NATIONAL BUILDING CODE SECTION 204.

Professional and Technical Assistance

OF THE PHILIPPINES -The Secretary may secure professional, technical, scientific,
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1096 and other services from other agencies of the National
Government. May also engage and compensate within
CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS available appropriations
SECTION 101. Title
-Shall be known as “National Building Code of the SECTION 205. Building Officials
Philippines”.  The Building Official shall be responsible for
carrying out the provisions of this Code in the field as
SECTION 102. Declaration of Policy well as the enforcement of orders and decisions.
-Declared to be the policy of the State to safeguard  All Building Officials appointed or designated other
life, health, property, and public welfare, consistent than by the Secretary, shall continue to act as the
with the principles of sound environmental Building official until the Secretary appoints another
management and control. Building Official.

SECTION 103. Scope and Application SECTION 206. Qualifications of

-Shall apply to the design, location, siting, Building Officials
construction, alteration, repair, conversion, use, A Building Official shall be:
occupancy, maintenance, moving, demolition of,  A Filipino citizen and of good moral character.
and addition to public and private buildings and  A duly registered architect or civil engineer.
structures.  A member of good standing of a duly accredited
organization of his profession for not less than two
SECTION 104. General Building Requirements years.
a. All buildings or structures shall conform to the  Has at least five years of professional experience in
principles of safe construction and must be suited to  building design and construction.
the purpose for which they are designed.
b. Buildings or structures shall observe adequate SECTION 207. Duties of a Building Official
environmental safeguards. -The Building Official shall be responsible for the
c. Buildings or structures and all parts shall be enforcement of the provisions of this Code as well as
maintained in safe, sanitary and good working implementing rules and regulations issued. He is also in
condition. charged of issuing building permits. A Building Official may
enter any building or its premises to inspect
SECTION 105. Site Requirements
The land or site shall be sanitary, hygienic or safe. SECTION 208. Fees
All Building Official shall keep a permanent record and
SECTION 106. Definitions accurate account of all fees and other charges authorized by
The words, terms and phrases enumerated in Annex the Secretary to be collected under this Code.
“A” hereof shall have the meaning or definition, 20% - for the operating expenses of his office.
correspondingly provided therein. 80% - for the General Fund of the province, city or
municipality concerned
CHAPTER 2 ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENTSECTION
SECTION 209. Exemption
SECTION 201. Responsibility for Administration and Public buildings and traditional indigenous family dwellings
Enforcement shall be exempted.
-The administration and enforcement of the
provisions of this Code is hereby vested in the SECTION 210. Use of Income from Fees The Secretary is
Secretary. hereby authorized to prescribe the procedures for the use of
all net income acquired by the office of the Building Official
SECTION 202. Technical Staff
-The Secretary is authorized to appoint in his SECTION 211. Implementing Rules and Regulations
Department a professional staff. -The Secretary shall formulate rules and regulations and
adopt design and construction standards and criteria for
SECTION 203. General Powers and Functions of the Secretary buildings and other structures.
under this Code.
-The Secretary shall exercise the following: SECTION 212. Administrative Fines
 Formulate policies, plans, standards and guidelines -The Secretary is authorized to prescribe and impose fines
 Issue rules and regulations not exceeding ten thousand pesos.
 Evaluate, review, approve and/or take final action
on corrections to existing Referral Codes and other SECTION 213. Penal Provisions
referral codes -Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any
 Prescribe and fix the amount of fees and other of the provisions of this Code and/or commit any act, be
Charges punished by a fine of not more than twenty thousand pesos
or by imprisonment of not more than two years or by both  Incorrect or inaccurate data or information
such fine and imprisonment. supplied;
 Non-compliance with the provisions of this Code or
SECTION 214. Dangerous and Ruinous Buildings or Structures of any rule or regulation.
-Dangerous buildings are those structurally unsafe
or dangerous to human life. SECTION 307. Appeal
-Within 15 days from the date of receipt of advice of the
SECTION 215. Abatement of Dangerous Buildings suspension of permits, the applicant may file an appeal with
-The Building Official shall order the repair, vacation the Secretary who shall render his decision within fifteen
or demolition of dangerous buildings. days from date of receipt of notice of appeal.

SECTION 216. Other Remedies SECTION 308. Inspection and Supervision of Work
-The rights, actions and remedies provided in this The owner of the Building who is issued or granted a building
Code shall be in added to any other rights of action permit under this Code shall engage the services of a duly
and remedies that may be available under existing licensed architect or civil engineer to undertake the full
laws. time inspection and supervision of the construction work.

CHAPTER 3 - PERMITS AND INSPECTION SECTION 309. Certificate of Occupancy

-No building or structure shall be used or occupied and no
SECTION 301. Building Permits change in classification of a building or structure shall be
-No person, firm or corporation shall erect, made until the Building Official has issued a Certificate of
construct, alter, repair, move, convert or demolish Occupancy. It shall be issues within 30 days.
any building or structure without first obtaining a -The Certificate of Occupancy shall be posted or displayed in
building permit from the Building Official. a conspicuous place on the premises and shall not be
removed except upon order of the Building Official.
SECTION 302. Application for Permits
-The following information shall be provided in the CHAPTER 4 - TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
application:
 A description of the work to be covered by the SECTION 401. Types of Construction
permit applied for;  Type I – wood construction
 Certified true copy of the TCT covering the lot on  Type II – wood construction
which the proposed work is to be done. - with protective fire-resistant
 If the applicant is not the registered owner, in -materials one-hour fire-resistive throughout
addition to the TCT, a copy of the contract of lease shall  Type III – masonry and wood construction
be submitted;  Type IV – steel, iron, concrete, or masonry
 The use or occupancy for which the proposal work construction.
is intended;  Type V – fire-resistive
 Estimated cost of the proposed work.

SECTION 402. Changes in Types

SECTION 303. Processing of Building Permits “No change shall be made in the type of construction of any
-The processing of building permits shall be under building.”
the supervision of the Building Official and his
technical staff of qualified professionals. Except, when new or proposed construction is less hazardous,
based on life and fire risk, than the existing construction.
SECTION 304. Issuance of Building Permits
-If work described in an application for building SECTION 403. Requirements on Type of Construction
permit and the plans and specifications conform to
the requirements of this Code, the Building Official
shall issue the building permit applied for, within
fifteen days from payment of fees by the applicant.

SECTION 305. Validity of Building Permits

-A building permit issued under the provision of this code
shall expire if the building is not commenced within a period
of 1 year from the date of such permit.

SECTION 306. Non-Issuance, Suspension or Revocation of

Building Permits
-The Building Official may order the non-issuance, suspension
or revocation of building permits on any of the following: 2. Interior Wall and Ceiling Finishes
 Errors found in the plans and specifications;  (a) classified according to their flame-spread
characteristic
 (b) requirements for flame-spread characteristics resistivity measures for exterior walls of at least two-hour fire
of finishes shall not apply to materials which are less resistivity.
than 1.00 millimetre in thickness cemented to the c. Highly Fire Restrictive Zones: Areas wherein highly fire-
surface of walls or ceilings. resistive or non-combustible buildings/structures and/or
 (c) materials required to be flame-spread proofed construction assemblies of no less than three to four-hour
shall be treated with flame-retardant having a flame- fire-resistive construction materials are used throughout,
spread of fifty (50) or less as determined by the “Tunnel including exterior walls.
Test”.
CHAPTER 6 FIRE-RESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS IN
3. Standards for materials use in structural framework, CONSTRUCTION
exterior walls and openings, floors, exits, stairs & roofs shall
be governed by the pertinent provision of the Fire Code of SECTION 601. Fire-Resistive Rating defined
the Philippines. -The degree to which a material can withstand fire

