National Building Code of the Philippines explosion, to ensure the long-term safety and well-

being of occupants.
CHAPTER 1 – General Provisions o Definitions- Specific terms used within the Code are
o Title- Decree formally cited as the “National Building explicitly defined in Annex “A” to ensure consistent
Code of the Philippines” (Presidential Decree No. interpretation and application of its provisions.
1096) → hereafter “the Code”. This formal citation CHAPTER 2 – Administration & Enforcement
ensures legal clarity and enforceability.

o Declaration of Policy- The State shall safeguard life,

• Authority- The primary authority for the
administration and enforcement of the National
health, property and public welfare. This fundamental
Building Code is vested in the Secretary of Public
policy underscores the government's commitment to
Works, Transportation & Communications (hereafter
protecting its citizens from risks associated with
referred to as the “Secretary”), centralizing oversight
unsafe or poorly constructed buildings. The Code
and policy implementation.
provides a framework of minimum standards
governing the location, site, design, materials,
• Technical Staff- The Secretary is assisted by a highly
construction, use, occupancy, and maintenance of all
qualified technical staff composed of registered
buildings and structures, ensuring a baseline for
architects, civil engineers, and other relevant
safety and functionality rather than dictating maximum
technicians, ensuring that technical reviews and policy
limits.
formulations are based on expert knowledge.
o Scope & Application- Applies to the conceptual
design, physical siting, construction methodologies, • Secretary’s Powers
alteration, repair, conversion, intended use, 1. Formulate policies, standards, and
occupancy, relocation (moving), demolition, and any guidelines: This includes developing detailed
additions to both public and private buildings and rules and regulations, technical
structures. This broad scope ensures comprehensive specifications, and operating procedures
coverage of all stages of a building's lifecycle. necessary for the effective implementation of
o Exemption: Traditional indigenous family the Code.
dwellings constructed with native materials, 2. Issue rules and regulations: The Secretary is
provided their cost does not exceed authorized to issue detailed implementing
PHP 15,000. This exemption acknowledges rules and regulations (IRR) that clarify and
and preserves indigenous architectural operationalize the general provisions of the
practices while setting a monetary limit to Code.
prevent abuse.
3. Evaluate and approve amendments / new
o Pre-Code structures are generally unaffected referral codes: This power allows the Code
by the Code unless they undergo alteration; to remain current by incorporating updates
in such cases, the Code then applies from new technologies, materials, and
exclusively to the altered portions, ensuring international best practices, as well as
that improvements comply with current integrating specialized codes (e.g., electrical,
standards without requiring wholesale plumbing).
renovation of older buildings.
4. Fix fees and charges: The Secretary
o General Building Requirements- All buildings must determines the schedule of fees for permits,
consistently follow principles of safe construction, inspections, and other services related to
ensuring structural integrity and stability, and building construction and occupancy,
suitability for their intended purpose, meaning they ensuring that the costs cover administrative
must be designed and built to perform the functions expenses.
for which they are designated.

o Environmental safeguards are mandated for

• Professional / Technical Assistance- The Secretary
may tap other government agencies, academic
manufacturing facilities to minimize pollution
institutions, or independent consultants for
and ensure they operate in an ecologically
professional and technical assistance to leverage
responsible manner, protecting surrounding
specialized expertise for complex issues or inter-
communities.
agency coordination.
o Buildings and facilities are required to be
kept safe, sanitary, and in good working • Building Officials- The Secretary may designate
condition throughout their lifespan, qualified District, City, or Municipal Engineers to serve
necessitating regular maintenance and as Building Officials in their respective jurisdictions
adherence to health standards. until regular positions for Building Officials are
formally established and filled.
o Site Requirements- The land on which a building is
to be constructed must be sanitary, hygienic, and safe o Qualifications: To ensure competence, a
from natural and man-made hazards. Habitable sites Building Official must be a Filipino citizen,
must be kept at a safe distance from potential sources possess good moral character, be a
of pollution (e.g., polluted streams), geological registered and licensed architect or civil
hazards (e.g., volcanoes), and sources of fire or engineer, have a minimum of two years in
good standing in their respective profession,
 and possess at least five years of diversified ownership. If the applicant is not the owner, a
experience in planning, design, or valid lease contract or analogous agreement
construction. must also be presented.

