RULE I MINIMUM DESIGN STANDARDS

Section 1. Design Standards for Subdivision

Residential subdivision projects shall conform with the following minimum

design standards, applicable local government units' (LGU) zoning ordinances
as well as pertinent provisions of the National Building Code if project is with
housing component:

A. Site Criteria

1. Location

Conformity with Zoning Ordinance/Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Subdivision projects shall be located in residential zones or other areas

appropriate for residential uses. If there is no Zoning Ordinance or approved
Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the dominant land use principle and site
suitability factors cited herein shall be used in determining suitability of a
project.

Subdivision projects supportive of other major urban activities (e.g. housing

for industrial workers) may be allowed in area zoned for the said urban
activities.

2. Physical Suitability

Subdivision projects shall be located within suitable sites for housing and
outside hazard prone areas and protection areas as provided for by
pertinent laws. Critical areas (e.g. areas subject to flooding, landslides and
those with unstable soil) must be avoided.

The site shall be stable enough to accommodate foundation load without

excessive earthmoving, grading or cutting and filling.
 3. Accessibility

The site must be served by a road that is readily accessible to public

transportation lines. Said access road shall conform with the standards set
herein to accommodate expected demand caused by the development of
the area. In no case shall a subdivision project be approved without the
necessary access road/right-of-way. Said access road right-of-way may
be constructed either by the developer or the local government unit.

B. Planning Considerations

1. Area Planning
Planning and designing of subdivision projects shall take into account the
following:
a. safety and general welfare of the future occupants:

b. adequate, safe, efficient and integrative road circulation system

servicing every lot therein;

c. judicious allocation of land uses for diversity and amenity;

d. preservation of site

e. proper siting or orientation of lots;

f. harmony with existing and proposed development in the vicinity;

g. Application of workable design principles or parameters for a well

planned and self-sustaining environment.

When a developer or planner submits a Planned Unit Development (PUD)

type of project, the layout shall likewise conform to the standards for
residential/condominium projects.

a. Open spaces

Open spaces shall conform to the provisions of P.D. 1216 and its
implementing rules and shall include the following:

a. 1 Streets -adequate and safe means of vehicular and pedestrian

circulation and easements for utilities and planting strips, shall be
provided.

a. 2 Walks -paved walks shall be provided to the living units from

streets, parking spaces and from living units to play areas.

a. 3 Parks and playground - suitable recreational area(s) shall be

allocated within the subdivision. Where applicable, a hierarchy of
 such recreational areas may be provided for, such that, a
strategically located main park area is supplemented or
complemented by one or more smaller pocket(s) or areas for
recreational use. These areas must be accessible to living units and
free from any form of hazard or risk_ Said parks and playgrounds
shall be cleared and free from any debris. Parks and playgrounds as
much as possible shall be at street level.

b. Facilities and Amenities

Areas required for subdivision facilities and amenities shall be

judiciously allocated in accordance with the provisions herein
specified.

c. Density

Density of subdivision projects shall conform with the residential

densities set forth in the zoning ordinance of the city/municipality
where project is located. Where there is a mixture of housing types
within the subdivision (such as single-detached, row house, town
houses, etc.), density shall include the total number of dwelling units
in multi-storey structure plus the total number of lots intended for
single and semi-detached houses.

2. Site Preservation

a. Slope

The finished grade shall have a desired slope to allow rain water to be
channeled into street drains. Where cut and fill is necessary, an
appropriate grade shall be attained to prevent any depression in the
area.

Grading and ditching shall be executed in a manner that will prevent

erosion or flooding of adjoining properties.

b. Preservation of Site Assets

Suitable trees with a caliper diameter of 200 millimetres or more,

shrubs and desirable ground cover per Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR) rules shall be preserved. Where a
good quality top soil exists in the site, it shall be banked and shall be
preserved for finishing grades of yards, playgrounds, parks and garden
area.

c. Ground Cover

Grass, shrubs, plants and other landscaping materials used for ground
cover shall be of a variety appropriate for its intended use and location.
They shall be planted so as to allow well-tended cover of the area.
3. Easements

Subdivision projects shall observe and conform to the following

provisions on easements as may be required by:

a. Chapter IV, Section 51 of The Water Code, on water bodies;

b. National Power Corporation (NPC), on transmission lines;

c. PHIVOLCS per Resolution No. 515, Series of 1992, on identified fault

traces;

d. Other public utility companies and other entities' right-of-way;

e. National/local government units for projects abutting national roads

(primary roads) where adequate easement shall be provided for,
including loading and unloading areas;

f. Other related laws.