CHAPTER 5-REQUIREMENTS FOR RIRE ZONES SECTION 602. Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating
-length of time a material can withstand being burned
SECTION 501. Fire Zones Defined
-areas within which only certain types of buildings are SECTION 603. Fire-Resistive Standards
permitted to be constructed -All materials of construction, and assemblies or
combinations thereof shall be classified according to their
SECTION 502. Buildings located in more than One Fire Zone fire-retardant or flame-spread ratings as determined by
-A building or structure which is located partly in general accepted testing methods and/or by the Secretary.
one fire zone and partly in another shall be
considered to be in the more highly restrictive fire SECTION 604. Fire-Resistive Regulations
zone The Secretary shall prescribe standards and promulgate
rules and regulations
SECTION 504. Temporary Buildings
- May be erected in the fire zones by special permit from the CHAPTER 7 - CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENT
Building Official for a limited period of time, and such OF ALL BUILDINGS BY USE OF OCCUPANCY
buildings or structures shall be completely removed upon the
expiration of the time limit stated in such permits. SECTION 701. Occupancy Classified
Group A – Residential Dwellings
SECTION 505. Center Lines of Streets Division 1- Residential building/structure for
-The center line of an adjoining street or alley may be exclusive use of single family occupants including
considered an adjacent property line. school or company staff housing;
Division 2- Residential building for the exclusive use
SECTION 506. Restrictions on Existing Buildings of non-leasing occupants not exceeding 10 persons
 (a) Such building is entirely demolished; including single-attached or duplex or townhouses,
 (b) Such building is to be moved outside the limits of the each privately-owned;
more highly restrictive Fire Zone to a zone where the Group B – Multiple dwelling which accommodates more
building meets the minimum standards; than 10 persons.
 (c) Changes, alterations and repairs may be made Group C – Education and Recreation
provided that in any 12-month period, the value of the -Not classified in Group I or in Division 1 and 2 or
work does not exceed twenty percent of the value of Group H Occupancies.
the existing building, and provided that, such changes Group D – Institutional
do not add additional combustible material, and do not, Division 1 – buildings were personal liberties
in the opinion of the Building Official, increase the fire restrained.
hazard; Division 2 – Nurseries for full-time care of children
 (d) Additions thereto are separated from the existing under kindergarten age, hospitals, sanitaria, nursing
building by fire walls, homes with non-ambulatory patients, and similar
 (e) Damage from fire or earthquake, typhoons or any buildings each accommodating more than five
fortuitous event may be repaired, using the same kind persons.
of materials of which the building or structure was Division 3 – Nursing homes for ambulatory patients,
originally constructed, provided that, the cost of such homes for children of kindergarten age or over, each
repair shall not exceed twenty percent of the accommodating more than five persons: Shall not
replacement cost of the building or structure. include buildings used only for private or family
group dwelling purposes.
SECTION 507. Designation of Fire Zones Group E – Business and Mercantile
a. Non-Fire Restricted Zones: These are areas where siting of Division 1 – Gasoline filling and service stations,
buildings/structures are permitted without fire-resistivity storage garages and boat storage structures where
measures. no work is done except exchange of parts and
b. Fire Restrictive Zones: Areas wherein siting of maintenance requiring no open flame, welding, or
buildings/structures are permitted within prescribed fire- the use of highly flammable liquids.
 Division 2 – Wholesale and retail stores, office (b) Forms of Occupancy Separation
buildings, drinking and dining establishments having -Occupancy separations shall be vertical or
an occupant load of less than one hundred persons, horizontal or both, or when necessary, of such other
Division 3 – Aircraft hangars and open parking forms as may be required to afford a complete
garages where no repair work is done except separation between the various occupancy divisions
exchange of parts and maintenance requiring no in the building.
open flame, welding or the use of highly flammable (c) Types of Occupancy Separation
liquids. (1) A “One-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy
Group F – Industrial Separation” shall be of not less than one-hour fire-
- ice plants, power plants, pumping plants, cold storage, and resistive construction.
creameries, factories and workshops using incombustible and (2) A “Two-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy
non-explosive materials, and storage and sales rooms for Separation” shall be of not less than two-hour fire-
incombustible and nonexplosive materials. resistive construction.
(3) A “Three-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy
Group G – Storage and Hazardous Separation” shall be of not less than three hour fire-
Division 1 – Storage and handling of hazardous and resistive construction.
highly flammable material. (4) A “Four-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy
Division 2 – Storage and handling of flammable Separation” shall have no openings therein and shall
materials, dry cleaning plants using flammable be of not less than four-hour fire-resistive
liquids. construction.
Division 3 – Wood working establishments, planning (d) Fire Rating for Occupancy Separation shall be provided
mills and box factories, shops, factories where loose between groups, subgroupings, or divisions of occupancies.
combustible fibers or dust are manufactured, -The Secretary shall promulgate rules and
processed or generated. regulations for appropriate occupancy separations in
Division 4 – Repair garages. buildings of mixed occupancy;
Division 5 – Aircrafts repair hangars.
SECTION 704. Location on Property
Group H – Assembly Other Than Group I (a) General
Division 1 – Any assembly building with a stage and -No building shall be constructed unless it adjoins or
an occupant load of less than 1000 in the building. has direct access to a public space, yard or street on
Division 2 – Any assembly building without stage and at least one of its sides.
having an occupant load of 300 or more in the (b) Fire Resistance of Walls
building. -Exterior walls shall have fire resistance and opening
Division 3 – Any assembly building without a stage protection in accordance with the requirements set
and having an occupant load of less than 300 in the forth by the Secretary.
building. (c) Buildings on Same Property and Buildings Containing
Division 4 – Stadia, reviewing stands, amusement Courts
park structures not included within Group I or in -Shall be assumed to have a property line between
Division 1, 2, and 3 of this Group. them. Provided, that two or more buildings on the
Group I – Assembly building with stage and Occupant Load same property may be considered as one building if
1000 or More the aggregate area of such building is within the
limits of allowable floor areas for a single building,
Group J – Accessory and when the buildings has different occupancies or
Division 1 – Private garage, sheds and agricultural are of different types of construction, the area shall
buildings. be that allowed for the most restrictive occupancy
Division 2 – Fences over 1.80 meters high, tanks and or construction.
towers. (d) Building Footprint and Firewall Requirements
Division 3– Stages, platforms, zoo structures, and 1. The following rules shall be observed in the
tombs. determination of the Allowable Maximum Building
Footprint (AMBF) for buildings and related habitable
Note - Other subgroupings or divisions within Groups A to J structures.
may be determined by the Secretary. 2. If without a firewall, the footprint of a proposed
building/structure shall be measured horizontally from
SECTION 702. Change in Use the property line to the outermost faces of the exterior
- No change shall be made in the character of occupancy or walls of the building/structure;
use of any building 3. Footprint Based on Firewall Provisions. Provided, that
the applicable stipulations of the Fire Code are strictly
SECTION 703. Mixed Occupancy followed;
(a) General Requirements  i. Firewall on one (1) side, the footprint of a proposed
building/structure shall be measured horizontally from the property
- When a building is of mixed occupancy or used for
line with a firewall to the outermost faces of the opposite exterior
more than one occupancy, the whole building shall walls of the building/structure;
be subject to the most restrictive requirement
pertaining to any of the type of occupancy
 ii. Firewall on two (2) sides, the footprint of a proposed 2. Determination of Building Height:
building/structure shall be measured horizontally from the opposing
BUILDING HEIGHT LIMIT (BHL) - the maximum height
property lines in case of a firewall on
 two (2) sides or from the rear property line with a firewall to the to be allowed for buildings/structures based on their
outermost faces of the opposite exterior walls of the proposed use or occupancy;
building/structure; 3. Other Considerations in Height Determination
 iii. Absolutely no firewalls are allowed for a low density residential (R-
 i. Consider both the present and projected population
1)
 iv. For medium density residential (R-2) -a firewall can be erected on a density within the project site and in the project’s
maximum of 80% of the total length of a side property line; provided location/area at full completion/operation of the
that only one (1) side property line is used for a firewall. project;
 v. For high-density residential (R-3), two (2) types of firewall
 ii. lesser Percentage of Site Occupancy (PSO) or area of
construction may be permitted:
(a) Firewall on two (2) sides, a firewall can be erected on a ground coverage Allowable Maximum Building Footprint
maximum of 85% of the total length of each side property (AMBF) or Maximum Allowable Construction Area
line; provided that all firewall construction shall not (MACA) may be built higher than that with a greater
exceed 65% of the total perimeter of the R-3 property,
PSO, AMBF or MACA;
(b) Firewall on one (1) side property line and at the rear  iii. A greater TGFA requirement shall be built higher
property line, a firewall can be erected on a maximum of than that with a lower TGFA requirement;
90% of the total length of the side and rear property lines
and up to 100% in case the rear property line is only 4.00  iv. Higher FLAR designation/rights may be built higher
meters wide; provided that all firewall construction at the than that on a lot with a lower FLAR designation/rights
side property lines shall not exceed 50% of the total  v. Lots that face a wider RROW and with more RROW
perimeter ,
features/elements may become the site of a taller
 vi. For townhouse residential (R-4), firewalls on the two (2) sides of building/structure as compared to a lot facing a narrow
each townhouse unit may be permitted; the R-4 firewall can be RROW.
erected on a maximum of 85% of the total length of each side
property line; provided that all firewall construction shall not exceed
50% of the total perimeter.
-The height of proposed buildings/structures shall also be
governed by the following (Road Right-of-Way) RROW-based
 vii. For residential condominium (R-5), two (2) types of firewall limitations:
construction may be permitted: I. If only one (1) RROW, 6.00 to 7.00 meters wide, a BHL of
(a) Firewall on two (2) sides, a firewall can be erected on a
maximum of 75% of the total length of each side property line;
three (3) storeys (or 9.00 meters maximum)
provided that all firewall construction shall not exceed 50% of the II. If only one (1) RROW, 3.00 meters wide or less, a BHL
total perimeter. equivalent to two (2) storeys (or 6.00 meters maximum)
(b) Firewall on one (1) side and at the rear property line, a firewall III. If only one (1) RROW, 4.00 to 5.00 meters wide, a BHL
can be erected on a maximum of 65% of the total length of the
side property line and on a maximum of 50% of the total length of
equivalent to 2 ½ storeys (or 7.50 meters maximum )
the rear property line; provided that all firewall construction shall IV. Taller buildings are allowed for duly approved high-
not exceed 60% of the total perimeter. density developments such as Planned Unit
Development (PUD) areas.
 viii. All existing openings on all firewalls shall be sealed completely to
maintain the fire integrity of adjoining buildings/structures.
-The following factors shall also be considered in the
 ix. The provision of a fully functional sprinkler system and the determination of the building height:
installation of other fire-retardant or fire suppression devices in the 1. Soil characteristics
case of commercial, institutional and industrial buildings/structures
2. Hydrological conditions
may allow firewall construction for up to 70% of the total perimeter of
the property lines. 3. Meteorological conditions.
4. Effect/s of environmental conditions on the
SECTION 705. Allowable Floor Areas building/structure and vice versa
1. The Allowable Maximum Total Gross Floor Area (TGFA) 5. Effect/s of traffic conditions on the
of any proposed building/structure shall only be as building/structure and vice versa
allowed under this Rule. 6. Availability and capacity of public utility/service
2. TGFA Limitation, the percentages of the Total Lot Area system
(TLA) that may be used to initially determine the 7. Need for applicable building safety and
Allowable Maximum TGFA for a proposed maintenance systems.
building/structure.
3. Crosscheck of TGFA with Allowable Maximum Volume SECTION 708. Minimum Requirements for Group A Dwellings
Building (AMVB). The Allowable Maximum TGFA once (a) Dwelling Location and Lot Occupancy
established must be thoroughly crosschecked with the (b) Light and Ventilation
AMVB to find out if the AMVB is not exceeded. (c) Sanitation
(d) Foundation
SECTION 706. Allowable Floor Area Increases (e) Post
-The floor areas may be increased in certain specific (f) Floor
instances and under appropriate conditions (g) Roof
(h) Stairs
SECTION 707. Maximum Height of Buildings (i) Entrance and Exit
1. The height shall be measured from the highest adjoining (j) Electrical Requirements
sidewalk or ground surface: (k) Mechanical Requirements
SECTION 709. Requirements for Other Group Occupancies  succeeding storey have an unobstructed typical
- The Secretary shall promulgate rules and head-room clearance of not less than 2.10 meters
regulations for each of the other Group Occupancies ✓Rooms with a natural ventilation shall have ceiling
covering: allowable construction, height, and area; heights not less than 2.70 meters.
location on property, exit facilities, light, ventilation, b) Mezzanine floors shall have a clear ceiling height not less
and sanitation; closures of vertical openings; fire than 1.80 meters above and below it.
extinguishing systems; and special hazards.
SECTION 806. Size and Dimension of Rooms
CHAPTER 8: LIGHT AND VENTILATION Minimum sizes of rooms and their least horizontal
dimensions:
SECTION 801. General Requirements of Light and Ventilation Rooms for Human Habitations – 6.00 m2 and
a) Civil Code of the Philippines on Easements of Light and least dimension of 2.00 meters;
View-provide adequate light and ventilation Kitchens – 3.0 m2 and least dimension of 1.50
b) Buildings shall face a street meters;
c) No building shall be altered nor arranged unless such Bath and toilet – 1.20 m2 and least dimension of
additional room conforms to the requirements of this 0.90 meter.
Code.
d) No building shall be enlarged SECTION 807. Air Space Requirements in Determining the
Size of Rooms
SECTION 802. Measurement of Site Occupancy Minimum air space per person shall be provided as
1. Measurement shall be taken at the ground level (courts, follows:
yards, and light wells) 1. School Rooms – 3.00 m3 with 1.00 m2 (floor area);
2. Be measured clear of all projections EXCEPTION of roof 2. Workshops, Factories, and Offices – 12.00 m3 ;
leaders, wall copings, sills, or steel fire escapes not 3. Habitable rooms – 14.00 m3
exceeding 1.20 meters in width
SECTION 808. Window Openings
SECTION 803. Percentage of Site Occupancy -Rooms not provided with artificial ventilation system
(a)Minimum site occupancy : -subject to the provisions of the shall be provided with a window/s with a total free
local zoning requirements and rules and regulations area of openings and equal to at least ten percent
of the floor area of room
TYPES OF LOTS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE LOCATIONSTYPES OF SECTION 810. Ventilation Skylights
LOTS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE LOCATIONS Skylights shall have a glass area not less than that required
for the windows that are replaced. Shall be equipped with
movable sashes or louvers with an aggregate net free area
not less than that required for openable parts in the
Window