o Duties: Building Officials are primarily 3. A clear statement of the intended use or
responsible for enforcing all provisions of the occupancy of the building or structure, which
Code, issuing building permits after rigorous influences applicable code requirements.
review, conducting inspections at various
stages of construction, and issuing orders to 4. A precise estimated cost of the proposed
stop work or prohibit occupancy if any project, crucial for calculating permit fees.
construction activity or completed structure is
5. Five (5) complete sets of plans and
found to be contrary to the Code's
specifications, meticulously signed and
provisions.
sealed by appropriate licensed professionals
• Fees & Income- Each Building Official is required to (e.g., architects for architectural plans, civil
keep meticulous records of all fees collected. They engineers for structural plans, electrical
are authorized to retain a maximum of 20%20% of the engineers for electrical plans, etc.), ensuring
collected fees to cover the operational expenses of accountability and adherence to professional
their office, while the remaining balance is remitted to standards.
the general fund of the Local Government Unit (LGU)
to support local services.
• Processing- The Building Official rigorously reviews
the submitted application to ensure it conforms with all
o Public buildings and traditional indigenous relevant government regulations, including zoning
dwellings are specifically exempt from ordinances, lines and grades, structural integrity
building permit fees to support public standards (National Structural Code), sanitary
infrastructure and preserve cultural practices, provisions, environmental protection guidelines, and
respectively. electrical and mechanical safety codes. This
comprehensive review prevents future conflicts and
• Administrative Fines & Penal Provisions- The ensures integrated compliance.
Secretary has the authority to impose administrative
fines not exceeding PHP 10,000PHP10,000 for • Issuance- A building permit must be issued within
violations of the Code or its implementing rules and 1515 days from the date of payment of the required
regulations. These fines are levied without prejudice fees, provided that all submitted documents and plans
to other legal actions. are fully compliant with the Code. Partial permits may
be allowed for specific stages of work, enabling
o Criminal penalties: Serious violations can flexibility in large projects while maintaining oversight.
lead to fines not exceeding
PHP 20,000PHP20,000 and/or imprisonment • Validity / Expiry- A building permit is rendered void if
for a term not exceeding two years, the actual work on the project is not started within one
indicating the severity with which non- (1) year from the date of its issuance, or if
compliance is viewed. In cases involving construction work is suspended or abandoned for a
corporate entities, the corporate officers period exceeding 120120 days. These conditions
and/or managing partners are held liable, ensure that projects proceed in a timely manner and
and foreign nationals found guilty may face that permits do not remain open indefinitely without
deportation after serving their sentence. active construction.

• Dangerous & Ruinous Buildings- The Code defines • Non-issuance / Suspension / Revocation Grounds:
criteria for buildings considered dangerous or ruinous, A permit may be refused, suspended, or revoked due
posing a threat to public safety and health. The to significant plan errors, submission of incorrect or
Building Official is empowered to order the repair, misleading data, or any material non-compliance with
vacation, or even demolition of such structures, the Code's provisions. A written notice specifying the
following the procedures and principles outlined in grounds for such action is always required, ensuring
Articles 482 and 694–707 of the Civil Code of the due process.
Philippines, which pertain to nuisance and public
order. • Appeal: Any applicant or owner aggrieved by a
decision regarding permit non-issuance, suspension,
CHAPTER 3 – Permits & Inspection or revocation may appeal to the Secretary within 1515
days of receiving the notice. The Secretary's decision
• Building Permit is strictly mandatory before any in such appeals is considered final, subject only to a
construction, alteration, repair, conversion, or potential review by the Office of the President.
demolition work can commence. This permit serves
as official authorization, ensuring compliance with all • Construction Supervision- The owner of the project
building regulations. is legally required to hire a full-time, licensed architect
or civil engineer to supervise the construction. This
• Application must include: supervisor is responsible for keeping a
comprehensive logbook detailing daily progress,
1. A detailed written description of the proposed observations, and instructions. Upon completion, the
work, clearly outlining its nature and extent. supervisor must submit a Certificate of Completion,
2. A certified true copy of the Transfer affirming that the construction was carried out in
Certificate of Title (TCT) or other proof of
 substantial conformity with the approved plans and value within a 12-month period unless certain
the Code. conditions are met, primarily relating to upgrading
their fire resistance. Major additions to such buildings
• Certificate of Occupancy- This certificate is typically require the construction of fire walls to
mandatory before any building or structure, or any compartmentalize fire risks.
