PART 1 National Building Code of the Philippines

RULE I – GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 101. Title
These Rules shall be known and cited as the “Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of the National
Building Code of the Philippines (P.D. 1096)” and shall be referred to as the “IRR”.

SECTION 102. Declaration of Policy

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare, consistent
with the principles of sound environmental management and control; and to this end, make it the purpose of the Code
to provide for all buildings and structures, a framework of minimum standards and requirements to regulate and control
their location, site, design, quality of materials, construction, use, occupancy, and maintenance.

SECTION 103. Scope and Application

1. The scope of this IRR shall cover the following disciplines: architectural, civil/structural, electrical, mechanical,
sanitary, plumbing, and electronics. This shall also apply to the design, location, siting, construction, alteration,
repair, conversion, use, occupancy, maintenance, moving, demolition of, and addition to public and private
buildings and structures, except traditional indigenous family dwellings, and those covered by Batas Pambansa
Bilang 220 otherwise known as the “Economic and Socialized Housing Projects”.

2. Existing buildings or structures without appropriate building permits/certificates of occupancy may be legalized
and issued the necessary permits and certificates, provided, they are made to conform to these rules and
regulations. However, they shall be subject to the imposition of penalties, surcharges, fines, and other
appropriate measures.

3. The applicable and consistent provisions of the allied professional codes and other government agency codes
as approved by the DPWH Secretary shall serve as the referral codes of PD 1096 and this IRR.

SECTION 104. General Building Requirements

1. All buildings or structures as well as accessory facilities thereto shall conform in all respects to the principles of
safe construction and must be suited to the purpose for which they are designed.

2. Buildings or structures intended to be used for the manufacture and/or production of any kind of article or
product shall observe adequate environmental safeguards.

3. Buildings or structures and all parts thereof as well as all facilities found therein shall be maintained in safe,
sanitary, and good working condition.

SECTION 105. Site Requirements

The land or site upon which will be constructed any building or structure, or any ancillary or auxiliary facility
thereto, shall be sanitary, hygienic, or safe. In case of sites or buildings intended for use as human habitation or abode,
the same shall be at a safe distance, as determined by competent authorities, from streams or bodies of water and/or
sources of air considered to be polluted; from a volcano or volcanic site and/or any other building considered to be a
potential source of fire or explosion.

SECTION 106. Definitions

1. For purposes of this IRR, the following definitions shall apply:

ADDITION – Any new construction which increases the height and/or floor area of existing buildings/structures.

AGENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT – Refers to any of the various units of the government including a department,
bureau, office, instrumentality, or government owned or controlled corporation.

ALTERATION – Works in buildings/structures involving changes in the materials used, partitioning, location/size
of openings, structural parts, existing utilities and equipment but does not increase the building height and/or
floor area.

APPLICATION FORMS – A preformatted prescribed application form duly accomplished and notarized by the
respective design professional with validation matrices related to other building rules and regulations.

APPLICANT/PERMITTEE – Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, head of government or private institution,
organization of any character applying for the issuance of permits and certificates.

BUILDING OFFICAL – the Executive Officer of the OBO appointed by the Secretary.
 BUILDING PERMIT – A document issued by the Building Official (BO) to an owner/applicant to proceed with the
construction, installation, addition, alteration, renovation, conversion, repair, moving, demolition or other work
activity of a specific project/building/structure or portions thereof after the accompanying principal plans,
specifications and other pertinent documents with the duly notarized application are found satisfactory and
substantially conforming with the National Building Code of the Philippines (the Code) and its Implementing
Rules and Regulations (IRR).

CODE – PD 1096, otherwise known as the National Building Code of the Philippines.

CONSTRUCTION – All on-site work done in the site preparation, excavation, foundation, assembly of all the
components and installation of utilities, machineries, and equipment of buildings/structures.

CONVERSION – A change in the use or occupancy of buildings/structures or any portion/s thereof, which has
different requirements.

DEMOLITION – The systematic dismantling or destruction of a building/structure, in whole or in part.

DEPARTMENT – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – The Executive Officer or Head of the NBCDO.

MOVING – The transfer of buildings/structures or portion/s thereof from original location or position to another,
either within the same lot or to a different one.

OFFICE OF THE BUILDING OFFICIAL (OBO) – The Office authorized to enforce the provisions of the Code and
its IRR in the field as well as the enforcement of orders and decisions made pursuant thereto.

REFERRAL CODES – The applicable provisions of the various agency and technical professional codes that are
supplementary to the Code.

RENOVATION – Any physical change made on buildings/structures to increase the value, quality, and/or to
improve the aesthetic.

REPAIR – Remedial work done on any damaged or deteriorated portion/s of building/structure to restore to its
original condition.

SECRETARY – Head or Chief Executive Officer of DPWH.

STAFF – The personnel of the National Building Code Development Office (NBCDO).

2. As used in this IRR, other words, terms, and phrases enumerated in the Glossary hereof shall have the meaning
or definition correspondingly provided therein.

RULE II – ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

SECTION 201. Responsibility for Administration and Enforcement

The administration and enforcement of the provisions of the Code and this IRR, including the imposition of
penalties for administrative violations thereof, is hereby vested in the Secretary.

SECTION 202. Technical Staff

The National Building Code Development Office (NBCDO) created through DPWH Department Order, shall
serve as the technical staff of the Secretary. The functions thereof are as follows:

1. Assist the Secretary in the administration and enforcement of the provisions of the Code and its IRR.

2. Review, evaluate and take final action on various technical and legal problems forwarded to the Office of the
Secretary.

3. Conduct seminar/workshops on the Code, its IRR, and Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 (Accessibility Law).

4. Undertake such other duties and tasks as may be assigned by the Secretary from time to time.

SECTION 203. General Powers and Functions of the Secretary

1. Formulate policies, plans, standards and guidelines on building design, construction, use, occupancy and
maintenance, in accordance with the Code.
 2. Issue and promulgate additional rules and regulations in the form of Memorandum Circulars to implement the
provisions of the Code and ensure compliance with policies, plans, standards and guidelines and issue office
guidelines or Memorandum Circulars to guide the actions of the Building Official in the performance of his
duties and responsibilities.

3. Exercise appellate jurisdiction over the decisions and orders of the Building Official. The order or decision of
the Secretary shall be final and executory subject only to review by the Office of the President of the Republic.

4. Evaluate, review, approve and/or take final action on changes and/or amendments to existing Referral Codes
as well as on the incorporation of other referral codes, which are not yet expressly made supplementary to the
Code and its IRR.

5. Prescribe and impose the amount of fees and other charges as may be deemed necessary that the Building
Official shall collect in connection with the performance of regulatory functions.

6. Appoint a Building Official, separate and distinct from the Office of the City/Municipal Engineers in all Cities
and Municipalities.

SECTION 204. Professional and Technical Assistance

The Secretary may secure professional, technical, scientific, and other services including testing laboratories and
facilities from other agencies of the National Government when deemed necessary. He may also engage and
compensate within available appropriations, such number of consultants, experts, and advisers on full or part-time basis,
as may be necessary, coming from the government or private business, entities or associations to carry out the provisions
of the Code and this IRR.

SECTION 205. Building Officials

Except as otherwise provided herein, the Building Official shall be responsible for carrying out the provisions of
the Code in the field as well as the enforcement of orders and decisions made pursuant thereto. All Building Officials
appointed or designated other than by the Secretary, shall continue to act as the Building Official until such time that the
Secretary appoints the Building Official. Offices of the Building Officials already established, separate and distinct from
the office of the City/Municipal Engineers in cities and municipalities may continue to exist until such time that a regular
office is created. (Fig. II.1.)
SECTION 206. Qualifications of Building Officials
No person shall be appointed as Building Official unless he possesses the following qualifications:

1. A Filipino citizen and of good moral character.

2. A duly registered architect or civil engineer.

3. A member of good standing of a duly accredited organization of his profession for not less than five (5) years
endorsed or recommended by the accredited professional organization.

4. Has at least five (5) years of diversified and professional experience in building design and construction.

5. 5. Has attended and successfully completed a seminar workshop on PD 1096 and its IRR conducted by the
DPWH.

SECTION 207. Duties of the Building Official

The Building Official shall have the following duties:

1. Be primarily responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of the Code and its IRR, as well as circulars,
memoranda, opinions, and decisions/orders issued pursuant thereto. His actions shall always be guided by
appropriate orders/directives from the Secretary.

2. Have overall administrative control and/or supervision over all works pertinent to buildings/structures in his area
of responsibility and shall be charged with the processing of all permit applications and certificates as well as
the issuance of the same.

3. Ensure that all changes, modifications, and alterations in the design plans during the construction phase shall
not start until the modified design plan has been evaluated and the necessary amendatory permit issued.

4. Undertake annual inspections of all buildings/structures and keep an up-to-date record of their status.

5. Upon complaint or motu propio and after due notice/s and hearing, initiate action towards
a. Non-issuance, suspension, revocation and/or invalidation of a building permit or certificate of occupancy
b. Issuance of work stoppage order, or an order for discontinuance of the use or occupancy of the
building/structure or portion thereof.
c. Declaration of a building/structure as ruinous or dangerous; and/or
d. The imposition of appropriate fines/penalties.

6. Submit a quarterly situational report to the Secretary through the NBCDO, on the status of all existing, on-
going, and proposed public as well as private building/structure activities. (See Communication Flow Chart,
Fig. II.2.)
7. Undertake such other duties and tasks as may be assigned by the Secretary from time to time.
SECTION 208. Fees

1. The Secretary, thru Memorandum Circulars, shall prescribe the rates of fees and formulate guidelines in the
imposition and collection of fees.
2. Subject to existing budgetary, accounting and auditing rules and regulations, the Building Official shall retain
not more than 20% of the income/collection derived from permit fees and other charges for the operating
expenses of his office. The remainder of 100% shall accrue to the general fund of the respective city/municipality.
3. Every Building Official shall keep a permanent record and accurate account of all fees and other charges fixed
and authorized to be collected and received.

SECTION 209. Exemption

Public buildings and traditional indigenous family dwellings shall be exempt from payment of building permit
fees. As used in the Code, the term “traditional indigenous family dwelling” means a dwelling intended for the use and
occupancy by the family of the owner only and constructed of native materials such as bamboo, nipa, logs, or lumber,
the total cost of which does not exceed fifteen thousand pesos (P 15,000.00).

SECTION 210. Use of Income from Fees

The procedure for the proper reporting and recording of collections and disbursements of the funds of the
General Fund Special Account 151 of the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways
(DPWH) is hereby prescribed: ……

SECTION 211. Implementing Rules and Regulations

In the implementation of the provisions of the Code and its IRR, the Secretary shall formulate necessary rules
and regulations and adopt design and construction standards and criteria for buildings and other structures. Such
standards, rules and regulations shall take effect after their publication once a week for three consecutive weeks in a
newspaper of general circulation.

SECTION 212. Administrative Fines

1. Imposition of Administrative Fines
a) The Secretary or his duly authorized representative may prescribe and impose fines not exceeding ten thousand
pesos (P10, 000.00) in the following cases, subject to the terms and procedures as hereunder provided:

i. Erecting, constructing, altering, repairing, moving, converting, installing, or demolishing a private or public
building/structure if without building/demolition permit.

ii. Making any alteration, addition, conversion, or repair in any building/structure/ appurtenances thereto
constructed or installed before the adoption of the Code, whether public or private, without a permit.

iii. Unauthorized change, modification, or alteration during the construction in the duly submitted plans and
specifications on which the building permit is based.

iv. Non-compliance with the work stoppage order or notice and/or orders to effect necessary correction in
plans and specifications found defective.

v. Non-compliance with order to demolish building/structure declared to be nuisance, ruinous or dangerous.

vi. Use or occupancy of a building/structure without Certificate of Occupancy/Use even if constructed under
a valid building permit.

vii. Change in the existing use or occupancy classification of a building/structure or portion thereof without
the corresponding Certificate of Change of Use.

viii. Failure to post or display the certificate of occupancy/use/operation in a conspicuous place on the
premises of the building/structure/appurtenances.

ix. Change in the type of construction of any building/structure without an amendatory permit.

b) In addition to the imposed penalty, the owner shall correct/remove his violations of the provisions of the Code.