SECTION 811. Artificial Ventilation SECTION 811. Artificial

Ventilation
(a) Rooms or spaces housing industrial or heating equipment
shall be provided with artificial ventilation to prevent
excessive accumulation of hot and/or polluted air.

(b) Whenever artificial ventilation is required, the following

minimum requirements in air changes shall be provided for
each person:
I. Office, clerical, or administrative purposes-not less than
SECTION 804. Size and Dimensions of Courts three changes of air per hour
 Dimensions shall be governed by the use, type of II. Bakeries, hotel or restaurant kitchens, laundries other
construction, and height of the building with minimum than accessory to dwellings, and boiler rooms – not less
horizontal dimension of court shall be not less than 2.00 than ten changes of air per hour.
meters. III. Auditorium and assembly room purposes, – not less
 All inner courts shall be connected to a street or yard, than 0.30 m3 of air per minute shall be supplied for
either by a passageway with a minimum width of 1.20 each person.
meters or by a door through a room or rooms. IV. Wards and dormitories– not less than 0.45 m3 of air per
minute
SECTION 805. Ceiling Heights V. 5Other rooms or spaces not covered in this section,
a) Habitable rooms with artificial ventilation -not applicable provisions of the Philippine Mechanical
less than 2.40 m Engineering Code shall be followed.
 2.70 meters (first storey)
 2.40 meters (second storey) CHAPTER 9. SANITATION SECTION 901. General
Requirements
Book II of the Civil Code of the Philippines on Property, CHAPTER 10. BUILDING PROJECTION OVER PUBLIC STREETS
Ownership, and its Modification Protection and promotion of
health of persons occupying the premises and others living SECTION 1001. General Requirements
Nearby a) No part of any building shall project beyond the
property line of the building site, except as provided in
SECTION 902. Water Supply System this Code.
 Potable water requirements for a building shall be b) Projection of structure/appendage in public property
supplied from existing municipal or city waterworks shall be measured the distance horizontally from the
system. property line to the uttermost point of the projection.
 The quality of drinking water from meteoric, surface or c)
underground sources conform to the LATEST National SECTION 1002. Projection into Alleys or Streets
Standards for Drinking Water. a. No part of any structure or its appendage shall project
 The design, construction and operation of deepwells for into any alley or street, national road or public highway
the abstraction of groundwater (Water Code of the EXCEPT as provided in this Code.
Philippines). b. Footings located at least 2.40 meters below grade along
 The design, construction and operation of independent national roads or public highway may project not more
waterworks systems private housing subdivisions or than 300 millimeters beyond the property line.
industrial estates shall be governed by existing laws c. Foundations may be permitted to encroach into public
relating to local waterworks system. sidewalk areas to a width not exceeding 500 millimeters;
 The water piping installations inside buildings and provided, that the top of the said foundations is not less
premises (National Plumbing Code of the Philippines.) than 600 millimeters below the established grade; and
provided that the said projection does not obstruct any
SECTION 903. Wastewater Disposal System existing utility
Sanitary sewage shall be discharged directly into the
NEAREST street sanitary sewer main of existing SECTION 1003. Projection of Balconies and Appendages Over
municipal or city sanitary sewerage system (Code on Streets
Sanitation and the National Pollution Control a) The extent of any projection over an alley or street shall
Commission). be uniform within a block and conform to the
limitations set forth in:
A. Buildings in areas where there are no available
sanitary sewerage system shall dispose their
sewage “Imhoff” or septic tank and subsurface
absorption field.
B. Sanitary and industrial plumbing installations
inside buildings and premises shall conform to the
National Plumbing Code.