portion thereof, can be used or undergo a change in
its intended use, ensuring it is safe and habitable. It is • The Secretary is empowered to set specific
issued within 3030 days after the final inspection restrictions and guidelines for fire zones, while Local
confirms the completion of construction and all Government Units (LGUs) are responsible for
systems are operational, following the submission of delineating these zones within their territorial spatial
the Certificate of Completion by the supervising plans, integrating fire safety into urban planning.
professional.
CHAPTER 6 – Fire-Resistive Requirements
CHAPTER 4 – Types of Construction
• Fire-resistive Rating: This refers to the period (e.g.,
• Type I – Characterized by being primarily wood 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-hour increments) for which a material,
construction. These buildings have the lowest fire assembly, or structure can withstand exposure to fire
resistance and are typically used for smaller, less while maintaining its structural integrity and/or its
critical structures. ability to act as a barrier to the passage of smoke and
heat.
• Type II – Consists of wood construction protected with
fire-resistant materials, providing at least a 1-hour fire • The Secretary sets comprehensive testing and
resistance rating throughout. This type offers installation standards for fire-resistive materials, fire
improved safety over Type I. doors, smoke detectors, and other fire protection
components. These standards ensure that all
• Type III – Features masonry and wood construction, products used in fire-resistive construction perform as
also requiring at least 1-hour fire resistance. A key expected under actual fire conditions.
characteristic is that exterior walls must be
incombustible, enhancing protection from external fire CHAPTER 7 – Classification by Use / Occupancy
spread.
• Buildings are categorized into Groups A → J, with
• Type IV – Built with steel, iron, concrete, or masonry. further sub-divisions, based on their primary use and
Both interior and exterior walls and ceilings are fire- occupancy load. This classification system is crucial
resistant, offering a higher level of fire protection than because different occupancies pose varying levels of
Types I, II, or III. risk (e.g., fire, public safety) and thus require specific
design and safety provisions.
• Type V – Represents fully fire-resistive construction,
utilizing materials like steel, iron, concrete, or masonry • Key examples of classifications include:
throughout. This type provides the highest degree of
fire safety, designed to withstand severe fires for o A – Residential Single-Family dwellings.
extended periods. o B – Residential Condominiums, Hotels, and
Apartments accommodating ten (1010) or
• Any changes in the type of construction during a
more persons.
project require prior approval and full compliance with
the standards of the new type, unless it can be o C – Educational and Recreation buildings
demonstrably shown that the proposed change (e.g., schools, lecture halls, gyms).
provides an equivalent or safer level of protection.
o D1–3 – Institutional occupancies, such as
• The Secretary is responsible for prescribing detailed hospitals, jails, nurseries, and other care
standards and specifications for each type of facilities where occupants may not be able to
construction, ensuring consistent application and self-preserve.
adherence to safety guidelines across all building
projects. o E – Business and Mercantile buildings,
further divided into three divisions based on
CHAPTER 5 – Fire Zones size and specific activities.

• Defined areas within cities and municipalities that o F – Industrial facilities engaged in non-
limit the permissible types of building construction hazardous manufacturing processes.
based on their intended use and required fire
resistance. These zones are established to control the o G – Storage and Hazardous occupancies,
spread of fire and protect sensitive areas. with five divisions based on the nature and
quantity of hazardous materials stored.
• If a building is partly located in two fire zones, it is
classified and must comply with the requirements of
o H – Assembly buildings designed for fewer
than 10001000 occupants.
the more restrictive zone if greater than 1331 of its
total area is situated within that more restrictive zone. o I – Assembly buildings designed for
This prevents circumvention of safety standards. 10001000 or more occupants (e.g., large
auditoriums, sports arenas), requiring
• Existing non-complying buildings cannot be enlarged enhanced safety features.
or altered by more than 20%20% of their assessed
 o J – Accessory structures, including private ground level to ensure structural stability and
garages, fences exceeding protection against soil movement.
