BUILDING LAWS – PD 1096 | BP 344 | BP 220 | PD 957 | RA 9514

PD 1096 – NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

“The provisions of this Code shall 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 dwellings as defined herein.”
CH. 01 – GENERAL PROVISIONS

CONSTRUCTION all on-site work done from site preparation, excavation, foundation, assembly of all the components and
installation of utilities and equipment of buildings/structure

ERECTION installation in place of components of a building/ structure

ADDITION any new construction which increases the height or area of an existing building/structure

ALTERATION construction in a building/ structure involving changes in the materials used, partitioning, location/ size of
openings, structural parts, existing utilities and equipment but does not increase the overall area thereof.

RENOVATION any physical change made on a bldg./ structure to increase its value, utility and/ or to improve its aesthetic quality

CONVERSION a change in the use or occupancy of a bldg./ structure or any portion/s thereof which has different requirements

REPAIR remedial work done on any damaged or deteriorated portion/s of a bldg./structure to restore its original condition

MOVING the transfer of any building/structure or portion/s thereof from its original location or position to another,
either within the same lot or to a different one

DEMOLITION the systematic dismantling or destruction of a building/ structure, in whole or in part

ANCILLARY BUILDING STRUCTURE – a secondary building/ structure located within the same premises, the use of which is
incidental to that of the main building/structure

CH. 02 – ADMINISTRATION & ENFORCEMENT & CH. 03 – PERMITS & INSPECTION

BUILDING OFFICIAL is charged with the Duties Of Issuing Building Permits

May Enter Any Building Or Its Premises At All Reasonable Times to inspect code compliance
May order the work stopped or order discontinuance of occupancy or use

BUILDING PERMIT a written authorization granted by the Building Official to an applicant allowing him to proceed
with the construction of a specific project after plans, specifications & other pertinent documents
have been found to be in conformity with the NBC and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

BUILDING PERMIT EXEMPTIONS BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

MINOR CONSTRUCTION
➢ Sheds, outhouses, greenhouses, children’s playhouses,
aviaries, poultry houses & the like not exceeding 6sq.m.;
detached from any other bldg.; for owner’s private use
➢ Addition of open terraces or patios resting directly on the
ground, not exceeding 20sq.m.; for owner’s private use
➢ Installation of window grilles
➢ Garden pools for cultivation of water plants and/or
aquarium fish not exceeding 500mm depth
➢ Erection of garden walls other than party walls not
exceeding 1.80m in height, cementing of footpaths,
garden walks and/or driveways
REPAIRS
➢ Not affecting or involving any structural member, such as
replacement of deteriorated roofing sheets or tiles, gutters,
downspouts, fascias, ceilings and/or sidings
➢ Non load-bearing partition walls
➢ Any interior portion of a house not involving addition or
alteration
➢ Or replacement of windows, flooring, perimeter fence, walls
➢ Or replacement of sanitary or plumbing fixtures
➢ Or replacement of faulty or deteriorated wiring devices,
fixtures and safety devices provided no alteration shall be
made on the service entrance and main switch or breaker
and no circuits will be added
➢ Application Form
➢ Five (5) Sets Of Plans And Specifications Prepared,
Signed & Sealed By Duly Licensed Architect & Engineers
➢ For Lot Owners, Certified True Copies Of:
➢ TCT
➢ Tax Declaration
➢ Current Real Property Tax Receipt
➢ For Non-Lot Owners, Duly Notarized Copies Of:
➢ Contract Of Lease
➢ Deed Of Absolute Sale
➢ Contract Of Sale
PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS NOT REQUIRED FOR
➢ Traditional Indigenous Family Dwellings Intended For
Use And Occupancy Of Owner’s Family;
➢ Of Native Materials, Cost Not Exceeding P15,000
➢ Single-Detached Dwelling Up To 20 Sq.M.
➢ Simple Sketch With Dimensions, Site Location And Vicinty
Map Will Suffice
NON-ISSUANCE, SUSPENSION & REVOCATION
➢ Errors in plans and specifications
➢ Incorrect or inaccurate data supplied
➢ Non-compliance with NBC and IRRs
VALIDITY
➢ One year from date of issue
➢ Suspension/ abandonment of construction for 120 days

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 BUILDING LAWS – PD 1096 | BP 344 | BP 220 | PD 957 | RA 9514
BUILDING PERMIT FEES
BASES FOR COMPUTING TYPES OF OCCUPANCY
➢ Type Of Occupancy Or Use Of Building Category I RESIDENTIAL
➢ Cost Of Construction (Per Sq.M. Based On Classification) Category II COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL
➢ Area Category III SOCIAL, EDUC’L, INSTITUTIONAL
➢ Height Category IV AGRICULTURAL
Category V ANCILLARY
EXEMPTIONS
➢ Traditional Indigenous Family Dwellings APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
➢ Public Buildings ( Owned, Occupied, Operated By Offices ➢ Certificate of Completion
Performing Purely Government Functions ) ➢ Logbook & Building Inspection Sheet
➢ Government-Owned Housing Units Constructed By NHA ➢ Signed As-Built Plans & Specifications
While Title Is In Government’s Name
➢ Construction By Civic Organizations, Charitable Institutions NON-ISSUANCE OR REVOCATION
To Be Donated To Government For Public Use ➢ Unauthorized Change, Modification Or Alteration In Plans
➢ Buildings/Structures Owned By Electric Cooperatives And/Or Type Of Construction
➢ Failure To Engage Services Of Licensed Architect Or Civil
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY Engineer To Do Full-Time Supervision
REQUIRED PRIOR TO ➢ Failure Of Full-Time Supervisor To Submit Logbook,
➢ Use of Building/ Structure Certificate Of Completion, As-Built Plans, Specifications,
➢ Change in Use of Occupancy Classification Building Inspection Sheet, Fire Safety Inspection
Certificate
CH. 04 – TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
TYPE I – Wood Construction
TYPE II – Wood with One-Hour Fire-Resistive Materials
TYPE III – Masonry & Wood; Incombustible Construction for Exterior Walls
TYPE IV – Steel, Iron, Concrete, Masonry; Incombustible Construction for Walls, Ceilings & Permanent Partitions
TYPE V – Structural Elements of Steel, Iron, Concrete or Masonry; Building Shall Be Fire-Resistive

CH. 05 – FIRE ZONE REQUIREMENTS & CH. 06 – FIRE–RESITIVE REQ.S

FIRE ZONES areas within which only certain types of buildings are permitted to be constructed based on their use or
occupancy, type of construction, and resistance to fire.

FIRE-RESISTIVE RATING The Degree to Which a Material Can Withstand Fire

TIME PERIOD RATING Length of Time (In Hours) a Material Can Withstand Being Burned

FIRE-RESISTIVE STANDARDS Classification of Construction According To Their Fire-Retardant or Flame Spread Ratings

CH. 07 – BLDG. CLASSIFICATION BY USE & GEN. REQ.S CH. 08 – LIGHT & VENTILATION

A Residential dwellings
B Residential, Hotels, Apartments
C Education &Recreation
D Institutional
E Business and Mercantile
F Industrial
G Storage & Hazardous
H Assembly Buildings for less than 1000 occupants
I Assembly Buildings for 1000 or more occupants
J Accessory

LOCATION ON PROPERTY
➢ Direct Access to Public or Open Space
➢ Eaves At Least 750mm. From Side & Rear Property Lines
➢ Projections beyond Exterior Walls
➢ Buildings on Same Property; Or With Courts

MAXIMUM HEIGHTS
➢ Measured from highest adjoining ground surface; height
measured from lowest surface shall not exceed maximum
by 3.00 meters

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CH. 09 – SANITATION
WASTEWATER DISPOSAL SYSTEM & STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEM
➢ Shall Discharge To Municipal Or City Sewer System In Accordance With Code On Sanitation And The National Pollution
Control Commission; Or
➢ Shall Discharge To “Imhoff” Or Septic Tank
➢ Rainwater Shall Not Discharge To The Sanitary Sewer System

