 250 square meters by fire-resistive partitions extending from the ceiling to the
roof. Except, that where the entire attic is equipped with approved automatic fire-
extinguishing system, the attic space may be divided into areas not to exceed 750 square
meters. Openings in the partitions shall be protected by self-closing doors.
(3) Draft Stops.
Regardless of the type of construction, draft stops shall be installed in trusses roofs,
between roof and bottom chords or trusses, in all buildings exceeding 2000 square
meters. Draft stops shall be constructed as for attic area separations.
(4) Ventilation.
Enclosed attics including rafter spaces formed where ceilings are applied direct to the
underside or roof rafters, shall be provided with adequate ventilation protected
against the entrance of rain.
(d) Roof Drainage System

(1) Roof Drains.

Roof drains shall be installed at low points of the roof and shall be adequate in size to
discharge all tributary waters.
(2) Overflow Drains and Scuppers.
Where roof drains are required, adequate overflow drains shall be provided.
(3) Concealed Piping.
Roof drains and overflow drains, when concealed within the construction of the
building, shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of the National Plumbing
Code.
(4) Over Public Property.
Roof drainage water from a building shall not be permitted to flow over public
property, except for Group A and J Occupancies. (e) Flashing. Flashing and
counterflashing shall be provided at the juncture of the roof and vertical surfaces.
SECTION 1207. Stairs, Exits, and Occupant Loads

(a) General.

The construction of stairs and exits shall conform to the occupant load
requirements of buildings, reviewing stands, bleachers, and grandstands.

(1) Determination of Occupant Loads.

The occupant load permitted in any building or portion thereof shall be determined
by dividing the floor area assigned to that use by the unit area allowed per occupant
as determined by the Secretary.
(2) Exit Requirements.
Exist requirements of a building or portion thereof used for different purposes shall be
determined by the occupant load which gives the largest number of persons. No
obstruction shall be placed in the required width of an exit except projections permitted
by this Code.

(3) Posting of Room Capacity.

Any room having an occupant load of more than 50 where fixed seats are not installed,
and which is used for classroom, assembly, or similar purpose shall have the capacity of
the room posted in a conspicuous place near the main exit from the room.

(4) Changes in Elevation.

Except in Group A Occupancies, changes in floor elevations of less than 300 millimeters
along any exit serving a tributary occupant load of 10 or more shall be by means of
ramps:
(b) Exits

(1). Number of Exits.

Every building or usable portion thereof shall have at lease one exit. In all occupancies, floors
above the first storey having an occupant load of more than 10 shall not have less than two
exits. Each mezzanine floor used for other than storage purposes, if greater in area than 185
square meters or more than 18.00 meters in any dimension, shall have at least two stairways
to an adjacent floor. Every storey or portion thereof, having an occupant load of 500 to 999
shall have at least three exits. Every storey or portion thereof having an occupant load of
1000 or more shall have at least four (4) exits. The number of exits required from any storey
of a building shall be determined by using the occupant loads of floors which exit through
the level under consideration as follows: 50 percent of the occupant load in the first adjacent
storey above (and the first adjacent storey below, when a storey below exits through the
level under consideration) and 25 percent of the occupant load in the storey immediately
beyond the first adjacent storey. The maximum number of exits required for any storey shall
be maintained until egress is provided from the structures. For purposes of this Section
basement or cellars and occupied roofs shall be provided with exits as required for storeys.
Floors above the second storey, basements and cellars used for other than service of the
building shall have not less than two exits.
(2) Width.

The total width of exits in meters shall not be less than the total occupant load
served divided by 165. Such width of exits shall be divided approximately equally
among the separate exits. The total exit width required from any storey of a building
shall be determined by using the occupant load of that storey plus the percentage of
the occupant loads of floors which exits through the level under consideration as
follows: fifty (50) percent of the occupant load in the first adjacent storey above (and
the first adjacent storey below when a storey below exits through the level under
consideration) and twenty five percent of the occupant load in the storey
immediately beyond the first adjacent storey. The maximum exit width from any
storey of a building shall be maintained.
(3) Arrangement of Exits.