1.80 extm1.80extm in height, water tanks,
and communication towers, which support o Stair: Minimum width of
primary occupancies. 750 extmm750extmm for single-family
dwellings; maximum rise of 200 mm200mm
• Change in Use requires the building to comply with and minimum run of 200 mm200mm to
the new occupancy standards, unless the new use is ensure ergonomic and safe ascent/descent.
determined to be less hazardous than the previous
one. This provision ensures that any increase in risk is o Live loads: First floor minimum live load
met with corresponding safety upgrades. capacity of 200 kg/m2200kg/m2; second
floor minimum live load capacity of
• Mixed Occupancy- If a building has multiple 150 kg/m2150kg/m2, designed to
occupancies, the entire building is generally subject to accommodate typical residential use.
the most restrictive requirements of any of its
o Wind load roof design capacity of
occupancies to ensure the highest level of safety.
120 kg/m2120kg/m2 to resist uplift and
Exceptions apply for minor accessory areas (up to
lateral forces from strong winds.
10 %10 % of the total area) or for one-storey multiple
occupancies that are adequately separated according CHAPTER 8 – Light & Ventilation
to specific fire-resistive requirements.
• Lot & Site Occupancy is measured exclusive of
o There are four classes of occupancy courts and light wells, meaning these open spaces
separation (ranging from 11 to 44 hour fire- are not counted towards the maximum allowable
resistive ratings) with detailed specifications occupied area of the lot, thereby encouraging their
on fire wall ratings and limits on openings, provision for light and air.
designed to prevent fire and smoke spread
between different risk areas. • Courts must have a minimum horizontal dimension of
at least 2.00 m2.00m to ensure adequate light and air
• Location on Property- Every building must adjoin or penetration. Inner courts, which are enclosed on all
have direct access to a public space (e.g., street, sides, must connect to a street or yard via a passage
alley, yard) on at least one side to ensure fire of at least 1.20 m1.20m in width, allowing for cross-
department access and natural ventilation/light. Eaves ventilation and egress.
and projections must be set back at least
750 extmm750extmm from side or rear property lines • Ceiling Heights:
to prevent fire spread to adjacent properties.
o Artificially-ventilated rooms, relying on
o Exterior wall fire resistance and permissible mechanical systems, can have a minimum
openings are directly determined by the ceiling height of 2.40 m2.40m. The first
building's distance to property lines, with storey of such buildings typically requires a
closer proximity requiring higher fire minimum of 2.70 m2.70m. Mezzanine floors
resistance. must maintain a minimum headroom of
1.80 m1.80m to be considered functional.
• Allowable Floor Area & Height- The maximum
allowable floor area and building height are o Natural ventilation rooms, relying on open
determined by the Secretary based on various factors, windows and air circulation, require a higher
including the building's occupancy group, type of minimum ceiling of 2.70 m2.70m to promote
construction, and the width of the adjoining streets. better air circulation and heat dissipation.
Increases in allowable area are possible if the building
adjoins or faces public yards or streets on two or more • Room Sizes: To ensure habitability and function, the
sides, improving accessibility for emergency services. minimum floor area for habitable rooms (e.g.,
bedrooms, living rooms) is 6.0 m26.0m2 with a
• Group A Dwelling Minimums- Specific minimum minimum dimension of 2.0 m2.0m. Kitchens require at
requirements apply to single-family residential least 3.0 m23.0m2, and bathrooms require a minimum
dwellings (Group A): of 1.2 m21.2m2, balancing space efficiency with user
comfort and utility.
o Lot occupancy shall not exceed 90%90% for
corner lots and 80%80% for inside lots, • Air Space per person: Specific minimum air volumes
promoting open space and ventilation. are mandated for different occupancies to ensure
adequate ventilation and prevent overcrowding and
o Building must be set back at least
the spread of airborne illnesses:
2 extm2extm from the front property line and
2 m2m from side/rear property lines, o Schools: 3.0 m33.0m3 per person.
providing light, ventilation, and fire
separation. o Factories: 12.0 m312.0m3 per person.
o A sanitary toilet facility is explicitly required o Habitable rooms: 14.0 m314.0m3 per
within the dwelling for health and hygiene. person.
o Foundation: Footings must be at least • Windows: To provide natural light and ventilation, the
250 extmm250extmm thick and extend at total openable window area must be at least 10%10%
least 600 mm600mm below the finished of the room's floor area, and these windows must
 open directly to a street, court, or yard, ensuring • Awnings: Require a minimum vertical clearance of
access to fresh air. 2.40 m2.40m above pedestrian pathways to prevent
head injuries.