4. Circulation

Depending on the classification of roads adjacent to the subdivision and

the size of the project site, road network should result into a hierarchy of
functions and should define and serve the subdivision as one integrated
unit.

a. Roads complemented with pathwalks within the subdivision must be

so aligned to facilitate movement and to link the subdivision to the
nearest major transportation route and/or adjacent property.

Whenever there are existing roads within the project site which shall
be made part of the subdivision plan, these shall be improved in
accordance with the standards set forth herein.

b. Streets should conform to the contours of the land as far as

practicable

Where a proposed project adjoins a developed property, roads within

the said project shall be connected/integrated/aligned with existing
ones.

Where a proposed project adjoins undeveloped property, a provision

for future connection shall be mandatory.

c. As far as practicable, streets shall be laid out at right angles to

minimize critical intersections such as blind corners, skew junction, etc.
d. Roads shall conform to sound engineering practices.
 e. Subdivision projects shall comply to the pertinent requirements of
Batas Pambansa No. 344, otherwise known as the Accessibility Law.

5. Installation of Street Names/Signs:

The developer shall bear the cost of installation of street names/signs
coincident with the construction of streets.

C. Design Parameters

1. Land Allocation

For open market and medium cost subdivision projects with an area of one
(1) hectare or more, the percentage (%) allocation of land shall be as
follows:

a. saleable area — maximum of 70% of the gross area

b. non-saleable area — minimum of 30% of the gross area

The following non-saleable area shall be observed consistent with PD No.

1216:

b.1 Parks/Playgrounds

Allocation of area for parks and playgrounds shall be mandatory for

projects one (1) hectare or more and shall be deemed non-buildable
area. The same shall be strategically located within the subdivision
project. Area allocated for parks and playgrounds shall in no case be
less than 100 square meters.

The percentage requirement for parks/playgrounds shall be as follows:

Table 1. Parks and Playgrounds Allocation

DENSITY PARKS/PLAYGROUNDS
(No. of Lots/Dwelling Unit Per Hectare) Allocation in Percent of Gross Area
(%)

20 and below 3.5

21 —25 4.0
26 —35 5.0
36 — 50 6.0
51 — 65 7.0
Above 65 9.0
 b.2 Community Facilities

Mandatory provision of areas for community facilities, such as

neighbourhood multi-purpose center both for open market and medium
cost housing projects with area one (1) hectare and above. These areas
are non-saleable. However, the developer may provide additional areas
for community facilities such as schools and commercial/retail centers
in excess of the mandatory requirement set forth in this rule which shall
be deemed saleable. The use of the said area shall be indicated in the
plan and shall be annotated in the title thereto. (Refer to Table 2)

Table 2. Facilities According to the Number of Saleable Lots/

Dwelling Units for Subdivision Projects I hectare and Above

No. of Neighborhood Convenience

Saleable Multi-Purpose Stores & Other Elementary High Tricycle
Lots and/or Center* Commercial School** School** Terminals**
Dwelling Unit Centers*

10 & below - - - - -

11 – 99 - - - - -

100 – 499 x - - - -

500 – 999 x - - - -

1000 – 1499 x - - - -

1500 – 1999 x x x - x

2000 – 2499 x x x x x

2500 & Over x x x x x

* Mandatory non-saleable
** Optional saleable but when provided in the plan the same shall be annotated
in the title
b.3 Circulation System

b.3.1 Hierarchy of Roads

The circulation system for open market and medium cost housing
projects shall have the following hierarchy of roads:

Table 3. Hierarchy of Roads

Project Size Range

(Has.) Open Market Medium Cost

2.5 & below major, minor, motor major, minor, motor

court, alley court, alley

Above 2.5 – 5 major, collector, minor, -do-

motor court, alley

Above 5 – 10 -do- major, collector, minor,

motor court, alley

Above 10 – 15 -do- -do-

Above 15 – 30 -do- -do-

Above 30 -do- -do-

Minimum road right-of-way shall be in accordance with b.3.2 of

this section.