If only two exits are required they shall be placed a distance apart to not less than
one-fifth of the perimeter of the area served measured in a straight line between exits.
Where three or more exits are required they shall be arranged a reasonable distance
apart so that if one becomes blocked, the others will be available. (4) Distance to
Exists. No point in a building without a sprinkler system shall be more than 45.00
meters from an exterior exit door, a horizontal exit, exit passageway, or an enclosed
stairway, measured along the line of travel. In a building equipped with a complete
automatic fire extinguishing system the distance from exits may be increased to 60.00
meters.
(c) Doors.
The provisions herein shall apply to every exit door serving an area having an occupant load of
more than 10 or serving hazardous rooms or areas.
(1) Swing.
Exit door shall swing in the direction of exit travel when serving any hazardous areas or when
serving an occupant load of 50 or more. Double acting doors shall not be used as exits serving a
tributary occupant load of more than 100; nor shall they be used as a part of fire assembly, nor
equipped with panic hardware. A double acting door shall be provided with a view panel of not
less than 1,300 square centimeters.
(2) Type of Lock or Latch.
Exit door shall be openable from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge or
effort: Except, that this requirement shall not apply to exterior exit doors in a group E or F
Occupancy if there is a conspicuous, readily visible and durable sign on or adjacent to the door,
stating that the door is to remain unlocked during business hours. The locking device must be
of a type that will readily be distinguishable as locked. Flush bolts or surface bolts are
prohibited.
.
(3) Width and Height.
Every required exit doorway shall be of a size as to permit the installation of a door not less than
900 millimeters in width and not less than 2.00 meters in height. When installed in exit doorways,
exit doors shall be capable of opening at least 90 degrees and shall be so mounted that the clear
width of the exit way is not less than 700 millimeters. In computing the required exit width, the
net dimension of the exit way shall be used.

(4) Door Leaf Width.

No leaf of an exit door shall exceed 1.20 meters in width.

(5) Special Doors.

Revolving, sliding, and overhead doors shall not be used as required exits.

(6) Egress from Door.

Every required exit door shall give immediate access to an approved means of egress from the
building.
(7) Change in Floor Level at Doors.
Regardless of the occupant load there shall be a floor or landing on each side of an exit door.
The floor or landing shall be leveled with, or not more than 50 millimeters lower than the
threshold of the doorway: Except, that in Group A and B Occupancies, a door may open on the
top step of a flight of stairs or an exterior landing provided the door does not swing over the
top step or exterior landing and the landing is not more than 200 millimeters below the floor
level.

(8) Door Identification.

Glass doors shall conform to the requirements in Section 1805. Other exit doors shall be so
marked that they are readily distinguishable from the adjacent construction.
(9) Additional Doors.

When additional doors are provided for egress purposes, they shall conform to all
provisions in the following cases: Approved revolving doors having leaves which will
collapse under opposing pressures may be used in exit situations; provided; that
such doors have a minimum width of 2.00 meters or they are not used in occupancies
where exits are required to be equipped with panic hardware or at least one
conforming exit door is located adjacent to each revolving doors installed in a
building and the revolving door shall not be considered to provide nay exit width.
(d) Corridors and Exterior Exit Balconies.
The provisions herein shall apply to every corridor and exterior exit balcony serving as a
required exit for an occupant load of more than ten.

(1) Width.
Every corridor or exit balcony shall not be less than 1.10 meters in width.

(2) Projections.
The required width of corridors and exterior exit balconies shall be unobstructed. Except,
that trim handrails, and doors when fully opened shall not reduce the required width by
more than 200 millimeters. Doors in any position shall not reduce the required width of
the corridor by more than one-half.

(3) Access to Exits.

When more than one exit is required, they shall be so arranged to allow going to either
direction from any point in the corridor or exterior exit balcony to a separate exit, except
for dead ends permitted by this Code.
(4) Dead Ends.
Corridors and exterior exit balconies with dead ends are permitted when the dead
end does not exceed 6.00 meters in length.

(5) Construction.
Walls and ceilings of corridors shall not be less than one-hour fire resistive
construction. Provided, that this requirement shall not apply to exterior exit
balconies, railings, and corridors of one-storey building housing a Group E and F
Occupancy occupied by one tenant only and which serves an occupant load of 30 or
less, nor to corridors, formed by temporary partitions. Exterior exit balconies shall
not project into an area where protected openings are required.
(e) Stairways.
Except stairs or ladders used only to access equipment, every stairway serving any building
or portion thereof shall conform to the following requirements:

(1) Width.
Stairways serving an occupant load of more than 50 shall not be less than 1.10 meters.
Stairways serving an occupant load of 50 or less may be 900 millimeters wide. Private
stairways serving an occupant load of less than 10 may be 750 millimeters. Trim and
handrails shall not reduce the required width by more than 100 millimeters.

