Summary of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the National Building Code of the
Philippines (PD 1096)
1. General Provisions (Rule I)
Ensures safety, sanitation, and structural stability.
Covers building design, construction, occupancy, and maintenance.
Applies to all buildings except traditional indigenous dwellings and socialized housing.
2. Administration & Enforcement (Rule II)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) enforces the law.
Building Officials oversee compliance, issue permits, and inspect structures.
Violations can result in fines, permit revocation, or demolition.
3. Building Permits & Inspections (Rule III)
Building permits are required before construction, renovation, or demolition.
Applications must include architectural, structural, electrical, and sanitary plans.
Inspectors ensure compliance and can issue a certificate of occupancy when a building is
complete.
4. Types of Construction (Rule IV)
Buildings are classified based on their materials and fire resistance:
o Type I: Wood (low fire resistance)
o Type II: Wood + protective materials
o Type III: Masonry walls, wooden floors
o Type IV: Reinforced concrete
o Type V: Fire-resistant materials only.
5. Fire Zones & Fire-Resistive Requirements (Rules V & VI)
Fire zones determine the type of materials allowed:
o Non-Fire Restricted
o Fire Restrictive
o Highly Fire Restrictive.
Fire-resistive ratings define how long materials can withstand fire (e.g., 1-hour, 2-hour, etc.).
6. Building Classification by Use (Rule VII)
Buildings are classified based on occupancy:
o Residential (R-1, R-2, R-3)
o Commercial
o Industrial
o Institutional (hospitals, schools)
o Agricultural
o Storage & Hazardous.
7. Light, Ventilation & Sanitation (Rules VIII & IX)
Windows must be at least 10% of floor area.
Ceiling heights: 2.40m (artificial ventilation) or 2.70m (natural ventilation).
Requires clean water supply, sewage disposal, and pest control.
8. Building Safety & Structural Guidelines (Rules X-XII)
Footings must be at least 600mm below ground.
Stairs must be 750mm wide with 200mm rise per step.
Wind loads for roofs should be at least 120kg per square meter.
9. Key Presidential Decrees (PDs) to Know
1. PD 1096 – National Building Code of the Philippines.
2. PD 1185 – Fire Code of the Philippines.
3. PD 957 – Subdivision and Condominium Buyers’ Protection Decree.
4. PD 772 – Penalizing Squatting and Unauthorized Use of Land.
5. PD 1586 – Environmental Compliance for Large Projects.
6. PD 856 – Sanitation Code of the Philippines.
10. Summary of Key Procedures
Building Permit Application
1. Submit an application with complete plans.
2. Verification by the Building Official.
3. Obtain necessary clearances from other agencies.
4. Processing & approval (within 15 days).
5. Issuance of the Building Permit.
Certificate of Occupancy
1. Final inspection after construction.
2. Submit Occupancy Permit application.
3. Approval & issuance if compliant.
Enforcing Administrative Sanctions
1. Notice of violation issued.
2. Submit written explanation within 5 days.
3. Formal investigation and hearings.
4. If found guilty, penalties may include permit revocation, fines, or demolition.
Demolition of Dangerous Buildings
1. Building Official declares the structure hazardous.
2. Written notice to vacate, repair, or demolish within 15 days.
3. Owner may appeal to DPWH Secretary.
4. If no action is taken, the Building Official orders forced demolition.
Appeal Process
1. File appeal within 15 days of permit denial or revocation.
2. The DPWH Secretary’s decision is final after 15 days unless further appealed.
This document provides a concise and structured summary of the National Building Code’s IRR. Let me
know if you need further details!