2. Determination of Amount of Fines

a) In the determination of the number of fines to be imposed, violations shall be classified as follows:

i. Light Violations
a. Failure to post Certificate of Occupancy/Use/Operation.
b. Failure to post Building Permit construction information sign.
c. Failure to provide or install appropriate safety measures for the protection of workers, inspectors,
visitors, immediate neighbors, and pedestrians.
 ii. Less Grave Violations
a. Non-compliance with the work stoppage order for the alteration/addition/ conversion/repair
without permit.
b. Use or occupancy of building/structure without appropriate Certificate of
Occupancy/Use/Operation.

ii. Grave Violations

a. Unauthorized change, modification, or alteration during construction in the duly submitted plans and
specifications on which the building permit is based.
b. Unauthorized change in type of construction from more fire-resistive to less fire resistive.
c. Non-compliance with order to abate or demolish.
d. Non-compliance with work stoppage order for construction/demolition without permit.
e. Change in the existing use or occupancy without Certificate of Change of Occupancy/Use/Operation
f. Excavations left open without any work being done in the site for more than one hundred twenty (120)
days.

b) Amount of Fines
The following number of fines for violations of the Code and this IRR is hereby prescribed:

Light Violations - P 5,000.00

Less Grave Violations - P 8,000.00
Grave Violations - P 10,000.00

c) Penalty

1. Without prejudice to the provisions of the preceding Sections, the Building Official is hereby also authorized
to impose a penalty or surcharge in the following cases in such amount and in the manner as hereunder
fixed and determined:

For constructing, installing, repairing, altering or causing any change in the occupancy/use of any
building/structure or part thereof or appurtenances thereto without any permit, there shall be imposed a
surcharge of 100% of the building fees; Provided, that when the work in the building/structure is started
pending issuance of the Building Permit by the Building Official, the amount of the surcharge shall be
according to the following:

Excavation for foundation ............................................ …- 10% of the building permit fees

Construction of foundation (including pile

driving and laying of reinforcing bars) ......................... …- 25% of the building permit fees

Construction of superstructure up to 2.00

meters above established grade .....................................…. - 50% of the building permit fees

Construction of superstructure above

2.00 meters ............................................................. …. - 100% of the building permit fees

2. For failure to pay the annual inspection fee within thirty (30) days from the prescribed date, a surcharge of
25% of the inspection fee shall be imposed.

SECTION 213. Penal Provisions

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation, to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve,
remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy, or maintain any building or structure or cause the same to be done
contrary to or in violation of any provision of the Code.

Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any of the provisions of the Code and/or commit any act hereby
declared to be unlawful shall upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than twenty thousand pesos or by
imprisonment of not more than two years or by both such fine and imprisonment; Provided, that in the case of a
corporation firm, partnership or association, the penalty shall be imposed upon its officials responsible for such violation
and in case the guilty party is an alien, he shall immediately be deported after payment of the fine and/or service of his
sentence.

SECTION 214. Dangerous and Ruinous Buildings or Structures

Dangerous buildings are those which are herein declared as such or are structurally unsafe or not provided with
safe egress, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life, or which in relation to existing
use, constitute a hazard to safety or health or public welfare because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation,
obsolescence, or abandonment; or which otherwise contribute to the pollution of the site or the community to an
intolerable degree.

SECTION 215. Abatement of Dangerous Buildings

When any building or structure is found or declared to be dangerous or ruinous, the Building Official shall order
its repair, vacation or demolition depending upon the degree of danger to life, health, or safety. This is without prejudice
to further action that may be taken under the provisions of Articles 482 and 694 to 707 of the Civil Code of the
Philippines. The condition or defects that render any building/structure dangerous or ruinous are as follows: (See
Procedure for Abatement/Demolition of Dangerous/Ruinous Buildings/Structures at the end of this Rule)

1. Structural Hazards
a. Whenever any building/structure or portion thereof has been damaged by fire, earthquake, wind, flood,
or by any other cause to such an extent that the structural strength or stability thereof is materially less
than it was before the catastrophe and is less than the minimum requirements of the National Structural
Code of the Philippines (NSCP) for new buildings of similar structure, purpose or location.

b. Whenever any portion or member or appurtenances thereof is likely to fall, or to become detached or
dislodged or to collapse and thereby injure persons or damage property.

c. Whenever any portion of a building/structure or any member, appurtenance or ornamentation on the

exterior thereof is not of sufficient strength or stability, or is not anchored, attached or fastened in place
so as to be capable of resisting a wind pressure of one-half of that specified in the NSCP for such type
of buildings.

d. Whenever any portion thereof has been wrecked, warped, buckled or settled to such an extent that the
walls or other structural portions have materially less resistance to wind or earthquake than is required
in the case of similar new construction.

e. Whenever the building/structure or any portion thereof, because of: (1) dilapidation, deterioration or
decay; (2) faulty construction; (3) the removal, movement or instability of any portion of the ground
necessary for the purpose of supporting such building; (4) the deterioration, decay or inadequacy of its
foundation; or (5) any other cause, is likely to partially or totally collapse.

f. Whenever the exterior walls or other vertical structural member lean or buckle to such an extent that a
plumb line passing through the center of gravity does not fall inside the middle one-third of the base.

g. Whenever the building/structure, exclusive of the foundation, shows 33% or more damage or
deterioration of its supporting member or members, or 50% damage or deterioration of its non
supporting members, enclosing or outside walls or coverings.

h. Whenever the building/structure has been so damaged by fire, wind, earthquake, or flood, or has
become so dilapidated or deteriorated as to become: (1) an attractive nuisance to public; (2) a harbor
for vagrants, criminals or immoral persons; or (3) a resort for purposes of committing unlawful or immoral
acts.

i. Whenever the building/structure which, whether or not erected in accordance with all applicable laws
or ordinances, has in any non-supporting part, member or portion, less than 50% or in any supporting
part, member or portion less than 66% of the: (1) strength; (2) fire-resisting qualities or characteristics;
(3) weather-resisting qualities or characteristics required by law in the case of a newly constructed
building of like area, height and occupancy in the same location.

j. Whenever any portion of a building/structure remains on the site after its demolition or whenever any
building/structure or portion thereof is abandoned for a period more than twelve (12) months so as to
make it a nuisance or hazard to the public.

2. Fire Hazards
a. Any building/structure or portion thereof, device, apparatus, equipment material, or vegetation which
may cause fire or explosion, or provide a ready fuel or augment the speed and intensity of fire or
explosion arising from any cause.

b. All buildings/structures or portions thereof not provided with the required fire-resistive or fire protective
construction or fire-extinguishing system or equipment.

c. Whenever any door, aisle, passageway, stairway, or other means of exit is not of sufficient width or size,
or is not so arranged as to provide safe and adequate means of exit in case of fire and panic.
 d. Whenever any building/structure, because of obsolescence, dilapidated condition, deterioration,
damaged, inadequate exits, lack of sufficient fire-resistive construction, hazardous electric wiring, gas
connections or heating apparatus, or other cause, in violation of the Fire Code of the Philippines (PD
1185).

3. Unsafe Electrical Wiring

a. All wiring systems or installations which do not conform to the rules and regulations embodied in the
latest Philippine Electrical Code.

b. Inadequately maintained or improperly used electrical wirings, outlets, devices and/or equipment.

4. Unsafe Mechanical Installation

a. Mechanical systems or installations which do not conform to the rules and regulations embodied in the
Philippine Mechanical Code.

b. Inadequately maintained or improperly used mechanical outlets, devices and/or equipment.

c. Lack of or improper operation of required ventilating equipment or air-conditioning systems.

d. Improperly installed or lack of protection and safety provisions on steam, gas and fuel supply lines.

5. Inadequate Sanitation/Plumbing and Health Facilities

a. All sanitation and plumbing systems or installations which do not conform to the rules and regulations
embodied in the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines and the Revised National Plumbing Code.

b. Inadequately maintained or improperly used sanitation and plumbing facilities.

c. Infestation of insects, vermin or rodents and lack of adequate control for the same.

d. Lack of adequate garbage and rubbish storage and removal or disposal facilities.

e. Source of pollution.

6. Architectural Deficiency

a. All buildings/structures or portion thereof used or occupied for purposes other than their intended uses.

b. Improper/Unauthorized Occupancy/Location.

c. Insufficient amount of natural light and ventilation due to inadequate open spaces such as courts and
yards as required.

d. Inadequate sizes of rooms and space dimensions and window openings.

e. Dilapidated, blighted and other unpresentable buildings/structures against generally accepted

aesthetic standards.

SECTION 216. Other Remedies

The rights, actions and remedies provided in the Code and in the IRR shall be in addition to all other rights of
action and remedies that may be available under existing laws.

PROCEDURE IN ENFORCING ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTIONS

PROCEDURE FOR ABATEMENT/DEMOLITION OF DANGEROUS/RUINOUS BUILDINGS/ STRUCTURES

 RULE III – PERMITS & INSPECTION

SECTION 305. Validity of Building Permits

Null & Void – not commenced in a period of 1 year Abandoned work for 120 days.

SECTION 306. Non-Issuance, Suspension & Revocation

1. Errors found in plans & specifications.

2. Incorrect or inaccurate data supplied.
3. Non-compliance with the provisions of the code (NBC)

SECTION 307. Appeal

Filing – 15 days from suspension/non-issuance

SECTION 309. Certificate of Occupancy

Building Official – issues Certificate of Occupancy 30 days after final inspection & submittal of Certificate of
Completion

RULE IV - TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

SECTION 401. Types of Construction

For purposes of the Code and its IRR, all buildings proposed for construction shall be classified according to the
following types:
1. Type I - shall be of wood construction. The structural elements may be any of the materials permitted by the
Code.
2. Type II - shall be of wood construction with protective fire-resistant materials and one-hour fire resistive
throughout, except, that permanent non-bearing partitions may use fire-retardant treated wood within the
framing assembly with one-hour resistivity.
3. Type III - shall be of masonry and wood construction. Structural elements may be any of the materials permitted
by the Code provided, that the building shall be one-hour fire-resistive throughout. Exterior walls shall be of
incombustible fire-resistive construction.
4. Type IV - shall be steel, iron, concrete, or masonry construction and walls, ceiling and permanent partitions shall
be of incombustible fire-resistive construction, except, that permanent non-bearing partitions of one-hour fire-
resistive construction may use fire-retardant treated wood within the framing assembly.
5. Type V - shall be four-hour fire-resistive throughout and the structural elements shall be of steel, iron, concrete,
or masonry construction.

SECTION 402. Changes in Types

No change shall be made in the type of construction of any building which would place the building in a different
sub- type or type of construction unless such building is made to comply with the requirements for such sub- type of
construction: Except, when the changes is approved by the Building Official upon showing that the new or proposed
construction is less hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than the existing construction.

SECTION 403. Requirements on Type of Construction

The following standards are prescribed:

1. Fire Resistive Requirements
a. Exterior bearing and non-bearing walls of Types II and III Constructions shall have one hour fire-resistive
rating, while those of Types IV and V shall have four-hour fire-resistive rating.
b. Interior bearing walls, permanent partitions, floors, and roofs of Types II, III and IV Construction shall have
one-hour fire-resistive rating while those of Type V shall have three-hour fire-resistive rating for bearing
walls and one-hour fire-resistive rating for vertical openings, floors and roofs.
c. Structural frames of Types II and III Construction shall have one-hour fire-resistive rating, while those of
Type IV shall have two-hour fire-resistive rating and those of Type V shall have three-hour fire-resistive
rating.
d. Exterior doors and windows shall have one hour fire-resistive rating for all Types.

2. Interior Wall and Ceiling Finishes

a. Finishes for interior walls and ceilings of any building shall be classified according to their flame-spread
characteristic using generally accepted engineering standards. The smoke density shall not be greater
than that obtained from burning of untreated wood under similar conditions when tested in accordance
with the “Tunnel Test” in the way intended for use. The products of combustion shall be no more toxic
 than the burning of untreated wood under similar conditions. These finishes include: interior
wainscoting, paneling, or other finish applied structurally or for decoration, acoustical correction, frames
and trims of doors and windows, surface insulation or similar purposes.
b. Requirements for flame-spread characteristics of finishes shall not apply to frames and trim of doors and
windows and to materials which are less than 1.00 millimeter in thickness cemented to the surface of
walls or ceilings.
c. Materials required to be flame-spread proofed shall be treated with a flame-retardant having a flame-
spread of fifty (50) or less as determined by the “Tunnel Test”.

3. Standards for materials use in structural framework, exterior walls and openings, floors, exits, stairs & roofs shall
be governed by the pertinent provision of the Fire Code of the Philippines.
 RULE V – REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE ZONES
SECTION 501. Fire Zones Defined
Fire zones are areas within which only certain types of buildings/structures are permitted to be constructed
based on their use or occupancy, type of construction, and resistance to fire.

SECTION 502. Buildings Located in More Than One Fire Zone

A building/structure which is located partly in one (1) fire zone and partly in another shall be considered to be in
the more highly restrictive fire zone, when more than one third (1/3) of its total floor area is located in such zone.

SECTION 503. Moved Buildings

1. Any building/structure moved within or into any fire zone shall be made to comply with all the requirements for
buildings/structures in that fire zone.

2. This shall also apply to pre-engineered or prefabricated buildings/structures that may be dismantled and re-
assembled.