In no case shall a major road be less than 10 meters when used

as main access road and/or as future connection.

a) Major Road -a street or road linking the site and serves as the
main traffic artery within the project site and shall traverse the
longer axis of the property.

b) Collector Road -a street or a road that services pedestrian /

vehicular traffic from minor roads leading to major roads.

c) Minor Road -a road which main function is to provide direct

access to lots and other activity centers.

d) Motor Courts -shall have a right-of-way of not less than 6

meters in width with provision for sufficient space for vehicular
turn around in the form of a cul-de-sac, loop, branch or "T", with
a maximum length of 60 meters inclusive of terminal.

e) Service Roads -roads which provide for the distribution of

traffic among individual lots and activity centers.
 f) Alley -a 2-meter wide walkway which shall be used to break a
block and to serve pedestrians and for emergency purposes. It
shall not be used as access to property.

b.3.2 Road Right-of-Way (ROW)

The corresponding right-of-way for hierarchy of roads shall be as

follows:

Table 4. Road Right-of-Way

Project Size Right – Of – Way (ROW)

(Hectares) (Meters)
Open Market Medium Cost
Major Collector Minor Major Collector Minor
2.5 & below 10 - 8 10 - 8
Above 2.5 – 5 12 10 8 10 - 8
Above 5 – 10 12 10 8 12 10 8
Above 10 – 15 12 10 8 12 10 8
Above 15 – 30 15 12 10 12 10 8
Above 30 15 12 10 15 12 10
ROW Carriageway ROW Carriageway
Motor Court 6 5 6 5
Alley 2 2 2 2

Note: a 6-m service road,

both ends connecting to a
minor road, shall be allowed
for blocks not exceeding 60
meters.

a) Major roads shall maintain a uniform width of road right-of-way.

Tapering of road width shall not be allowed where the road right-
of-way is wider than the prescribed standard for the interconnecting
road 2.5the proposed su2.5vision.

b) Interior Subdivision project must secure right-of-way to the

nearest public road and the right-of-way shall be designated as
interconnecting road with a minimum width of 10 meters. This fact
shall be annotated on the title of said road lot and must be donated
and deemed turned over to the LGU upon completion of the said
interconnecting road. (See Figure 1)
 Figure 1. Interconnecting Road

c) Subdivision projects abutting main public road must provide a

setback of 3-meter deep by 5-meter in length at both sides of the
subdivision entrance to accommodate loading and unloading of
passengers (see Figure 2).

Figure 2. Setback Requirement Along Main Public Road

 d) Subdivision projects shall have provision for future expansion
where applicable, by designating the major roads, as prescribed
in Sec. 1.C.b.3.2 as the interconnecting road right-of-way for both
open market and medium cost housing projects.

b.3.3 Planting Strips

Planting strips shall be observed with the following road

specifications:

Table 5. Width of Planting Strips and Sidewalks

Road Width Open Market Medium Cost

(m) Planting Strip Sidewalk Planting Strip Sidewalk
(m.) (m) (m.) (m)

15.00 1.30 1.20 1.30 1.20

12.00 0.80 1.20 0.80 1.20
10.00 0.80 1.20 0.80 1.20
8.00 0.40 0.60 0.40 0.60
6.00 (Service Road) optional optional

b.3.4 Road Pavement

All roads for both open market and medium cost housing projects shall
be paved with either concrete or asphalt. Concrete pavement shall
have a minimum thickness of 150 millimeters and a minimum
compressive strength of 20.7 Mega Pascal (Mpa) while asphalt shall
have a minimum thickness of 50 millimeters.

Sidewalk pavement shall have a minimum compressive strength of

17.2 Mega Pascal.

b.3.5 Road Intersection Roads should intersect at right angles as much as

practicable. Multiple intersections along major roads shall be
minimized. Distance between offset intersections should not be less
than 20 meters from corner to corner. Intersections should occur on
straight sections instead of on curved sections of road and on gentle
grades with clear sight distance.

