BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY

SUMMARY: COMPARISON OF NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, IMPLEMENTING

RULES AND REGULATIONS AND ARCHITECTURAL CODE
BUILDING SYSTEMS DESIGN (CENG102)
BARTOLOME, NIEL ANDREW M.;FAUSTO, GENE CLAUDINE M
FAUSTO, GENE CLAUDINE M.
 SUMMARY: COMPARISON OF NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, IMPLEMENTING RULES AND
REGULATIONS AND ARCHITECTURAL CODE

CATEGORIES DIFFERENCES SIMILARITIES

 Decree shall be known as National Building Code of the Philippines

National
 Scope and Application – Existing Buildings before the Code was approved shall not be affected and
Building Code
will apply only to portions to be altered, converted, or repaired
 The Rules are known and cited as “Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of National
Building Code of the Philippines”
IRR  General Building Requirements
 Scope and Application – Existing Buildings without appropriate building permits may be issued with
GENERAL  General Site Requirements
the said permits
PROVISIONS  Chapter 1, Sections 102 up to Section 106 of National Building
 Decree shall be known as Architectural Code of the Philippines
Code is adopted verbatim in referral Architectural Code
 Used as Referral Code to NBCP and is periodically reviewed for innovative technologies and use of
Architectural new materials
Code  Scope and Application was renamed into the “Use of the Architectural Code.” Architect’s
Consideration in total design of a building
 General Site Requirements – Siting of building to be governed by NBC-IRR
ADMINISTRATIO  Section 202 – Technical Staff (Highly qualified architects, engineers, and technicians’ eligibility as  Chapter 2, Sections 201 up to Section 216 inclusive of National
N AND technical staff) Building Code adopted verbatim in referral Architectural Code
ENFORCEMENT  Qualifications of Building Official – Should be member of duly accredited organization for not less
than two years
National
 Fees - The remaining fund shall accrue to the to the general fund of province, city or municipality
Building Code
concerned
 Use of Income from Fees - Secretary having the authority to prescribe procedures for use of all net
income
 Administrative Fines (Violations not specified)
IRR  Technical Staff - Members of National Building Code Development Office as Technical Staff
 General Powers and Functions of Secretary -Secretary must appoint a Building Official separate from
City/Municipal Engineer
 Fees - The remaining fund shall accrue to the to the general fund of respective city/ municipality
 Use of Income from Fees - Reporting, Recording of Collections, and disbursements of funds
discussed in detailed manner
 Administrative Fines - Includes classification of violations, prescription of fines depending on the
severity of violations of the Code
 Includes a Procedure in Enforcing Administrative Sanctions and Abatement/Demolition of
Ruinous/Dangerous Buildings or Structures

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  Purpose and Scope of Architectural Code – When different sections conflict with the provisions set in
NBC, the most restrictive should govern
 Application to Existing Buildings and other Structures (General, Historic Buildings, Building
Architectural Conditions, Investigation/Rectification)
Code  Role of Registered Architect - Architect is the one responsible for design of buildings and other
structures
 Section 5 – Enforcement by National Government Agencies (NGA’s), Administrators of Special
Economic Zones (SEZ), Administrators of Special Administrative Zones (SAZ) and others
  Building Permits (Building Permit Form and Supplementary Permits not specified)
 Application for Permits - Five sets of corresponding plans to be signed and sealed by registered
mechanical engineer and electrical engineer
National
 Processing of Building Permit - Building Official has the jurisdiction to supervise all processed
Building Code
building permits
 Inspection and Supervision of Work - Same to IRR (Both CE and Archi will supervise construction
operations
 Building Permits ( with Building Permit Form and Supplementary Permits specified)
 Application for Permits - Five sets of corresponding plans to be signed and sealed by the following
registered professionals, if applicable
 Geodetic Engineer ( Lot Survey)
 Architect (Architectural Documents)
 Civil Engineer
 Professional Electrical Engineer  Same Provisions on Non Issuance, Suspension and Revocation
IRR
 Professional Mechanical Engineer of Building Permits
PERMIT AND  Sanitary Engineer  Validity of Building Permit
INSPECTION  Master Plumber  Issuance of Certificate of Occupancy
 Electronics Engineer  Chapter 3, Sections 301 to Section 309 of National Building
 Processing of Building Permit - Includes entire procedure in processing of building permit Code is adopted verbatim in referral Architectural code
 Issuance of Building Permit – Similar to NBCP, however it includes issuance of Ground Preparation
and Excavation Permit and Terms and Conditions on Permits
 Section 1 – Title (Governments and Civic Projects to be exempted from payments of Building
Permits)
 Application for Building Permit - Architectural Permit signed and sealed by designing Architect is
required before obtaining the building permit
 Processing of Building Permit – Architect-in-Charge will process application for the Building Permit
Architectural
 Validity of Building Permit – Same to NBC and IRR except:
Code
o a.)If there is a change, deviation or defect in the original construction plan, this will be
corrected only by the Architect who prepared, signed, and sealed the plan
 Inspection and Supervision of Work – Architect will periodically inspect and supervise construction
operations
 Building Area Calculation Included

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 National
 Type V Buildings – Walls, ceilings, and permanent partitions shall be incombustible, fire resistive
Building Code

IRR  Type II Buildings- Framing assembly shall be of 1-hour fire-resistivity  Chapter 4, Sections 401 to Section 403 of National Building
o Type of construction classified in a reverse order Code is adopted verbatim in the referral Architectural Code
TYPES OF
 Type 1 – Steel, Iron, Reinforced Concrete/Masonry  Type I,III, and IV Buildings, Changes in Types and
CONSTRUCTION
 Type 2 – Steel, Iron, Concrete, Masonry Requirements on Types of Construction (under Basic Law and
Architectural IRR)
 Type 3 – Masonry and wood construction
Code
 Type 4 – Wood construction with protective fire resistant materials and 1-hour fire resistivity
throughout
 Type 5 – Any of materials allowed in the Code
National  Section 503 (Moved buildings) comprised of one subsection only
Building Code  Designation of Fire Zones – Secretary shall promulgate specific restrictions for each type of Fire Zone  Chapter 5, Sections 501 to Section 507 of National Building
Code adopted verbatim in the referral Architectural code
 Additional Provisions for the following sections:
 Definition of Fire Zones
 Section 503 – Dismantled pre-fabricated buildings that are moved within or into any fire zone should
also comply with the requirements for buildings in fire zones  Buildings Located in more than one fire zone
REQUIREMENTS
IRR  Section 504 – Erection of Temporary Buildings in restrictive zones may be allowed by Building  Moved Buildings (NBC and Architectural Code)
OF FIRE ZONES
Official for a given period as long as fire preventive measures are met  Temporary Buildings (NBC and Architectural Code
 Designation of Fire Zones – The legislative body of LGU shall enact ordinances in designating fire  Center Lines of Streets
zones based on set parameters and guidelines  Restrictions on Existing Buildings
Architectural  Designation of Fire Zones (NBC and Architectural Code
 Categorization of Fire Zones (Nonrestrictive, Restrictive, Highly Restrictive
Code
National   Fire-Resistive Ratings were not illustrated in tabular form
Building Code  Chapter 6, Sections 601 to Section 604 of National Building
Code is adopted verbatim in the referral Architectural Code
FIRE RESISTIVE IRR  Includes table containing Fire-Resistive Standards for Assembly Types and Material  Same Provisions throughout the Chapter 6/Rule 6 in NBC and
REQUIREMENTS  Additional Requirements (Amplified Fire Resistive Standards) IRR
IN  Floor Construction  Definition of Fire Resistive Rating
CONSTRUCTION Architectural  Roof of Construction and Covering  Fire Resistive Time Period Rating, Fire-Resistive Regulations
Code  Walls/Partitions  Fire Resistive Standards
 Ceilings  Fire Resistive Regulations
 Attics
CLASSIFICATION  Classification of Occupancy under Group J (Accessory)  Chapter 6, Sections 601 to Section 604 of National Building
AND GENERAL  Division 1 – Private Garage, Carports, Sheds, and Agricultural Buildings Code is adopted verbatim of referral Architectural Code
REQUIREMENTS National  Division 2 – Fences over 1.80 meters high, tanks and towers  Other occupancies not mentioned can be classified in the group
OF ALL Building Code  Building Footprint and Firewall Requirements was not mentioned under Section 704 (Location on according to which it most nearly resembles
BUILDINGS BY Property)  No changes shall be made in a building’s character of
USE OR  Determination of Building Height was not mentioned under Section 707 occupancy or use unless the building was made to comply with
OCCUPANCY IRR  Classification of Occupancy under Group J (Accessory) the requirements of the Code. Changing the building’s current

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  Division 1 – Agricultural Structures
 Division 2 – Private Garages, Carports, Fences over 1.8 meters high, tanks, swimming pools and
towers
 Stages, platforms, badminton and basketball courts, pelota, tennis, tombs, mausoleums, niches,
avaries, aquariums, zoo structures, banks and record vaults
 Building Footprint and Firewall Requirements was included in Section 704 (Location on Property)
 Limitations on The Allowable Maximum Total Gross Floor Area (TGFA), and crosschecking with
Allowable Maximum Volume Building (AMVB) was discussed in detail
 Building Height Limit (BHL), Parking Slot and Area, Loading and Unloading Space Requirements
was discussed in detail
 Architectural Code has a different nomenclature of Occupancy Classification, which are as follows:
 Group A – Assembly (Group H of PD 1096)
 Group B – Business (Group E of PD 1096)
 Group E – Educational (Group C of PD 1096) character of occupancy will be subjected upon approval of the
 Group F – Factory and Industrial (Group F of PD 1096) Building Official (for Basic Law and IRR)
 Group H – Hazardous (Group G of PD 1096)  Same Provisions for Mixed Occupancy in IRR and Basic Law
 Group I – Institutional (Group I of PD 1096)  General Requirements
Architectural  Group M – Mercantile (Group E of PD 1096)  Forms of Occupancy Separation
Code  Group R – Residential (Group A or B of PD 1096)  Types of Occupancy Separation
 Group S – Storage (Group G of PD 1096)  Fire Rating for Occupancy Separation
 Group U – Utility (Group J of PD 1096)  Requirements for the said group occupancies were discussed
 Electronics and Communications Engineering Code as referral code for detailed electronics
communication, design, procurement, and installations was mentioned in Section 8
 Section 1902 Program Documents and Section 1903 Submission of Computer Generated
Computation was adopted in Section 3 and 4 of the Chapter, as mentioned in Section 9 and 10 of the
same chapter
LIGHT AND  Steel Balcony Escapes are excluded from Section 802  Chapter 8, Section 801 to Section 811 of the National Building
VENTILATION National
 Section 803 (Percentage of Site Occupancy) was discussed in a vague manner Code was adopted verbatim in the referral Architectural Code
Building Code
 Size and Dimensions of Courts is limited to para ‘and ‘b’ of Section 804  Same Provisions throughout Section 801 of Rule 8/Chapter 8 in
 Steel Balcony Escapes are excluded from Section 802 IRR and NBCP and Section 1 Chapter 9 of ACP (General
 Percentage of Occupancy, Allowable Impervious Surface Area, Allowable Construction Area, Requirements on Natural Light and Ventilation)
Unpaved Surface Area, and Minimum Requirements for Total Open Space within Lot were  Same Provisions under Section 805/Section 5
thoroughly discussed  Size and Dimension of Rooms, and Air Space Requirements in
IRR  Provisions under Section 804 (Sizes and Dimensions of Courts) includes YARD, setback and width Determining the Size of Rooms are adapted verbatim in IRR
requirements, uncovered driveways, carports, frontyards, and abutments and Architectural Code
 Minimum openings on roofed porch, eaves, canopies, and awnings were stipulated  Section 808 subsection 2 of IRR adopted verbatim in
 Guidelines on Easements, View Corridors/Sight Lines, Streets/Road Right of Way (RROW), Architectural Code
Sidewalks, Arcades, Basements, Lots, and Public Buildings/Structures included under Rule 8  Section 810 of NBCP adopted directly in IRR
Architectural  Steel Balcony Escapes not exceeding 1200m (4’-0”) are allowed to project into open spaces  Paragraphs ‘a’ and ‘b’ of Section 811 (Artificial Ventilation) of
Code  A table illustrating the manner in determining the required percentage of open space was included. NBC adopted verbatim in ACP
 Additional Provisions under Section 5 (Ceiling Heights)

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  Area of Mezzanine should not exceed 50% of area above and below it
 Section 9 s
 Mezzanine when enclosed should have a minimum opening into its main floor of not less than 65%
 Lower ceiling heights should not be used for habitation except when used for storage.
 Eaves or media aguas projection over windows should have a minimum of 750 mm from the rear
property lines
 Additional Sections under Chapter 9
 Natural Lighting
 Yards for Residential Buildings
 Yards for Commercial, Industrial, Institutional and Recreational Buildings
 Contains only 1 subsection under Section 906 (Noise Pollution Control)
National
 All pipe materials to be used in buildings shall conform to the Standard Specifications of the
Building Code
Philippine Standard Council.
 Water piping installation inside building and premises includes wastewater drainage with proper
venting
 Additional provisions in Section 904 of NBC
 The drainage pipe installation and sewerage system of any premises and/or connection with any
IRR
o public disposal or any acceptable terminal shall conform to the Revised National Plumbing
Code of the Philippines)
  Chapter 9, Section 901 to Section 907 of the National Building
 All pipe materials to be used in buildings/structures shall conform to the standard specifications of the
Code was adopted verbatim in the referral Architectural Code
SANITATION Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
 Section 901 of NBC and IRR & Subsection 1.3 Section 1 of
 Sections under Chapter 9 of NBC compiled into 1 Section in ACP
ACP (General Requirements)
 Additional Provisions in NBC Chapter 9 Section 903
o -Design, specification, and construction details and operations of sanitary and industrial
facilities shall be in accordance with latest approved referral in Sanitary Engineering and
Architectural National Plumbing Code of the Philippines
Code  Different provision for Pest and Vermin Control
 Provisions under Noise Pollution Control was restructured
 Pipe Materials shall be in accord with UBC and/or NBC or latest referral Code in Sanitary
Engineering and Plumbing Records of final certificate of inspection, all appropriate tests, materials
and performance, and as-built plants shall be submitted to OBO
BUILDING  Section 1001 to Section 1008 of the National Building Code
National  The horizontal clearance between the outermost edge of the marquee and the curb line shall be not
PROJECTION was adopted verbatim in referral Architectural Code
Building Code less than 300 millimeters.
OVER PUBLIC
STREETS IRR   Subsection 2 Section 1002 states that projection of footing shall not obstruct any existing
utilities/services such as power, water, sewer, gas, communication, and drainage lines.
 A table illustrating projection of balconies and appendages under Section 1003 (Projection of
Balconies and Appendages over Streets)
 Additional Provisions for Arcades
 The horizontal clearance between the outermost edge of the marquee and the curb line shall be not
less than 300 millimeters.

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  Additional Provisions in Section 1008 (Corner Buildings with Chaflans)
 -Corner buildings or solid wall fences to be built abutting property lines on corners of public alley or
street intersections shall be provided with chaflans to afford a clear view.
 Different provision for projections and clearances for Canopies
Architectural
Code  -Horizontal clearance between the outermost edge of the marquee and the curb line shall be not less
than 500 millimeters.
National
 Discussed the general requirement and Section 1101 to 1108 only
Building Code

 Entails specific details in Protection of Utilities- specifically Temporary Light and Power
PROTECTION OF  Classification of Pedestrian Protection Facilities (fences, canopies, warning signs and lights)  Stated in Chapter 11 ( National Building Code, IRR)
PEDESTRIANS  Illustration of protection facilities  General requirement
IRR
DURING  Classification of Protective Devices (Average Light Intensity and Illumination, Welding and Cutting,  Detailed Sections on Proper Storage in Public Property, Mixing
CONSTRUCTION Special Typhoon Precautions, Hoisting Machinery , Platform Hoists etc.) Mortar or Public Property, Protection of Utilities, Walkway,
OR  Precaution and other safeguards on Demolitions Pedestrian Protection, Maintenance and Removal of Protective
DEMOLITION Devices, Demolition ( National Building Code, IRR, )

Architectural
 Stated in chapter 12 Discussion on Filing of permit on Temporary Occupancy for Public Property
Code

National
 Discussed the general requirement and Detailed Sections (1201-1215)
Building Code
 Stated in Chapter 12( National Building Code, IRR)
 General requirement
 Issuance of generic lists of approved,  Detailed Sections (1201-1215) on Excavation, Foundation and
GENERAL strictly regulated or banned items, procedures, usages and the like relative to the design, construction Retaining Walls, Veneer, Enclosure of Vertical Openings, Floor
DESIGN AND and use/occupancy of buildings/structures Construction, Roof Construction and Covering, Stairs, Exits and
IRR
CONSTRUCTION  Supplementary details on excavations and fill, roof drainage system, General Requirements for Occupant Loads, Skylights, Bays, Porches, and Balconies,
REQUIREMENTS Occupant Loads and Exits and its Specification Classification of Stairs and Exits Regulations on Penthouses and Roof Structures, Chimneys, Fireplaces, and
Construction of Penthouse Barbecues, Fire-Extinguishing Systems, Stages and Platform,
Motion Picture Projection Rooms, Lathing, Plastering, and
Installation of Wall
Architectural  Architectural Codes did not mention any details about the general design and construction Boards
Code requirement.

ELECTRICAL National
 Briefly discussed Electrical and Mechanical Regulation Section  Stated in Chapter 13
AND Building Code

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  Supplementary details on Clearances and Conductors of the Building
 Clearance of Wires, Conductors, Cables and Unguarded Rigid Energized Parts
IRR Adjacent but not Attached to Buildings and Other Installations except Bridges,
 Clearance Diagram for Building, Regulations on Wiring Method, Emergency Power System etc.
 Supplementary Details on Regulations of Mechanical Systems (cranes, hoist, elevators, etc.)
 General requirement
MECHANICAL  Detailed Sections (1301-1202) on Electrical Regulations and
REGULATIONS  This chapter highlighted Architect’s Responsibility which lies both on Electrical and Mechanical Mechanical Regulations Conformed to Philippine Mechanical
Regulations. Code and Philippine Electrical Code
 In electrical regulation, it is architect’s responsibility to assign chases, transformer vaults, electrical
Architectural room and other ancillary facilities efficient safety function.
Code
 In mechanical regulation, architect is responsible for proper and aesthetic integration of all mechanical
installation such as dumbwaiters, elevators, moving ramp, escalators, fire suppression system, lifts, cranes and
others. These mechanical equipments shall be designed as complete, adequate and appropriate for building
structures.
National
 Briefly discussed Section 1401 -1403
Building Code
PHOTOGRAPHIC  Stated in Chapter 14
AND X-RAY IRR  Briefly discussed Section 1401 -1403  Detailed Sections (1401-1403) on Storage and Handling,
FILMS Classes of Film Exempted and Fire Extinguishing System
Architectural  Any amplification that was caused by new methods or latest advancement in science and technology
Code shall be restrictive and practicable.
National
 Briefly discussed Section 1501
Building Code
IRR  Briefly discussed Section 1501
 Stated in Chapter 15
PREFABRICATED  This chapter specifies the prefabricated construction assemblies such as laminated wood factory built
 Detailed Sections (1501) on Prefabricated Assembly ( National
CONSTRUCTION structural assemblies.
Architectural Building Code, IRR, Architectural Code)
 Design of all prefabricated structures shall be in precise conformity with the latest S&T advancement
Code
of universally accepted standards of practice as adopted in the Structural Engineering Code of the
Philippines or UBC standards

National  Stated in Chapter 16

 Briefly discussed Section 1601 -1609
Building Code  Detailed Sections (1601 - 1609) on Approved Plastics,
PLASTICS
Installation, Glazing of Openings, Skylights, Light-Transmitting
IRR  Briefly discussed Section 1601 -1609 Panels in Monitors and Sawtooth

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  Amplifications in any NBC original provision to cope with the latest advancement in S&T as to new
system particularly of the latest universally accepted standards shall be restrictive. Use of new
Architectural materials shall show properly authenticated evidence of laboratory tests.
Code  Authenticated physical certification shall be show when the “traditional” plastic material Roofs, Plastic Light Diffusers in Ceilings, Partitions, Exterior
(Polycarbonate, Fiberglass reinforced, Polyvinyl, Polyurethane and Urethane) are used Veneer and Awnings and Canopies

National
 Briefly discussed Section 1701-1704
Building Code
 Stated in Chapter 17
SHEET METAL IRR  Supplementary Details on Fire Protection, Light Regulations and ventilations  Detailed Sections (1701 - 1704) on Sheet Metal Paint Spray
PAINT SPRAY
Booths, Fire Protection, Light and Ventilation( National
BOOTHS
Architectural  Amplifications in any NBC original provision to cope with the latest advancement in S&T as to new Building Code, IRR, Architectural Code)
Code system particularly of the latest universally accepted standards shall be restrictive.

National
 Briefly discussed Section 1801 -1805
Building Code
IRR  Specification on Area limitation was provided with the table showing the thickness, width and length  Stated in Chapter 18
GLASS AND  Detailed Sections (1801 - 1805) on General Requirements, Area
GLAZING  Moreover, it added the definition and classification of glass. The impact caused by natural forces such Limitation, Glazing, Louvered Windows and Impact ( National
Architectural as water, air, gravity, temperature, and sunlight and seismic must take into consideration. Design Building Code, IRR, Architectural Code)
Code consideration must also consider. It is comprised structural integrity, weather tightness, provisions for
movement, moisture control, thermal insulation, sound transmission, fire and smoke stops.

NBC  Briefly discussed Section 1901-1903

 The software name, version number and the company that developed the program and its address
shall be provided as part of the program documentation and the data provided, as computer input shall  Stated in Chapter 19
THE USE OF be clearly distinguished from those computed in the  Detailed Sections (1901 - 1903) on General Rule, Program
IRR
COMPUTERS program. Documentation and Submission of Computer-Generated
The information required in the output shall include date of processing, program identification, Computations
all output data, units and final results.

 Provisions on Information and Automation System are detailed. Detailed engineering design of the
Architectural
complete system shall be in conformity with the latest edition of Electronic Engineering and
Code
Communication Codes and Standard of Practices
National
SIGNS  Briefly discussed Section 2001-2006  Stated in Chapter 20
Building Code

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  Supplementary details on Supports and Anchorage Regulation (Roof, Ground, Projecting and Wall
IRR  Detailed Sections (2001 - 2006) on General Requirements,
Signs) Diagrams Illustrating Proper installation of Signs
Maintenance, Design and Construction, Supports and
Anchorages, Projections and Clearances and Lighting
Architectural
 Installation of signages or signs for advertisement shall strictly conform with NBC PD 1066 - IRR
Code
 All buildings or structures constructed under R.A. 6541 or existing
National city or municipal building codes or ordinances, if legally done in
Building Code accordance therewith, shall be respected subject to such limitations  Contains Sections (2101-2103) on Existing Building Buildings
TRANSITORY established in this Code and Structures, Interim Rules and Regulations, Separability
AND FINAL
IRR  Only contains the Separability Clause, Repealing Clause and Effectivity Clause, Repealing Clause and Effectivity ( National Building
PROVISIONS
Code, Architectural Code)
Architectural  Any amplification that was caused by new methods or latest advancement in science and technology
Code shall be restrictive and practicable.