SECTION 904. Storm Drainage System

(a) Rainwater drainage shall not discharge to the
sanitary sewer system. SECTION 1003. Projection of Balconies and Appendages Over
(b) Adequate provisions shall be made to drain low Streets
areas in buildings and their premises. b) The clearance between the established grade of the
street and/or sidewalk and the lowest under surface of
SECTION 905. Pest and Vermin Control any part of the balcony shall not be less than 3.00
a) Buildings with hollow and/or wood construction meters.
shall be provided with rat proofing.
b) Garbage bins and receptacles shall be provided SECTION 1004. Arcades
for cleaning and with positive protection against (a) The width of the arcade and its height shall be uniform
pest and vermins. throughout the street provided, that in no case, shall an
c) Dining rooms for public use w/out artificial arcade be less than 3.00 meters above the established
ventilation shall be properly screened. sidewalk grade.

SECTION 906. Noise Pollution Control SECTION 1005. Canopies (Marquees)

Industrial establishments shall be provided with a. Canopy/Marquee-a permanent roofed structure,
positive noise abatement devices to acceptable includes object or decoration attached thereto.
limits set by Department of Labor and the National b. Projection and Clearance. The horizontal clearance shall
Pollution Control Commission. be not less than 300 millimeters. The vertical clearance
shall not be less than 3.00 meters.
SECTION 907. Pipe Materials c. Constructed of incombustible material or materials of
All pipe materials to be used shall conform to the not less than two-hours fireresistive construction. It
Standard Specifications of the Philippine Standard shall be provided with necessary drainage facility.
Council.
d. Located as not to interfere with the operation of any a) In case there is no sidewalk in front of the building site
exterior standpipe connection or to obstruct the clear during construction or demolition, temporary walkway
passage from stairway exits of not less than 1.20 meters wide shall be provided.
b) The walkway shall be CAPABLE of supporting a uniform
SECTION 1006. Movable Awnings or Hoods live load of 650 kilograms per square meter. Durable
A. Awning-a movable shelter supported entirely from an wearing surface shall be provided throughout the
exterior wall of a building construction period.
B. Horizontal clearance shall not be less than 300
millimeters. Vertical clearance shall be not less than SECTION 1106. Pedestrian Protection
2.40 meters. Collapsible awnings shall be so designated a. Pedestrian traffic shall be protected by a railing on the
that they shall not block a required exit when collapsed street side when the walkway extends into the roadway.
or folded. b. Railings shall be built substantially strong and should be
SECTION 1007. Doors, Windows, and the like at least 1.00 meter in height.
Doors, windows, and the like less than 2.40 meters c. Fences shall be built of an approved material, not less
above the pavement or groundline shall not, when than 2.40 meters in height above grade, and be placed on the
fully opened or upon opening, project beyond the side of the walkway NEAREST to the building site.
property line except fire exit doors.
SECTION 1107. Maintenance and Removal of Protective
SECTION 1008. Corner Buildings with Chaflans Devices
a. Every corner building or solid fence on a public street or 1. Protective devices shall be properly maintained in place
alley less than 3.60 meters in width shall be truncated at and kept in good order for the entire length of time
the corner. Secretary shall determine the size and form pedestrians may be endangered.
of the chaflan. 2. Every protective fence or canopy shall be removed
b. If the building is arcaded, no chaflan is required within 30 days after such protection is no longer
notwithstanding the width of the public street or alley, required as determined by the Building Official.
less than 12.00 meters.
SECTION [Link]
CHAPTER 11. PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS DURING a. Demolishing building shall not be commenced UNTIL all
CONSTRUCTION OR DEMOLITION the necessary pedestrian protective structures are in
place.
SECTION 1101. General Requirements b. The Building Official may require the permittee to
(a) No person shall use or occupy a street, alley or public submit plans, specifications and complete schedule of
sidewalk for the performance of work covered by a demolition. When so required, no work shall be done
building permit EXCEPT in accordance with the until such plans, specifications and schedule are
provisions of this Chapter. approved by the Building Official.
(b) No person shall perform any work on building or
structure adjacent to a public way in general use for CHAPTER 12. GENERAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
pedestrian travel, UNLESS the pedestrians are protected REQUIREMENTS
as specified in this Chapter.
(c) Any material or structure temporarily occupying SECTION 1201. General Requirements
public property shall be adequately lighted, between -All other matters relative to the structural design of
sunset and sunrise. buildings and other structures not provided for in this
Chapter shall conform the National Structural Code of
SECTION 1102. Storage in Public Property Buildings, as adopted and promulgated by the Board of Civil
-Materials and equipment necessary for work shall not Engineering pursuant to Republic Act Number 544, as
obstruct free and convenient approach to and use of any fire amended, otherwise known as the
hydrant, fire or police alarm box, utility box, catch basin, or “Civil Engineering Law”.
manhole and shall not interfere with any drainage of any
street or alley gutter. A. SECTION 1202. Excavation, Foundation, and Retaining
Walls Shall conform the accepted engineering practice
SECTION 1103. Mixing Mortar on Public Property in Articles 684 to 686 of the Civil Code of the Philippines
-Mixing of mortar, concrete, or similar materials on public on the design and quality of materials used structurally
streets shall not be allowed. in excavation, footings, and in foundations.

SECTION 1104. Protection of Utilities

All public or private utilities above or below the ground shall
be protected from any damage. The PROTECTION shall be
maintained and shall not obstruct the normal functioning of
any such utility.

SECTION 1105. Walkway

B. Excavation and Fills
1. Shall be so constructed or protected that they do
not endanger life or property.
2. Whenever the depth of excavation for any
construction would be affected in a manner that
the stability or safety 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.
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 disturbance.
SECTION 1203. Veneer
SECTION 1202. Excavation, Foundation, and Retaining A. Veneer-a nonstructural facing of brick, concrete, tile,
Walls metal,
plastic, glass, or other similar approved materials for the
Footings, Foundations, and Retaining Walls purpose of ornamentation, protection, or enclosure either on
1. Architect and/or Engineer is responsible to ADOPT the interior or exterior of the building or structure.
appropriate type and design, adequate size, and capacity in
order to safely sustain superimposed loads or external forces B. The design of all veneer shall comply with the following:
for the safety/stability of the structure in accordance with 1. Support no load other than its own weight and the
the standards set by the Secretary. vertical dead load of veneer.
2. Retaining walls shall be provided in adequate design and 2. Surfaces which veneer is attached shall support the
type prescribed by the Secretary if abrupt change in the additional vertical and lateral loads imposed by the
ground levels or level of the foundation that could result soil veneer.
instability. 3. Consider the differential movements of the supports
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 1204. Enclosure of Vertical Openings

A. Vertical openings shall be enclosed depending upon the
fire-resistive requirements of a particular type of
construction as set forth in this Code.
 a. Roof Covering shall be either fire-retardant or ordinary
depending upon the fire-resistive requirements of the
particular type of construction.
b. Roof Trusses shall have all joints well fitted, all tension
members well tightened, diagonal and sway bracing,
and camber. The allowable working stresses of
materials shall conform to this Code.
c. Attics.
1. Access opening shall be provided in the ceiling of the top
floor of buildings with a combustible ceiling or roof
construction and 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. Shall not be
less than 600 millimeters square or 600 millimeters in
B. Enclosing Elevators and Escalators shall not less than the diameter. The minimum clear headroom of 800
fire-resistive construction. Enclosing walls of elevator millimeters shall be provided above the access opening.
shafts may consist of wire glass set in metal frames on For ladder requirements, refer to the Philippine
Mechanical Engineering code.
the entrance side only.
2. Area Separation. Enclosed attic spaces of combustible
 Elevator shafts extending through more than two construction shall be divided into horizontal areas not
storeys shall be equipped with adequate exceeding 250 square meters by fire-resistive partitions
ventilations to and through the main roof of the extending from the ceiling to the roof. EXCEPT, that
building: Provided, that in those buildings housing where the entire attic is equipped with approved
Groups F and G Occupancies equipped with automatic fire-extinguishing system, the attic space may
automatic fireextinguishing systems throughout, be divided into areas not to exceed 750 square meters.
enclosures shall not be required for escalators: Openings in the partitions shall be protected by self-
Provided, further that the top of the escalator closing doors.
3. Draft Stops shall be installed in trusses roofs, between
opening at each storey shall be provided with a
roof and bottom chords or trusses, in all buildings
draft curtain. Such draft curtain shall enclose the exceeding 2000 square meters. Draft stops shall be
perimeter of the unenclosed opening and shall constructed as for attic area separations.
extend from the ceiling downward at least 300 4. Ventilation. Enclosed attics shall be provided with
millimeters on all sides. Automatic sprinklers shall adequate ventilation protected against the entrance of
be provided around the perimeter of the opening rain.
and within a 600 millimeters of the draft curtain. d. Roof Drainage System
The distance between the sprinkles shall not 1. Roof drains shall be installed at low points of the
exceed 1.80 meters center-to-center. roof and shall be adequate in size and adequate
C. All shafts, ducts, chutes, and other vertical openings overflow drains shall be provided.
shall have enclosing walls conforming to the 2. Roof drains and overflow drains shall be installed
requirements specified under the type of construction in accordance with the provisions of the National
of the building in which they are located. In other than Plumbing Code.
Group A Occupancies rubbish and linen chutes shall 3. Roof drainage water from a building shall not be
terminate in rooms separated from the remainder of permitted to flow over public property, EXCEPT for
the building by a One-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Group A and J Occupancies.
Separation. Openings into the chutes shall not be e. Flashing and counterflashing shall be provided at the
located in required exit corridors or stairways. juncture of the roof and vertical surfaces.