(2) Rise and Run.

The rise of every step in a stairway shall not exceed 200 millimeters and the run shall not
be less than 250 millimeters. The maximum variations in the height of risers and the width
of treads in any one flight shall be 5 millimeters: Except, in case of private stairways
serving an occupant load of less than 10, the rise may be 200 millimeters and the run may
be 250 millimeters, except as provided in sub-paragraph (3) below.
(3) Winding Stairways.
In Group A Occupancy and in private stairways in Group B Occupancies, winders
may be used if the required width of run is provided at a point not more than 300
millimeters from the side of the stairway where the treads are narrower but in no
case shall any width of run be less than 150 millimeters at any point.

(4) Circular Stairways.

Circular stairs may be used as an exit provided the minimum width of run is not
less than 250 millimeters. All treads in any one flight between landings shall have
identical dimensions within a 5 millimeter tolerance.
(f) Ramps.
A ramp conforming to the provisions of this Code may be used as an exit. The width of
ramps shall be as required for corridors.

(g) Horizontal Exit.

If conforming to the provisions of this Code, a horizontal exit may be considered as
the required exit. All openings in a separation wall shall be protected by a fire
assembly having a fire-resistive rating of not less than one hour. A horizontal exit shall
not lead into a floor area having a capacity for an occupant load not less than the
occupant load served by such exit. The capacity shall be determined by allowing 0.30
square meter of net floor area per ambulatory occupant and 1.90 square meters per
non-ambulatory occupant. The dispersal area into which the horizontal exit leads shall
be provided with exits as required by this Code.
SECTION 1211. Chimneys, Fireplaces, and Barbecues

(a) Chimneys
(1) Structural Design.
Chimneys shall be designed, anchored, supported, reinforced, constructed, and
installed in accordance with generally accepted principles of engineering. Every
chimney shall be capable of producing a draft at the appliance not less than that
required for the safe operation of the appliance connected thereto. No chimney shall
support any structural load other than its own weight unless it is designed to act as a
supporting member. Chimneys in a wood-framed building shall be anchored laterally at
the ceiling line and at each floor line which is more than 1.80 meters above grade,
except when entirely within the framework or when designed to be free standing.
2) Walls.
Every masonry chimney shall have walls of masonry units, bricks, stones, listed masonry
chimney units, reinforced concrete or equivalent solid thickness of hollow masonry and
lined with suitable liners in accordance with the following requirements:

(2.1) Masonry Chimneys for Residential Type Appliances.

Masonry chimneys shall be constructed of masonry units or reinforced concrete with walls
not less than 100 millimeters thick; or of rubble stone masonry not less than 300
millimeters thick. Masonry chimneys shall be constructed of masonry units or reinforced
concrete with walls not less than 200 millimeters thick: Except, that rubble stone masonry
shall be not less than 300 millimeters thick. Masonry chimneys for medium-heat appliances
shall be constructed of solid masonry units of reinforced concrete not less than 200
millimeters thick, Except, that stone masonry shall be not less than 300 millimeters thick
and, in addition shall be lined with not less than 100 millimeters of firebrick laid in a solid
bed of fire clay mortar with solidly filled head, bed, and wall joints, starting not less than
600 millimeters below the chimney connector entrance.
(3) Linings.