SECTION 504. Temporary Buildings/Structures

1. Temporary buildings such as reviewing stands and other miscellaneous structures conforming to the
requirements of the Code, and sheds, canopies and fences used for the protection of the public around and in
conjunction with construction work, may be erected in the fire zones by special permit from the Building Official
for a limited period of time, and such buildings or structures shall be completely removed upon the expiration
of the time limit stated in such permits.

2. Erection of temporary buildings/structures to be located in restrictive and highly restrictive zones and which do
not conform with the type of construction allowed or permitted within such zones may be allowed by the
Building Official for a given period of time provided that, fire protective/preventive measures and fire
suppression facilities are adequate.

SECTION 505. Center Lines of Streets

The center line of adjoining street or alley may be considered an adjacent property line. Distances shall be
measured at right angles to the street or alley.

SECTION 506. Restrictions on Existing Buildings

1. Existing buildings or structures in fire zones that do not comply with the requirements for a new building erected
therein shall not hereafter be enlarged, altered, remodeled, repaired or moved except as follows:

a. Such building is entirely demolished.

b. Such building is to be moved outside the limits of the more highly restrictive Fire Zone to a zone where
the building meets the minimum standards;

c. Changes, alterations and repairs may be made provided that in any 12- month period, the value of the
work does not exceed 20% of the value of the existing building, and provided that, such changes do not
add additional combustible material, and do not, in the opinion of the Building Official, increase the fire
hazard;

d. Additions thereto are separated from the existing building by fire walls, as set forth in Section 506 (b); e.
Damage from fire or earthquake, typhoons or any fortuitous event may be repaired, using the same kind
of materials of which the building or structure was originally constructed, provided that, the cost of such
repair shall not exceed 20% of the replacement cost of the building or structure.

SECTION 507. Designation of Fire Zones

The legislative body of the LGU may enact ordinances for the purpose of designating fire zones based on the
parameters and guidelines set forth in this Section.
 1. Designation of Fire Zones is purposely for management, prevention, control and suppression of conflagration
that may occur in population centers. The designation of fire zones is as follows:

a. Non-Fire Restricted Zones: These are areas where siting of buildings/structures are permitted without fire-
resistivity measures, often located in the country sides or rural areas where commercial and industrial and other
buildings are sparsely constructed, or may be clustered in small groups like farm lands wherein dwellings are
built of indigenous materials such as bamboo, sawali, nipa, cogon, palm leaves and wood up to Types I and II
Construction as classified in Section 401 of the Code.

b. Fire Restrictive Zones: Areas wherein siting of buildings/structures are permitted within prescribed fire-resistivity
measures for exterior walls of at least two-hour fire resistivity. Usual locations in suburban areas are permitted to
be built with at least one-hour fire-resistivity throughout as Types II, III to IV Constructions as prescribed in Section
401 of the Code.’

c. Highly Fire Restrictive Zones: Areas wherein highly fire- resistive or non-combustible buildings/structures and/or
construction assemblies of no less than three to four-hour fire-resistive construction materials are used
throughout, including exterior walls. Only Types IV and V Constructions are permitted in the areas.

RULE VI - FIRE-RESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS IN CONSTRUCTION

SECTION 601. Fire- Resistive Rating Defined

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

SECTION 602. Fire- Resistive Time Period Rating

Fire-resistive time period rating is the length of time a material can withstand being burned which may be one-
hour, two- hours, four- hours, etc.

SECTION 603. Fire-Resistive Standards

All materials of construction, and type of materials and assemblies or combinations thereof shall conform to the
following fire-resistive ratings:

SECTION 604. Fire- Resistive Regulations

The Secretary shall prescribe standards and promulgate rules and regulations on the testing of construction
materials for flame-spread characteristics, tests on fire damages, fire tests of building construction and materials, door
assemblies and tinclad fire doors and window assemblies, the installation of fire doors and windows and smoke and fire
detectors for fire protective signaling system, application and use of controlled interior finish, fire-resistive protection for
structural members, fire resistive walls and partitions, fire-resistive floor or roof ceiling, fire-resistive assemblies for
protection of openings and fire-retardant roof coverings.
 RULE VII - CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF ALL BUILDINGS BY USE OR OCCUPANCY

SECTION 701. Occupancy Classified

1. There are 10 Groups of Occupancies sub-divided into 25 Divisions. The accompanying matrix shows the
Groupings and Divisions and the corresponding uses. The final column indicates the Zoning Classification.

a. Buildings proposed for construction shall be identified according to their use or the character of its
occupancy and shall be classified as follows:

i. Group A – Residential Dwellings

Group A Occupancies shall include:

Division 1- Residential building/structure for exclusive use of single family occupants

including school or company staff housing; single (nuclear) family dwellings;
churches or similar places of worship; church rectories; community facilities
and social centers; parks, playgrounds, pocket parks, parkways,
promenades and play lots; clubhouses and recreational uses such as golf
courses, tennis courts, basketball courts, swimming pools and similar uses
operated by the government or private individuals as membership
organizations for the benefit of their members, families, and guests and not
operated primarily for gain.

Division 2- Residential building for the exclusive use of non-leasing occupants not
exceeding 10 persons including single-attached or duplex or townhouses,
each privately-owned; school dormitories (on campus); convents and
monasteries; military or police barracks/dormitories; pre-schools,
elementary and high schools, provided that they do not exceed 16
classrooms; outpatient clinics, family planning clinics, lying-in clinics,
diagnostics clinics, medical and clinical laboratories; branch library and
museums; steam/dry cleaning outlets; party needs and accessories (leasing
of tables and chairs, etc.).

ii. Group B – Residentials, Hotels and Apartments

Group B Occupancies shall be multiple dwelling units including boarding or lodging houses,
hotels, apartment buildings, row houses, convents, monasteries and other similar building each
of which accommodates more than 10 persons.

iii. Group C – Education and Recreation

Group C Occupancies shall be buildings used for school or day-care purposes, involving
assemblage for instruction, education, or recreation, and not classified in Group I or in Division
1 and 2 or Group H Occupancies.

iv. Group D – Institutional

Group D Occupancies shall include:

Division 1 - Mental hospitals, mental sanitaria, jails, prisons, reformatories, and buildings
where personal liberties of inmates are similarly restrained.
Division 2 -Nurseries for full-time care of children under kindergarten age, hospitals,
sanitaria, nursing homes with non-ambulatory patients, and similar buildings
each accommodating more than five persons.
Division 3 - Nursing homes for ambulatory patients, homes for children of kindergarten
age or over, each accommodating more than five persons: Provided, that
Group D Occupancies shall not include buildings used only for private or
family group dwelling purposes.

v. Group E - Business and Mercantile

Group E Occupancies shall include:
Division 1- Gasoline filling and service stations, storage garages and boat storage
structures where no work is done except exchange of parts and
maintenance requiring no open flame, welding, or the use of highly
flammable liquids.
Division 2- Wholesale and retail stores, office buildings, drinking and dining
establishments having an occupant load of less than one hundred persons,
printing plants, police and fire stations, factories and workshops using not
 highly flammable or combustible materials and paint stores without bulk
handlings.
Division 3- Aircraft hangars and open parking garages where no repair work is done
except exchange of parts and maintenance requiring no open flame,
welding or the use of highly flammable liquids.

vi. Group F - Industrial

Group F Occupancies shall include: ice plants, power plants, pumping plants, cold storage,
and creameries, factories and workshops using incombustible and non-explosive materials,
and storage and sales rooms for incombustible and non-explosive materials.

vii. Group G - Storage and Hazardous

Groups G Occupancies shall include:

Division 1- Storage and handling of hazardous and highly flammable material.
Division 2- Storage and handling of flammable materials, dry cleaning plants using
flammable liquids; paint stores with bulk handling, paint shops and spray-
painting rooms.
Division 3- Wood working establishments, planning mills and box factories, shops,
factories where loose combustible fibers or dust are manufactured,
processed, or generated; warehouses where highly combustible materials
is stored.
Division 4- Repair garages.
Division 5- Aircraft repair hangars.

viii. Group H - Assembly Other Than Group I

Group H Occupancies shall include:
Division 1- Any assembly building with a stage and an occupant load of less than 1000
in the building.
Division 2- Any assembly building without stage and having an occupant load of 300 or
more in the building.
Division 3- Any assembly building without a stage and having an occupant load of less
than 300 in the building.
Division 4- Stadia, reviewing stands, amusement park structures not included within
Group I or in Division 1, 2, and 3 of this Group.

ix. Group I – Assembly Occupant Load 1000 or More

Group I Occupancies shall be any assembly building with a stage and an occupant load of
1000 or more in the building.

x. Group J – Accessory

Group J Occupancies shall include:

Division 1- Agricultural structures.
Division 2- Private garages, carports, fences over 1.80 meters high, tanks, swimming
pools and towers.
Division 3- Stages, platforms, pelota, tennis, badminton or basketball courts, tombs,
mausoleums, niches, aviaries, aquariums, zoo structures, banks and record
vaults other subgroupings or divisions within Groups A to J may be
determined by the Secretary. Any other occupancy not mentioned
specifically in this Section, or about which there is any question, shall be
included in the Group which it most nearly resembles based on the
existing or proposed life and fire hazard.

SECTION 702. Change in Use

No change shall be made in the character of occupancy or use of any building which would place the building
in a different division of the same group of occupancy or in a different group of occupancies, unless such building is
made to comply with the requirements of the Code for such division or group of occupancy. The character of occupancy
of existing buildings may be changed subject to the approval of the Building Official and the building may be occupied
for purposes set forth in other Groups: Provided the new or proposed use is less hazardous, based on life and fire risk,
than the existing use.
SECTION 703. Mixed Occupancy

1. General Requirements
When a building is of mixed occupancy or used for more than one occupancy, the whole building shall
be subject to the most restrictive requirement pertaining to any of the type of occupancy found therein except
in the following:
a. When a one-storey building houses more than one occupancy, each portion of the building shall conform
to the requirement of the particular occupancy housed therein and;
b. Where minor accessory uses do not occupy more than 10% of the area of any floor or a building, nor more
than 10% of the basic area permitted in the occupancy requirements, in which case, the major use of the
building shall determine the occupancy classification.

2. Forms of Occupancy Separation

Occupancy separations shall be vertical or horizontal or both, or when necessary, of such other forms as
may be required to afford a complete separation between the various occupancy divisions in the building.

3. Types of Occupancy Separation

Occupancy separation shall be classified as “One-Hour Fire-Resistive”, “Two-Hour Fire-Resistive”, “Three-
Hour Fire-Resistive” and “Four-Hour Fire-Resistive.”
a. A “One-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation” shall be of not less than one-hour fire resistive
construction. All openings in such separation shall be protected by a fire-assembly having a one-hour
fire-resistive rating.
b. A “Two-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation” shall be of not less than two-hour fire resistive
construction. All openings in such separation shall be protected by a fire assembly having a two-hour
fire-resistive rating.
c. A “Three-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation” shall be of not less than three-hour fire resistive
construction. All openings in walls forming such separation shall be protected by a fire assembly having
a three-hour fire-resistive rating. The total width of all openings in any three-hour fire-resistive occupancy
separation wall in any one-storey shall not exceed 25% of the length of the wall in that storey and no
single opening shall have an area greater than 10.00 sq. meters. All openings in floors forming a “Three-
Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation” shall be protected by vertical enclosures extending above
and below such openings. The walls of such vertical enclosures shall be of not less than two-hour fire-
resistive construction, and all openings therein shall be protected by a fire assembly having a three-hour
fire-resistive rating.
d. A “Four-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation” shall have no openings therein and shall be of not
less than four-hour fire-resistive construction.

4. Fire Rating for Occupancy Separation

Occupancy Separations shall be provided between groups, subgroupings, or divisions of occupancies.
The Secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations for appropriate occupancy separations in buildings of
mixed occupancy; Provided, that, where any occupancy separation is required, the minimum shall be a “One-
Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation”; and where the occupancy separation is horizontal, structural
members supporting the separation shall be protected by an equivalent fire-resistive construction.

SECTION 705. Allowable Floor Areas

1. General. The Allowable Maximum Total Gross Floor Area (TGFA) of any proposed building/structure shall only
be as allowed under this Rule.
2. TGFA Limitation. In Table VII.1. hereafter, the percentages (%) indicated in the third (3rd) through eighth (8th)
columns, but excluding the multiplier numbers 3, 5, 12, 18, and 30 (which represent the number of
storeys/floors), are the percentages of the Total Lot Area (TLA) that may be used to initially determine the
Allowable Maximum TGFA for a proposed building/structure.
3. Crosscheck of TGFA with Allowable Maximum Volume Building (AMVB). The Allowable Maximum TGFA once
established must be thoroughly crosschecked with the AMVB to find out if the AMVB is not exceeded. If
exceeded, the necessary adjustments on the Maximum Allowable TGFA must be made since the AMVB must
always prevail.