Pest & Vermin Control; Noise Pollution Control; & Pipe Materials
➢ Rat Proofing
➢ Means For Cleaning Garbage Bins And Receptacles
➢ Screening Of Public Dining Rooms

CH. 10 – PROJECTION OVER STREETS

CH. 11 – PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS DURING CONST’N OR DEMOLITION

➢ Mixing of concrete on public streets not allowed
➢ Materials or equipment must not obstruct pedestrian travel, utilities, fire hydrants
➢ Must provide 1.2 m. wide temporary walkway
➢ Walkways must have railings of at least 1 meter height and fence and canopy of at least 2.4 meters height

CH. 12 – GEN. DS & CONST’N REQ.S

➢ Excavation, Foundation, Retaining Walls
➢ Veneer
➢ Vertical Openings
➢ Floor Construction
➢ Roof Construction & Covering
➢ Stairs, Exits, Occupant Loads
➢ Skylights
➢ Bays, Porches, Balconies
➢ Penthouses, Roof Structures
➢ Chimneys, Fireplaces, Barbecues
➢ Fire-extinguishing Systems
➢ Stages & Platforms
➢ Motion Picture Projection Rooms
➢ Lathing, Plastering, Wall Boards

CH. 13 – ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL REQ.S

“All electrical systems, equipment and installation shall conform to the provisions of the Philippine Electrical Code as adopted by
the Board of Electrical Engineering pursuant to RA 184 as amended by RA 7920 otherwise known as the New Electrical
Engineering Law”
“All mechanical systems, equipment and installations shall conform to the provisions of the Philippine Mechanical Engineering
Code as adopted by the Board of Mechanical Engineering pursuant to Commonwealth Act No. 294 as amended, otherwise
known as the Mechanical Engineering Law”

CH. 14 – PHOTOGRAPHIC & X–RAY FILMS

➢ Storage Rooms Of Unexposed Films Shall Be Provided For Specified Cases
➢ Packaging Of 12 Films To An Envelope
➢ Proper Venting And Insulation
➢ Incandescent Electrical Light; No Smoking
➢ First Aid Provisions
➢ Films For Amateurs, Safety & Dental Films Exempted

CH. 15 – PREFACRICATED CONST’N – “Prefabricated assembly is a structural unit, the integral parts of which,
have been built up or assembled prior to incorporation in the building”

CH. 16 – PLASTICS – “Approved plastic materials shall be those which have flame-spread rating of 225 or less and a smoke
density not greater than that obtained from the burning of untreated wood under similar conditions when
tested in accordance with generally accepted engineering practice.”

CH. 17 – SHEET METAL PAINT SPRAY BOOTHS

➢ Constructed Of Steel Not Less Than No.18 US Gauge In Thickness
➢ Not More Than 150 Sq.M.
➢ Floor Of Incombustible Material

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 BUILDING LAWS – PD 1096 | BP 344 | BP 220 | PD 957 | RA 9514
➢ Free Passage Of Exhaust Air
➢ Provisions For Fire Protection
➢ Mechanical Ventilation & Exhaust Ducts

CH. 18 – GLASS & GLAZING – “ This Chapter shall apply to exterior glass & glazing in all occupancies
except groups A, B and J occupancies not over 3 stories in height
& to interior & exterior glass & glazing in all occupancies subject to human impact …”

CH. 19 – USE OF COMPUTER – “or any part of the design of the building is permitted provided that all programs to be used are
documented. (…) Documenting a program consists of filing with the Building Official a reference to a publication or publications
accessible to him where the detailed description of the program or a brief statement of the theoretical background of the program
inc. algorithms used are found.”

CH. 20 – SIGNS
ADVERTISING SIGN An Off–Premise Sign
BILLBOARD A Panel for Posting Bills or Posters
DISPLAY SIGN An On-Premise Sign
GROUND SIGN Resting On the Ground
PROJECTING SIGN Fastened To, Suspended From or Supported On a Building or Structure the Display Surface of
Which Is Perpendicular or At an Angle from Wall Surface
ROOF SIGN Installed On Roofs, Decks or Eaves
WALL SIGN Parallel To Wall Surface
TEMPORARY SIGN on Light & Combustible Material

DANGEROUS BUILDINGS – Pursuant to Section 215 of the NBC

➢ When a building is found or declared by the Building Official to be a nuisance, is dangerous or ruinous, the Building
Official shall order its repair, vacation or demolition depending on the degree of danger to life, health, safety and/or well-
being of the general public and its occupants
➢ Structural Hazards
➢ Fire Hazards
➢ Hazardous Electrical Wiring
➢ Hazardous Mechanical Installation
➢ Inadequate Sanitation And Health Facilities
➢ Improper Occupancy And Architectural Eyesore
➢ Improper Location
➢ Illegal Construction

ACCESS STREETS, ROADS, & ALLEYS

“No Building Shall Be Constructed Unless It Adjoins Or Has Direct Access To A Public Space, Yard Or Street On At Least One Of
Its Sides. All Buildings Shall Face A Public Street, Alley Or Private Road…”

BP 344 ACCESSIBILITY LAW – CATEGORIES OF DISABLED PEOPLE

1) Confinement to Wheelchairs
2) Requiring Use of Braces, Crutches, Artificial Supports
3) Impairment of Hearing or Sight
4) Aging & Incoordination
5) Acquired or Congenital Mental Impairments

PLANNING PRINCIPLES / DESIGN REQ.S

1) Accessibility
2) Reachability
3) Usability
4) Orientation
5) Safety
6) Workability
7) Efficiency

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BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 344 – ACCESSIBILITY LAW

OUTSIDE AND AROUND BUILDINGS

DROPPED CURB – Walkway change in level; at pedestrian crossings and at end of walkways
CURB CUT–OUT – allowed to narrow walkway and to not cause obstructions
900 mm minimum width; dropped curbs at crossing; curb cut-out
25 mm (1 Inch) maximum height / lowest point; above road or gutter; not exactly a flat surface
1:12 slope ramped adjoining curbs not steeper than 1:12; maximum curb cut-out slope
1:20 gradient Sloped towards road; prevents water collection

WALKWAY / SIDEWALKS – leveled surface; slip-resistant material; without abrupt angle pitches, cracks or breaks
GRATINGS – avoid locating within walkways
1200 mm Minimum Width
1:20 MAX. Maximum Longitudinal Gradient
1:100 MAX. Maximum Cross Gradient; slope towards gutter / road; barely noticeable slope
13x13 mm (169 mm2) Maximum Grating Openings
6.5 mm Maximum Grating Projection above Walkway
2 meters Minimum Walkway Headroom Clearance; no obstructions (plants/trees, columns, bollards, etc.)

OPEN SPACES – Disorienting to the blind; paths must be defined edges thru texture (e.g. grass, planters, dwarf walls, etc.)
TURNING SPACES / REST STOPS – right angle turns; straightforward routes to guide the blind
1500x1500 mm MIN. turning space clearance
12 meters MAX. Maximum turning space gap between (edge to edge)

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 BUILDING LAWS – PD 1096 | BP 344 | BP 220 | PD 957 | RA 9514
HANDRAILS – above steps or ramps; handle not specified to be circle
0.90 m and 0.70 m Handrail Mounting / Installation
1.00 m to 1.06 m Handrail Mounting for Protection at Great Heights
300 mm Handrail Extension from start to end of ramp
30 – 50 mm Handrail Width Extension from start and end of ramps
50 mm from Wall if Handrail is Horizontally Mounted
40 mm from Ledge if Handrail is Vertically Mounted

SIGNAGES – must be readable to people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments; use international access symbol; with
contrasting colors and contracting gray values; Blue Color for Background; dark blue; White Color for Symbols & Figures
1.40–1.60 meters Minumum-Maximum Signage Height On Walls & Doors
1 mm MIN. Embossed Signage for letters or numbers; include Braille Symbols

CROSSINGS – at-grade crossings must be perpendicular to carriageway & located at the narrowest & most convenient part of the
carriageway to reduce exposure time to vehicular traffic; must also have arefuge area at midcrossing for wider roads