D. Air ducts passing through a floor shall be enclosed in a SECTION 1207: STAIRS, EXITS, AND OCCUPANT LOADS
shaft. Dampers shall be installed where ducts pierce the A. General The construction of stairs and exits shall
shaft enclosure walls. Air ducts in Group A Occupancies conform to the occupant load requirements of buildings,
need not be enclosed in a shaft if conforming to the reviewing stands, bleachers, and grandstands.
mechanical provisions.

SECTION 1205. Floor Construction  Determination of Occupant Loads

a) Floors shall be of such materials and construction as -The occupant load permitted in any building or
specified under Chapter 5 Fire Zones and FireResistive portion thereof shall be determined by dividing the
Standards and under Chapter 6 – Types of Construction. floor area assigned to that use by the unit area
b) Floors shall be so framed and secured into the allowed per occupant as determined by the
framework and supporting walls as to form an integral Secretary.
part of the whole building.  Exit Requirements
c) The types of floor construction used shall provide – Exist requirements of a building or portion thereof
means to keep the beam and girders from lateral used for different purposes shall be determined by
buckling. the occupant load which gives the largest number of
persons.
SECTION 1206. Roof Construction and Covering  Posting of Room Capacity
 – Any room having an occupant load of more than – Revolving, sliding, and overhead doors shall not be
50 where fixed seats are not installed, and which is used as required exits.
used for classroom, assembly, or similar purpose  Egress from Door
shall have the capacity of the room posted in a – Every required exit door shall give immediate
conspicuous place near the main exit from the room. access to an approved means of egress from the
 Changes in Elevation building.
–Except in Group A Occupancies, changes in floor  Change in Floor Level at Doors
elevations of less than 300 millimeters along any exit – Regardless of the occupant load there shall be a
serving a tributary occupant load of 10 or more shall floor or landing on each side of an exit door.
be by means of ramps  Door Identification
– Glass doors shall conform to the requirements in
(b) Exits Section 1805. Other exit doors shall be so marked
 Number of Exits that they are readily distinguishable from the
-Every building or usable portion thereof shall have adjacent construction
at least one exit. The maximum number of exits  Additional Doors
required for any storey shall be maintained until – When additional doors are provided for egress
egress is provided from the structures. purposes, they shall conform to all provisions cases
 Width
-Such width of exits shall be divided approximately (d) Corridors and Exterior Exit Balconies
equally among the separate exits. The total exit The provisions herein shall apply to every corridor
width required from any storey of a building shall be and exterior exit balcony serving as a required exit
determined by using the occupant load of that for an occupant load of more than ten.
storey plus the percentage of the occupant loads of  Width
floors which exits through the level under – Every corridor or exit balcony shall not be less than
consideration. 1.10 meters in width.
 Arrangement of Exits  Projections
-if only two exits are required they shall be placed a – The required width of corridors and exterior exit
distance apart to not less than one-fifth of the balconies shall be unobstructed. Except, that trim
perimeter of the area served measured in a straight handrails, and doors when fully opened shall not
line between exits. reduce the required width by more than 200
 Distance to Exists millimeters.
– No point in a building without a sprinkler system  Access to Exits
shall be more than 45.00 meters from an exterior When more than one exit is required, they shall be
exit door, a horizontal exit, exit passageway, or an so arranged to allow going to either direction from
enclosed stairway, measured along the line of travel. any point in the corridor or exterior exit balcony to a
separate exit, except for dead ends permitted by
(c) Doors this Code.
-The provisions herein shall apply to every exit door serving  Dead Ends
an area having an occupant load of more than 10, or serving -Corridors and exterior exit balconies with dead
hazardous rooms or areas. ends are permitted when the dead end does not
 Swing exceed 6.00 meters in length.
-Exit door shall swing in the direction of exit travel  Construction
when serving any hazardous areas or when – Walls and ceilings of corridors shall not be less
serving an occupant load of 50 or more. than one-hour fire resistive construction. Exterior
 Type of Lock or Latch exit balconies shall not project into an area where
-Exit door shall be openable from the inside without protected openings are required.
the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort:  Openings
Except, that this requirement shall not apply to -Where corridor wall are required to be one-hour
exterior exit doors in a group E or F Occupancy if fire-resistive construction, every interior door
there is a conspicuous, readily visible and durable opening shall be protected as set forth in generally
sign on or adjacent to the door, stating that the door recognized and accepted requirements for dual
is to remain unlocked during business hours. purpose fire exit doors.
 Width and Height
– Every required exit doorway shall be of a size as to (e) Stairways
permit the installation of a door not less than 900 -Except stairs or ladders used only to access,
millimeters in width and not less than 2.00 meters in equipment, every stairway serving any building or
height. In computing the required exit width the net portion thereof shall conform to the following
dimension of the exitway shall be used. requirements:
 Door Leaf Width  Width
– No leaf of an exit door shall exceed 1.20 meters in - stairways serving an occupant load of more than 50
width. shall not be less than 1.10 meters
 Special Doors  Rise and Run
 -rise of every step in a stairway shall not exceed 200  Enclosure walls shall not be less than two-hour fire-
millimeters and the run shall not less than 250 resistive construction.
millimeters  Stairway and ramp enclosures shall include landings and
 Winding Stairways parts of floors connecting stairway lights and shall
-winders may be used if the required width of run is include a corridor on the ground floor leading from the
provided at a point not more than 300 millimeters stairway to the exterior of the building.
from the side of the stairway where the treads are  A stairway in an exit enclosure shall not continue below
narrower but in no case shall any width of run be the grade level exit unless an approved barrier is
less than 150 millimeters at any point provided at the ground floor level to prevent persons
 Circular Stairways from accidentally continuing into the basement.
- circular stairs may be used an exit provided the  There shall be no enclosed usable space under stairways
minimum width of run is not less than in an exit enclosure, nor shall the open space under
250millimeters such stairways be used for any purpose.
 Landing (i) Smokeproof Enclosures
- every landing shall have a dimension measured in Stairs in smokeproof enclosures shall be of
the direction of travel equal to the width of the incombustible construction. A smokeproof enclosure
stairway shall exit into a public way or into an exit
 Basement Stairways passageway leading to a public way.
- where a basement stairway and a stairway to an (j) Exit Outlets, Courts, and Passageways
upper storey terminate in the same exit enclosure, Every exit court and exit passageway shall be at least
an approved barrier shall be provided to prevent as wide as the required total width of the tributary
persons from continuing on to the basements. exits. The slope of exit courts shall not exceed 1 in
 Distance between Landings 10. The slope of exit passageway shall not exceed 1
there shall be not more than 3.60 meters vertical in 8.
distance between landings (k) Exit Signs and illuminations
 Handrails Exits shall be illuminated at any time the building is
-stairways shall have handrails on each side and occupied with light having an intensity of not less
every stairway required to be more than 3.00 than 10.7 lux at floor level, except for Group A
meters in width shall be provided with not less than Occupancies.
one intermediate handrail for each 3.00 meters of (l) Aisle
required width. Every portion or every building in which are installed
 Exterior Stairway Protection seats, tables, merchandise, equipment, or similar
-openings in the exterior wall below or within 3.00 materials shall be provided with aisles leading to an
meters, measured of an exterior exit stairway exit.
serving a building over two storey in height shall be  Width. Every aisle shall be not less than 800 millimeters
protected by a self-closing fire assembly having a wide if serving only one side, and not less than 1 meter
three-fourths hour fire-resistive rating wide if serving both sides.
 Stairway Construction-Exterior  Exit Distance. In areas occupied by seats and in Groups
-exterior stairway shall be of incombustible material Hand I Occupancies without seats, the line of travel to
 Stairway to Roof an exit door by an aisle shall be not more than 45.00
-in every building four or more storeys in height, one meters.
stairway shall extend to the roof unless the roof has  Cross aisles. Aisles shall terminate in a cross aisle, foyer,
c slope greater than 1 in 3 or exit. The width of the cross aisle shall be not less than
 Headroom the sum of the required width of the widest aisle plus
-every required stairway shall have a headroom fifty percent of the total required width of the
clearance of not less than 2.00 meters remaining aisle leading thereto
(f) Ramps  Vomitories. Vomitories connecting the foyer or main
