5 Apr 2023

Authorship + Disclaimer
This work is the property of Arch. Pedro Santos Jr.

PD 1096 Always check the values given in this document Creative Commons
against the original references. For questions or This presentation islicensedunderthecreative
corrections, contact the author at commonsattribution-noncommercial-sharealike4.0
National Building Code of the Philippines
internationallicense.Toviewa copy ofthislicense,visit
arch.pedrosantosjr@gmail.com. http://creativecommons.Org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

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 5 Apr 2023

PURPOSE OF THE CODE SCOPE OF APPLICATION

RULE 1 ▪ To provide a framework of minimum standards
and requirements for all buildings in order to
▪ The National Building Code (NBC) applies to the
design, location, siting, construction, alteration,
General Provisions regulate their location, design, quality of materials, repair, conversion, use, occupancy, maintenance,
construction, and use. moving, demolition of and addition to public and
private buildings, except traditional dwellings and
BP 220 projects.

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Construction Addition
All on-site work done from sitepreparation, excavation, Any new construction which increases the height or area
Definition of terms foundation, assembly of all the components and
installation of utilities and equipment of
of an existingbuilding/structure

buildings/structure

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Alteration Renovation Conversion

Construction in a building/ structure involving changes Any physical change made on a building/ structure to A change in the use or occupancy of a building/ structure
in the materials used, partitioning, location/size of increase its value, utility and/ or to improve its aesthetic or any portion/s thereof which has different requirements
openings, structural parts, existing utilities and quality
equipment but does not increasethe overall area thereof.

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Repair Demolition Ancillary building/structure

Remedial work done on any damaged or deteriorated The systematic dismantling or destructionof a building/ A secondary building/ structure located within the same
portion/s of a building/structureto restore its original structure, in whole or in part premises, the use of which is incidental to that of the main
condition building/structure

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THE SECRETARY THE BUILDING OFFICIAL

RULE 2 ▪ Secretary of the DPWH ▪ Tasked with the enforcement of the Code in his
jurisdiction
Administration + Enforcement ▪ Duties include:
▪ Policy making ▪ Issues, denies, suspends and revokes permits
▪ Memorandum circulars ▪ Undertakes inspection of buildings
▪ Prescription of fees ▪ Acts on claims
▪ Appointment of building officials in all municipalities

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FEES FEE EXEMPTIONS PROHIBITED ACTS

▪ The DPWH Secretary prescribes the fees ▪ Public buildings ▪ Proceeding with work without a permit
▪ The Building Official collects the fees ▪ Traditional family dwellings ▪ Unauthorized deviations from the drawings during
▪ A dwelling intended for the use by one family and construction
constructed of native materials (bamboo, nipa, logs,
▪ Non-compliance with work stoppage order
lumber), the total cost of which does not exceed
PHP15,000. ▪ Non-compliance with order to demolish

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PROHIBITED ACTS DANGEROUS BUILDINGS OPTIONS FOR DANGEROUS BLDGS

▪ Use of a building without securing a Certificate of ▪ Structural hazard ▪ Repair
Occupancy
▪ Fire hazard ▪ Vacation
▪ Change in use without the corresponding
▪ Unsafe electrical wiring ▪ Demolition
Certification of Change of Use
▪ Unsafe mechanical installation
▪ Failure to post Cert. of Occupancy
▪ Inadequate sanitation and health facilities
▪ Change in type of construction without permit
▪ Architectural deficiency

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BUILDING PERMIT WHEN IS A PERMIT REQUIRED?

RULE 3 ▪ A written authorization granted by the Building
Official to an applicant allowing him to proceed
▪ Before constructing, altering, repairing, converting,
moving, adding to, demolishing a building.
Permits with construction after plans, specifications and
other pertinent documents have been found to be
in conformity with the Code

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BUILDING PERMIT EXEMPTIONS MINOR CONSTRUCTION MINOR CONSTRUCTION

▪ Minor constructions ▪ Minor structures 6sqm. or less detached from ▪ Window grilles
other buildings, for private use only. (Example:
▪ Repair works ▪ Garden pools 500mm deep or shallower
sheds, poultry houses, greenhouses)
▪ Garden masonry walls not exceeding 1.20m in
▪ Open terraces or patios not exceeding 20sqm.
height

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REPAIRS PERMIT REQUIREMENTS PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

▪ Not involving structural members ▪ Application forms ▪ If lot is NOT owned,
▪ Of non-load bearing partition walls ▪ If lot is owned, ▪ Contract of Lease or Deed of Absolute Sale in place of
TCT
▪ Not involving addition or alteration ▪ OCT or TCT
▪ Tax declaration ▪ Five sets of plans and specs, signed and sealed
▪ Of doors, windows, floors, fences and walls by various professionals
▪ Current real property tax receipt
▪ Of plumbing fixtures

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ISSUANCE OF PERMITS LIABILITY CLAUSE LIABILITY CLAUSE

▪ 15 days from payment of fees ▪ Article 1723 of the Civil Code states that the ▪ In case the building collapses due to defects in
engineer or architect who drew up the plans and construction or the use of inferior materials, the
specifications is liable for 15 years from contractor, along with the construction supervisor,
completion of the building should it collapse due shall be liable.
to defects in the plans or the ground.