SECTION 706. Allowable Floor Area

Increases The floor areas hereinabove provided may be increased in certain specific instances and under
appropriate conditions, based on the existence of public space, streets or yards extending along and adjoining two or
more sides of the building or structure subject to the approval of the Building Official. (Refer to Guidelines on
Determining Gross Floor Area and Total Gross Floor Area of a Building/Structure at the end of this Rule)

SECTION 707. Maximum Height of Buildings

The maximum height and number of storeys of proposed building shall be dependent upon the character of
use or occupancy and the type of construction, considering end-user population density, light and ventilation, width of
RROW/streets particularly of its roadway/carriageway component, building bulk, off-street cum off-site parking
requirements, etc. and in relation to local land use plan and zoning regulations as well as other environmental
considerations, e.g., geological, hydrological, meteorological, topographical, prevailing traffic conditions, the availability
and capacity of public utility/service systems, etc. (Refer to Guidelines on Building Bulk at the end of this Rule)
Other Considerations in Height Determination
o -Depends in the given locality
o -Height of proposed buildings/structures shall also be governed by the following RROW-based
limitations.
o -Soil characteristics, lot location in relation to fault lines and earthquake belts or proximity to volcanoes
and other geological conditions.
o -Hydrological conditions such as the water table at the site and distance to waterways and shorelines.
o -Meteorological conditions such as the frequency and intensity of destructive typhoons/monsoon
winds/rains, prevailing wind speed and direction, relative humidity, amount of precipitation and the
prevailing ambient conditions.
o -Effect/s of environmental conditions on the building/structure and vice versa coupled with the
effective control of air, noise and thermal pollution, radiant heat, lights and shadows, etc., and the
optimization of natural light and ventilation.
o -Effect/s of traffic conditions on the building/structure and vice versa and the satisfaction of
parking/loading requirements in accordance with this Rule.
o -Availability and capacity of public utility/service system considering the availability and adequacy of
electric power, potable and non-potable water supply, drainage and sewerage, transportation and
communications facilities, solid waste management system, etc.
o -Need for applicable building safety and maintenance systems, e.g., lightning arresters, beacons,
protective railings and barriers, gondolas, window washing systems, etc.

Height Limitation Consideration

In accordance with the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARP’s) of the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) where the Philippines is a member state, and Administrative Order No. 5 (Civil Air Regulation) of
the Air Transportation Office (ATO), the following rules and regulations shall govern the construction of
buildings/structures within the 24-kilometer radius of aerodromes where turbo-jet aircraft operate and within the 10-
kilometer radius of aerodromes where no turbo-jet aircraft operate. (Figs. VII.4. through VII.6.)
i. The height of buildings/structures within this area shall be limited by an imaginary line with slope of 2%
(1:50) for aerodromes where turbo-jet aircraft operates, and 2.5% (1:40) for aerodromes where no turbo-
jet aircraft operates from the inner edge reckoned from the surface of the runway. The dimensions of the
isosceles trapezoidal are as shown on Table [Link]:

ii. A height clearance permit shall be first secured from the Air Transportation Office (ATO) before a
building permit may be issued for the construction of buildings/structures located: (a) Within 4-kilometer
radius of the runway ends of an aerodrome regardless of height; (b) From 4-kilometer to 24-kilometer
radius of the runway ends of an aerodrome where turbo-jet aircraft operate and exceeding 45.00 meters
in height above the elevation of the runway; and (c) From 4-kilometer to 10-kilometer radius of the
runway ends of an aerodrome where no turbo-jet aircraft operate and exceeding 45.00 meters in height
above the elevation of the runway.
Parking Slot, Parking Area and Loading/Unloading Space Requirements
a. The parking slot, parking area and loading/unloading space requirements listed hereafter are generally
the minimum off-street cum on-site requirements for specific uses/occupancies for buildings/structures,
i.e., all to be located outside of the road right-of-way (RROW).

b. The size of an average automobile (car) parking slot must be computed at 2.50 meters by 5.00 meters
for perpendicular or diagonal parking and at 2.15 meters by 6.00 meters for parallel parking. A
standard truck or bus parking/loading slot must be computed at a minimum of 3.60 meters by 12.00
meters. An articulated truck slot must be computed at a minimum of 3.60 meters by 18.00 meters
which should be sufficient to accommodate a 12.00 meters container van or bulk carrier and a
long/hooded prime mover. A jeepney or shuttle parking/loading/unloading slot must be computed at a
minimum of 3.00 meters by 9.00 meters. The parking slots shall be drawn to scale and the total number
of which shall be indicated on the plans and specified whether or not parking accommodations are
attendant managed.

c. The parking space ratings listed below are minimum off-street/off-RROW cum on-site requirements for
specific uses/occupancies for buildings/structures, i.e., all to be located outside of the road right-of-way
(RROW):

SECTION 708. Minimum Requirements for Group A Dwellings

1. Dwelling Location and Lot Occupancy - The dwelling shall occupy not more than 90% of a corner lot and 80% of
an inside lot, and subject to the provisions on Easements of Light and View of the Civil Code of Philippines, shall
be at least 2.00 meters from the property line.

2. Light and Ventilation - Every dwelling shall be so constructed and arranged as to provide adequate light and
ventilation as provided under Section 805 to Section 811 of the Code.

3. Sanitation- Every dwelling shall be provided with at least one sanitary toilet and adequate washing and drainage
facilities.

4. Foundation - Footings shall be of sufficient size and strength to support the load of the dwelling and shall be at
least 250 millimeters thick and 600 millimeters below the surface of the ground.

5. Post - The dimensions of wooden posts shall be those found in Table VII.5.: Dimensions of Wooden Posts. Each
post shall be anchored to such footing by straps and bolts of adequate size.

Logs or tree trunk suportales

may be used as post in
indigenous traditional type of
construction if these are of such
sizes and spacing as to sustain
vertical loading equivalent at least
to the loading capacities of the
posts and spacing in this Table.

6. Floor - The live load of the first floor shall be at least 200 kilograms per sq. meter and for the second floor, at
least 150 kilograms per sq. meter.

7. Roof - The wind load for roofs shall be at least 120 kilograms per sq. meter for vertical projection.

8. Stairs - Stairs shall be at least 750 millimeters in clear width, with a rise of 200 millimeters and a minimum run of
200 millimeters.

9. Entrance and Exit - There shall be at least one entrance and another one for exit.

10. Electrical Requirements - All electrical installations shall conform to the requirements of the Philippine Electrical
Code.

11. Mechanical Requirements - Mechanical systems and/or equipment installations shall be subject to the
requirements of the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Code.

SECTION 709. Requirements for Other Group Occupancies

Subject to the provisions of the Code, the Secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations for each of the other
Group Occupancies covering: allowable construction, height, and area; location on property, exit facilities, light and
ventilation, sanitation; enclosures of vertical openings; fire extinguishing systems; and special hazards.
 RULE VIII - LIGHT AND VENTILATION

SECTION 801. General Requirements of Light and Ventilation

1. Subject to the provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines on Easements of Light and View, and to the specific
provisions of the Code, every building shall be designed, constructed, and equipped to provide adequate light
and ventilation. (Refer to Guidelines on Easements, View Corridors/Sight Lines and Basements at the end of this
Rule).
2. All buildings shall face a street or public alley or a private street which has been duly approved. (Refer to
Guidelines on Streets/RROW and Sidewalks at the end of this Rule).
3. No building shall be altered nor arranged so as to reduce the size of any room or the relative area of windows
to less than that provided for buildings under this Rule, or to create an additional room, unless such additional
room conforms to the requirements of this Rule. 4. No building shall be enlarged so that the dimensions of the
required court or yard would be less than what is prescribed for such building lot.

SECTION 802. Measurement of Site Occupancy

1. The measurement of site occupancy or lot occupancy shall be taken at the ground level and shall be exclusive
of courts, yards, and light wells.
2. Courts, yards, and light wells shall be measured clear of all projections from the walls enclosing such wells or
yards with the exception of roof leaders, wall copings, sills, or steel fire escapes not exceeding 1.20 meters in
width.

SECTION 803. Percentage of Site Occupancy

1. The measurement of the percentage (%) of site occupancy (or lot occupancy) shall be taken at the ground level
and shall be exclusive of courts, yards and light wells. Courts, yards, and light wells shall be measured clear of all
projections from the walls enclosing such wells or yards with the exception of roof leaders, wall copings, sills, or
steel fire escapes not exceeding 1.20 meters in width.
2. In case of proposed additional construction on a lot on which another building/structure already stands, the
Percentage of Site Occupancy (PSO) arising out of such existing buildings/structures must be included in the
computation of the PSO for the Total Lot Area (TLA). In case of discrepancy between the specified Maximum
Allowable PSO and the other light and ventilation provisions under this Rule, the resulting lesser
building/structure footprint or gross floor area at the ground floor (or at grade level) must prevail.
3. Maximum site occupancy shall be governed by use, type of construction, and height of the building and the use,
area, nature and location of the site; and subject to the provisions of the local zoning requirements and in
accordance with the following types of open spaces:
a. Public open spaces – streets, alleys, easements of sea/lakeshores, rivers, creeks, esteros, railroad tracks,
parks/plazas, playgrounds, and the like.
b. Total Open Spaces within Lot (TOSL) – courts, yards, gardens, light wells, uncovered driveways, access
roads and parking spaces consisting of two (2) types:
i. Paved or tiled (hardscaped areas); sub-classification of open space shall fall under Maximum
Allowable Impervious Surface Areas (ISA) within the Total Lot Area (TLA); and
ii. Unpaved areas within the lot that are with exposed soil and planted (softscaped), i.e., the
Unpaved Surface Areas (USA); this sub-classification is the true open space.

4. The following Table illustrates the manner in determining the Maximum Allowable Percentage of Site Occupancy
(PSO), Maximum Allowable Impervious Surface Area (ISA), Maximum Allowable Construction Area (MACA),
Minimum Unpaved Surface Area (USA), and the Total Open Space within Lot (TOSL) with reference to Type of
Land Use Zoning per Lot.
5. Minimum Requirements for Total Open Spaces within Lot (TOSL)

a. Total Open Spaces within Lot (TOSL) are portions of the Total Lot Area (TLA) not occupied by the
Maximum Allowable PSO. The TOSL may consist of either the Maximum Allowable ISA (hardscaped
areas) or the USA (exposed and planted/softscape soil) or may also be the combination of both types of
open spaces. (Figure VIII.1.)

b. Group A buildings or Residential 1 (R-1) uses/occupancies shall follow the minimum yard standards in
Table VIII.2. to comply with the TOSL requirement.
c. Abutments for Basic Uses/Occupancies forming part of new developments shall be basically similar to
the restrictions prescribed for firewalls under Rule VII, to wit:
i. Absolutely no abutments are allowed at any property line for any R-1 lot type/location.
ii. Abutments shall be allowed on only one (1) side for any R-2 lot type/location. There shall be no
firewalls/abutments on the front and rear property lines for any R-2 lot type/ location.
iii. Abutments shall be allowed on two (2) sides only or on one (1) side and the rear property line/
boundary for any R-3 lot type/location. There shall be no abutments on the front property line
for any R-3 lot type/location.
iv. Abutments shall be allowed on two (2) sides only for any R-4 lot type/location. There shall be no
firewalls/abutments on the front and rear property line for any R-4 lot type/location.
v. Abutments shall be allowed on two (2) sides only or on one (1) side and the rear property
line/boundary for any R-5 lot type/location. There shall be no abutments on the front property
line for any R-5 lot type/location.
vi. Abutments shall be allowed on two (2) sides only or on one (1) side and the rear property
line/boundary for any C-3 lot type/location. There shall be no abutments on the front property
line for any C-3 lot type/location.
d. Lot Type/Location Only seven (7) types of lots and their respective locations are described under this
Rule. (Figures VIII.2. through VIII.8.)
 e. Variance - When the lots as described in Figures VIII.2. through VIII.8. are too narrow or too shallow such
that the public open space, e.g., RROW, alley or the like on which they abut can adequately supply light
and ventilation to every room therein subject to the requirements on window opening, the requirements
on the minimum Total Open Space within Lot (TOSL) above may be waived (Figures VIII.9. through
VIII.11.), provided however, that for lots abutting on only one (1) public open space, the depth of the
open space to be provided shall not be more than 8.00 meters; and for those lots abutting two (2) or
more public open spaces, the depth of the open space to be provided shall not be more than 12.00
meters.

SECTION 804. Sizes and Dimensions of Courts

1. Minimum sizes of courts and yards and their least dimensions shall be governed by the use, type of construction,
and height of the building as provided hereunder, provided that the minimum horizontal dimension of said
courts and yards shall be not less than 2.00 meters. All inner courts shall be connected to a street or yard, either
by a passageway with a minimum width of 1.20 meters or by a door through a room or rooms.
2. The required open space shall be located totally or distributed anywhere within the lot in such a manner as to
provide maximum light and ventilation into the building. (Figures VIII.12. through VIII.15.)