A ramp conforming to the provisions of this Code exit with the cross aisles shall have a total width not less
may be used as an exit. The width of ramps shall be than the sum of the required width of the widest aisles
as required for corridors. leading thereto plus fifty percent of the total required
width of the remaining aisles leading thereto.
(g) Horizontal Exit  Slope. The slope portion of aisles shall not exceed a fall
All openings in a separation wall shall be protected of 1 in 8.
by a fire assembly having a fire-resistive rating not (m) Seats
less than the occupant load served by such exit. With standard seating, the spacing of rows of seats
(h) Exit Enclosures from back-to-back shall not less than 840
Every interior stairway, ramp, or escalator shall be millimeters. The width of any seat shall be not less
enclosed as specified in this Code: Except, that in than 450 millimeters.
other than Group D Occupancies, as an enclosure (n) Reviewing Stands, Grandstands, and Bleachers
will not be required for stairway, ramp, or escalator I. Height of Stands - stands made of combustible framing
serving only one adjacent floor and not connected shall be limited to 11 rows or 2.70 meters in height
with corridors or stairways serving other floors. II. Design Requirements - the minimum unit live load
for reviewing stands, grandstands, and bleachers
 shall be 500 kilograms per square meter of required when a stand or section of a stand
horizontal projection for the structure as a whole. accommodates more than 1000 occupants.
Seat and footboards shall be 180 kilograms per -Width
linear meter. The total width of exits in meters shall not
III. Spacing Seats be less than the total occupant load served
– The minimum spacing of rows of seats divided by 165.
measured from back-to-back shall be 600 -Securing of Chairs
millimeters for seats without backrests in chairs and benches used on raised stands
open air stands. shall be secured to the platforms upon
– The maximum rise from one row of seats which they are placed
to the next shall not exceed 400 millimeters. -Safe Dispersal Area
– For determining the seating capacity of a - each safe dispersal area shall have at least
stand the width of any seat shall not be less two exits. If more than 6000 persons are to
than 450 millimeters nor more than 480 be accommodated within such an area,
millimeters. there shall be a minimum of three exits and
IV. Aisle for more than 9000 persons there shall be a
– Aisle shall be provided in all stands minimum of four exits
– No obstruction shall be placed in the
required width of any aisle or exitway. (o) Special Hazards
– Aisle shall have a minimum width of 1.10 Boiler Rooms
meters – Every boiler room and every room containing an
V. Stairs and Ramps incinerator or liquified petroleum gas or liquid fuel-
– The maximum rise of treads shall not fired equipment shall be provided with at least two
exceed 200 millimeters and the minimum means of egress, one of which may be a ladder.
width of the run shall be 280 millimeters. Cellulose Nitrate Handling
– The slope of a ramp shall not exceed 1 in – Film laboratories, projection rooms, and
8. nitrocellulose processing rooms shall have not less
– A ramp with a slope exceeding 1 in 10 than two exits.
shall have handrails
VI. Guardrails SECTION 1208: SKYLIGHTS
– Railings shall be 1.10 meters above the
rear of a seat plank or 1.10 meters above  Frames of skylights shall be designed to carry loads
the rear of the steps in the aisle when the required for roofs. All skylights, the glass of which is set
guardrail is parallel and adjacent to the at an angle of less than 45 degrees from the horizontal,
aisle. if located above the first storey, shall be set at least 100
– A midrail shall be placed adjacent to any millimeters above the roof.
seat to limit the open distance above the  Spacing between supports in one direction for flat wired
top of any part of a seat to 250 millimeters glass in skylights shall not exceed 625 millimeters.
where the seat is at the extreme end or at Corrugated wired glass may have supports 1.5 meters
the extreme rear of the bleachers or apart in the direction of the corrugation.
grandstand  Skylights installed for the use of photographers may be
VII. Foot Board - Footboards shall be provided for all constructed of metal frames and plate glass without
rows of seats above the third row or beginning at wire netting.
such point where the seating plank is more than 600
millimeters above grade. SECTION 1209: BAYS, PORCHES, AND BALCONIES
VIII. Exits  Walls and floors in bay and oriel windows shall conform
- Distance to Exit to the construction allowed for exterior walls and floors
The line of travel to an exit shall not be of the type of construction of the building to which they
more than 45.00 meters. For stands with are attached.
seats without  The roof covering of a bay or oriel window shall conform
backseats this distance may be measured to the requirements of the roofing of the main roof.
by direct line from a seat to the exit from  Exterior balconies attached to or supported by wall
the stand. required to be of masonry, shall have brackets or beams
- Aisle Used as Exit constructed of incombustible materials.
An aisle may be considered as only one exit
unless it is continuous at both ends to a SECTION 1210: PENTHOUSES AND ROOF STRUCTURES
legal building exit or to a safe dispersal area. Height
-Three Exits Required – No penthouse or other projection above the roof
required for stands within a building when in structures of other than Type V construction shall
there are more than 300 occupants within a exceed 8.40 meters above the roof when used as an
stand. enclosure for tanks or for elevators which run to the
-Four Exits Required roof and in all other cases shall not extend more
than 3.60 meters in height with the roof.
Area millimeters thick with a chimney lining as
– The aggregate area of all penthouses and other specified in this Code.
roof structures shall not exceed one third of the area • Masonry Chimneys for Commercial and Industrial
of the supporting roof. Type Incinerators
Prohibited Uses – Masonry chimneys for commercial and
–No penthouse, bulkhead, or any other similar industrial type incinerators of a size
projection above the roof shall be used for purposes designed for not more than 110 kilograms
other than shelter of mechanical equipment or of refuse per hour and having a horizontal
shelter of vertical shaft openings in the roof. grate area not exceeding 0.50 square meter
Construction shall have walls of solid masonry or
– Roof structures shall be constructed with walls, reinforced concrete not less than 100
floors, and roof as required for the main portion of millimeters thick with lining of not less than
the building. 100 millimeters of firebrick, which lining
Towers and spires shall extend for not less than 12.00 meters
– Towers and spires when enclosed shall have above the roof of the combustion chamber.
exterior walls as required for the building to which • Linings
they attached. – Fire clay chimney lining shall not be less
than 15 millimeters thick.
SECTION 1211. CHIMNEYS, • Area
FIREPLACES, AND BARBECUES – No chimney passageway shall be smaller
(a) Chimneys in area than the vent connection of the
•Structural Design appliance attached thereto.
– Chimneys shall be designed, anchored, • Height
supported, reinforced, constructed, and – Every masonry chimney shall extend at
installed in accordance with generally least 600 millimeters above the part of the
accepted principles of engineering. roof through which it passes and at least
• Walls 600 millimeters above the highest elevation
– Every masonry chimney shall have walls of any part of a building within 3.00 meters
of masonry units, bricks, and [Link] to the chimney.
masonry chimney units, reinforced • Corbeling
concrete or equivalent solid thickness of – No masonry chimney shall be corbeled
hollow masonry and lined with suitable from a wall more than 150 millimeters nor
liners in accordance with the following shall a masonry chimney be corbeled from
requirements: a wall which is less than 300 millimeters in
• Masonry Chimneys for Residential Type Appliances thickness unless it projects equally on each
– Masonry chimneys shall be constructed of side of the wall.
masonry units or reinforced concrete with • Separation
walls not less than 100 millimeters thick. – When more than one passageway is
• Masonry Chimneys for Low Heat Appliances contained in the same chimney, masonry
– Masonry chimneys shall be constructed of separation at least 100 millimeters thick
masonry units or reinforced concrete with bonded into the masonry wall of the
walls not less than 200 millimeters thick. chimney shall be provided to separate
• Masonry Chimneys for Medium-Heat Appliances passageways.
– Masonry chimneys for medium-heat • Inlets
appliances shall be constructed of solid – Every inlet to any masonry chimney shall
masonry units of reinforced concrete not enter the side thereof and shall be of not
less than 200 millimeters thick. less than 3 millimeters thick metal or 16
• Masonry Chimneys for High-Heat Appliances millimeters refractory material.
– Masonry chimneys for high-heat • Clearance
appliances shall be constructed with double – Combustible materials shall not be placed
walls of solid masonry units or reinforced within 50 millimeters of smoke chamber or
concrete not less than 200 millimeters in masonry chimney walls when built within a
thickness. structure or within 25 millimeters when the
• Masonry Chimneys for Incinerators Installed in chimney is built entirely outside the
Multi-Storey Buildings (Apartment-Type structure.
Incinerators) • Termination
– Chimneys for incinerators installed in – All incinerator chimneys shall terminate in
multi-storey building using the chimney a substantially constructed spark arrester
passageway as a refuse chute where the having a mesh not exceeding 20 millimeters.