• Vent Shafts: For internal rooms, vent shafts are
required with a cross-sectional area of at least • Corner chaflans are required for buildings situated at
0.10 m20.10m2 per meter of shaft height, with a street intersections where the streets are less than
minimum total area of 1.0 m21.0m2 and a least 3.60 m3.60m wide. These angled corners improve
dimension of 600 mm600mm. These specifications pedestrian and vehicular visibility and safety at
ensure effective vertical air movement. junctions.

• Artificial Ventilation Rates (minimum air changes CHAPTER 11 – Pedestrian Protection during Construction
per hour/minute) are specified for mechanical
ventilation systems to ensure adequate air quality: • During construction, temporary walkways must be
provided for pedestrian safety, with a minimum width
o Offices/stores: 33 Air Changes per Hour of 1.20 m1.20m and designed to withstand a live load
(ACH). of 650 kg/m2650kg/m2. This ensures safe passage for
the public around construction sites.
o Kitchens, laundries: 1010 ACH due to higher
moisture and odor production. • Table 1106-A prescribes specific protection measures
(e.g., railings, fences, canopies, barricades) based on
o Assembly rooms:
the building's height and its distance from the
0.30 m3/min/person0.30m3/min/person to
construction property line, ensuring tailored safety
account for high occupant density.
measures for varying risk levels.
o Wards (e.g., hospitals):
CHAPTER 12 – General Design & Construction
0.45 m3/min/person0.45m3/min/person to
maintain strict health and hygiene standards.
• All structural design and construction must conform
CHAPTER 9 – Sanitation strictly to the National Structural Code of the
Philippines, ensuring the stability, durability, and
• This chapter requires the provision of potable water safety of buildings against various loads and
supply, proper plumbing systems, adequate environmental forces.
wastewater disposal, efficient storm drainage,
effective pest control measures, and proactive noise • Excavation support responsibility: This rests with
abatement within and around buildings. These the property owner and/or contractor to prevent
provisions are fundamental for promoting public collapse of adjacent land or structures. Retaining
health, hygiene, and environmental quality. walls are required where there are abrupt changes in
ground levels between properties or within a site to
• Sewage: All buildings must connect to a municipal prevent soil erosion and landslides.
sewer system where available. In areas without a
municipal sewer, a properly designed and constructed • Veneer must be non-structural, meaning it does not
septic tank coupled with an absorption field for contribute to the building's structural integrity, and
effluent disposal is mandatory to prevent groundwater must be properly anchored to the main structure to
contamination. prevent detachment. Anchored veneer must be
designed to resist horizontal forces equal to at least
• Rainwater cannot discharge to the sanitary sewer two times its own weight, ensuring it remains securely
system; instead, it must be directed to a storm sewer in place.
system or appropriate on-site drainage facilities to
prevent overloading and potential overflow of the • Enclosure of vertical openings: Vertical shafts, such
sanitary sewer, which is designed for wastewater only. as elevator shafts, stairwells, and dumbwaiters, must
be enclosed by fire-resistive walls (e.g., 2-hour rated
CHAPTER 10 – Building Projection over Streets walls for elevator shafts) to prevent the spread of fire
and smoke between floors. Proper venting is required
• No projection beyond the property line is generally to release heat and smoke. Rubbish chutes are
permitted unless specifically authorized by the Code restricted to specific designs and locations to
or local ordinances. Footings, however, may project minimize fire hazards.
up to 300 mm300mm into public property if they are at
least 2.40 m2.40m below grade, minimizing • Roof drainage: Buildings must have adequate
obstruction. systems of roof drains sized to handle the calculated
tributary rainwater, preventing accumulation that could
• Balconies: These must maintain a uniform projection lead to structural damage or leakage. Overflow drains
within a block to preserve aesthetic consistency and are mandatory to provide a secondary path for water
must have a minimum clear vertical clearance of in case primary drains become blocked, preventing
3.0 m3.0m above the sidewalk to ensure pedestrian catastrophic roof collapses.
safety.