Road intersections shall be provided with adequate curb radii

consistent with sound engineering principles. (see Figure 3)
 b.3.6 Road Grade/Slope

Crown of the roads shall have a slope of not less than 1.5 percent,
while curbs and gutters shall not be less than 7 percent to 9 percent
(see Figure 4).

Grades and vertical curbs shall conform to the design requirements

of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

FIGURE 4. ROAD GRADE/SLOPE

2. Lot requirements

a. Lot Layout:

The following shall be considered when plotting the subdivision project:

a.1 Preservation of site assets and proper siting orientation of lots; blending
with existing and proposed development in the vicinity; and

a.2 Application of workable design principles/parameters for a well planned

environment.

To accommodate a wider range of clientele (in terms of income level and

lifestyle), and to provide diversity in housing design in a subdivision
project, the owner/developer is encouraged to allocate areas for various
housing types such as single -detached, duplex/single attached and
rowhouses.
 b. Minimum Lot Area The minimum lot area for various types of housing
under open market and medium cost housing project shall be as follows:

Table 6. Minimum Lot Area

TYPES OF HOUSING OPEN MARKET MEDIUM COST

(Sqm.) (Sqm.)

a. Single Detached 120 100

b. Duplex/Single Attached 96 80
c. Rowhouse 60 50

Saleable lots designated as duplex/single attached and/or rowhouse lots

shall be provided with housing units.

Price of saleable lots intended for single-detached units shall not exceed 40
percent of the maximum selling price of house and lot packages.

c. Lot Design

c.1 Saleable lots shall be designed such that they are not bisected by
political boundaries, water courses, drainage ways and utility lines.

c.2 A lot shall be served by an independent access road.

c.3 Whenever possible, lot frontage elevation shall be at street level.

c.4 Lot lines shall preferably be made perpendicular to street lines.

c.5 Deep lots and irregularly shaped lots shall be avoided.

c.6 Lots shall be planned with adequate width for side yards.

c.7 Lots shall be protected against risks.

c.8 Lots shall not be laid out if potential risks exist e.g. erosion, slides,
flooding, fault lines, etc.
 d. Lot Frontage

The minimum lot frontages for various types of housing under open market
and medium cost housing projects shall be as follows:

Table 7. Minimum Lot Frontage

TYPES OF HOUSING/LOT FRONTAGE (m.)

1. Single Detached
a. Corner Lot 12
b. Regular Lot 10
c. Irregular Lot 6
d. Interior Lot 3
2. Duplex/Single Attached 8
3. Rowhouse 4

The number of rowhouses shall not exceed 20 units per block/cluster but in
no case shall this be beyond 100 meters in length.

3. Length of Block

Maximum length of block shall be 400 meters, however, blocks exceeding 250
meters shall be provided with an alley approximately at mid-length.

4. Shelter Component

a. Minimum floor area for open market housing shall be 42 square meters and 30
square meters for medium cost housing.

b. Minimum level of completion -complete house for all types of dwelling units
based on the submitted specifications.

Provision of firewall shall be in conformity with the Fire Code of the Philippines
and mandatory for duplexes/single attached units and every unit for rowhouses
(refer to Fig. 5).
 Figure 5. Firewall Requirement for Rowhouse

5. Yard/Setback

The minimum setback of dwelling units both for open market and medium cost
housing projects shall conform to the National Building Code of the Philippines.

6. Water Supply System

a. Specific Rules:

The subdivision water supply shall be mandatory or obligatorily connected to an

appropriate public water system or community system provided that the water
supply is enough to meet the total daily requirements of the anticipated
population.

When neither a public water system, nor an acceptable community system is

available, a centralized water supply system shall be accepted, provided that:

a.1 The technical consultant of the developer shall determine the location and
discharge capacity of the water source(s) within the subdivision;
 a.2 The permit to drill well(s) or tap water lines from the appropriate government
agencies shall be obtained;

a.3 The water source shall be sufficient to meet the daily water requirements of every
household in the subdivision;

a.4 No hazards shall exist in the immediate vicinity of the water source that might
reduce or pollute the supply;

a.5 Water distribution shall be assured.