horizontal grate area of combustion •Cleanouts
chamber does not exceed 0.80 square – Cleanout openings shall be provided at
meter shall have walls of solid masonry or the base of every masonry chimney.
reinforced concrete, not less than 100 (b) Fireplaces and Barbecues
 • Fireplace Walls recreation, dining, study, or work, and which has an
– Walls of fireplaces shall not be less than occupant load of more than 20.
200 millimeters in thickness. Walls of  In all dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, workshops or
fireboxes shall not be less than 250 factories, and other rooms with an occupant load of
millimeters in thickness: Except, that where more than 10 or assembly halls under Group H and I
a lining of firebrick is used, such walls shall occupancies with occupant load of more than 500, and
not be less than 200 millimeters in if the next doors of said rooms are more than 30.00
thickness. meters from the nearest safe fire dispersal area of the
• Hoods building or opening to an exit court or street.
– Metal hoods used as part of a fireplace or  In all rooms used for storage or handling of
barbecue shall not be less than No. 18 photographic x-ray nitrocellulose films and other
gauge copper, galvanized iron, or other inflammable articles.
equivalent corrosion-resistant ferrous (b). Dry Standpipes
metal with all seams and connections of  Every building four or more storeys in height shall be
smokeproof unsoldered construction. equipped with one or more dry standpipes.
• Circulators  Dry standpipes shall be of wrought iron or galvanized
– Approved metal heat circulators may be steel and together with fittings and connections shall be
installed in fireplaces. of sufficient strength to withstand 20 kilograms per
• Smoke Chamber square centimeter of water pressure when ready for
– Front and side walls shall not be less than service, without leaking at the joints, valves, or fittings.
200 millimeters in thickness. Smoke  Dry standpipes shall be of such size as to be capable of
chamber back walls shall not be less than delivering 900 liters of water per minute from each of
150 millimeters in thickness. any three outlets simultaneously under the pressure
• Fireplace Chimneys created by one fire engine or pumper based on the
– Walls of chimneys without flue lining shall standard equipment available.
not be less than 200 millimeters in  Every building four or more storeys in height where the
thickness. Walls of chimneys with flue lining area of any floor above the third floor is 950 square
shall not be less than 100 millimeters in meters or less, shall be equipped with at least one dry
thickness and shall be constructed in standpipe.
accordance with the requirements of this  All 100 millimeters dry standpipes shall be equipped
Code. with a two-way Siamese fire department connection.
• Clearance of Combustible Materials
– Combustible materials shall not be placed (c). Wet Standpipes
within 50 millimeters of fireplace, smoke  Interior wet standpipes shall be constructed of the same
chamber, or chimney walls when built materials as those required for dry standpipes.
entirely within a structure or within 25  Interior wet standpipes shall have an internal diameter
millimeters when the chimney is built sufficient to deliver 190 liters of water per minute under
entirely outside the structure. Combustible 2.0 kilograms per square centimeter pressure at the
materials shall not hose connections.
• Area of Flues, Throats, and Dampers  The number of wet standpipe when required in this
– The net cross-sectional area of the flue Code shall be so determined that all portions of the
and of the throat between the firebox and building are within 6.00 meters of a nozzle attached to a
the smoke chamber of a fireplace shall not hose 23.00 meters in length.
be less than the requirements to be set  All interior wet standpipes shall be equipped with a 38
forth by the Board. Where dampers are millimeter valve in each storey, including the basement
used, they shall be of not less than No. 12 or cellar of the building, and located not less than 300
gauge metal millimeters nor more than 1.20 meters above the floor.
• Lintel (d). Basement Pipe Inlets
– Masonry over the fireplace opening shall  Basement pipe inlets shall be installed in the first floor
be supported by a non-combustible lintel. of every store, warehouse, or factory.
• Hearth  All basement pipe inlets shall be of cast iron, steel, brass,
– Every fireplace shall be provided with a or bronze with lids of cast brass or bronze and shall
brick, concrete, stone, or other approved consist of a sleeve not less than 200 millimeters in
noncombustible hearth slab at least 300 diameter through the floor extending to and flush with
millimeters wider on each side than the the ceiling below and with a top flange.
fireplace opening and projecting at least  Basement pipe inlets shall be strategically located and
450 millimeters therefrom. kept readily accessible at all times to the Fire
Department
SECTION 1212: FIRE (e). Approval
EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS  All fire-extinguishing systems, including automatic
(a). Fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed: sprinklers, wet and dry standpipes, automatic chemical
 In every storey, basement or cellar with an area of 200 extinguishers, basement pipe inlets, and the
square meters or more which is used for habitation, appurtenances thereto shall meet the approval of the
 fire Department as to installation and location and shall millimeters width and electric projection equipment
be subject to such periodic test as it may require. are used.
(b) Construction
SECTION 1213: STAGES AND PLATFORM The ceiling shall not be less than 2.40 meters from
the finished floor. The room shall have a floor area
(a) Stage Ventilators of not less than 7.00 square meters and 3.50 square
There shall be one or more ventilators constructed meters for each additional machine.
of metal or other incombustible material near the (c) Exit
center and above the highest part of any working Every projection room shall have at least two
stage raised above the stage roof and having a total doorways separated by not less than onethirds the
ventilation area equal to at least five percent of the perimeter of the room, each at least 750 millimeters
floor area within the stage walls. The entire wide and 2.00 meters high.
equipment shall conform to the following (d) Ports and Openings
requirements: -Ports in projection room walls shall be of three
a) Opening Action kinds: projection ports; observation ports; and
b) Glass combination ports used for both observation and for
c) Design stereopticon, spot or floodlight machines.
d) Spring Actuation • Ports Required
e) Location of Fusible Links – There shall be provided for each motion
f) Control picture projector not more than one
(b) Gridirons projection port, which shall be limited in
Gridirons, fly galleries, and pin-rails shall be area to 750 square centimeters, and not
constructed of incombustible materials and fire more than one observation port, which
protection of steel and iron may be omitted. shall be limited in area to 1,3000 square
Gridirons and fly galleries shall be designed to centimeters. There shall be not more than
support a live load of not less than 367 kilograms three combination ports, each of which
per square meter. shall not exceed 750 millimeters by 600
(c) Rooms Accessory to Stage millimeters.
In a building having a stage, the dressing room • Shutters
sections, workshops, and store rooms shall be – Each port and every other opening in
located on the stage side of the proscenium wall and projection room walls, including, any fresh-
shall be separated from each other and from the air inlets but excluding exit doors and
stage by not less than a One-hour Fire Resistive exhaust ducts, shall be provided with a
Occupancy Separation shutter of not less than 2.4 millimeters
(d) Proscenium Walls thick sheet metal or its equivalent large
A stage shall be completely separated from the enough to overlap at least 25 millimeters
auditorium by a proscenium wall or not less than on all sides of such openings.
two-hour incombustible construction. The (e) Ventilation
proscenium wall shall extend not less than 1.20 A fresh-air inlet from the exterior of the building not
meters above the roof over the auditorium less than 900 square centimeters and protected with
(e) Stage Floor wire netting, shall be installed within 50 millimeters
All parts of the stage floor shall be designed to of the floor in every projection room, the source of
support not less than 620 kilograms per square which shall be remote from other outside vents or
meters. Openings through stage floor shall be flues.
equipped with tight-fitting trap doors of wood of not Ventilation shall be provided by one or more
less than 5 millimeters nominal thickness. mechanical exhaust systems which shall draw air
(f) Platforms from each are lamps housing to outdoors either
Enclosed platforms shall be provided with one or directly or through an incombustible flue use for no
more ventilators conforming to the requirements of other purpose.
stage ventilators: Except, that the total area shall be
equal to five percent of the area of the platform. (f) Regulation of Equipment
(g) Stage Exits All shelves, fixtures, and fixed equipment in a
At least one exits not less than 900 millimeters wide projection room shall be constructed of
shall be provided from each side of the stage incombustible materials. All films not in actual use
opening directly or by means of a passageway not shall be stored in metal cabinets having individual
less than 900 millimeters in width to a street or exit compartments for reels or shall be generally
court. accepted shipping containers. No solders shall be
SECTION 1214: MOTION PICTURE PROJECTION ROOMS used in the construction of such cabinets.