FIG: REQUIRED OPEN SPACE LOCATION

Note: a – OPEN SPACE; b – ALTERNATE LOCATION

3. YARD – the required open space left between the outermost face of the building/structure and the property
lines, e.g., front, rear, right and left side yards. The width of the yard is the setback. Yards prescribed for
Commercial, Industrial, Institutional and Recreational Buildings are shown in Table VIII.3. hereafter.
4. The setback requirements in Table VIII.3. above are for newly-developed thoroughfares. For highly built-up urban
areas with duly established lines and grades reflecting therein proposed road widening and elevation, the
requirements in Table VIII.3. above may not be imposed and the face of the building may abut on the side and/or
rear property lines provided that all the requirements on open space, window opening, artificial ventilation, if
any, and firewalls (Rule VII) are first fully complied with.

5. Every court shall have a width of not less than 2.00 meters for one (1) or two (2) storey buildings. However, if the
court is treated as a yard or vice versa, this may be reduced to not less than 1.50 meters in cluster living units
such as quadruplexes, rowhouses and the like, with adjacent courts with an area of not less than 3.00 sq. meters.
Provided further, that the separation walls or fences, if any, shall not be higher than 2.00 meters. Irregularly–
shaped lots such as triangular lots and the like, whose courts may be also triangular in shape may be exempted
from having a minimum width of not less than what is required in Table VIII.3. and as shown in Figures VIII.16.,
VIII.17., VIII.18. and VIII.19.
6. For buildings of more than two (2) storeys in height, the minimum width of the rear or side court shall be
increased at the rate of 300 millimeters for each additional storey up to the fourteenth (14th) storey (Figure
VIII.20. showing incremental setbacks). For buildings exceeding fourteen (14) storeys in height, the required
width of the court shall be computed on the basis of fourteen (14) storeys.

7. Uncovered Driveways, Access Roads and Parking Spaces may be

considered part of the open space provided that they are open and
unobstructed from the ground upward as in courts and yards.

8. A carport shall not be considered part of the Total Open Space within Lot
(TOSL) particularly if it is entirely roofed or roofed with overhangs. In such
a case, it must be counted as an integral component of the Allowable
Maximum Building Footprint (AMBF).

9. A front yard may be partly paved/hardscaped (converted into a

courtyard) to serve as a carport but only for a basic R-2 or basic R-3 or R-
4 (individual lot) use or occupancy, i.e., all for single-family dwelling units
only. All other uses/occupancies shall not be allowed to use the front yard
for a carport nor for parking.

10. For Basic R-3, abutments on two sides and rear property lines may be
allowed provided the following requirements are first complied with:
a. Open space as prescribed in Reference Table for Maximum PSO,
TOSL, and Table VIII.2. of this Rule are satisfied.
b. Window opening as prescribed in Section 808 of this Rule are
satisfied.
c. Firewall with a minimum of two-hour fire-resistive rating
constructed with a minimum height clearance of 400 millimeters
above the roof. (Figure VIII.21)

1. In case of conflict in the provisions on lighting and ventilation under this

Rule or under the Code, the more stringent restrictions must prevail.
SECTION 805. Ceiling Heights

1. Habitable rooms provided with artificial ventilation shall have ceiling heights not less than 2.40 meters
measured from the floor to the ceiling; provided that for buildings of more than one (1) storey, the minimum
ceiling height of the first storey shall be 2.70 meters and that for the second story 2.40 meters and the
succeeding stories shall have an unobstructed typical head-room clearance of not less than 2.10 meters above
the finished floor. Above-stated rooms with natural ventilation shall have ceiling heights of not less than 2.70
meters.

2. Mezzanine floors shall have a clear ceiling height not less than 1.80 meters above and below it.

SECTION 806. Sizes and Dimensions of Rooms

1. Minimum sizes of rooms and their least horizontal dimensions shall be as follows:
a. Rooms for Human Habitations – 6.00 sq. meters with a least dimension of 2.00 meters;
b. Kitchen – 3.00 sq. meters with a least dimension of 1.50 meters; and
c. Bath and toilet – 1.20 sq. meters with a least dimension of 900 millimeters.

SECTION 807. Air Space Requirements in Determining the Size of Rooms

1. Minimum air space shall be provided as follows:

a. School Rooms – 3.00 cu. meters with 1.00 sq. meter of floor area per person;
b. Workshop, Factories, and Offices – 12.00 cu. meters of air space per person; and
c. Habitable Rooms – 14.00 cu. meters of air space per person.

SECTION 808. Window Openings

1. Rooms intended for any use, not provided with artificial ventilation system, shall be provided with a window or
windows with a total free area of openings equal to at least 10% of the floor area of the room, provided that
such opening shall be not less than 1.00 sq. meter. However, toilet and bathrooms, laundry rooms and similar
rooms shall be provided with window or windows with an area not less than 1/20 of the floor area of such rooms,
provided that such opening shall not be less than 240 sq. millimeters. Such window or windows shall open
directly to a court, yard, public street or alley, or open watercourse.

2. Required windows may open into a roofed porch where the porch:
a. Abuts a court, yard, public street or alley, or open watercourse and other public open spaces;
b. Has a ceiling height of not less than 2.70 meters;
c. Has one of the longer sides at least 65% open and unobstructed.

3. Eaves, canopies, awnings (or media agua) over required windows shall not be less than 750 millimeters from the
side and rear property lines.

4. There shall absolutely be no openings on/at/within/through all types of abutments (such as firewalls) erected
along property lines except for permitted vent wells. This Rule strictly applies to all new and existing
developments.

5. In locating window openings it should be borne in mind that in cases of extreme emergencies windows must
serve as emergency egress to vacate the premises or access for rescue operations. Such windows shall meet the
following requirements:

a. They can be opened from the inside without the use of any tools;
b. the minimum clear opening shall have a width not less than 820 millimeters and a height of 1 meter;
c. The bottom of the opening should not be more than 820 millimeters from the floor;
d. Where storm shutters, screens or iron grilles are used, these shall be provided with quick opening
mechanism so that they can be readily opened from the inside for emergency egress and shall be so
designed that when opened they will not drop to the ground.
e. All areas immediately outside a fire exit window/grille must be free of obstacles and must lead to a direct
access down into the ground or street level.

SECTION 809. Vent Shafts

1. Ventilation or vent shafts shall have a horizontal cross-sectional area of not less than 1.00 sq. meter for every
meter of height of shaft but in no case shall the area be less than 1.00 sq. meter. No vent shaft shall have its least
dimension less than 600 millimeters.
2. Unless open to the outer air at the top for its full area, vent shafts shall be covered by a skylight having a net free
area or fixed louver openings equal to the maximum required shaft area.
3. Air ducts shall open to a street or court by a horizontal duct or intake. Such duct or intake shall have a minimum
unobstructed cross-sectional area of not less than 0.30 sq. meter with a minimum dimension of 300 millimeters.
The openings to the duct or intake shall be not less than 300 millimeters above the street surface or level of
court.
SECTION 811. Artificial Ventilation
1. Rooms or spaces housing industrial or heating equipment shall be provided with artificial means of ventilation
to prevent excessive accumulation of hot and/or polluted air.
2. Whenever artificial ventilation is required, the equipment shall be designed to meet the following minimum
requirements in air changes as shown in Table VIII.4. hereafter.

3. For other rooms or spaces not specifically covered under this Section, see applicable provisions of the pertinent
referral code/s.

EXCEPTION:

1. Variances, exception or deviations from the provision of light and ventilation may be allowed only when the
following term and conditions are fully complied with:
a. In case of variances When the property is unique and different from other properties and because of its
uniqueness such the owner cannot comply with the open space requirements, variances shall be applied
to relax the application of the following provisions:
i. setback;
ii. ventilation and window opening requirements;
iii. percentage of site occupancy;
iv. floor area ratio;
v. v. building height limit (BHL).
At least two (2) conditions must be satisfied for exception to be granted.

b. In case of exceptions
i. The exception must not adversely affect public health, safety and welfare and must be in keeping
with the general pattern of development in the community.
ii. The exception must not alter the essential character of the district where the exception sought
is located, and will be in harmony with the general purpose of this IRR.

RULE IX – SANITATION

SECTION 901. General Requirements

Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Civil Code of the Philippines on Property, Ownership, and its
Modification, all buildings hereafter erected, altered, remodeled, relocated or repaired for human habitation shall be
provided with adequate and potable water supply, plumbing installation, and suitable wastewater treatment or disposal
system, storm water drainage, pest and vermin control, noise abatement device, and such other measures required for
the protection and promotion of health of persons occupying the premises and others living nearby.
SECTION 902. Water Supply System

1. Whenever available, the potable water requirements for a building used for human habitation shall be supplied
from existing municipal or city waterworks system.

2. The quality of drinking water from meteoric, surface or underground sources shall conform to the criteria set in
the latest approved National Standards for Drinking Water Standards.

3. The design, construction and operation of deepwells for the abstraction of groundwater shall be subject to the
provisions of the Water Code of the Philippines (PD 1067).

4. The design, construction and operation of independent waterwork systems of private housing subdivisions or
industrial estates shall be governed by existing laws relating to local waterworks system.

5. The water piping installation for water supply and distribution to each fixture including the wastewater drainage
with proper venting inside building and premises, shall conform to the provision of the Revised National
Plumbing Code of the Philippines.

SECTION 903. Wastewater Disposal System

1. Sanitary sewage from buildings and neutralized or pre-treated industrial wastewater shall be discharged directly
into the nearest street sanitary sewer main of existing municipal or city sanitary sewerage system in accordance
with the criteria set by the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines and the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR).

2. All buildings located in areas where there are no available sanitary sewerage system shall dispose their sewage
to “Imhoff” or septic tank and subsurface absorption field or to a suitable waste water treatment plant or disposal
system in accordance with the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines and the Revised National Plumbing Code
of the Philippines.

3. Sanitary and industrial plumbing installations inside buildings and premises shall conform to the provisions of
the Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines.

SECTION 904. Storm Drainage System

1. Rainwater drainage shall not discharge to the sanitary sewer system.

2. Adequate provisions shall be made to drain rainwater from low areas in buildings and their premises.
3. The drainage pipe installation and sewerage system of any premises and/or connection with any public disposal
or any acceptable terminal shall conform to the Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines.

SECTION 905. Pest and Vermin Control

1. All buildings with hollow and/or wood construction shall be provided with rat-proofing.
2. Garbage bins and receptacles shall be provided with ready means for cleaning and with positive protection
against entry of pests and vermin.
3. Dining rooms for public use without artificial ventilation shall be properly screened.

SECTION 906. Noise Pollution Control

1. Industrial establishments shall be provided with positive noise abatement devices to tone down the noise level
of equipment and machineries to acceptable limits set down by the Department of Labor and Employment and
the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
2. Noise as an unwanted sound both in quality and intensity and excessive vibration whose sources in
building/structure construction shall conform to acceptable limits the required emission standards of DENR.

SECTION 907. Pipes Materials

All pipe materials to be used in buildings/structures shall conform to the standard specifications of the Bureau
of Product Standards (BPS) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
 RULE X - BUILDING PROJECTION OVER PUBLIC STREET

SECTION 1001. General Requirements

1. No part of any building or structure or any of its appendages, shall project beyond the building line except as
provided herein.

2. The projection of any structure or appendage over a public property shall be the distance measured horizontally
from the property line to the outermost point of the projection.
SECTION 1002. Projection into Alleys or Streets

1. No part of any structure or its appendage shall project into any alley or street, national road or public highway
except as provided in the Code.

2. Footings located at least 2.40 meters below grade along national roads or public highway may project not more
than 300 millimeters beyond the property line provided that said projection shall not obstruct any existing
utilities/services such as power, water, sewer, gas, communication, and drainage lines, etc, unless the owner
concerned shall pay the corresponding entities for the rerouting of the parts of the affected utilities.

3. Foundations may be permitted to encroach into public sidewalk areas to a width not exceeding 500 millimeters;
provided that the top of the said foundation is not less than 600 millimeters below the established grade; and
provided further, that said projection shall not obstruct any existing utilities/services such as power, water, sewer,
gas, communication and drainage lines, etc., unless the owner concerned shall pay the corresponding entities
for the rerouting of the parts of the affected utilities.

SECTION 1003. Projection of Balconies and Appendages Over Streets

1. The extent of any projection over an alley or street shall be uniform within a block and shall conform to the
limitations set forth in Table X.1. as shown below:

2. The clearance between the established grade of the street and/ or sidewalk and the lowest under surface of any
part of the balcony shall not be less than 3.00 meters.
3. In case the projection is a neon sign and the like, the same shall be in accordance with Rule XX – Signs.

