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Presidential Decree 1096 – National Building Code of the Philippines
- The National Building Code of the Philippines, formally known as Presidential Decree No.
1096, was enacted on February 19, 1977. This comprehensive code aims to establish a uniform
set of standards for building design, construction, use, occupancy, and maintenance in the
Philippines. It was introduced to address the rapid economic growth, urbanization, and
population increase that the country was experiencing at the time. The code replaces Republic
Act No. 6541, which was deemed inadequate for the evolving technological and developmental
needs of the nation.
Purpose
o The code was created to ensure safety, health, and public welfare in building design and
construction. It aims to prevent structural failures, fires, and other hazards that could
endanger lives and property.
Scope
o It applies to all buildings and structures in the Philippines, including public and private
buildings, except for traditional indigenous family dwellings.
CHAPTER 1 – General Provision
o SECTION 101. Title
- Officially named the National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP).
o SECTION 102. Declaration of Policy
- Aims to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare by setting minimum
standards for buildings and structures.
o SECTION 103. Scope and Application
- Applies to all buildings and structures except traditional indigenous dwellings.
Covers design, construction, occupancy, and maintenance. Buildings constructed
before the Code's approval are exempt unless altered or repaired.
- Applies to all public and private buildings for design, construction, use, occupancy,
maintenance, and demolition, except for traditional indigenous dwellings.
- Buildings constructed before the Code's approval remain unaffected, except when
altered, added to, or repaired—where the Code applies only to the modified parts.
o SECTION 104. General Building Requirements
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- Buildings must be structurally safe, suited for their intended purpose, environmentally
compliant, and well-maintained.
- All buildings and facilities must follow safe construction principles and be suited to
their purpose.
- Structures for manufacturing or production must comply with environmental
safeguards.
- Buildings and facilities must be safe, sanitary, and in good working condition at all
times.
o SECTION 105. Site Requirements
- Building sites must be sanitary, hygienic, and safe, avoiding hazardous locations like
polluted water sources, volcanoes, or explosion-prone areas.
o SECTION 106. Definitions
- Terms used in the Code follow meanings listed in Annex "A".
CHAPTER 2 – Administrative and Enforcement
o SECTION 201. Responsibility for Administration
- The DPWH Secretary administers and enforces the Building Code, issues rules and
regulations, and ensures nationwide compliance.
o SECTION 202. Technical Staff
- The DPWH Secretary is assisted by a technical staff responsible for formulating
policies, evaluating plans, and ensuring proper implementation.
o SECTION 203. Building Official
- A building official is designated to enforce the Code in a specific jurisdiction,
ensuring compliance, issuing permits, and conducting inspections.
o SECTION 204. Building Permits
- All construction, renovation, alteration, and demolition require a building permit
issued by the building official before work begins.
o SECTION 205. Application for Permits
- Applicants must submit detailed plans, specifications, and documents prepared by
licensed professionals to obtain a permit.
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P.D. 1096 – NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
o SECTION 206. Processing of Building Permits
- The building official reviews applications, ensuring compliance before issuing
permits, and may request modifications if needed.
o SECTION 207. Inspections and Supervision
- Buildings are subject to inspections before, during, and after construction to verify
adherence to approved plans and safety standards.
o SECTION 208. Occupancy Permit
- No building can be used or occupied without an Occupancy Permit, certifying
compliance with the approved plans and safety regulations.
o SECTION 209. Certificate of Use
- Specialized structures, such as industrial buildings, require a Certificate of Use before
operation to ensure proper function and safety.
o SECTION 210. Appeals
- Decisions made by the Building Official can be appealed to the DPWH Secretary,
who has the final authority on disputes.
o SECTION 211. Unlawful Structures
- Buildings that violate the Code, pose safety risks, or are built without permits may be
ordered removed, altered, or demolished.
o SECTION 212. Abatement and Demolition of Buildings
- Unsafe or non-compliant structures may be forcibly demolished by the government if
the owner fails to address violations.
o SECTION 213. Stop Work Order
- A Stop Work Order is issued if construction violates the Code, poses hazards, or
continues without required permits.
o SECTION 214. Prohibited Acts
- Illegal construction, non-compliance with permits, unauthorized occupancy, and
falsification of documents are punishable offenses.
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P.D. 1096 – NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
o SECTION 215. Penalties
- Violators of the Code may face fines, imprisonment, permit revocation, and legal
actions depending on the severity of the offense.
o SECTION 216. Dangerous and Ruinous Buildings
- Buildings deemed structurally unsafe must be repaired, vacated, or demolished to
prevent risks to public safety.
Classification and General Requirements of the Building
Classification
- Residential buildings: Homes, apartments, townhouses, etc.
- Institutional buildings: Schools, hospitals, churches, etc.
- Commercial buildings: Offices, malls, retail stores, etc.
- Industrial buildings: Factories, warehouses, power plants, etc.
- Agricultural buildings: Barns, poultry houses, greenhouses, etc.
General Requirements
- Structural Integrity: Designed to withstand natural disasters like typhoons and
earthquakes.
- Fire Safety: Use of fire-resistant materials, proper evacuation routes, and fire
suppression systems.
- Accessibility: Features to accommodate persons with disabilities.
- Utilities: Standards for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
- Environmental Compliance: Promoting eco-friendly and sustainable construction
practices.