(a) General Requirement SECTION 1215. LATHING, PLASTERING, AND INSTALLATION

The provisions of this Section shall apply only where OF WALL BOARDS
ribbon type motion picture films in excess of 22- The installation of lath, plaster, and gypsum wall
board shall conform to the fire-resistive rating
 requirements and the type of construction of SECTION 1601. Approved Plastics
building.  Flame-spread rating of 225 or less
CHAPTER 13 - ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL REGULATIONS  Smoke density not greater than obtained from burning
untreated wood
SECTION 1301. Electrical Regulations  Products of combustion shall be no more toxic than the
 conform to Philippine Electrical Code by the Board of burning of untreated wood
Electrical Engineering
 RA 184 or Electrical Engineering Law SECTION 1602. Installation
• Structural Requirements
SECTION 1302. Mechanical Regulations • Fastenings
 conform to Philippine Mechanical Engineering Code by
the Board of Mechanical Engineering SECTION 1603. Glazing of Openings
 Commonwealth Act No. 294 or Mechanical Engineering  Doors, sashes, and framed openings in exterior walls of
Law ALL buildings EXCEPT Types IV and V Construction -
glazed or equipped with approved plastics
CHAPTER 14 - PHOTOGRAPHIC AND XRAY FILMS  Wall in which glazing is installed - not required to be fire
protected
SECTION 1401. Storage and Handling  Plastic used in glazed openings for Type II Construction-
 provided with automatic fire extinguishing systems. timespread characteristics
 provided with automatic fire extinguishing systems.
storage of film negatives SECTION 1604. Skylights
• Approved plastics may be used in skylights installed on
SECTION 1401. Storage and Handling roofs of Type I, II, or III Constructions
 provided with automatic fire extinguishing systems.
 provided with automatic fire extinguishing systems. Installment Requirement
storage of film negatives  Except in Group A Occupancy, no skylight installed
HEAVY MANILA ENVELOPE within 3.00m of a property line.
EXPANDING ENVELOPE  The edges of the dome-type skylights shall be properly
VENTED CABINET flashed.
• storage of film negatives  Plastic skylights shall be separated from each other by
STORAGE VAULT at least 2.50m laterally and 3.00m along the slope of the
OUTSIDE STORAGE BOXES roof.
LIGHTS
INCANDESCENT LIGHT SECTION 1604. Skylights
PORTABLE LIGHTS Allowable Areas
 shall not exceed 10m2
SECTION 1402. Classes of Film Exempted  plastics used in skylights, monitors, and saw tooth
 “roll” and “film pack” films in less than 1.40m3 glazing shall not exceed 20%
 Dental X-ray films Curb Requirements
 Safety photographic X-ray film may be identified by  slope of less than 1 in 3
marking the edge of the film  10mm high curb
 wire screen not smaller than No. 12 U.S. Gauge
SECTION 1403. Fire Extinguishing System
-type, specifications, and methods of installation as SECTION 1605. Light-Transmitting Panels in Monitors and
prescribed in accordance with the requirements of Sawtooth Roofs
the Secretary  Approved plastic may be used with or without sash
Allowable Areas
 not exceed 15.00m2
 total aggregate area of plastics shall not exceed 20%
of the floor area
CHAPTER 15 - PRE-FABRICATED CONSTRUCTION Area Separation
 section of incombustible material or by a section
SECTION 1501. Pre-Fabricated Assembly of the roofing material
 Is a structural unit, built up prior to incorporation in the SECTION 1606. Plastic Light Diffuser in Ceilings
building  Greater than 10% of any 10.00 m2 of room area shall be
 Secretary - prescribed a special test to determine some of approved plastics.
factors  Installation will not readily become detached when
 Developing the strength of different members subjected to room temperature of 80 degree C for 15
 Placement of prefabricated assemblies shall be minutes
inspected.
SECTION 1607. Partitions
CHAPTER 15 - PLASTICS  not required to be of fire-resistive or incombustible
construction
 any approved plastics  capable of safety withstanding the load due to wind
pressures
SECTION 1608. Exterior Veneer  wind load multiplied by the appropriate adjustment
 may be of approved plastic materials factor
 not in excess of 10.00m above the adjacent grade of
elevation SECTION 1803. Glazing
 not exceed 15.00m2 in area  glazed with minimum laps and edge clearances in
 shall be separated by a minimum of 1.20m vertically and accordance with Section 1801
600 mm horizontally SECTION 1804. Louvered Windows
 shall not be thinner than 5.6mm minimal and not
SECTION 1609. Awnings and Canopies longer than 1.20m
 use according to Flame Spread characteristics  Exposed glass edges shall be smooth
 awnings where untreated canvass is permitted
 lieu of plain glass in greenhouses in less restrictive Fire SECTION 1805. Impact
Zones  any glass or glazed openings which subject to accident
shall conform to the requirement set by the Secretary
CHAPTER 17 - SHEET MEATAL PAINTS SPRAY BOOTHS EXCEPT:
• Bathtub and shower enclosures
• Glass Lights
SECTION 1701. Sheet Meatal Paint Spray Booths
 be constructed of steel of not less than No. 18 U.S. CHAPTER 19 - THE USE OF COMPUTER
gauge in thickness
 not exceed 150m2 nor 10% of the basic area permitted SECTION 1901. General Rule
 incombustible material The use of computers is permitted provided that ALL
 designed to permit the free passage of exhaust air from programs to be used are documented.
all parts of the interior and all interior surfaces
SECTION 1902. Program Documentation
SECTION 1702. Fire Protection Consists of filing with the Building Official a
 Spray booth with front elevation larger than 1.00m2 reference to a publications
 fire curtain or metal deflector not less than 100mm
deep SECTION 1903. Submission of Computer-Generated
Computations
SECTION 1703. Light A copy of the output sheets for computer-generated
• illuminated through hammered wire or computations shall be submitted as a part of the
heat-treated glass panels design computations

SECTION 1703. Ventilation CHAPTER 20 - SIGNS

 provided direct to the exterior of the building SECTION 2001. General Requirements
 Mechanical exhaust system - designed to move the air DON'TsSECTION 2001. General Requirements
through any portion of the paint spray area
 motor shall not be mounted in the spray booth or the
duct system
 Steel with a thickness not less than the values set by the
Secretary
 discharge point for ducts - not less than 2.00m from
adjoining combustible construction nor less than 8.00m
from adjoining exterior wall openings

SECTION 2002. Maintenance

CHAPTER 18 - GLASS AND GLAZING
 be kept in repair
 kept neatly painted and secured at all times.
SECTION 1801. General Requirements
 apply to exterior glass and glazing in ALL Occupancies
SECTION 2003. Design and Construction
EXCEPT Groups A, B, and J not over three (3) storeys is
 be designed and constructed to resist all forces in
in height
accordance with the National Structural Code for
 glass dimensional tolerances, breaking stress levels, and
Buildings.
design safety factors Lights
 bear the manufacturer’s label designating the type and
SECTION 2004. Supports and Anchorages
thickness of the glass
 placed in or upon private property
 special characteristics and thickness
 Materials - quality and grade
 Made from incombustible materials
SECTION 1802. Area Limitation
 Non-Structural Trim - made of wood, metaal, approved
plastics
 Display Surfaces - made of metal, glass, approved
plastics

SECTION 2005. Projection and Clearances

 High Voltage Power Lines - in accordance of Philippine
Electrical Code
 Do not interfere fire exit, escape, or standpipe
 No sign shall obstruct any opening that light or
ventilation is reduced
 Projection over Alleys

SECTION 2006. Lighting

• illuminated only by electrical means in accordance with
the Philippine Electrical Code.

SECTION 2101. Existing Building and Structure

ALL buildings or structures constructed under R.A.
6541 or existing city or municipal building codes or
ordinances

SECTION 2102. Interim Rules and Regulations

Interim rules and regulations on buildings
promulgated by the Secretary

SECTION 2103. Separability Clause

If any provision of this Decree or the application
thereof is
to any person or circumstance declared
unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, the same
shall not affect the validity of the other provisions.

SECTION 2104. Repealing Clause

ALL laws, decrees, provisions of charters, executive
orders, ordinances, rules and regulations or parts
thereof contrary to or inconsistent with the
provisions of this Decree are hereby repealed,
amended, or modified accordingly.

SECTION 2105. Effectivity

This Decree shall take effect upon its promulgation.
Done in the City of Manila, this 19th day of February,
in the year of our Lord, nineteen hundred and
seventy seven.