Fire clay chimney lining shall not be less than 15 millimeters thick. The lining
shall extend from 200 millimeters below the lowest inlet or, in the case of
fireplace, from the throat of the fireplace to a point above enclosing
masonry walls. Fire clay chimney linings shall be installed ahead of the
construction of the chimney as it is carried up, carefully bedded one on the
other in fire clay mortar, with close-fitting joints left smooth on the inside.
Firebrick not less than 500 millimeters thick may be used in place of fire clay
chimney.
(4) Area.
No chimney passageway shall be smaller in area than the vent connection of the appliance
attached thereto.
(5) Height.
Every masonry chimney shall extend at least 600 millimeters above the part of the roof
through which it passes and at least 600 millimeters above the highest elevation of any
part of a building within 3.00 meters to the chimney.
(6) Corbeling.
No masonry chimney shall be corbeled from a wall more than 150 millimeters nor shall a
masonry chimney be corbelled from a wall which is less than 300 millimeters in thickness
unless it projects equally on each side of the wall. In the second storey of a two-storey
building of Group A Occupancy, corbeling of masonry chimneys on the exterior of the
enclosing walls may equal the wall thickness. In every case the corbeling shall not exceed
25 millimeters projection for each course of brick.
(7) Change in size or Shape.
No change in the size or shape of a masonry chimney shall be made within a
distance of 150 millimeters above or below the roof joints or rafters where the
chimney passes through the roof.
(8) Separation.
When more than one passageway is contained in the same chimney, masonry
separation at least 100 millimeters thick bonded into the masonry wall of the
chimney shall be provided to separate passageways.
(9) Inlets.
Every inlet to any masonry chimney shall enter the side thereof and shall be of not
less than 3 millimeters thick metal or 16 millimeters refractory material.
(b) Fireplaces and Barbecues
Fireplaces, barbecues, smoke chambers, and fireplace chimneys shall be of solid
masonry or reinforced concrete and shall conform to the minimum requirements
specified in this Code.

(1) Fireplace Walls.

Walls of fireplaces shall not be less than 200 millimeters in thickness. Walls of
fireboxes shall not be less than 250 millimeters in thickness: Except, that where a
lining of firebrick is used, such walls shall not be less than 200 millimeters in
thickness. The firebox shall not be less than 500 millimeters in depth. The
maximum thickness of joints in firebrick shall be 10 millimeters.
(2) Hoods.
Metal hoods used as part of a fireplace or barbecue shall be not less than No.
18 gauge copper, galvanized iron, or other equivalent corrosion-resistant
ferrous metal with all seams and connections of smokeproof unsoldered
construction. The hoods shall be sloped at an angle of 45 degrees or les from
the vertical and shall extend horizontally at least 150 millimeters beyond the
limits of the firebox. Metal hoods shall be kept a minimum of 400 millimeters
from combustible materials.

(3) Circulators.
Approved metal heat circulators may be installed in fireplaces.
(4) Smoke Chamber.
Front and side walls shall not be less than 200 millimeters in thickness. Smoke chamber
back walls shall not be less than 150 millimeters in thickness.

(5) Fireplace Chimneys.

Walls of chimneys without flue lining shall not be less than 200 millimeters in thickness.
Walls of chimneys with flue lining shall not be less than 100 millimeters in thickness and
shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements of this Code.

(6) Clearance to Combustible Materials.

Combustible materials shall not be placed within 50 millimeters of fireplace, smoke
chamber, or chimney walls when built entirely within a structure, or within 25 millimeters
when the chimney is built entirely outside the structure. Combustible materials shall not
be placed within 150 millimeters of the fireplace opening. No such combustible material
within 300 millimeters of the fireplace opening shall project more than 3 millimeters for
each 25 millimeters clearance from such opening.
(7) Area of Flues, Throats, and Dampers.
The net cross-sectional area of the flue and of the throat between the firebox and the
smoke chamber of a fireplace shall not be less than the requirements to be set forth by
the Secretary. Where dampers are used, they shall be of not less than No. 12 gauge metal.
When fully opened, damper opening shall be not less than ninety percent of the required
flue area. When fully open, damper blades shall not extend beyond the line of the inner
face of the flue.

(8) Lintel
Masonry over the fireplace opening shall be supported by a non-combustible lintel.

(9) Hearth
Every fireplace shall be provided with a brick, concrete, stone, or other approved non-
combustible hearth slab at least 300 millimeters wider on each side then the fireplace
opening and projecting at least 450 millimeters therefrom. This slab shall not be less than
100 millimeters thick and shall be supported by a noncombustible material or reinforced
to carry its own weight and all imposed loads.
SECTION 1212. Fire-Extinguishing Systems