Accordingly, every water service entrance or connection shall be provided with a

pressure-compensating, self-regulating, constant flow valve or fitting to ensure
equitable distribution of water, water and power conservation, and long-term
savings on operational costs of the water system.

a.6 Each subdivision shall have at least an operational deepwell and pumpsets with
sufficient capacity to provide Average Daily Demand (ADD) to all homeowners.

b. Water Requirement -Every dwelling unit shall be served by an individual supply of

water sufficient to meet the total hourly domestic needs of every household for any
8 hour period.

The Average Daily Demand (ADD) for both open market and medium cost housing
projects is 150 liters per capita per day (LCPD) household connection. (Per Board
Resolution No. 506, series of 1992)

c. Fire Protection Demand -Provision for fire protection shall comply with the
requirements of the National Fire Protection Code.

d. Water Tank Capacity -20% ADD plus fire reserve.

e. Pipes -Pipes shall conform to the standards required by Metropolitan Waterworks

and Sewerage System (MWSS) and/or Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).

7. Electrical power supply

Mandatory individual household connection to primary and/or alternate sources of

power.

Installation practices, materials and fixtures used shall be in accordance with the
provisions of the Philippine Electrical Code and/or local utility company.

Provision of street lighting per pole is mandatory at 50-meter distance and every other
pole if distance is less than 50 meters.

Electrical bills for streetlights shall be proportionately shouldered by the

 users thereof prior to issuance of Certificate of Completion (COG) and turn-over of
open space to LGU.

8. Sewage Disposal System

The sewage disposal system for open market and medium cost subdivision projects
shall either be any of the following:

a. Connection to Community Sewer System

Connections shall be made to an approved public or community sewer system,

subject to the requirements and provisions of the Sanitation Code of the
Philippines and other applicable rules and regulations.

b. Septic Tanks

Where community sewer system is not available, sewage shall be

disposed of and treated in individual septic tanks.

Construction of individual septic tanks shall conform to the design standards of

Sanitation Code of the Philippines (PD 856) and National Plumbing Code of the
Philippines (RA 1378).

9. Drainage System

The drainage system of the subdivision shall conform to the natural drainage pattern
of the subdivision site, and shall drain into appropriate water bodies or public
drainage system. In no case shall drainage outfalls drain into a private lot. Its layout
shall conform to sound engineering design/ principles certified by a duly licensed
civil/sanitary engineer. Drain lines shall be of durable materials and approved
installation practices.

For both open market and medium cost subdivision projects, underground drainage
system shall be properly engineered and environmentally sound and shall be
provided with adequate Reinforced Concrete Pipes (RCP), catch basins manholes,
inlets and cross drain for efficient maintenance. Minimum drainage pipes diameter
shall be 30 centimeters.

10. Garbage Disposal System

The subdivision shall have a sanitary and efficient refuse collection and disposal
system, whether independently or in conjunction with the municipal/city garbage
collection and disposal services.

The Summarized Planning and Design Standards for Open Market and A Medium
Cost Subdivision Projects is presented in Table 8.
TABLE 8. Planning and Design Standards
For a Residential Subdivision Project
Under PD 957
Section 2. Design Standards and Guidelines for Residential Condominium
Projects

A. Site Criteria

Conformity to Comprehensive Land Use Plan/Zoning Ordinance/National Building

Code

1. Residential condominium projects shall preferably be located in areas zoned as

or appropriate for residential uses.

2. Condominium projects shall likewise conform to the minimum building

requirements, lot occupancy, open spaces, parking and other requirements of the
National Building Code of the Philippines and its Implementing Rules and
Regulations.

B. Planning Consideration

1. Area Planning

a. Supplementary and supportive activities to residential use shall be allowed

provided that the privacy, order, health and safety of the residents are not
jeopardized nor threatened and that the land use plan and/or zoning ordinance
of the locality can accommodate such mixture of land uses.

b. Open spaces shall be provided within the project site pursuant to the National
Building Code of the Philippines and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
These shall include courts, yards, setbacks, light wells, uncovered driveways,
access roads, parking spaces, buffer strips, parks and playgrounds. Except as
may hereafter be otherwise provided these spaces shall be open from the
ground to the sky. The open space shall also be allocated for basic utilities and
community facilities or common areas.

c. Easements for utilities, such as drainage system, water supply, power lines
and communication lines, shall be integrated with land circulation system.

d. Building orientation on lot shall take into account proper ventilation, sunlight
and land characteristics.

e. No development shall be allowed within the 5-meter mandatory easement on

both sides of the Marikina Valley Fault Trace and such other fault traces as may
be identified by PHIVOLCS. (Approved per Board Res. No. 515, Series of 1992)
 2. Site Preservation/Alteration

a. Slope

The finished grade shall have a desired slope to allow rainwater to be

channeled into street drains. Where cut and fill is necessary an appropriate
grade shall be attained to prevent any depression in the area.