1.50–2.00 Meter Deep every 10 Meters Central Refuge Area at Midcrossing

6 Seconds MIN. Crossing Period; assuming walking speed is 0.9m/sec. (1.20 m/sec usual speed)
Tactile Blocks / Tactile Surfaces to act as an aid to the blind; high enough to feel but not to trip on
Light-controlled Crossing w/ Synchronized Audible Signals most beneficial PWD Crossing method

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PWD PARKING SPACES – wider parking; must be close to entry & perpendicular (NOT Parallel) or at an angle to driveway
3.70 Meter Minimum Width; PWD Parking
1.20 Meter Minimum Passage for wheelchair

ENTRANCES – provide ramp for elevation changes; should be accessible to arrival and departure points
VESTIBULE at Entry – a space before entrance door; anteroom, foyer
1.50 Wide–1.80 Deep Minimum Vestibule Entrance

RAMPS – Changes in level require a ramp, except when served by an elevator or any other mechanical device (e.g. Lifts, etc.)
1:12 Slope Maximum Slope or Gradient for ramp or changes in level
0.10 Meter MIN. Minimum Curb Height at Ramp
0.20 Meter having a rise of ramp greater than 0.20m towards road; provide railing at foot of level landing
1.20 Meter Minimum Clear Width of Ramp
1.80 Meter Deep Level Area at Top and Bottom of Ramp
6.00 Meter Maximum Ramp Length if gradient is 1:12
1.50 Meter Deep Landing before next run of ramp

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 BUILDING LAWS – PD 1096 | BP 344 | BP 220 | PD 957 | RA 9514
DOORS & CORRIDORS
800 mm Minimum Clear Width
25 mm MAX. Maximum Height of Thresholds; preferably Ramped
1.50 x 1.50 m Clear Space for door swings; SWING OUT of Storage Rm., Closets, PWD Toilet Stalls

1.20 Meter Width Minimum Corridor Width

1.50 x 1.50 m / 12 Meter Turnabout Space spaced at a maximum of 12.00m
3.50 Meter Length Dead End distance after Turnabout Space; preferably locate Turnabout Space at a dead end

1.20–1.30 Meter from FFL Manual Switches Height

200 mm Distance of Switch
0.82–1.06 Meter from FFL
0.90 Meter Preferred
1.06 Meter Centered from FFL
0.30–0.40 Meter Height
should not be farther than 200mmfrom latch side of door
Door Hardware Mounting Height; Latching or non-latching hardware
should not require wrist action or fine finger manipulation
Vertical Pull Handles; preferred to Horizontal Pull Bars
Door Kick Plates; along major circulation routes; durable material

WASHROOMS & TOILETS

500 mm Depth Depth of Lavatory Counter
800 mm MAX Maximum Height of Lavatory Counter
600–700 mm Clear Space Knee Recess Space under Lavatory Counter
1.20 Meter MAX. Height Maximum Height of Flush Control
450 mm from FFL Height of Urinal and Water Closet
480 mm Maximum Height of Elongated Lip of Urinal
600 mm Tall Height and from FFL of Vertical Grab Handle for Urinal
1.70 x 1.80 Meters (3.06 m2) PWD Toilet Stall Minimum Dimensions
1.50 x 1.50 Meters Turning Space Outside PWD Stall Entry
800 mm Width Door Requirement of PWD Stall; must Swing Out
400 mm Distance Mounting Location of Water Closet (WC) from edge
900 x 900 mm Corner Grab Bar Dimensions
800 mm from FFL Mounting Height of Corner Grab Bar
1:20 MIN. (2  20) Minimum No. of PWD Toilet Stalls every 20 WC or Less (Per Gender)

TOILET SIGNAGE DESIGN

300 mm Diameter Women’s Toilet Signage; Circular
300 mm per Side Men’s Toilet Signage;
Equilateral Triangle pointing Upward

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STAIRS & ELEVATORS
STAIRS – tread must be slip-resistant; Slanted Nosing preferred to Projecting Nosing or Open Stringers
Mark Nosing with a color and gray value with higher contrast to the gray value of the rest of the stairs
300 mm Wide Tactile Strip; at top and bottom of stairs

ELEVATOR DIMENSIONS
30 Meter Distance Distance of Accessible Elevator from Entrance
1.10 x 1.40 m (1.54 m2) Minimum Inside Clear Dimension of Elevator Car
0.90–1.20 m from FFL Centerline Height of topmost button of Elevator
20 mm Diameter Button Size of Elevator
1 mm Depth Depression Depth of Elevator Button

SAFETY
FENCING FOR ROADWORKS
• All excavations (on road or footway) must be adequately protected
• Fence should be strong enough to offer resistance, should the Blind walk into it
• Avoid Gaps between adjoining fence lengths
1 Meter Height Height of Rail or Fence from adjacent surface
200 mm Height Height of Kickboard of fence for storing materials near footway
350 mm Height Minimum Height of Tapping Rail to assist the blind
 25 mm Sides should be ramped if projecting more than 25mm

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BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 220 – ECONOMIC & SOCIALIZED HOUSING

ECONOMIC & SOCIALIZED HOUSING LAW
Affordable housing units to average and low-income earners – 30% of Gross Family Income as determined by NEDA
(National Economic and Development Authority)
BP 220 is different from the following:
PD 957 – Subdivision & Condominium Buyers’ Protective Decree
PD 1216 – Defining Open Spaces in Residential Subdivisions
PD 1096 – National Building Code of the Philippines
RA 9514 National Fire Code of the Philippines (PD 1185 – Old)

BASIC NEEDS OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS (According To BP 220)

• Water • Solid & Liquid Waste Disposal
• Movement & Circulation • Parks & Playgrounds
• Storm Drainage • Power
DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS
SOCIALIZED HOUSING
Housing project undertaken by the government for the underprivileged and homeless citizens
BLOCK
Parcel of land bounded on the sides by streets; occupied by or intended for buildings
SHELL HOUSE
Habitable dwelling unit which includes:
Exterior Walls, Floor, Openings for Doors & Windows, Plumbing Fixtures, Electrical Wires, and Roof
COMPLETE HOUSE
Shell House + all windows and doors and partition walls
ALLEY
Intended to break a block; must not be used as access to a property; 2m wide
PATHWALK
Provides pedestrian access to a property; may be used as property access for socialized housing only; 3m wide
Maximum Length = 60 meters
LOFT
A partial, intermediate floor in any storey or room of a residential unit
w/ an area of 1/2 of the area of the room or space in which it is located
Minimum Ceiling Height = 1.80 meters

SUBDIVISION DESIGN
PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
• Avoid areas subject to flooding and other hazards
• Preserve trees with diameter of 200 mm or greater
• Follow easement requirements set by other codes
• Provide major streets with extensions for future connections
SALEABLE VS. NON–SALEABLE – there is no fixed ratio between saleable and non-saleable lots (PD 957 has ratio)
Non–Saleable Components:
Parks and playgrounds
Community facilities
Roads
PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS
• Required for projects that are 1 hectare or more
• Area allotted for parks and playgrounds are exclusive of areas for community facilities
• Basketball courts are acceptable
• Minimum area expressed in percentage; area increases as density (lots / hectare) increases
• Absolute Minimum: 100 sqm.

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DEVELOPED AREA Has presence of Utilities (water, road, power, etc.)