Fire-Extinguishing Systems
Where required, standard automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed in the
following places, and in the manner provided in this Code.
(1) In every storey, basement or cellar with an area of 200 square meters or more which
is used for habitation, recreation, dining, study, or work, and which has an occupant
load of more than 20.
(2) In all dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, workshops or factories, and other rooms
with an occupant load of more than 10 or assembly halls under Group H and I
occupancies with occupant load of more than 500, and if the next doors of said rooms
are more than 30.00 meters from the nearest safe fire dispersal area of the building or
opening to an exit court or street.
(3) In all rooms used for storage or handling of photographic x-ray nitrocellulose films
and other inflammable articles.
Approval
All fire-extinguishing systems, including automatic sprinklers, wet and dry
standpipes, automatic chemical extinguishers, basement pipe inlets, and the
appurtenances thereto shall meet the approval of the Fire Department as to
installation and location and shall be subject to such periodic tests as it may
require.
SECTION 1215.

Lathing, Plastering, and Installation of Wall Boards The installation of lath,

plaster and gypsum wall board shall conform to the fire-resistive rating
requirements and the type of construction of building
CHAPTER 13
ELECTRICAL AND
MECHANICAL REGULATIONS

SECTION 1301. Electrical Regulations

All electrical systems, equipment and installation mentioned in this Code

shall conform to the provisions of the Philippine Electrical Code, as adopted
by the Board of Electrical Engineering pursuant to Republic Act No. 184
otherwise known as the Electrical Engineering Law
SECTION 1302. Mechanical Regulations
All mechanical systems, equipment and installations mentioned in this Code
shall conform to the provisions of the Philippine Mechanical Engineering
code, as adopted by the Board of Mechanical Engineering pursuant to
Commonwealth Act No. 294 as amended, otherwise known as the Mechanical
Engineering Law.
CHAPTER 16
PLASTICS
SECTION 1602. Installation

(a) Structural Requirements

All plastic materials shall be of adequate strength and durability to withstand the
prescribed design loads. Sufficient and substantial technical data shall be
submitted to establish stresses, maximum unsupported spans, and such other
information as may be deemed necessary for the various thicknesses and forms
used.

(b) Fastenings
Fastenings shall be adequate to withstand design loads and internal and external
stresses required of the assembly. Proper allowances of plastic materials in
conjunction with other materials with which it is assembled or integrated shall be
provided.
SECTION 1606. Plastic Light Diffusers in Ceilings

(a) General
Ceiling light diffusers having an area greater than ten percent of any 10.00
square meters of room area shall be of approved plastics conforming to the
requirements specified in this Code.
(b) Installation
Plastic light diffusers shall be installed in such a manner that they will not
readily become detached when subjected to room temperature of 80C for 15
minutes, Except, for plastic light diffusers which are installed in the first
floor area of Group C Occupancies having egress directly to the exterior of
the building.
SECTION 1607. Partitions
Where partitions are not required to be of fire-resistive or incombustible
construction, approved plastics conforming to the requirements specified in
this Code may be used.
.
SECTION 1608. Exterior Veneer

(a) General
Exterior veneer may be of approved plastic materials, and shall conform to
the provisions of this Section.

(b) Height
Plastic veneer shall not be attached to any exterior wall above the first
storey: Provided, that plastic veneer may be attached to exterior walls above
the first storey of buildings located outside of highly restrictive Fire Zones:
Provided, further that the height of veneer is not in excess of 10.00 meters
above the adjacent grade of elevation.
(c) Area
Sections of plastic veneer shall not exceed 15.00 square meters in area,
Except, that in less restrictive Fire Zones, the area may be increased by fifty
percent.

(d) Separation
Sections of plastic veneer shall be separated by a minimum of 1.20 meters
vertically and 600 millimeters horizontally.
CHAPTER 17
SHEET METAL PAINT
SPRAY BOOTHS

SECTION 1702. Fire Protection Every spray booth having an open front
elevation larger than 1.00 square meter and which is not equipped with
doors, shall have a fire curtain or metal deflector not less than 100
millimeters deep installed at the upper outer edge of the booth opening.