Grading and ditching shall be executed in a manner that will prevent

erosion or flooding of adjoining properties.

b. Preservation of Site Assets

Suitable trees with a caliper diameter of 200 millimeters or more, as well as

shrubs and desirable ground cover shall be preserved in accordance with the
implementing rules and regulations of DENR. Where good quality top soil
exists in the site, it shall be banked and shall be preserved for finishing grades
of yards, playgrounds, parks and garden area.

c. Ground Cover

Grass, shrubs, plants and other landscaping materials used for ground cover
shall be of variety appropriate for its intended use and location. They shall be
so planted as to allow complete and permanent cover of the area.

C. Design parameters

1. Space location

Space allocations shall provide areas for living, dining, kitchen, sleeping, toilet
and bath, laundry/ drying area and storage -the minimum sizes of which shall be
in accordance with the requirements of the National Building Code of the
Philippines and its Implementing Rules and Regulations/referral codes.

a. Parks/Playground and/or Other Recreational Areas

a.1 Parks/Playground (exclusive of easements, access roads, driveways,

parking space) shall be required for:

a.1.1 Projects with a gross saleable area of 1.000 square meters: Or

a.1.2 Projects with ten (10) or more condominium units. Except when the
condominium is part of a subdivision project or a park/playground
not more than or 800 meters away and in reaching it, the pedestrian
will not be unduly exposed to hazard.
 a.2 The minimum area for a single park/playground shall be 50 square
meters. Increments of 3.00 square meters for every additional family
dwelling type in excess of 10 units shall be added.

a.3 Parks/playground or other recreational facilities may not be required if the

condominium is located not more than or 800 meters from a publicly
accessible park/playground/or other recreational facilities.

a.4 Parks/playground shall be properly landscaped to accommodate both

active and passive activities.

a.5 Parks/playground may be accommodated in the yard/s provided such

yards are adequate and usable as park.

a.6 Other facilities (optional) such as tennis courts, swimming pool, etc. may
be integrated with the park/playground.

b. Parking Space Requirement

b.1 For Residential Condominium Units

b.1.1 The parking slot requirement for residential condominium project

snail be in accordance with the provisions of the National Building
Code of the Philippines.

b.1.2 Off-site parking may be allowed in addition to the on-site parking

provided that the designated parking area is part of the project and
provided further that the required distance shall be in accordance
with the National Building Code of the Philippines.

b.1.3 Compliance with additional parking spaces as required by local

ordinances shall be mandatory.

b.2 For Commercial Condominium Units

b.2.1 The minimum parking slot requirement shall be in accordance with

the provisions of the National Building Code of the Philippines.

b.2.2 Off-site parking may be allowed in addition to the on-site parking

provided that the designated parking area is part of the project or the
project is within the commercial subdivision where common parking
area is part of the approved subdivision plan and provided further
that parking arrangements are explicitly indicated in the contract of
sale of property to be developed. Off-site parking shall not be located
200 meters away from condominium project.
c. Access Roads

Roads shall serve every building, parking space, park/playground and

service points (e.g. garbage collection points). Minimum roads or right-
of-way shall be 8 meters, 6 meters thereof shall be the carriageway and
the remaining 2 meters shall be developed as sidewalk/planting strip.

Path walks shall be provided for pedestrian circulation with a minimum

width of 1.2 meters.

Construction of roads, sidewalk and path walks, shall be in accordance

with the standards of residential subdivision. Space for turnaround at
dead end shall be provided.

Direct vehicular access to the property shall be provided by public street

or alley.

An independent means of access shall be provided to each dwelling, or

group of dwellings in a single plot. Without trespassing adjoining
-
properties. Utilities and service facilities must be independent for each
dwelling unit.