SLOPE: HOUSING DEVELOPMENT 0 - 15% Slope

HIGH-DENSITY DEV’T. 0 – 5%
MEDIUM DENSITY DEV’T. 5 – 15%

COMMUNITY FACILITIES – A Multipurpose Center is required for Projects 1 Hectare or Bigger; whether Socialized or Economic

REQUIRED AREA FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES ACCORDING TO DENSITY (TABLE BELOW)

REQUIRED AREA FOR PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS ACCORDING TO DENSITY

AREA FOR PARKS
NO. OF LOTS &/OR
& PLAYGROUNDS
DWELLING UNITS
% OF GROSS AREA
PER HECTARE
OF SUBDIVISION
150 & BELOW 3.5 %
151 – 160 4%
161 – 175 5%
176 – 200 6%
201 – 225 7&
ABOVE 225 9%
POCKET PARK 100 sq.m. MINIMUM

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CIRCULATION / ROAD PLANNING
Observe prescribed road hierarchies and minimum RROW widths within the subdivision

HIERARCHY OF ROADS
TYPE OF MAX.
R.O.W. LENGTH
ROAD CARRIAGEWAY
MAJOR 8.00 M 6.00 M ---
MINOR 6.50 M 5.00 M 120 M DEAD END
150 M
ALLEY 3.00 M 3.00 M
75 M DEAD END
100 M
FOOTPATH 2.00 M 2.00 M
50 M DEAD END

MINIMUM SIZES OF ROADS

Interconnecting Road 10.00 m Motor Court 6.00 m
Major Road 8.00 m Path Walk 3.00 m
Collector Road 8.00 m Alley 2.00 m
Minor Road 6.50 m

SETBACKS FOR P.U.V. – 5.00 x 3.00 Meters

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MINIMUM LOT AREAS
ROWHOUSE
MINUMUM LOT AREA (OLD)
SOCIALIZED ECONOMIC Lot Area Price
Minimum Gross Floor Area
Single Detached 64 sqm. 72 sqm. (sqm.) Ceiling
Duplex 48 sqm. 54 sqm. 28 sqm. W/ Loft Equal To
40.25
At Least 50% Of Base Structure
Row House 28 sqm. 36 sqm.
32 Sqm. One Storey 44.25 580 K
MINUMUM LOT AREA (NEW) HLURB Resolution 973 32 sqm. Two-Storey Structure
30.00
SINGLE DETATCHED (16 Sqm. Per Floor, 4x4m)
24 sqm. W/ Loft Equal To
Lot Area Price 36.25
Minimum Gross Floor Area At Least 50% Of Base Structure 530 K
(sqm.) Ceiling
28 sqm. One Storey 40.25
28 sqm. W/ Loft Equal To
72.80 22 sqm. W/ Loft Equal To
At Least 50% Of Base Structure 34.25
At Least 50% Of Base Structure 480 K
32 Sqm. One Storey 79.20 580 K
24 sqm. One Storey 36.25
32 sqm. Two-Storey Structure
60.00
(16 Sqm. Per Floor, 4x4m)
24 sqm. W/ Loft Equal To
66.40 SOCIALIZED ECONOMIC
At Least 50% Of Base Structure 530 K MINIMUM OF LOT
28 sqm. One Storey 72.80 FRONTAGES Min. Frontage Min. Frontage
(m) (m)
22 sqm. W/ Loft Equal To
63.20 SINGLE DETATCHED
At Least 50% Of Base Structure 480 K
24 sqm. One Storey 66.40 Corner Lot 8.00 8.00
Regular Lot 8.00 8.00
DUPLEX Irregular Lot 4.00 4.00
Lot Area Price Interior Lot 3.00 3.00
Minimum Gross Floor Area
(sqm.) Ceiling
DUPLEX 6.00 6.00
28 sqm. W/ Loft Equal To
58.33
At Least 50% Of Base Structure ROWHOUSE 3.50 4.00
32 Sqm. One Storey 63.67 580 K
32 sqm. Two-Storey Structure
45.00
(16 Sqm. Per Floor, 4x4m)
24 sqm. W/ Loft Equal To
53.00
At Least 50% Of Base Structure 530 K
28 sqm. One Storey 58.33
22 sqm. W/ Loft Equal To
50.33
At Least 50% Of Base Structure 480 K
24 sqm. One Storey 53.00

BLOCK LENGTH
ROWHOUSE CLUSTERS 400 Meters Maximum Length of a Block
20 Units or 100 M MAX. MAX. Units of Rowhouse Cluster 250 Meters Provide an Alley every 250m of a Block

MINIMUM FLOOR AREAS (Old Format) Refer to

Revised Version from HLURB Resolution 973
18 m2 Minimum Floor Area of Socialized Housing
22 m2 Minimum Floor Area of Economic Housing

MINIMUM LEVEL OF COMPLETION

ECONOMIC HOUSING – complete house based on MINIMUM SETBACKS
submitted specification FRONT & SIDES 1.50 m
SOCIALIZED HOUSING – shell house with doors and REAR 2.00 m
& window to enclose the unit ABUTMENT Allowed per req.s of the NBC

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BUILDING DESIGN
SINGLE–FAMILY DWELLINGS

PRIVATE OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENT

FOR SINGLE–FAMILY DWELLING
% OF OPEN SPACE WINDOWS
LOT TYPE 10 % Floor Area of Regular Rooms
RESIDENTIAL ALL OTHERS
5% Floor Area of Bathrooms
INTERIOR LOT 50 % 25 %
INSIDE LOT 20 % 15 % LADDERS ALLOWED
1.80 Meter Provide landing every 1.8m of rise
CORNER /
10 % 15 %
THROUGH STAIRWAYS
Bounded By 3 250 mm MAX. Maximum Riser
Or More Sides 5% 5% 200 mm MIN. Minimum Tread / Run
By Open Spaces 600 mm MIN. Minimum Width
800–1200 mm Handrail from Floor
4 Steps Handrail not required for stairs
ACCESS TO PROPERTY – path walks may only be used as w/ less than 4 Steps
access to property only for socialized housing 2 Meters MIN. Minimum Headroom
3.6 Meter Landing–to–Landing
CEILING HEIGHT
2 Meter Minimum Clear Ceiling Height WINDING / CIRCULAR STAIRWAYS
1.80 Meter Mezzanine 150 mm MIN. Minimum Tread
300 mm MAX. may be used if required tread
EXITS dimension is provided at a point not
1 Exit Less than 10 Occupants more than 300mm from the narrow
2 Exits 10–more Occupants end of the stairway

DOOR HEIGHT PARTY WALL – A wall jointly used by 2 parties

1.80 Meter For Bathroom and Mezzanine Doors
2.00 Meter For all other doors FIRE BLOCK – MIN. 1 hr fire-resistive rating
4” Thick shall extend from lowest portion of
DOOR WIDTHS wall to just below the roof covering
600 mm Bathroom or purlins
700 mm Bedroom or Service Door
800 mm Main Door FIREWALLS – required whenever a dwelling abuts
on a property line
150 mm (6” Thick)
300 mm extensions above roof and building edge

Page 14 of 25
 BUILDING LAWS – PD 1096 | BP 344 | BP 220 | PD 957 | RA 9514
MULTI–FAMILY DWELLINGS
OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENT FOR MULTI–FAMILY DWELLING

EXCEPTION: BLANK WALLS – wall w/ no openings; or only

minimal openings for comfort rooms

When 2 sides of the buildings are blank walls,

minimum distances become:
2 Meter Between Buildings
1 Meter Between Eaves

PARKING REQUIREMENTS – NBCP Standards

ACCESS TO PROPERTY – Property must abut a public street;
path walks are not allowed as property access
WIDTH OF CORRIDOR / EXIT BALCONY
1.20M (MIN)
1 Slot for 8 Units
Multi-Family Dwellings & Condominiums
Driveway must be used as a parking area
if the minimum RROW is maintained

DEAD–ENDS
12.00M (MAX) OFF–SITE PARKING
100 Meter Distance MIN. Allowed; not >100m away
RAMPS (CHANGES IN ELEV OF 0.30M)
15% SLOPE (MAX)
MINIMUM FLOOR AREAS
STAIRS (For Multi–Family Dwellings)
STAIR WIDTH 18 M2 Socialized Housing
0.90 m MIN 50 or Less Occupants 18 M2 BP 220 Condominium
1.00 m MIN More Than 50 22 M2 Economic Housing
1.20 m MAX Stairways’ Landing Width
0.20 m MAX Stairways’ Rise EXITS & CORRIDORS – NBCP & Fire Code Standards
0.25 m MAX Thread 15 Meter Height Required for buildings
2.00 m MIN. Height MIN. Stairways Headroom 15m in height
NUMBER OF EXITS
3.60 m MAX Distance B/W Landings
1 Exit Every Unit
2 Exits Above 1st Floor
HANDRAILS
(1) One Handrail Stairway Width Less Than 3.00 m
WIDTH OF EXITS
(2) Two Handrails Stairway Width 3.00–3.50 m
0.80 m For 50 or Less Occupants
Intermediate Handrail Stairway Width More Than 3.50 m
+ 0.15 m For every Additional
25 Occupants
1.00 m Height HEIGHT OF HANDRAIL DISTANCE OF EXITS
24.00 m MAX. Travel Distance Floor Above 1st Floor 45 m Without Auto Fire Extinguishing System
to Stairways 60 m With Auto Fire Extinguishing System