• Stairs & Exits: The design of stairs and exits is
• Canopy (marquee): Must provide a curb clearance of critical for occupant safety during emergencies, with
at least 300 mm300mm and a minimum vertical specifications based on occupant load, which dictates
clearance of 3.0 m3.0m. They must be constructed of the number and width of required exits.
incombustible materials to prevent fire spread.
 o Formula: width=occupant load165 rigorous tests to demonstrate their structural
mwidth=165occupant loadm, used to adequacy, ensuring they can safely carry loads;
determine necessary exit widths based on durability, meaning they can withstand wear and tear
the number of people occupying a space. over time; and resistance to weather and fire. These
tests guarantee that factory-made components meet
o Minimum dimensions: Door minimum width the same performance standards as traditional
900 mm900mm (for standard exits); corridor construction.
width 1.10 m1.10m; stair width: not less than
1.10 m1.10m generally, but may be • Connections between prefabricated components must
900 mm900mm for occupancies with 5050 or be designed and constructed to develop the full
fewer occupants. strength of the members they join, ensuring a
continuous load path and structural integrity.
o Max travel distance to an exit: Inspections are mandatory during the placement and
Unsprinklered buildings typically have a assembly of these units to verify proper installation
maximum travel distance of 45 m45m; and adherence to design specifications.
sprinklered buildings can extend this to
60 m60m due to the enhanced fire CHAPTER 16 – Plastics
suppression system.
• Approved plastic materials, suitable for construction,
o Rise and run of stair treads/risers: Maximum must meet specific performance criteria:
rise of 200 mm200mm and a minimum run of
250 mm250mm to ensure safe and o Flame-spread rating: Not exceeding
comfortable ascent and descent. 225225 when tested, indicating a limited rate
at which flame spreads over the surface of
o Handrails: Must be installed at a height the material.
between 800 mm800mm and 900 mm900mm
above the stair tread nosing, providing o Smoke density: Must produce smoke with a
support and safety. density no greater than that of untreated
wood when burned, to ensure visibility and
• Special provisions are included for specific structural reduce health hazards during a fire.
elements and systems, such as grandstands, stages,
projection rooms, chimneys, and critical fire- • Plastics are permitted in specific applications where
extinguishing systems (e.g., wet/dry standpipes their properties are beneficial, such as in skylights,
sizing: providing natural light; monitors, for ventilation and
100 mm,125 mm,150 mm100mm,125mm,150mm with light; and awnings, for shelter. However, strict area
2-, 3-, or 4-way Siamese connections for fire and spacing limits apply to control fire risk. For
department access), ensuring specialized designs instance, individual skylight areas are typically limited
meet safety requirements. to 10 m210m2, and the total plastic area on a roof
may not exceed 20%20% of the roofed area. Spacing
CHAPTER 13 – Electrical & Mechanical Regulations requirements, such as a minimum of 2.5 m2.5m to
3 m3m between plastic elements, are also enforced to
• All electrical installations must strictly comply with the prevent rapid fire spread.
latest edition of the Philippine Electrical Code,
ensuring safety from electrical hazards, efficient CHAPTER 17 – Sheet-Metal Paint Spray Booths
power distribution, and proper grounding. Similarly, all
mechanical installations (e.g., HVAC systems, • Paint spray booths must be constructed of robust
elevators, escalators) must adhere to the Philippine materials to contain hazards:
Mechanical Engineering Code, ensuring their safe,
efficient, and reliable operation. o Construction Material: They must be
constructed of at least No. 1818 gauge steel,
CHAPTER 14 – Photographic & X-Ray Films providing sufficient structural rigidity and fire
resistance.
• Due to their flammability and potential fire hazards, an
automatic fire-extinguishing system (e.g., sprinklers) o Area Limits: Each booth's area is typically
is required when unexposed films exceeding limited to 150 m2150m2 or 10%10% of the
14 m314m3 in volume are stored in a building. major occupancy area, whichever is less, to
manage the fire load. If the booth exceeds
• Negatives must be stored in individual Manila these limits, additional fire protection
envelopes (with a limit of 1212 films per envelope) measures may be required.
and kept in properly vented cabinets or vaults to
prevent accumulation of flammable gases. o Exhaust Ventilation: A powerful exhaust
ventilation system is mandatory to remove
• Only incandescent lights are permitted in areas where flammable vapors and overspray. It must
films are handled or stored to minimize ignition maintain an air velocity of at least
sources. Additionally, "No Smoking" signs must be 30 m/min30m/min across the booth's open
prominently displayed to prevent accidental ignition. face. Fans used in these systems must have
non-ferrous blades (e.g., aluminum or brass)
CHAPTER 15 – Prefabricated Construction to prevent sparks that could ignite flammable
vapors.
