The National Building Code of the Philippines is a law designed to meet the growing demand for

urbanization. As economic activity increasingly shifts to the real estate and industrial sectors,
there is a growing need for standardized rules and regulations to guide proper building design
for safety.

The purpose of the National Building Code of the Philippines is to ensure that developers follow
modern technical knowledge in construction, building design, occupancy, maintenance and
operation.

Why Comply With the National Building Code of the Philippines?

The National Building Code of the Philippines ensures that all buildings can survive the natural
calamities that often occur in this country. Strict compliance with the technical requirements is
implemented, especially in high-risk areas.

Before starting construction, it’s important to be familiar with the laws governing the building
process.

What is a Building Permit?

Before demolishing, repairing or constructing a building, the owner must obtain a building permit
from the building authority assigned to the area. The Building Board has the authority to conduct
on-site inspections to determine whether construction work complies with this regulation.

If the construction board discovers defects or illegality in the construction process, it has the
right to demand the cessation of the activity and establish the necessary measures and
requirements for the continuation of construction work.

How to Apply for a Building Permit

To obtain a building permit, the applicant must submit a written request to the building authority
and the following requirements:
● Detailed description of the works to which the requested permit applies;
● Copy of the Land Transfer Deed (TCT) with which the construction works are carried
out;
● Copy of lease agreement (provided the applicant is not the registered owner)
● Proposed use or occupation of proposed work;
● Estimated cost of proposed works.

What’s the Building Permit Processing Like?

The building official and his technical staff must have general management and supervision of
the building permit process. They ensure that the applicant meets and complies with approved
standard requirements for lines and grades, zoning and cultivation, drainage and sanitation,
environmental health, structural design, electrical and mechanical safety, and other rules and
regulations prescribed by code.
The owner of a building that has received a building permit must hire an architect or civil
engineer with a professional certificate for the inspection and control of construction activities.
This architect or engineer may or may not be the same as the architect or engineer
responsible for designing the building.

If you decide to hire an architect or structural engineer who is separate from the design team,
the designer or engineer still has the right to inspect the construction site to make sure the
building complies with state building codes.

Must maintain a project logbook containing actual construction progress, including tests
performed, weather conditions and other relevant information.

Upon completion of the project, the licensed architect or structural engineer must submit a fully
signed and sealed log book to the building official. They must also prepare and submit a Project
Completion Certificate, which certifies that the building was constructed in accordance with the
provisions of the National Building Code of the Philippines and approved plans and
specifications.

The log book is an essential requirement during the final inspection, on the basis of which the
readiness of the building for use is determined. Once the building is in use, the construction
certificate must be issued within 30 days after the final inspection. The building will remain
unused until the date when the act of use takes effect.

Why a Building Permit May Be Revoked, Suspended or Not Issued

The Building Official has the right to order or cause a building permit to be suspended, withheld
or revoked for the following reasons:
Errors in plans and specifications;
False information; and
failure to comply with the provisions of the National Building Code of the Philippines.

The revocation, non-grant or suspension of a building permit is always notified by written notice
explaining the reasons for the revocation, non-grant or suspension.

What Are the Exemptions to the Code?

Family houses and public buildings of indigenous peoples are exempt from the construction fee.
Family home means a house that is used exclusively for family living, regardless of the
materials used to construct the home.