DISTANCES BETWEEN BUILDINGS

ELEVATORS – NBCP & BP 344 Standards

FOR 1–2 STOREY BUILDINGS > 6 Storeys Required for buildings 6-sto. Or higher

4 Meter Between Buildings

1.50 Meter Between Eaves

FOR 3–4 STOREY BUILDINGS

6 Meter Between Buildings
2 Meter Between Eaves

TALLER THAN 4 STOREYS

10 Meter Between Buildings
6 Meter Between Eaves

Page 15 of 25
 BUILDING LAWS – PD 1096 | BP 344 | BP 220 | PD 957 | RA 9514

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE 957 – SUBDIVISION & CONDOMINIUM BUYER’S PROTECTIVE DECREE

➢ MEDIUM COST HOUSING
➢ OPEN MARKET HOUSING

SUBDIVISIONS
SALEABLE VS. NON SALEABLE
70% Saleable Maximum
30% Non-Saleable Minimum (Open Space) Ex.) Roads, Playgrounds; Community Facilities; Circulation System)

APPROVAL OF SUBDIVISION PLAN: PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION DEV’T. PLAN

2 Sets Site Dev’t. Plan (1:200 To 1:2000)
Signed & Sealed By Either An Archt-EP, CE-EP, GE-PE, Archt / CE / GE & EP
1 Set Vicinity, Topographic Plan & Survey Plan Signed & Sealed By GE
2 Copies TCT & Current Tax Receipt

SUBDIVISION DEVELOPMENT PERMIT: ALL REQUIREMENT FOR PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION DEV’T. PLAN
a) 1 Set – Site Development Plan (Same Scale) d) ECC Or CNC (Certified True Copy)
b) 2 Copies – Civil & Sanitary Works Design e) Zoning Certificate
➢ Road Design/Plan f) DAR Conversion (Certified True Copy)
➢ Storm Drainage & Sanitary Sewer System g) Project Description, FS, ITR, SEC Reg, By-Laws, Etc
➢ Site Grading Plan h) Plans, Specifications & Estimates
➢ Water System Layout & Details i) Permit To Drill From NWRB
c) Tax Declaration (Certified True Copy) j) Traffic Impact Assessment (Above 30 Hectares)

PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS

1 Hectare or More Required for projects 1ha. or more
3.5 % MIN. 20 Lots / Hectare
9.0 % MAX. 65 Lots / Hectare
But not less than 100 sqm.

MINIMUM LOT AREAS MINIMUM FLOOR AREAS

Medium Cost Open Market 30 sqm. Medium Cost Housing
Minimum Lot Areas
(sqm.) (sqm.)
42 sqm. Open Market
SINGLE DETACHED 100 120
DUPLEX 80 96
SETBACKS – as per NBCP Standards
ROWHOUSE 50 60
NUMBER OF ROWHOUSE/BLOCK
MINIMUM LOT FRONTAGES
20 Units (Must Not Be Beyond 100m)
Minimum Lot Frontages Medium Cost Open Market
SINGLE DETACHED BLOCK LENGTH 400.00m MAX
CORNER LOT 12 m 12 m More than 250m w/ alley
10 m 10 m @ Mid-Length
REGULAR LOT
INTERIOR LOT 3m 3m
DUPLEX 8m 8m
ROWHOUSE 4m 4m

Page 16 of 25
 BUILDING LAWS – PD 1096 | BP 344 | BP 220 | PD 957 | RA 9514

COMMUNITY FACILITIES – Multi-Purpose Center require for projects 1 Hectare or bigger; Non-Saleable
HIERARCHY OF ROADS & RROW WIDTHS
10 Meter MIN. Minimum RROW Width for Major Road
8 Meter MIN. Minimum RROW Width for Minor Road

ROAD RIGHT OF WAY (Table 4) > > >

ROAD INTERSECTION
Distance of Offset Intersection 20.00 m MIN
Corner Curb 6.00 m Radius
Cul-De-Sac & T 4.50 m Radius

ROAD PAVEMENT
Concrete 0.15 m thk.
Asphalt 0.508 m thk.

ROAD GRADE/SLOPE 1.5 %

CURB & GUTTERS 7–9%

PLANTING STRIPS & SIDEWALKS

Page 17 of 25
 BUILDING LAWS – PD 1096 | BP 344 | BP 220 | PD 957 | RA 9514
CONDOMINIUMS
APPROVAL OF CONDOMINIUM PLAN:
2 Sets Condominium Plan (Scale Not Exceeding 1:400) Signed & Sealed By an Architect
➢ Site Development Plan
➢ Floor Plan(s)
➢ Sections & Elevations
2 Copies Vicinity Map Signed & Sealed By Geodetic Engineer
➢ Building Specification & Estimates
➢ Zoning Certificate from HLURB
➢ DAR Conversion (Dept. of Agrarian Reform)
➢ ECC or CNC Environmental Compliance Certificate or Certificate of Non–Coverage
▪ A CNC is the equivalent of an ECC for projects that are not expected to have
significant impacts on the environment
➢ TCT & Current Tax Receipt
➢ Project Study
➢ Permit To Drill From NWRB (NATIONAL WATER RESOURCE BOARD)

MINIMUM ROOM SIZES – as per NBCP Standards (i.e. Habitable Rooms; T&B; Kitchen; etc)

PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS – required if:

10 Units or More Condominium Units; Parks & Playgrounds Required
1000 sqm. or larger Project Size; Parks & Playgrounds Required
800 Meter Distance May be waived if a Public Park is within 800m
50 sqm. per 10 Units MIN. Area; Size of Parks & Playground per 10 Condominium Units
+ 3 sqm. per additional Additional sqm. per Additional Condominium Unit
3 sq.m. Increments in excess of 10 Units

800 m EXEMPTION: Presence Of Accessible Park Within 800m

ROADS – for Hierarchy of Roads, refer to Subdivision Requirements

8 Meter MIN. Minimum RROW
6 Meter for Carriageway
2 Meter for Sidewalk / Planting Strip
PATHWALK 1.20 m MIN.

FLOOR AREA / SIZE OF CONDOMINIUMS

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
18 sqm. Single Occupancy
12 sqm. For Students / Employees

FAMILY OCCUPANCY
22 sqm. For Medium Cost
36 sqm. For Open Market

MINIMUM LEVEL OF COMPLETION – Complete House (Not Shell-Type House)

Based on submitted plans and specifications

Page 18 of 25
 BUILDING LAWS – PD 1096 | BP 344 | BP 220 | PD 957 | RA 9514

RA 9514 (2008 IRR) – REVISED FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES OF 2008

(REPEALED) PD 1185 – FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

CLASSES OF FIRE DEGREE OF HAZARD

➢ Probability That A Bldg., Structure Or Facility May Catch
Class A – Ordinary Combustible Materials Such as Wood,
Fire
Cloth, Paper, Rubber, & Plastics ➢ Difficulty In Evacuating People
➢ Difficulty In Suppressing Fire
Class B – Flammable Liquids & Gases
Class C – Energized Electrical Equipment DETERMINANTS
➢ Construction Materials Used
Class D – Combustible Metals
➢ Combustibility Of Contents
Such as Magnesium, Sodium, & Potassium
➢ Type Of Occupancy & Load Capacity
➢ Height From Ground Level
➢ Firefighter’s Travel Distance
➢ Fire Safety Construction; Protective/Warning Systems
AUTOMATIC FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
An Integrated System Of Underground Or Overhead Piping Or Both Connected To A Source Of
Extinguishing Agent Or Medium; Actuated By Its Automatic Detecting Device Suppresses Fire

FIRE ALERTING SYSTEM Activated By The Presence Of A Fire, Where The Signal Is Transmitted To Designated
Locations Instead Of Sounding A General Alarm, To Prevent Panic

FIRE PROTECTIVE ASSEMBLY Incorporated In A Structure To Prevent Spread Of Fire.

Examples are Dampers, Curtain Boards, Fire Stoppers

DRY STANDPIPE Standpipe System In Which Pipes Are Not Filled With Water.
Water Is Introduced Thru Service Connections When Needed

FIRE WALL Designed To Prevent Spread Of Fire, Having A Fire Resistance Of Not Less Than 4 Hours With
Sufficient Structural Stability To Remain Standing Even If Const’n On Either Side Collapses Under Fire
Conditions.

MEANS OF EGRESS A Continuous & Unobstructed Route Of Exit From Any Point In A Building, Structure
Or Facility To A Public Way.

FIRE RETARDANT Any Compound Or Mixture,

Which When Applied Properly Improves The Fire-Resistant Quality Of Fabrics & Other Materials.

PANIC HARDWARE A Mechanical Device Consisting Of Linkages And A Horizontal Bar Across A Door,
Which When Pushed From Inside Will Cause The Door To Open And Facilitate Exit From A Building.

ORGANIC COATING a liquid mixture of binders & combustible solvents,

which when spread on a surface becomes a durable protective & decorative finish.

FIRE RESISTANCE RATING Time Duration That A Material Or Const’n Can Withstand The Effect Of A Hundred Fire Test

FLAME SPREAD RATING Time In Which Flame Will Spread Over The Surface Of A Burning Material

SMOKE DEVELOPED RATING A Rating Of Combustible Material Based On The Density And Volume Of Smoke Developed
Within A Certain Period Of Time When Its Surface Is Ignited

FIRE EXTINGUISHER
➢ A Device That Contains Within It Chemicals, Fluids, Or Gases For Extinguishing Fires, The Means For Application Of Its
Contents For That Purpose, And Is Capable Of Being Readily Moved From Place To Place
➢ Servicing Portable Fire Extinguishers Includes Any Or All Of The Following- Charging, Filling, Maintaining, Recharging,
Refilling, Repairing And Testing

PROHIBITED ACTS: FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

➢ Removal Of Inspection Tags Attached To Fire Extinguishers
➢ Refilling A Discharged Extinguisher With An Extinguishing Agent Other Than What The Unit Was Designed To
Contain
➢ Selling Extinguishers Not Appropriate To The Hazard
➢ Selling Prohibited Types Of Extinguisher
➢ Selling Defective Or Substandard Extinguishers
➢ Using/Installing 2 Or More Thermatic Special Hazard Vaporizing Liquid Units In Rooms With Volume Greater Than
The Nominal Capability Of 1 Unit
➢ Use Of Uncalibrated Gauges

Page 19 of 25
 BUILDING LAWS – PD 1096 | BP 344 | BP 220 | PD 957 | RA 9514
HIGH RISE BUILDING
➢ One Which Is At Least 15 Meters High Measured From
The Floor Of The Topmost Level To The Ground Level
FIRST AID PROTECTION
➢ Each Floor Shall Be Provided With At Least 19mm
Lightweight Flexible Hose Providing Water At 19-38liters
Per Minute For 30 Minutes
SMOKE CONTROL
➢ In Protected Spaces, The Atmosphere Shall Not Include
More Than 1% By Volume Of The Contaminated
Atmosphere From The Fire Area
AUTOMATIC FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS
➢ High Rise Buildings Shall Be Protected With Approved
Type Of Automatic Fire Suppression Systems Installed In
Accordance With Internationally Recognized Standards
➢ Must Protect All Spaces Including Every Closet And
Concealed Spaces
➢ No Openings Except Doorways And Exterior Wall
Openings
➢ Self-Closing And Automatic Doors
➢ Should Not Continue Beyond Grade Level
➢ No Enclosed Usable Space Under Stairs In Exit Enclosure
SMOKEPROOF ENCLOSURES
➢ Consist Of Vestibule/Open Exterior Balcony And Stairway
From Highest To Lowest Point
➢ Exit To Public Way Or Exit Passageway To Public Way
➢ Should Not Go Beyond Grade Level
➢ With Adequate Ventilation
EXIT COURTS
➢ width reduction to be effected by a 90cm high guard rail
making an angle of not more than 30 degrees with exits
EXIT PASSAGEWAY
➢ No Opening Except For Required Exits
➢ Fire-Resistance, Widths, Heights To Be Maintained

EXITS SIGNS & ILLUMINATION

➢ All Stairwells Shall Be Enclosed And Protected ➢ Main Exit Doors Need Not Be Sign Posted
➢ All Doors On Stairwells Shall Be Kept Closed ➢ LIGHT INTENSITY Of At Least 1 Foot-candle At Floor
Level
EMERGENCY ESCAPE ➢ Exit Sign Letters Of At Least 12.7cm High
➢ Capable Of Attachment And Use For Escape From ➢ Exit Signs Illuminated With 2 Electric Lamps Of Not
Windows Less Than 5 Watts Each
➢ This Means Of Escape Shall Not Exceed 25% Of The
Required Number Of Units Of Exit Widths
MEANS OF EGRESS
MAINTENANCE OF EXIT WAYS
EXIT COMPONENTS
Shall be constructed as an integral part of the building or shall
DOORS
be permanently affixed thereto.
➢ Openable From Inside w/o Keys, Effort & Special
Knowledge SEPARATION OF EXITS
➢ Approved Bolting Devices ➢ 1–Hour Fire Resistance Rating For 3 Stories Or Less
➢ Readily Distinguishable ➢ 2–Hour Fire Resistance Rating For 4 Or More Stories
➢ Any Opening In The Separation Shall Be Enclosed By An
ELEVATORS & REVOLVING DOORS Approved Self-Closing Fire Door
Shall NOT Be Counted As Required Exits
UNITS OF EXIT WIDTH
CORRIDORS & EXTERIOR EXIT BALCONIES ➢ Only the clear width of the doorway when the door is in
➢ Access To All Exits the open position shall be measured; any projections into
➢ Required 2m Clearance the doorways by doorstops or by the hinge stile shall be
➢ Do Not Include Railings And Partitions Below 1.5m disregarded
➢ Handrails & Fully Opened Doors ➢ Where a doorway is divided by mullions, the exit width
Should Not Reduce Width By 8cm; shall be the sum of the units of exit width measured
➢ Doors In Any Position separately for each individual door
Should Not Reduce Width By More Than Half ➢ Single door in a doorway shall not be less than .71m
➢ Any Covered Or Enclosed Exit Passageways Including and not more than 1.22m
Walkways, Tunnels, Walls
➢ Can Include Foyers, Lobbies And Reception Room CHANGES IN LEVEL
➢ floor on both sides of a door shall have the same elevation
STAIRWAYS on both sides, for a distance at least equal to the width of
➢ HANDRAIL PROJECTION Up To 9cm From Each Side the widest single door
➢ HEADROOM CLEARANCE Of 195cm ➢ when a door discharges to the outside, change in floor
➢ 1-Hour Resistive Construction For Storage Underneath level shall not be more than 0.205m
RAMPS TREADS AND RISERS
➢ 1/8 Or 12.5% Slope ➢ sum of 2 risers and a tread exclusive of nosing projection
➢ Handrails Required For Slopes Of 1/10 Or Higher should be between 0.60 – 0.635m
➢ Rough, Non-Slip Material ➢ minimum number of risers in any 1 flight is 3
➢ Class A Ramp – 8-10% Slope ➢ treads and landing floor shall be solid
➢ Class B Ramp – 10-17% Slope

HORIZONTAL EXIT
➢ May Be Considered As A Required Exit
➢ Fire-Resistance, Opening Protection And Discharge Areas TRAVEL DISTANCE – to an exit shall be measured on the
Shall Be Maintained
floor
EXIT ENCLOSURES
➢ Include Landings, Floors Connecting Flights Of Stairs, or other walking surface along the center line of the
Ground Floor Corridor From Stairs To Building Exterior natural path of travel, starting 30cm. from the remote
point, curving around any corner or construction with a