SECTION 1004. Arcades

1. Whenever required by existing building and zoning regulations, arcades shall be constructed on sidewalks of
streets. The width of the arcade and its height shall be uniform throughout the street provided that in no case,
shall an arcade be less than 3.00 meters above the established sidewalk grade. (Fig. X.1.)
2. Arcaded pedestrian walkways shall have a clear height of 3.00 meters. (Fig. X.1.)
3. Driveways crossing arcaded pedestrian walkways shall be at the same level with that of the arcades for the safety
of the pedestrians. (Fig. X.2.)

SECTION 1005. Canopies (Marquees)

a. Definition – a permanent roofed structure above a door attached to and supported by the building and
projecting over a wall or sidewalk
b. Projection & Clearance – outermost edge of the marquee and the curb line shall be not < 300mm, vertical
clearance bet pavement or GL & undersurface of marquee shall not < 3.00m
c. Construction – incombustible materials not < 2 hrs fire-resistive

SECTION 1006. Movable Awnings or Hoods

a. Definition – a movable shelter supported from an exterior wall of a bldg. w/c can be retracted, folded, collapsed
against the face of a supporting bldg.
b. Clearance
Awning to curb line – not < 300mm
Vertical Clearance (undermost surface of the awning or GL) – not < 2.40m

SECTION 1007. Doors, Windows

-not < 2.40m above pavement or GL shall not, when fully opened, project beyond PL except fire exit doors

SECTION 1008. Corner Bldgs. with Chaflans

a. Public Street or alley < 3.60m in width shall be truncated at the corner ―Chaflan
b. If arcaded bldg, no chaflan reqtd notwithstanding the width of public street, < 12.00m
 RULE XI - PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS DURING CONSTRUCTION OR DEMOLITION
SECTION 1105. Walkway
a. Temporary walkway – 1.20m wide (during construction
b. Capable of supporting a uniform live load of 650 kg per sq.m

SECTION 1106. Pedestrian Protection

a. Railings – street side of the sidewalk – at least 1m in height
b. Fences – not < 2.40m above grade
c. Canopies – 2.40m above the railway, live load 600 kg per sq.m.

SECTION 1107. Maintenance and Removal of Protective Devices

a. Removal – protective fence or canopy shall be removed 30 days after protection no longer required.

RULE XII - GENERAL DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 1201. General Requirements

1. Buildings proposed for construction shall comply with all the regulations and specifications including safety
standards embodied in the Administrative Order of DOLE herein set forth governing quality, characteristics and
properties of materials, methods of design and construction, type of occupancy and classification.

2. The various applicable referral codes shall supplementally guide the planning, design, layout, content,
construction, location/siting, installation and maintenance of all buildings/structures.

3. For the guidance of the general public, the Secretary shall periodically issue generic lists of approved, strictly
regulated or banned items, procedures, usages and the like relative to the design, construction and
use/occupancy of buildings/structures:
1. Materials for construction;
2. Processes for the production of materials, their installation or construction;
3. Procedures/methodologies/systems for both design and construction;
4. Organizational structures/hierarchies for construction;
5. Types of occupancy; and
6. Classifications relative to design, construction and occupancy.

4. All buildings/structures shall be placed in or upon private property or duly designated public land and shall be
securely constructed in conformance with the requirements of the Code.

SECTION 1202. Excavation, Foundation, and Retaining Walls

1. Excavation and Fills
- Excavation & fills must be done safely.
- Excavation made on public property - restored immediately to its former conditions w/in 48 hrs.
- Excavations must not disturb the public utilities within excavation area
- Cut slopes for permanent excavations shall not be steeper than two (2) horizontal to one (1) vertical
and slopes for permanent fills shall not be steeper than two (2) horizontal to one (1) vertical. Deviation
from the foregoing limitations for slopes shall be permitted only upon the presentation of a
geotechnical/geological investigation report acceptable to the Building Official.
2. Footing, Foundation and Retaining Walls
- Footings and foundations shall be of the appropriate type, of adequate size, and capacity in order to
safely sustain the superimposed loads under seismic or any condition of external forces that may affect
the safety or stability of the structure. It shall be the responsibility of the architect and/or engineer to
adopt the type and design of the same in accordance with the standards set forth by the Secretary.

SECTION 1203. Veneer

a. Definition – nonstructural facing brick, concrete, tile, metal, etc. attached at the backing or structural
components for the purpose of ornamentation.

SECTION 1204. Enclosure of Vertical Openings

a. Elevator Enclosures
- Escalator – draft curtain – at least 200mm on all sides
- Automatic Sprinklers – provided around perimeter of the opening w/in 600mm of draft curtain.
- Distance bet sprinklers - max of 1.80 center to center

b. Other Vertical Openings

- All shafts, ducts, chutes, and other vertical openings not covered in paragraph above shall have enclosing
walls conforming to the requirements specified under the type of construction of the building in which they
are located.
SECTION 1205. Floor Construction

1. Floors shall be of such materials and construction as specified under Rule V - Fire Zones and Fire-Resistive
Standards and under Rule IV - Types of Construction.
2. All floors shall be so framed and secured into the framework and supporting walls as to form an integral part of
the whole building.
3. The types of floor construction used shall provide means to keep the beam and girders from lateral buckling.

SECTION 1206. Roof Construction and Covering

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

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

3. Attics
a. Access – not < 600mm sq. or in diameter, min clear headroom of 800mm
b. Area Separation – enclosed attic space of combustible construction shall be divided into horizontal
area max of 250 sq.m. area, 750 sq.m. in area for attic with Fire-extinguishing system.

4. Roof Drainage System

a. Roof Drains. Roof drains shall be installed at low points of the roof and shall be adequate in size to
discharge all tributary waters.
b. Overflow Drains and Scuppers. Where roof drains are required, adequate overflow drains shall be
provided.
c. Concealed Piping. Roof drains and overflows drains, when concealed within the construction of the
building, shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of the National Plumbing Code.
d. Over Public Property. Roof drainage water from a building shall not be permitted to flow over public
property, except for Group A and J Occupancies.

5. Flashing.
Flashing and counterflashing shall be provided at the juncture of the roof and vertical surfaces.

SECTION 1207. Stairs, Exits, and Occupant Loads

1. General. The construction of stairs and exits shall conform to the occupant load requirements of buildings,
reviewing stands, bleachers, and grandstands.
a. Determination of Occupant Loads.
The occupant load permitted in any building or portion thereof shall be determined by dividing
the floor area assigned to that use by the unit area allowed per occupant as shown on Table XII.1. and as
determined by the Secretary.

i. When the unit area per occupant for any particular occupancy is not provided for in Table XII.1.,
the Building Official shall determine the same based on the unit area for occupancy, which it
most nearly resembles.

ii. The occupant load of any area having fixed seats shall be determined by the number of fixed
seats installed. Aisles serving the fixed seats in said area shall be included in determining the
occupant load.

iii. The occupant load permitted in a building or portion thereof may be increased above that
specified in Table XIII.1. if the necessary exits are provided.

iv. In determining the occupant load, all portions of a building shall be presumed to be occupied
at the same time.

b. Exit Requirements. Exist requirements of a building or portion thereof used for different purposes shall
be determined by the occupant load which gives the largest number of persons. No obstruction shall
be placed in the required width of an exit except projections permitted by the Code.
 c. Posting of Room Capacity. Any room having an occupant load of more than fifty (50) where fixed seats
are not installed, and which is used for classroom, assembly, or similar purpose shall have the capacity
of the room posted in a conspicuous place near the main exit from the room.

d. Changes in Elevation. Except in Group A Occupancies, changes in floor elevations of less than 300
millimeters along any exit serving a tributary occupant load of ten (10) or more shall be by means of
ramp.

2. Exits
a. Number of Exits. Every building or usable portion thereof shall have at least one (1) exit. In all
occupancies, floors above the first storey having an occupant load of more than ten (10) shall not have
less than two (2) exits. Each mezzanine floor used for other than storage purposes, if greater in area
than 185 sq. meters or more than 18.00 meters in any dimension, shall have at least two (2) stairways
to an adjacent floor. Every storey or portion thereof, having an occupant load of 500 to 999 shall have
at least three (3) exits. Every storey or portion thereof having an occupant load of one thousand (1000)
or more shall have at least four (4) exits. The number of exits required from any storey of a building
shall be determined by using the occupant loads of floors which exit through the level under
consideration as follows: 50% of the occupant load in the first adjacent storey above (and the first
adjacent storey below, when a storey below exits through the level under consideration) and 25% of the
occupant load in the storey immediately beyond the first adjacent storey. The maximum number of exits
required for any storey shall be maintained until egress is provided from the structures. For purposes of
this Section basement or cellars and occupied roofs shall be provided with exits as required for storeys.
Floors above the second storey, basements and cellars used for other than service of the building shall
have not less than two (2) exits.

b. Width. The total width of exits in meters shall not be less than the total occupant load served divided by
one hundred sixty five (165). Such width of exits shall be divided approximately equally among the
separate exits. The total exit width required from any storey of a building shall be determined by using
the occupant load of that storey plus the percentage of the occupant loads of floors which exits through
the level under consideration as follows: 50% of the occupant load in the first adjacent storey above (and
the first adjacent storey below when a storey below exits through the level under consideration) and 25%
of the occupant load in the storey immediately beyond the first adjacent storey. The maximum exit width
from any storey of a building shall be maintained.

c. Arrangement of Exits. If only two (2) exits are required, they shall be placed a distance apart to not less
than one-fifth (1/5) of the perimeter of the area served measured in a straight line between exits. Where
three (3) or more exits are required, they shall be arranged a reasonable distance apart so that if one
becomes blocked, the others will be available.
 d. Distance to Exits. No point in a building without a sprinkler system shall be more than 45.00 meters
from an exterior exit door, a horizontal exit, exit passageway, or an enclosed stairway, measured along
the line of travel. In a building equipped with a complete automatic fire extinguishing system, the
distance from exits may be increased to 60.00 meters.

3. Doors. The provisions herein shall apply to every exit door serving an area having an occupant load of more than
ten (10), or serving hazardous rooms or areas.

a. Swing. Exit door shall swing in the direction of exit travel when serving any hazardous areas or when
serving an occupant load of fifty (50) or more. Double acting doors shall not be used as exits serving a
tributary occupant load of more than one hundred (100); nor shall they be used as a part of fire assembly,
nor equipped with panic hardware. A double acting door shall be provided with a view panel of not less
than 1,300 sq. centimeters.

b. Type of Lock or Latch. Exit door shall be openable from the inside without the use of a key or any special
knowledge or effort: Except, that this requirement shall not apply to exterior exit doors in a Group E or
F Occupancy if there is a conspicuous, readily visible and durable sign on or adjacent to the door, stating
that the door is to remain unlocked during business hours. The locking device must be of a type that will
readily be distinguishable as locked. Flush bolts or surface bolts are prohibited.

c. Width and Height. Every required exit doorway shall be of a size as to permit the installation of a door
not less than 900 millimeters in width and not less than 2.00 meters in height . When installed in exit
doorways, exit doors shall be capable of opening at least 90 degrees and shall be so mounted that the
clear width of the exitway is not less than 700 millimeters. In computing the required exit width the net
dimension of the exitway shall be used.

d. Door Leaf Width. No leaf of an exit door shall exceed 1.20 meters in width.

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

f. Egress from Door. Every required exit door shall give immediate access to an approved means of egress
from the building.

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

h. Door Identification. Glass doors shall conform to the requirements in Section 1802. Other exit doors shall
be so marked that they are readily distinguishable from the adjacent construction. 136 74

i. Additional Doors. When additional doors are provided for egress purposes, they shall conform to all
provisions in the following cases: Approved revolving doors having leaves which will collapse under
opposing pressures may be used in exit situations; provided; that such doors have a minimum width of
2.00 meters or they are not used in occupancies where exits are required to be equipped with panic
hardware or at least one conforming exit door is located adjacent to each revolving doors installed in a
building and the revolving door shall not be considered to provide any exit width.

4. Corridors and Exterior Exit Balconies. The provisions herein shall apply to every corridor and exterior exit balcony
serving as a required exit for an occupant load of more than ten (10).