SECTION 1703. Light Paint spray booths shall be illuminated through

hammered wire or heat-treated glass panels. The glass panels shall be
located in such a manner as to reduce the hazard of ignition caused by paint
spray deposit.
CHAPTER 17
SHEET METAL PAINT
SPRAY BOOTHS

SECTION 1702. Fire Protection

Every spray booth having an open front elevation larger than 1.00 square
meter and which is not equipped with doors, shall have a fire curtain or
metal deflector not less than 100 millimeters deep installed at the upper
outer edge of the booth opening.
SECTION 1703. Light

Paint spray booths shall be illuminated through hammered wire or heat-

treated glass panels. The glass panels shall be located in such a manner as to
reduce the hazard of ignition caused by paint spray deposit.
SECTION 1704. Ventilation

(a) General
Mechanical ventilation shall be provided direct to the exterior of the building.
The mechanical exhaust system shall be designed to move the air through any
portion of the paint spray area at the rate of not less than 30.00 lineal meters
per minute. The blades of exhaust fans shall be constructed of non-ferrous
material and shall be mounted in such a manner as to prevent contact with the
exhaust duct. The motor shall not be mounted in the spray booth or the duct
system and belts shall be enclosed where they enter the booth or duct system.
(b) Exhaust Ducts
Exhaust ducts shall be constructed of steel having a thickness not less than
the values set by the Secretary. The discharge point for ducts in a paint spray
booth shall be not less than 2.00 meters from adjoining combustible
construction nor less than 8.00 meters from adjoining exterior wall openings:
Except, that the discharge point for exhaust ducts is not regulated in a water
wash spray booth.
CHAPTER 18
GLASSS AND GLAZZING

SECTION 1803. Glazing

Glass firmly supported on all four edges shall be glazed with minimum laps
and edge clearances in accordance with Section 1801 paragraph (b), Provided,
that glass edge clearance in fixed openings shall be not less than what is
required for wind and earthquake drift. For glass not firmly supported on all
four edges and design shall be submitted for approval of the Building
Official. Glass supports shall be considered firm when deflection of the
support at design load does not exceed 1/175 of the span.
SECTION 1804. Louvered Windows
Regular plate, sheet, or patterned glass in jalousies and louvered windows
shall not be thinner than 5.6 millimeters minimal and not longer than 1.20
meters. Exposed glass edges shall be smooth.
SECTION 1805. Impact

Frameless glass doors, glass in doors, fixed glass panels, and similar glazed openings
which may be subject to accidental human impact shall conform with the requirements
set forth by the Secretary on impact loads of glass: Except in the following cases:
(1) Bathtub and shower enclosures shall be constructed from approved shatter-resistant
materials, such as: wire-reinforced glass not less than 5.6 millimeters thick; fully
tempered glass not less than 4.8 millimeters thick; or laminated safety glass not less
than 6.4 millimeters thick.
(2) Glass lights located not less than 450 millimeters above the adjacent finished floor or
walking surface. (
3) Glass lights when the least dimension is not greater than 450 millimeters.
(4) Glass lights 1.50 square meters or less in area.
CHAPTER 20
SIGNS

SECTION 2002. Maintenance

All signs, together with all of their supports, braces, guys, and anchors, shall
be kept in repair and in proper state of preservation. The display of all signs
shall be kept neatly painted and secured at all times.
SECTION 2003. Design and Construction

Sign structures shall be designed and constructed to resist all forces in

accordance with the National Structural Code for Buildings. For signs on
buildings, the dead lateral loads shall be transmitted through the structural
frame of the building to the ground in such a manner as not to overstress
any of the elements of the building. The weight of earth superimposed over
footings may be used in determining the dead load resisting moment. Such
earth shall be carefully placed and thoroughly compacted.
SECTION 2005. Projections and Clearances

(a) Clearances from High Voltage Power Lines

Clearances of signs from high voltage power lines shall be in accordance with
the Philippine Electrical Code.

(b) Clearances from Fire Escapes, Exits, or Standpipes

No signs or sign structures shall be erected in such a manner than any portion
of its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire
escape, exit, or standpipe.
(c) Obstruction of Openings.
No sign shall obstruct any opening to such an extent that light or ventilation is
reduced to a point below that required by this Code. Signs erected within 1.50 meters
of an exterior wall in which there are openings within the area of the sign shall be
constructed of incombustible material or approved plastics.

(d) Projection over Alleys.

No sign or sign structure shall project into any public alley below a height of 3.00
meters above established sidewalk grade, nor project more than 300 millimeters
where the sign structure is located 3.00 meters to 4.5 meters above established
sidewalk grade. The sign or sign structure must not project more than 1.00 meter into
the public alley where the sign or sign structure is located more than 4.50 meters
above established sidewalk grade.
Thank
You