Page 20 of 25
 BUILDING LAWS – PD 1096 | BP 344 | BP 220 | PD 957 | RA 9514
30cm. Clearance therefrom, and ending at the center of
the doorway or other point at which the exit begins. LADDERS
➢ Cannot be used as fire escape,
➢ A door from a room to an exit or to a way of exit access spaced at 3m, positively inclined
shall be of the side-hinged, swinging type; It shall swing
with exit travel when occupied by 50+ persons or used for SLIDE ESCAPES
high hazard occupancy ➢ Where permitted as required exits, shall be rated at
1 exit unit per slide, with rated travel capacity of
➢ In no case shall access to exit be through a bathroom, 60 persons per minute
bedroom or other room subject to locking, except where
the exit is required to serve only the bedroom or other EMERGENCY LIGHTING
room subject to locking or adjoining rooms constituting part ➢ Shall be arranged to maintain specified level of illumination
of the same dwelling or apartment used for single family in the event of failure of the normal lighting for a period of
occupancy. at least 1.5 hours in buildings more than
36.5 meters in height
➢ Decorations or draperies shall not be placed on exit doors.
➢ Mirrors shall not be placed in or adjacent to any exit in EXIT SIGNS
such a manner as to confuse the direction of exit. ➢ Every exit shall have the word “EXIT” in plainly legible
➢ All exits shall terminate directly at a public way or at an exit letters not less than 15cm height with principal strokes of
discharge. letters at least 19mm wide

➢ Where permitted for individual occupants by div.7-15, a

maximum of 50% of the exits may discharge through
areas on the floor of discharge provided that:

➢ Exits shall discharge to a free, unobstructed and

readily visible way to the exterior of the building
➢ The floor of discharge is protected with automatic fire
suppression system or separated in accordance with
the required enclosure of exits
➢ The entire area on the floor of discharge is separated
from areas below by construction of two-hour fire
resistance rating\

➢ In no case shall the ceiling height (headroom) be less

than 2.3 meters nor any projection from the ceiling be less
than 2.0 meters from the floor

LOADS Stair, Platform, Landing, Balcony & Stair Hallway

Shall Carry A Load Of 88 Kg.Per Sq.M.
Or A Concentrated Load Of 136 Kg.

HORIZONTAL EXIT
➢ Is A Way Of Passage From One Building To An Area Of
Refuge In Another Bldg. On Approximately The Same
Level
➢ Or A Way Of Passage Through Or Around A Wall Or
Partition To An Area Of Refuge On Approximately The
Same Level In The Same Building

EXIT PASSAGEWAY
➢ Any Hallway, Corridor, Passage Or Tunnel Protected By
Separation, And With Solid Floor Every Fire Section Shall
Have At Least 1 Stairway, Doorway Leading Outside, Or
Other Standard Exit

FIRE ESCAPE STAIRS

➢ May be used as required means of egress only for existing
buildings Shall not constitute more than 50% of required
exit capacity

TYPES OF FIRE ESCAPE STAIRS

➢ Return platform types with superimposed runs
➢ Straight run with platforms continuing in the same direction

Page 21 of 25
 BUILDING LAWS – PD 1096 | BP 344 | BP 220 | PD 957 | RA 9514
FEATURES OF FIRE PROTECTION
➢ Combination Of An Automatic Or Smoke Detection System, Automatic Exhaust System And An Automatic Water Curtain
➢ Combination Of An Automatic Fire Or Smoke Detection System And A System Of High Velocity Water Spray Nozzle
➢ Automatic Self-Closing Rolling Shutter Which Completely Encloses The Top Of Each Escalator
➢ Kiosk Designed To Provide An Effective Barrier To The Spread Of Smoke From Floor To Floor
➢ Concealed Space In Which Exposed Materials With Flame-Spread Rating Greater Than Class A Are Fire-Stopped

FIRE SAFETY IN BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES, & FACILITIES

OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION & GEN. PROVISIONS OCCUPANT LOAD

CONCENTRATED USE W/O FIXED SEATS

Class A – 1000 or More
Class B – 600 or More
ASSEMBLY
300–600
Class C – 50–300
4 Exits ex.) Auditorium, Church, Dance Floor, Lodge Rm.
0.65 m2 / Person
3 Exits
LESS CONCENTRATED USE
ex.) Conference / Dining / Exhibit Room, Gym
2 Exits 1.4 m2 / Person
2 Exits STANDING ROOM OR WAITING SPACE
0.28 m2 / Person

2 Doorways MIN. / at least CLASSROOM 1.80 m2 / Person

Room / Space Capacity Over 50 Persons Or Over 93 m2
SHOP, LABORATORIES, VOCATIONAL RM.
EDUCATIONAL PROVIDING ACCESS TO SEPARATE EXITS 1.40 m2 / Person
Where Egress Is Through Corridors, Shall Open To A
Common Corridor Leading To Separate Exits In Opposite DRY NURSERIES w/ SLEEPING FACILITIES
Directions 3.25 m2 / Person

1) HEALTH CARE FACILITIES SLEEPING DEPT. 11 m2 / Person

Hospitals & Nursing Homes
IN–PATIENT TREATMENT DEPT.
2) RESIDENTIAL CUSTODIAL CARE 22 m2 / Person
INSTITUTIONAL
Nurseries, Home For The Aged, Mentally-Retarded Care

3) RESIDENTIAL–RESTRAINED CARE DRY NURSERIES w/ SLEEPING FACILITIES

Penal Institutions, Reformaries, Jails 3.25 m2 / Person

HOTELS More Than 15 Sleeping Rooms For Hire

APARTMENT BUILDINGS 3 or More Living Units

w/ Independent Cooking & Bathroom Facilities

DORMITORIES Group Sleeping Accommodations

For Persons Not Members Of The Same Family
18.60 m2 / Person
RESIDENTIAL
Except For Single & 2–Family Dwellings
LODGING / ROOMING HOUSES
Separate Rented Living Rooms For 15 Or Less
On Transient Or Permanent Basis

SINGLE & 2–FAMILY DWELLING Detached Dwellings

Each Unit Is Occupied By Family Members

Page 22 of 25
 BUILDING LAWS – PD 1096 | BP 344 | BP 220 | PD 957 | RA 9514

(continuation) FIRE SAFETY IN BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES, & FACILITIES

OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION & GEN. PROVISIONS OCCUPANT LOAD

Class A Stores GROSS AREA: 2,787 m2 or More COVERED MALLS 2.8 m2 / Person
Utilizing More Than 3 Levels For Sales Purposes
STREET FLOOR OR
Class B Stores GROSS AREA: 287 m2 BELOW STREET FLOOR 2.8 m2 / Person
MERCANTILE To Less Than 2787 m2
Utilizing Above / Below Street Floor lvl. For Sales Purposes UPPER FLOORS 5.6 m2 / Person

Class C Stores GROSS AREA: Less Than 287 m2 FLOORS NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC
Utilizing Street Floor Only For Sales 9.3 m2 / Person

OFFICE Classified As “LIGHT HAZARD OCCUPANCY”

BUSINESS HIGH–RISE BUILDINGS BUSINESS 9.3 m2 / Person

Buildings Over 15 Meters Shall Be Provided
Throughout With Automatic Sprinkler Protection

Every High Hazard Occupancy Shall Have

Automatic Fire Suppression System Protection
Or Other Protection Appropriate To Particular Hazard

1) GENERAL INDUSTRIAL
All Except High Hazard Manufacturing Operations
INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL 9.3 m2 / Person
2) SPECIAL PURPOSE
Contents Liable To Burn w/ Extreme Rapidity Or From
Which Poisonous Fumes Or Explosions Are Feared

3) OPEN INDUSTRIAL
Operations Conducted In Open Air

1) ORDINARY HAZARD ➢ Parking Garages of Closed /

2) HIGH HAZARD Open Type / Above or Below Ground
STORAGE
3) LOW HAZARD ➢ Storage Of Servicing Areas