An independent means of access to each living unit shall be provided

without passing through any yard of a living unit or any other yard.

c.1 Hierarchy of Roads

For horizontal condominium projects, the hierarchy of roads shall be

the same as the minimum design standard requirements for
subdivision projects.

c.2 Pavement

All roads (major, minor, motorcourt) for both residential and

commercial condominium projects shall be paved with
concrete/asphalt.

d. Basic Facilities and Services

d.1 Service Area (Laundry/Drying Area)

Adequate laundry and drying areas shall be provided.

Where such services areas are held in common, they shall have
suitable outdoor locations, fenced or screened and kept away from
living rooms, entrance or front yards.

d.2 Water supply, power, sewerage and drainage utilities shall conform to
the requirements of a subdivision.
 d.2.1 Reservoir/Water Tank

For multi-storey buildings.

If the height of the building requires water pressure in excess of

that in the main water line, a water tank shall be provided.

Tank shall also be required if the peak drawn should reduce the
pressure on the highest usable floor to less than 0.06 Mpa the
minimum pressure required for satisfactory operation of fixtures,
particularly those with flush valves.

d.2.2 Capacity -20% Average Daily Demand plus fire reserve

d.3 Mechanical Equipment and Service Areas

d.3.1 Provision of elevators shall conform to the plans and

specifications of the duly licensed architect/engineer who shall
determine the requirement for elevators including the number
of cars, capacity, safety features and standards, elevator type,
speed and location in relation to the over-all design and use of
the building; the design architect/engineer shall certify under
oath that all the components thereof are in accordance with the
National Building Code of the Philippines, the Accessibility Law
and national industry standards and other pertinent laws.

d.3.2 Compliance to the provisions of the Fire Code of the Philippines,

shall be mandatory

d.4 Refuse Collection/Disposal

Centralized garbage depository area and efficient refuse collection

and disposal services shall be provided whether independently or in
conjunction with the city or municipality garbage collection and
disposal services. It shall conform to the provisions of the Sanitation
Code of the Philippines and its Implementing Rules and
Regulations/pertinent referral codes.

2. Floor Area Requirements

a. Single-Occupancy Unit

Single occupancy units shall have a minimum floor area of 18 square

meters, however, a net floor area of 12 square meters may be allowed
provided that:

a.1 These are intended for students/employees/workers and provided

further that the condominium project to which these will be integrated
is within highly urbanized areas.
 a.2 The same shall be provided with common basic facilities such as
laundry/drying area and support amenities such as visitor's lounge
and dining area.

a.3 Said facilities/support amenities including all other measures that will
ensure compliance with the intended use of the unit shall be explicitly
indicated in the master deed/ contract to sell.

b. Family Dwelling Unit

The minimum floor area of family condominium units shall be 36 square

meters and 22 square meters for open market and medium cost
condominium project respectively.

Section 3. Conversion of Existing Structures to Condominium Projects.

Existing structures may be converted into condominium projects upon proper

application there for with the Board and compliance with the requirements of
condominium laws and these rules and standards.

Section 4. Variances

These design standards and requirements may be modified or varied by the Board
in cases of large scale government and private residential subdivision or
condominium projects, housing in areas for priority development or urban land
reform zones, resettlement or social housing projects for low income groups, or
housing projects financed by any government financing institution, or in cases
where strict observance hereof will cause extreme hardship to the subdivision or
condominium owner/developer.

1. The location is unique and different from the adjacent locality, and because
of its uniqueness, the owners cannot obtain a reasonable return on the
residential subdivision/condominium projects;

2. The hardship is not self-created;

3. The proposed variance is due to existing permanent structures

(concrete/steel) and is necessary to permit a reasonable use of the
residential subdivision/condominium;

4. The variance will not alter the essential character of the location where the
residential subdivision for which the variance is sought, is located, and will
not substantially or permanently affect the use of the other residential
subdivision/condominium in the same locality; particularly those within a 1
kilometerradius thereof;
5. The variance will not give rise to unauthorized reclassification of the
approved residential subdivision/condominium plan (i.e. whether partial or
full alteration of the plan), and will not adversely affect the public health,
safety or general welfare of the community. (Per Commission Proper
Resolution No. R-53, S. 1982)