General requirements for each building classification under the National Building Code of
the Philippines
o Residential Buildings
- Adequate lighting and ventilation for living spaces.
- Fire safety features, such as smoke detectors and fire exits.
- Structural stability to withstand natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons.
o Institutional Buildings
- Accessibility for persons with disabilities (e.g., ramps, elevators).
- Enhanced fire safety, including sprinkler systems and multiple evacuation routes.
- Design considerations for large occupancy, such as durable structural systems.
o Commercial Buildings
- Efficient utilities, including water supply and electrical systems.
- Safety measures like security systems and emergency exits.
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- Flexible interior spaces to accommodate various business needs.
o Industrial Buildings
- Reinforced structures for heavy machinery and equipment.
- Specialized ventilation systems for manufacturing processes.
- Compliance with environmental regulations to reduce pollution.
o Agricultural Buildings
- Proper storage facilities for crops and livestock.
- Durable materials to withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Drainage systems to prevent waterlogging.
General Design and Construction Requirements
1. 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.
2. Evacuation, Foundation and Retaining Walls
- Excavation must not endanger surrounding properties, and foundations must be
strong enough to support loads and resist seismic forces.
3. Veneer
- Non-structural exterior facings like brick or concrete must be securely attached and
resistant to fire, corrosion, and temperature changes.
4. Enclosure of Vertical Openings
- Elevator shafts, stairways, and chutes must have fire-resistant enclosures to prevent
fire spread.
5. Floor Construction
- Floors must integrate securely into the framework, with designs preventing lateral
movement and ensuring stability.
6. Roof Construction and Covering
- Roofs must be made of fire-retardant materials, with properly installed trusses and
structural bracing.
7. Stairs, Exits, and Occupants Load
- Exits and stairways must follow specific dimensions and safety standards, with the
number of exits depending on occupant load.
8. Light and Ventilation
- Buildings must allow adequate natural lighting and airflow through appropriately
sized windows.
9. Sanitation
- Buildings must have access to clean water, waste disposal systems, and pest control
measures.
10. Building Projects over Public Streets
- Balconies, awnings, and other projections must comply with regulations to prevent
obstruction and hazards in public spaces.
Key Electrical Provision in the National Building Code of the Philippines
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- General Electrical Requirements - Electrical Design Standards
- Light and Ventilation - Special Electrical Installation
General Electrical Requirements
Electrical regulations fall under Chapter 13 of the National Building Code of the
Philippines (NBCP), specifically Section 1301. This section mandates that all electrical systems,
installations, and equipment must comply with the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC), Parts 1 and
2. The PEC is a referral code under the NBCP, meaning that its provisions must be followed in
all electrical design, installation, and maintenance projects. This code is enforced in conjunction
with Republic Act No. 7920, also known as the Philippine Electrical Engineering Law, which
governs the practice of electrical engineers and master electricians in the country.
1. Electrical Installation
All electrical installations must conform to the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) to
ensure the safe and efficient use of electricity. These installations include:
- Power Distribution System
- Lighting Systems
- Communication Systems
- Emergency Power Systems
2. Electrical Permit and Inspection
Before any electrical work begins, a permit must be obtained from the local building
official. This ensures that the project complies with legal and safety requirements.
Steps for electrical permit processing and inspection.
- Application for Electrical permit
- Installation of Electrical system
- Inspection and Testing
- Issuance of Certificate of Final electrical Inspection
3. Qualified Professionals
- Only licensed electrical engineers or master electricians are authorized to design,
sign, and supervise electrical plans and installations.
- The level of professional qualification required depends on the size and scope of the
project.
- This ensures that electrical systems are installed correctly, minimizing risks of faulty
wiring, power surges, or system failures.
4. Safety Standard
- Emphasizes the use of high-quality materials and proper installation techniques to
prevent electrical hazards.
- Covers protection against short circuits, fires, electrocution, and power failures.
- Ensures grounding and proper circuit protection (such as circuit breakers and fuses)
are in place to protect lives and property.
5. Scope of Application
- These electrical requirements apply to a wide range of structures, including:
- Residential buildings (homes, apartments)
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- Commercial buildings (offices, malls, shops)
- Industrial facilities (factories, warehouses)
- Temporary installations (event booths, fairs, carnivals)
Electrical Design Standard
1. Conductor Sizes based on Ampacity
Conductor Ampacity - the maximum amount of electrical current a conductor can safely
carry without overheating or damaging the insulation
2. Service Entrance
Service Entrance - Defined as that portion of the supply
conductors which extends from the street main duct /
Transformer to the switchboard of the building supply
Clearance:
- Service Entrance shall have 8ft of clearance from roof
surface
- Service Entrance shall have 900mm clearance from
windows, balconies etc
3. Grounding
The PEC Amandates grounding to limit voltage surges caused by lightning, line surges, or
accidental contact with higher-voltage lines.
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Light and Ventilation
- All rooms must have proper natural or mechanical ventilation.
- Natural lighting should be provided through windows or skylights.
- Good lighting and airflow improve comfort and prevent health issues.
Special Electrical Installation
- Covers emergency systems like fire alarms, emergency lighting, and medical
equipment.
- These must meet strict Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) standards.
- Helps protect building occupants from electrical hazards.
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P.D. 1096 – NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES