WHAT IS A

SETBACK?
WHAT IS A SETBACK?

• Set back is a dedicated space/margin between the superstructure/ building and

the road/street or neighboring plots on all sides. It is provided to maintain
environmental security, privacy and safety. Every state government has building
policies, which are regulated by local government bodies.
• There should be no permanent structure in setbacks that discourage movement
and access. Some elements are partially allowed like porches, sunshades and
parking area.
IMPORTANCE OF SETBACKS
IMPORTANCE OF SETBACKS

1. The foundations of buildings are built deep underground and aren’t visible after construction. If setbacks
are absent, a building can be constructed anywhere on the plot and cause inconvenience due to
infiltration into another plot. The same is for calamities, where when a building falls, it doesn’t damage
the neighbouring property. Setbacks should not infringe on another building’s right to light, privacy and
ventilation.
2. During hazardous accidents, like fire breakouts, setbacks provide space for rescue operations access all
around the house. It also helps residents to evacuate faster.
3. If a building is constructed in the corner of the plot, it can cause problems in adding fixtures like doors
and windows. This can cause a lack of ventilation and sunlight in some areas.
4. Street setbacks help maintain the character of the area, ensuring the privacy of the residents.
Infringing on the public property causes problems in parking and more.
IMPORTANCE OF SETBACKS

• It gives a unique opportunity for the architect to zone the plot with landscaping and
other attributes. Better visual access, community design and unique aesthetic features
can be planned.
6. Setbacks mandate consistent development patterns in an area and limit the square
footage to be developed to create a harmonious built environment.
7. Setbacks are also used to provide connection lines for utilities like sewage pipes, etc.
There are some exceptions for side setbacks in row houses, but the building must be
accessible from the front and rear.
THE RULES ON FIREWALL OPENINGS

• 1) It is illegal to have operable windows and an air-conditioner on a firewall as these

are both fire spread hazards.
• 2) Per the 2004 IRR of RA9514 (Fire Code of the Philippines/ FCP), only fire-rated glass
blocks are permitted on firewalls.
• 3) Firewalls represent the maximum allowable use of a property along its property line.
Any extension or protrusion beyond the property line is a willful violation of property
rights e.g. trespassing, illegal use of the air rights of an adjoining property, etc.
• 4) PD1096, the 1977 National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP) allows the
introduction of light and ventilation wells (or courts) alongside firewalls provided the
operable windows are 2.0 meters (m) away from the firewall.
• 5) Fixed or operable windows in such a well (court) that are LESS than 2 m away from
the firewall MUST NOT be permitted by the Local Building Officials (LBO) as these shall
violate privacy laws, specifically Article 670 of RA386, the 1949 Civil Code of the
Philippines (CCP).
• 6) If the LBO or any staff of the LGU Office of the Building Official (OBO) permits (or
continues to allow) illegal openings on firewalls, these LGU officials (deputized by the
DPWH Secretary to implement and enforce the NBCP) may be criminally and
administratively charged for the violations of the laws mentioned above and also
under RA3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act before the Office of the
Ombudsman (so that they could be suspended or removed from office).