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

b. Projections. The required width of corridors and exterior exit balconies shall be unobstructed. Except,
that trim handrails, and doors when fully opened shall not reduce the required width by more than 200
millimeters. Doors in any position shall not reduce the required width of the corridor by more than one-
half (1/2).

c. Access to Exits. When more than one (1) exit is required, they shall be so arranged to allow going to
either direction from any point in the corridor or exterior exit balcony to a separate exit, except for dead
ends permitted by the Code.

d. Dead Ends. Corridors and exterior exit balconies with dead ends are permitted when the dead end does
not exceed 6.00 meters in length.

e. Construction. Walls and ceilings of corridors shall not be less than one-hour fire resistive construction.
Provided, that this requirement shall not apply to exterior exit balconies, railings, and corridors of one-
 storey building housing a Group E and F Occupancy occupied by one (1) tenant only and which serves
an occupant load of thirty (30) or less, nor to corridors, formed by temporary partitions. Exterior exit
balconies shall not project into an area where protected openings are required.

f. Openings. Where corridor wall are required to be one-hour fire-resistive construction, every interior door
opening shall be protected as set forth in generally recognized and accepted requirements for dual-
purpose fire exit doors. Other interior openings except ventilation louvers equipped with approved
automatic fire shutters shall be 7 millimeters thick fixed wire glass set in steel frames. The total area of all
openings other than doors, in any portion of an interior corridor wall shall not exceed 25% of the area
of the corridor wall of the room being separated from the corridor.

5. Stairways. Except stairs or ladders used only to access equipment, every stairway serving any building or portion
thereof shall conform to the following requirements:

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

b. Rise and Run. The rise of every step in a stairway shall not exceed 200 millimeters and the run shall not
be less than 250 millimeters. The maximum variations in the height of risers and the width of treads in
any one flight shall be 5 millimeters: Except, in case of private stairways serving an occupant load of less
than ten (10), the rise may be 200 millimeters and the run may be 250 millimeters, except as provided
in sub-paragraph (c) below.

c. Winding Stairways. In Group A Occupancy and in private stairways in Group B Occupancies, winders
may be used if the required width of run is provided at a point not more than 300 millimeters from the
side of the stairway where the treads are narrower but in no case shall any width of run be less than 150
millimeters at any point.

d. Circular Stairways. Circular stairs may be used as an exit provided the minimum width of run is not less
than 250 millimeters. All treads in any one flight between landings shall have identical dimensions
within a 5 millimeters tolerance.

e. Landings. Every landing shall have a dimension measured in the direction of travel equal to the width of
the stairway. Such dimension need not exceed 1.20 meters when the stairs has a straight run. Landings
when provided shall not be reduced in width by more than 100 millimeters by a door when fully open.

f. Basement Stairways. Where a basement stairway and a stairway to an upper storey terminate in the same
exit enclosure, an approved barrier shall be provided to prevent persons from continuing on to the
basements. Directional exit signs shall be provided as specified in the Code.

g. Distance Between Landings. There shall be not more than 3.60 meters vertical distance between
landings.

h. Handrails. Stairways shall have handrails on each side and every stairway required to be more than 3.00
meters in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate handrail for each 3.00 meters of
required width. Intermediate handrails shall be spaced approximately equal within the entire width of
the stairway. Handrails shall be placed not less than 800 millimeters nor more than 900 millimeters
above the nosing of treads, and ends of handrails shall be returned or shall terminate in newel posts or
safety terminals: Except, in the following cases: Stairways 1.10 meters or less in width and stairways
serving one (1) individual dwelling unit in Group A or B Occupancies may have one handrail, except that
such stairway, open on one or both, sides shall have handrails provided on the open side or sides: or
stairways having less than four (4) risers need not have handrails.

i. Exterior Stairway Protection. All openings in the exterior wall below or within 3.00 meters, measured
horizontally, of an exterior exit stairway serving a building over two storeys in height shall be protected
by a self-closing fire assembly having a three-fourth - hour fire-resistive rating; Except, that openings may
be unprotected when two separated exterior stairways serve an exterior exit balcony.

j. Stairway Construction

i. Stairway Construction - Interior. Interior stairways shall be constructed as specified in this Code.
Where there is enclosed usable space under the stairs the walls and soffits of the enclosed space
shall be protected on the enclosed side as required for one-hour fire resistive construction.

ii. Stairway Construction - Exterior. Exterior stairways shall be of incombustible material: Except,
that on Type III buildings which do not exceed two storeys in height, which are located in less
 fire-restrictive Fire Zones, as well as on Type I buildings which may be of wood not less than 50
millimeters in nominal thickness. Exterior stairs shall be protected as required for exterior walls
due to location on property as specified in the Code. Exterior stairways shall not project into an
area where openings are required to be protected. Where there is enclosed usable space under
stairs, the walls and soffits of the enclosed space shall be protected on the enclosed side as
required for one-hour fire-resistive construction.

k. Stairway to Roof. In every building four (4) or more storeys in height, one (1) stairway shall extend to the
roof unless the roof has a slope greater than 1 in 3.

l. Headroom. Every required stairway shall have a headroom clearance of not less than 2.00 meters. Such
clearance shall be established by measuring vertically from a plane parallel and tangent to the stairway
tread nosing to the soffit above all points.

6. Ramps. A ramp conforming to the provisions of the Code may be used as an exit. The width of ramps shall be as
required for corridors.

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

8. Exit Enclosure. Every interior stairway, ramp, or escalator shall be enclosed as specified in the Code; Except, that
in other than Group D Occupancies, an enclosure will not be required for stairway, ramp, or escalator serving
only one adjacent floor and not connected with corridors or stairways serving other floors. Stairs in Group A
Occupancies need not be enclosed.

a. Enclosure walls shall not be less than two-hour fire-resistive construction. There shall be no openings
into exit enclosures except exit doorways and openings in exterior walls. All exit doors in an exit
enclosure shall be appropriately protected.

b. Stairway and ramp enclosures shall include landings and parts of floors connecting stairway flights and
shall include a corridor on the ground floor leading from the stairway to the exterior of the building.
Enclosed corridors or passageways are not required for unenclosed stairways.

c. A stairway in an exit enclosure shall not continue below the grade level exit unless an approved barrier
is provided at the ground floor level to prevent persons from accidentally continuing into the basement.

d. There shall be no enclosed usable space under stairways in an exit enclosure, nor shall the open space
under such stairways be used for any purpose.

9. Smokeproof Enclosures

A smokeproof enclosure shall consist of a vestibule and a continuous stairway enclosed from the highest
point to the lowest point by walls of two-hour fire-resistive construction. In buildings five (5) storeys or more in
height, one of the required exits shall be a smokeproof enclosure.

a. Stairs in smokeproof enclosures shall be of incombustible construction.

b. There shall be no openings in smokeproof enclosures, except exit doorways and openings in exterior
walls. There shall be no openings directly into the interior of the building. Access shall be through a
vestibule with one (1) wall at least 50% open to the exterior and having an exit door from the interior of
the building and an exit door leadingto the smokeproof enclosure. In lieu of a vestibule, access may be
by way of an open exterior balcony of incombustible materials.

c. The opening from the building to the vestibule or balcony shall be protected with a self closing fire
assembly having one-hour fire-resistive rating. The opening from the vestibule or balcony to the stair
tower shall be protected by a self-closing fire assembly having a one-hour fire-resistive rating.

d. A smokeproof enclosure shall exit into a public way or into an exit passageway leading to a public way.
The exit passageway shall be without other openings and shall have walls, floors, and ceilings of two-
hour fire-resistance.

e. A stairway in a smokeproof enclosure shall not continue below the grade level exit unless an approved
barrier is provided at a ground floor level to prevent persons from accidentally walking into the
basement.
10. Exit Outlets, Courts, and Passageways
Every exit shall discharge into a public way, exit court, or exit passageway. Every exit court shall discharge
into a public way or an exit passageway. Passageways shall be without openings other than required exits and
shall have walls, floors, and ceilings of the same period of fire-resistance as the walls, floors and ceilings of the
building but shall not be less than one-hour fire-resistive construction.

a. Width
Every exit court and exit passageways shall be at least as wide as the required total width of the
tributary exits, such required width being based on the occupant load served. The required width of exit
courts or exit passageways shall be unobstructed except as permitted in corridors. At any point where
the width of an exit court is reduced from any cause, the reduction in width shall be affected gradually
by a guardrail at least 900 millimeters in height. The guardrail shall make an angle of not more than
30º with the axis of the exit court.

b. Slope
The slope of exit courts shall not exceed 1 in 10. The slope of exit passageway shall not exceed
1 in 8.

c. Number of Exits
Every exit court shall be provided with exits as required in the Code.

d. Openings

All openings into an exit court less than 3.00 meters wide shall be protected by fire assemblies
having not less than three-fourth - hour fire-resistive rating. Except, that openings more than 3.00 meters
above the floor of the exit court may be unprotected.

11. Exit Signs and Illuminations.

Exits shall be illuminated at any time the building is occupied with lights having an intensity of not less
than 10.7 LUX at floor level; Except, that for Group A Occupancies, the exit illumination shall be provided with
separate circuits or separated sources of power (but not necessarily separate from exit signs when these are
required for exit sign illumination).

12. Aisles
Every portion of every building in which are installed seats, tables, merchandise, equipment, or similar
materials shall be provided with aisles leading to an exit.

a. Width
Every aisle shall be not less than 800 millimeters wide if serving only one side, and not less
than 1.00 meter wide if serving both sides. Such minimum width shall be measured at the point
farthest from an exit, cross aisle, or foyer and shall be increased by 30 millimeters for every meter in
length towards the exit, cross aisle or foyer.
Side aisles shall not be less than 1.10 meters in width.

b. Exit Distance

In areas occupied by seats and in Groups H and I Occupancies without seats, the line of travel to
an exit door by an aisle shall be not more than 45.00 meters. With standard spacing, as specified in
the Code, aisles shall be so located that there will be not more than seven (7) seats between the wall and
an aisle and not more than fourteen (14) seats between aisles. The number of seats between aisles may
be increased to thirty (30) where exits doors are provided along each side aisle of the row of seats at the
rate of one (1) pair of exit doors for every five (5) rows of seats, provided further that the distance between
seats back to back is at least 1.00 meter. Such exit doors shall provide a minimum clear width of 1.70
meters.

c. Cross Aisles

Aisles shall terminate in a cross aisle, foyer, or exit. The width of the cross aisle shall be not less
than the sum of the required width of the widest aisle plus 50% of the total required width of the
remaining aisle leading thereto. In Groups C, H and E Occupancies, aisles shall not be provided a dead
end greater than 6.00 meters in length.

d. Vomitories
 Vomitories connecting the foyer or main exit with the cross aisles shall have a total width not less
than the sum of the required width of the widest aisles leading thereto plus 50% of the total required
width of the remaining aisles leading thereto.

e. Slope
The slope portion of aisles shall not exceed a fall of 1 in 8.

13. Seats
a. Seat Spacing

With standard seating, the spacing of rows of seats from back-to-back shall be not less than 840
millimeters. With continental seating, the spacing of rows of unoccupied seats shall provide a clear
width measured horizontally, as follows: 450 millimeters clear for rows of eighteen (18) seats or less; 500
millimeters clear for rows of thirty five (35) seats or less; 525 millimeters clear for rows of forty five (45)
seats or less; and 550 millimeters clear for rows of forty six (46) seats or more.

b. Width
The width of any seat shall be not less than 450 millimeters.

14. Reviewing Stands, Grandstands, and Bleachers

a. Height of Stands
Stands made of combustible framing shall be limited to eleven (11) rows or 2.70 meters in
height.

b. Design Requirements

The minimum unit live load for reviewing stands, grandstands, and bleachers shall be 500
kilograms per square meter of horizontal projection for the structure as a whole. Seat and footboards
shall be 180 kilograms per linear meter. The sway force, applied to seats, shall be 35 kilograms per linear
meter parallel to the seats and 15 kilograms per linear meter perpendicular to the seats. Sway forces
need not be applied simultaneously with other lateral forces.

c. Spacing of Seats

i. Row Spacing
The minimum spacing of rows of seats measured from back-to-back shall be: 600
millimeters for seats without backrests in open air stands; 750 millimeters for seats with backrests;
and 850 millimeters for chair seating. There shall be a space of not less than 300 millimeters
between the back of each seat and the front of the seat immediately behind it.

ii. Rise Between Rows

The maximum rise from one row of seats to the next shall not exceed 400 millimeters.

iii. Seating Capacity

For determining the seating capacity of a stand, the width of any seat shall not be less
than 450 millimeters nor more than 480 millimeters.

iv. Number of Seats Between Aisles

The number of seats between any seat and an aisle shall not be greater than fifteen (15)
for open air stands with seats without backrests, a far open air stands with seats having backrests
and seats without backrests within buildings and six (6) for seats with backrests in buildings.

d. Aisles
i. Aisles Required
Aisles shall be provided in all stands; Except, that aisles may be omitted when all the
following conditions exist: Seats are without backrests; the rise from row to row does not exceed
300 millimeters per row; the number of rows does not exceed eleven (11) in height; the top seating
board is not over 3.00 meters above grade; and the first seating board is not more than 500
millimeters above grade.

ii. Obstructions

No obstruction shall be placed in the required width of any aisle or exitway.