1) ORDINARY HAZARD
MISCELLANEOUS 2) HIGH HAZARD INDUSTRIAL 9.3 m2 / Person
3) LOW HAZARD

Page 23 of 25
 BUILDING LAWS – PD 1096 | BP 344 | BP 220 | PD 957 | RA 9514

FIRE PROTECTION APPLIANCES

DEFINITION INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

FIRE DEPARTMENT HOUSE CONNECTION

Is A Hose Connection At Grade Or Street Level
For Use By The Fire Service Only

➢ All 102mm Dry Standpipes To Be Equipped w/ A Four-Way

Connection

➢ 1 Outlet Connection per Floor Level Landing Above The Floor Of

Every Required Enclosed Stairway Or Smokeproof Enclosure

➢ Will Withstand Water Pressure Of 21 kg/Sq.cm

DRY STANDPIPE ➢ HORIZONTAL RUNS 20% Slope

A Fire Line System ➢ Highest Outlet Is 23m Or Less Above Fire Service Connection
Without A Constant Water Supply,
Is Equipped With A Fire Service Inlet And Outlet 102mm
Connections And Installed Exclusively ➢ Highest Outlet More than 23m Above Fire Service Connection
For The Use Of The Fire Service
153mm
➢ FIRE SERVICE CONNECTIONS ON STREET FRONT
46cm to 122cm Above Grade
➢ FOR EACH STANDPIPE 6.4cm Outlet, 61cm-122cm
Above Floor Level Of Each Storey
➢ For Less Than 34% Roof Slope, 2–Way 6.4cm Outlet
Above The Roof Line

WET STANDPIPE
Is An Auxilliary Fire Line System
With A Constant Water Supply Installed Primarily
For Emergency Fire Use By The Occupant
Of The Building ➢ MIN. 38mm Hose Per Standpipe
REQUIRED FOR ➢ All Building Portions Must Be Within 6m of a Nozzle
➢ From Cellar To Topmost Story Attached To 22m of Hose
For Assembly Buildings of
More Than 1000 Occupants ➢ 38mm Valve Per Story, 91cm–192cm Above Floor
➢ Hazardous Storage, Business &
Mercantile Occupancies With ➢ RISER HEIGHT Is Less Than 15m Above The Source 51mm
More Than 1,860sq.M Per Floor ➢ RISER HEIGHT Is 15m Or More Above The Source 64mm

➢ Each Side Of Stage , Balcony

➢ Water Supply At 132 Liters/Minute With 1/8 kg/Sq.cm. Residual
Or Rear Of Auditorium
Pressure From Each Outlet For 30 Minutes
NOT REQUIRED IN
➢ Buildings w/ Automatic Fire Suppression
Syst.
➢ In Assembly Areas For Worship

SIGNAGE Saying “Combination Standpipe & Test Connections”

DIAMETER At least 15cm
COMBINATION STANDPIPE COMBINATION of 2 SYSTEMS 4–Way Service Connection
A Fire Line System With A Constant Water
Supply COMBINATIONS of 3 or MORE Two 4–Way Service Connections
And Installed For The Use Of The Fire Service
And The Occupants Of The Building
FOR EACH STANDPIPE 64mm Outlet,
61cm–122cm
Above Floor Level At Each Storey

Page 24 of 25
 BUILDING LAWS – PD 1096 | BP 344 | BP 220 | PD 957 | RA 9514

PLANNING AGENCIES

HUDCC Executive Order No. 90 HLURB HOUSING & LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD
HOUSING & URBAN DEVEL’T COORDINATING COUNCIL ➢ The Sole Regulatory Body For Housing & Land Use Development
A government agency that serves as the umbrella organization that ➢ Reviews existing land use plans, housing programs and other
coordinates the activities of the various housing agencies to ensure the projects that may affect urban land use patterns, transportation &
accomplishment of the National Shelter Program public utilities, infrastructure, the environment, & population
movements
HUDCC MISSION STATEMENT
“(…) the HUDCC shall facilitate access to a variety of housing options REGULATION MANDATES
that are decent, affordable and responsive to the diverse and changing ➢ Register & license subdivision & condominium projects
needs of homeless and underprivileged Filipino families.” ➢ Update & revise rules, guidelines & standards
on housing & real estate
The HUDCC has four major key result areas which include the ➢ Issue locational clearances for projects considered to be of vital
following: ➢ & national/regional economic or environmental significance
➢ Register & supervise Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs)
➢ Formulation of plans & policies on housing & urban devl’t ➢ Register real estate brokers, dealers & salesmen engaged in selling
➢ Devl’t & supervision of innovative programs & projects for tenure projects under HLURB jurisdiction
security, urban renewal & other support services
➢ Provision of overall administration & supervision to Key Shelter ADJUDICATION MANDATES
Agencies ➢ Disputes between buyers & developers
➢ Provision of technical assistance to the Local Gov’t Units (LGUs) on ➢ Disputes among Homeowners’ Associations
the delivery of housing services to their constituents & support to ➢ Appeals from decisions of local zoning bodies
the general public on appropriate info on housing & referral of
specific concerns for action of appropriate agencies NHMFC (1977) Presidential Decree 1267
NATIONAL HOME MORTGAGE FINANCE CORPORATION
THE KEY HOUSING AGENCIES ➢ Is the major gov’t home mortgage institution
NHA National Housing Authority ➢ Its main function is to operate a viable home mortgage market,
NHMFC National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation utilizing long term funds principally provided by the SSS, the GSIS,
HGC Home Guaranty Corporation & the HDMF to purchase mortgages
HLURB Housing & Land Use Regulatory Board
WHAT ARE MORTGAGES?
THE KEY FINANCE AGENCIES Banks are the traditional mortgage lender. But they aren't the only
HDMF or Pag–IBIG Fund; Home Devl’t Mutual Fund source of mortgages; credit unions & various gov’t agencies also
SSS Social Security System offer mortgages. Like other loans, mortgages carry an interest rate
GSIS Gov’t Service Insurance System & a length or "term" of the loan, anywhere from five to 30 years

THE SUPPORT AGENCIES (1978) Presidential Decree 1530

NEDA National Economic and Devl’t Authority HDMF HOME DEVL’T MUTUAL FUND /
DOF Dept. of Finance PAG–IBIG PAGTUTULUNGAN SA KINABUKASAN:
DBM Dept. of Budget & Management IKAW, BANGKO, INDUSTRIYA AT GOBYERNO
DPWH Dept. of Public Works & Highways ➢ Established to provide a national savings program and affordable
DBP Devl’t Bank of the Philippines shelter financing for the Filipino worker
MMDA Metro Manila Devl’t Authority ➢ Originally, there were two separate funds:
Presidential Management Staff ➢ One for Private Employees (via SSS), and another
➢ One for Government Employees (via GSIS)
NHA NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY PD No. 757 ➢ However, in 1979, the two funds were merged into what is now
➢ Is the only government agency that engages in actual shelter known as the PAG-IBIG fund
production for low income Filipino families
➢ The NHA focuses its efforts in providing housing, assistance to the MEMBERS’ BENEFITS
lowest 30% of urban income-earners through: ➢ Annual dividend earnings for their savings, tax-free
▪ Slum Upgrading ➢ Access to short-term loan programs
▪ Squatter Relocation ➢ Access to the housing loan program
▪ Development Of Sites And Services
▪ Construction Of Core-Housing Units HGC HOME GUARANTY CORPORATION
➢ Undertakes programs for the improvement of blighted urban areas ➢ Encourage banks & financial institutions to lend money to Filipino
& provides technical assistance for private developers undertaking homebuyers by providing loan guarantees to these banks and/or
low-cost housing projects financial institutions
➢ Provides housing, assistance to the lowest 30% of urban
income-earners WHAT IS A LOAN GUARANTEE?
➢ Is a promise by a third party (in this case, the HGC) to assume
the debt obligation of a borrower if that borrower is unable to
make his payments to the lender
➢ encourages lenders (e.g. banks) to lend money to borrowers
because it lessens the risk for lenders. Should the borrower fail
to pay his debts, the HGC will make the payments

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