• Prefabricated units, which are manufactured off-site
and assembled on-site, must undergo and pass
 CHAPTER 18 – Glass & Glazing and results, must be submitted along with
the plans.
• This chapter governs the selection and installation of
glass and glazing, primarily for exterior applications, o Designer Certification: The licensed
with some exemptions and specific requirements for architect or engineer who utilized the
impact areas. computer program must certify that the
output accurately reflects their design
o Application: Applies to all exterior glazing in computations and complies with the Code's
buildings, except for Group A (Residential requirements, taking full professional
Single-Family), Group B (Hotels & responsibility.
Apartments), and Group J (Accessory)
occupancies that are three (33) storeys or CHAPTER 20 – Signs
less in height. Importantly, it applies to all
impact areas (e.g., doors, sidelights, bath • Signs are regulated to ensure public safety, order, and
enclosures) regardless of building type or aesthetic appeal:
height.
o Restrictions: Signs must not obstruct traffic
o Manufacturer Label: Every individual piece signs, traffic views, or public pathways. They
of glass (light) installed must bear a must also not offend aesthetic values,
manufacturer's label, indicating its type, maintaining urban visual harmony.
thickness, and safety compliance, ensuring
traceability and quality control.
o Maintenance: All signs, including their
supporting structures, must be regularly
o Individual Exterior Glass Area: The maintained and kept in good repair to
maximum allowable area for individual prevent hazards from falling debris or
exterior glass panes is limited by wind load structural failure.
tables, which consider the building's height,
location, and exposure to wind. This ensures
o Design: Signs must be designed and
constructed in accordance with the National
the glass can withstand anticipated wind
Structural Code of the Philippines, ensuring
pressures without shattering.
they can withstand environmental loads like
o Louver Glass: For louvered window wind and seismic forces.
systems, glass must have a minimum
thickness of 5.6 mm5.6mm and a maximum
o Materials & Projections: Materials used for
signs and their permissible projections over
length of 1.20 m1.20m, balancing ventilation
streets or alleys are regulated based on the
with structural stability.
building's typology and fire zone
o Impact Requirements: Specific standards classification. For example, signs located in
apply to glass in areas prone to human highly restrictive fire zones may be required
impact: to be constructed of incombustible materials.

o Frameless doors and their CHAPTER 21 – Transitory & Final

sidelights must use safety glazing.
• Existing lawful buildings respected: Buildings that
o Bathtub and shower enclosures were lawful prior to the Code's enactment are
must use safety glass to prevent generally permitted to continue their existence and
severe injury if broken. Options use. However, any future alterations or additions to
include wired glass (at least these structures must fully comply with the provisions
5.6 mm5.6mm thick), tempered of the current Code.
glass (at least 4.8 mm4.8mm thick),
or laminated glass (at least • Previous interim rules remain: Any interim rules or
6.4 mm6.4mm thick), all designed to regulations that were in effect before the Code's
break more safely than standard implementation shall remain valid and enforceable,
annealed glass. provided they do not conflict with the new provisions
of the National Building Code. This ensures a smooth
CHAPTER 19 – Use of Computers transition and avoids regulatory gaps.

• The Code permits the use of computer software for • Separability, repealing & effectivity clauses: These
building design, provided certain conditions are met to standard legal clauses ensure the Code's robustness.
ensure accuracy, accountability, and compliance: The separability clause means if any part of the Code
is declared invalid, the remaining parts remain in
o Program Documentation: All computer effect. The repealing clause specifies which previous
programs used for design computations must laws or decrees are superseded by this Code. The
be thoroughly documented, detailing their effectivity clause states that Presidential Decree No.
algorithms, methodologies, and limitations. 1096, also known as the National Building Code of the
This allows for independent verification of the Philippines, officially became effective on February
software's reliability. 19, 1977.
o Output Sheets: The computer-generated
output sheets, containing design calculations