iii. Stairs Required

 When an aisle is elevated more than 200 millimeters above grade, the aisle shall be
provided with a stairway or ramp whose width is not less than the width of the aisle.

iv. Dead End

No vertical aisle shall have a dead end more than sixteen (16) rows in depth regardless of
the number of exits required.

v. Width
Aisles shall have a minimum width of 1.10 meters.

e. Stairs and Ramps

The requirements in the Code shall apply to all stairs and ramps except for portions that pass through
the seating area.
i. Stair Rise and Run The maximum rise of treads shall not exceed 200 millimeters and the minimum
width of the run shall be 280 millimeters. The maximum variation in the width of treads in any
one (1) flight shall not be more than 5 millimeters and the maximum variation in one (1) height
of two (2) adjacent rises shall not exceed 5 millimeters.

ii. Ramp Slope The slope of a ramp shall not exceed 1 in 8. Ramps shall be roughened or shall be
of approved non-slip material.

iii. Handrails A ramp with a slope exceeding 1 in 10 shall have handrails. Stairs for stands shall have
[Link] shall conform to the requirements of the Code.

f. Guardrails
i. Guardrails shall be required in all locations where the top of a seat plank is more than 1.20 meters
above the grade and at the front of stands elevated more than 600 millimeters above grade.
Where only sections of stands are used, guardrails shall be provided as required in the Code.

ii. Railings shall be 1.10 meters above the rear of a seat plank or 1.10 meters above the rear of the
steps in an aisle when the guardrail is parallel and adjacent to the aisle; Except, that the height
may be reduced to 900 millimeters for guardrails located in front of the grandstand.

iii. A midrail shall be placed adjacent to any seat to limit the open distance above the top of any
part of a seat to 250 millimeters where the seat is at the extreme end or at the extreme rear of
the bleachers or grandstand. The intervening space shall have one additional rail midway in the
opening; Except, that railings may be omitted when stands are placed directly against a wall or
fence giving equivalent protection; stairs and ramps shall be provided with guardrails. Handrails
at the front of stands and adjacent to an aisle shall be designed to resist a load of 75 kilograms
per linear meter applied at the top rail. Other handrails shall be designed to resist a load of 40
kilograms per linear meter.

g. Foot Boards

Footboards shall be provided for all rows of seats above the third (3rd) row or beginning at such
point where the seating plank is more than 600 millimeters above grade.

h. Exits
i. Distance to Exit

The line of travel to an exit shall not be more than 45.00 meters. For stands with seats
without backseats, this distance may be measured by direct line from a seat to the exit from the
stand.

ii. Aisle Used as Exit

An aisle may be considered as only one (1) exit unless it is continuous at both ends to a
legal building exit or to a safe dispersal area.

iii. Two (2) Exits Required

A stand with the first (1st) seating board not more than 500 millimeters above grade of
floor may be considered to have two (2) exits when the bottom of the stand is open at both ends.
Every stand or section of a stand within a building shall have at least two means of egress when
the stand accommodates more than fifty (50) persons. Every open air stand having seats without
 backrests shall have at least two (2) means of egress when the stand accommodates more than
three hundred (300) persons.

iv. Three (3) Exits Required

Three (3) exits shall be required for stands within a building when there are more than 300
occupants within a stand and for open air stands with seats without backrests where a stand or
section of a stand accommodates more than one thousand (1000) occupants.

v. Four (4) Exits Required

Four (4) exits shall be required when a stand or section of a stand accommodates more
than 1000 occupants; Except, that for an open air stand with seats without backrest four (4) exits
need not be provided unless there are accommodations for more than three thousand (3000)
occupants.

vi. Width

The total width of exits in meters shall not be less than the total occupant load served
divided by one hundred sixty five (165); Except, that for open air stands with seats without backrest
the total width of exits in meters shall be not less than the total occupant load served divided by
five hundred (500) when exiting by stairs, and divided by six hundred fifty (650) when exiting by
ramps or horizontally. When both horizontal and stair exits are used, the total width of exits shall
be determined by using both figures as applicable. No exit shall be less than 1.10 meters in width.
Exits shall be located at a reasonable distance apart. When only two (2) exits are provided, they
shall be spaced not less than one-fifth (1/5) of the perimeter apart.

i. Securing of Chairs

Chairs and benches used on raised stands shall be secured to the platforms upon which they
are placed; Except, that when less than twenty five (25) chairs are used upon a single raised platform the
fastening of seats to the platform may be omitted. When more than five hundred (500) loose chairs are
used in connection with athletic events, chairs shall be fastened together in groups of not less than three
(3), and shall be tied or staked to the ground.

j. Safe Dispersal Area

Each safe dispersal area shall have at least two (2) exits. If more than six thousand (6000) persons
are to be accommodated within such an area, there shall be a minimum of three (3) exits, and for more
than nine thousand (9000) persons there shall be a minimum of four (4) exits. The aggregate clear width
of exits from a safe dispersal area shall be determined on the basis of not less than one (1) exit unit of
600 millimeters for each five hundred (500) persons to be accommodated and no exit shall be less than
1.10 meters in width, a reasonable distance apart that shall be spaced not less than one-fifth (1/5) of the
perimeter of the area apart from each other.

15. Special Hazards

a. Boiler Rooms

Except in Group A Occupancies, every boiler room and every room containing an incinerator or
liquefied petroleum gas or liquid fuel-fired equipment shall be provided with at least two (2) means of
egress, one of which may be a ladder. All interior openings shall be protected as provided for in the
Code.

b. Cellulose Nitrate Handling

Film laboratories, projection rooms, and nitro-cellulose processing rooms shall have not less
than two exits.

SECTION 1208. Skylights

1. All skylights shall be constructed with metal frames except those for Groups A and J Occupancies. Frames of
skylights shall be designed to carry loads required for roofs. All skylights, the glass of which is set at an angle of
less than 45º from the horizontal, if located above the first storey, shall be set at least 100 millimeters above the
roof. Curbs on which the skylights rest shall be constructed of incombustible materials except for Types I or II
Construction.
 2. Spacing between supports in one direction for flat wired glass in skylights shall not exceed 625 millimeters.
Corrugated wired glass may have supports 1.50 meters apart in the direction of the corrugation. All glass in
skylights shall be wired glass; Except, that skylights over vertical shafts extending through two (2) or more storeys
shall be glazed with plain glass as specified in the Code; Provided, that wired glass may be used in ventilation
equal to not less than one-eight (1/8) the cross-sectional area of the shaft but never less than 1.20 meters
provided at the top of such shaft. Any glass not wired glass shall be protected above and below with a screen
constructed of wire not smaller than 2.5 millimeters in diameter with a mesh not larger than 25 millimeters. The
screen shall be substantially supported below the glass.

3. Skylights installed for the use of photographers may be constructed of metal frames and plate glass without wire
netting.

4. Ordinary glass may be used in the roof and skylights for greenhouses, Provided, that height of the greenhouses
at the ridge does not exceed 6.00 meters above the grade. The use of wood in the frames of skylights will be
permitted in greenhouses outside of highly restrictive Fire Zones if the height of the skylight does not exceed
6.00 meters above the grade, but in other cases metal frames and metal sash bars shall be used.

5. Glass used for the transmission of light, if placed in floors or sidewalks, shall be supported by metal or reinforced
concrete frames, and such glass shall not be less than 12.5 millimeters in thickness. Any such glass over 100 sq.
centimeters in area shall have wire mesh embedded in the same or shall be provided with a wire screen
underneath as specified for skylights in the Code. All portions of the floor lights or sidewalk lights shall be of the
same strength as required for floor or sidewalk construction, except in cases where the floor is surrounded by a
railing not less 1.10 meters in height, in which case the construction shall be calculated for not less than roof
loads.

SECTION 1209. Bays, Porches, and Balconies

Walls and floors in bay and oriel windows shall conform to the construction allowed for exterior walls and floors
of the type of construction of the building to which they are attached. The roof covering of a bay or oriel window shall
conform to the requirements of the roofing of the main roof. Exterior balconies attached to or supported by wall required
to be of masonry, shall have brackets or beams constructed of incombustible materials. Railings shall be provided for
balconies, landings, or porches which are more than 750 millimeters above grade.

SECTION 1210. Penthouses and Roof Structures

1. Height
No penthouse or other projection above the roof in structures of other than Type V construction shall
exceed 8.40 meters above the roof when used as an enclosure for tanks or for elevators which run to the roof
and in all other cases shall not extend more than 3.60 meters in height with the roof.

2. Area
The aggregate area of all penthouses and other roof structures shall not exceed one third (1/3) of the
area of the supporting roof.

3. Prohibited Uses

No penthouse, bulkhead, or any other similar projection above the roof shall be used for purposes other
than shelter of mechanical equipment or shelter of vertical shaft openings in the roof. A penthouse or bulkhead
used for purposes other than that allowed by this Section shall conform to the requirements of the Code for an
additional storey.

4. Construction

Roof structures shall be constructed with walls, floors, and roof as required for the main portion of the
building except in the following cases:

a. On Types III and IV constructions, the exterior walls and roofs of penthouses which are 1.50 meters
or more from an adjacent property line may be of one-hour fire-resistive incombustible construction.

b. Walls not less than 1.50 meters from an exterior wall of a Type IV construction may be of one-hour
fire-resistive incombustible construction.

The above restrictions shall not prohibit the placing of wood flagpoles or similar structures on the roof
of any building.

5. Towers and Spires

 Towers and spires when enclosed shall have exterior walls as required for the building to which they are
attached. Towers not enclosed and which extend more than 20.00 meters above the grade shall have their
framework constructed of iron, steel, or reinforced concrete. No tower or spire shall occupy more than one-
fourth (1/4) of the street frontage of any building to which it is attached and in no case shall the base area exceed
150.00 sq. meters unless it conforms entirely to the type of construction requirements of the building to which it
is attached and is limited in height as a main part of the building. If the area of the tower and spire exceeds 10.00
sq. meters on any horizontal cross section, its supporting frames shall extend directly to the ground. The roof
covering of the spires shall be as required for the main room of the rest of the structure. Skeleton towers used
as radio masts, neon signs, or advertisement frames and placed on the roof of any building shall be constructed
entirely of incombustible materials when more than 7.50 meters in height, and shall be directly supported on an
incombustible framework to the ground. No such skeleton towers shall be supported on roofs of combustible
framings. They shall be designed to withstand a wind load from any direction in addition to any other loads.

SECTION 1212. Fire-Extinguishing Systems

1. Fire-Extinguishing Systems
i. Every storey, basement or cellar w/ 200sq.m or more w/c is used for habitation, etc. w/c has an occupant
load of more than 20.
ii. Dressing, rehearsal rms., workshops or factories w/ occupant load of more than 10 or assembly halls w/
occupant load of more than 500, if the next doors of rooms are more than 30.00m from safe dispersal
area.
iii. Photographic x-ray, nitrocellulose films and inflammable articles

2. Dry Standpipes – for bldgs. w/ 4 or more storeys

i. Construction and Test – shall be wrought iron of GS w/ fittings, connections to withstand 20 kg per [Link]
of water pressure
ii. Size – 900 liters water per minute
iii. Number Required – every bldg 4 or more storeys where any floor above 3rd floor is 950m or less,
equipped w/ 1 dry standpipe.
iv. Siamese Connections:

v. Outlets – standpipe 63mm outlet not more than 1.20m above each floor level, with 2 way standpipes
63mm outlet above the roof (all with gate valves)

3. Wet Standpipes
i. Size – Interior wet standpipes deliver 190 liters/water per minute under 2.0 kg per [Link] water pressure
ii. Outlets – 38mm valve each storey located not < 300mm nor more than 1.20m above the floor.
iii. Water Supply – street main not < 100mm in diameter
iv. Pressure and Gravity Tanks – 1500 liters/water per minute for not < 10 minutes
v. Fire pumps – capacity not < 1000 liters per minute w/ pressure not < 2 kg per [Link] connected to street
main w/ not < 100mm diameter

Section 1214. Motion Picture Projection Rooms

1. Construction – 1 hr fire resistive, ceiling shall not be < 2.40m from finished floor. Room shall have a floor area of
not < 7.00sq.m and 3.50sq.m for every additional machine.

2. Exit – Projection room – at least 2 exits separated by not < 1/3 the perimeter of room, each at least 750mm wide
and 2.00m high

3. Ports and Openings (3 kinds) – projection, observation, combination ports

i. Ports required – limited in area to 750 [Link], not more than 1 observation ports w/c be limited to 1300
[Link]. There shall be not more than 3 combination ports w/c does not exceed 750mm by 600mm.
Projection ports not to exceed 4,500 [Link] in area.

4. Ventilation

i. Inlet – fresh air inlet from the exterior bldg. not < [Link]. & protect w/ wire netting installed w/in 50mm
of the floor in every projection room

ii. Outlets – provide 1 or more mechanical exhaust systems.