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NON-ISSUANCE,
EXPIRATION OF PERMITS SUSPENSION, REVOCATION INSPECTION + SUPERVISION
▪ Construction does not commence within 1 year ▪ Errors in plans and specs ▪ The owner of the building must engage the
from date of issue services of a licensed architect or civil engineer to
▪ Incorrect or inaccurate data declared
undertake the full-time inspection and
▪ Construction does not resume 120 days after
▪ Non-compliance with the Code supervision of the construction.
suspension or abandonment of work

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TYPE I TYPE II
RULE 4 ▪ Wood construction ▪ Wood construction with fire-resistant materials

Types of Construction ▪ One-hour fire-resistive throughout

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TYPE III TYPE IV TYPE V

▪ Masonry and wood construction ▪ Steel, iron, concrete, or masonry construction ▪ Four-hour fire resistive throughout
▪ One hour fire resistive throughout ▪ Incombustible interiors (ceilings, walls) ▪ Structural elements of steel, iron, concrete or
masonry
▪ Incombustible exterior walls

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FIRE ZONE FIRE ZONE DESIGNATIONS

RULE 5 ▪ An area within which only certain types of
construction are allowed, based on their
1. Non-fire restricted zones
▪ All types of construction allowed
Fire Zones occupancy, type of construction, and resistance to
fire 2. Fire restrictive zones
▪ Type I construction NOT allowed
3. Highly fire restrictive zones
▪ Types I, II, and III NOT allowed

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BUILDINGS IN MULTIPLE FIRE ZONES FIRE RESISTIVE RATING

▪ Shall be considered as part of the more restrictive
zone if more than 1/3 of its total floor area is in
RULE 6 ▪ The degree to which a material can withstand fire

Fire Resistive Requirements ▪ Usually expressed in the form of a time period

that zone
rating (how long a material can withstand being
burned)

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FIRE RESISTIVE STANDARDS FIRE RESISTIVE STANDARDS

RULE 7
Occupancies + Zones + Requirements

This presentation is the property of Arch. Pedro Santos Jr. and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-
ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

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OCCUPANCY VERSUS ZONING OCCUPANCIES OCCUPANCIES

▪ Occupancies are assigned to buildings, while ▪ A – Residential dwellings ▪ F – Industrial
zones are assigned to lands.
▪ B – Residentials, hotels, apartments ▪ G – Storage and hazardous
▪ C – Education and recreation ▪ H – Assembly other than Group I
▪ D – Institutional ▪ I – Assembly with 1,000 or more occupant load
▪ E – Business and mercantile ▪ J - Accessory

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ZONING ZONING
▪ R –Residential ▪ PRE - Park structures, recreation, entertainment
▪ C – Commercial ▪ CUL – Cultural
▪ GI – General institutional ▪ A – Agricultural
Occupancies
▪ I – Industrial ▪ AI – Agroindustrial
▪ UTS – Utilities, Transportation, Services ▪ PUD – Planned unit development
▪ SPE - Special

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A: RESIDENTIAL DWELLINGS B: RESIDENTIALS, HOTELS, APARTMENTS C: EDUCATION + RECREATION

▪ A-1: Residential building for single family ▪ Multiple dwelling units including boarding or ▪ Buildings used for school or day-care purposes
occupants lodging houses, hotels, apartment buildings, not classified in Group H or I occupancies
rowhouses, convents, monasteries and other
▪ A-2: Residential building for non-leasing
similar building each of which accommodates
occupants not exceeding 10 persons
more than 10 persons.

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D: INSTITUTIONAL E: BUSINESS + MERCANTILE F: LIGHT INDUSTRIAL

▪ D-1: Institutions where personal liberties are ▪ E-1: No work is done except exchange of parts, ▪ Light industrial
restrained (mental hospitals, jails) maintenance without open flame, welding, or
▪ Ice plants, power plants, pumping plants, cold
highly flammable liquids (gasoline filling station,
▪ D-2: Institutions for the care of non-ambulatory storage, factories and workshops using
storage garage)
patients and children under kindergarten age incombustible and non-explosive materials
▪ E-2: Wholesale and retail stores, office buildings,
▪ D-3: Institutions for ambulatory patients and
dining establishments
homes for children over kindergarten age
▪ E-3: Aircraft hangars and open parking garages
(no repair work)

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G: STORAGE + HAZARDOUS G: STORAGE + HAZARDOUS H: ASSEMBLY FOR LESS THAN 1,000

▪ G-1: Medium industrial, storage of highly ▪ G-4: Medium industrial for repair garages and ▪ H1: Assembly buildings with stage for less than
flammable materials engine manufacturing 1,000
▪ G-2: Medium industrial, storage of flammable ▪ G-5: Medium industrial for aircraft repair ▪ H2: Assembly buildings without stage for 300 or
materials: dry cleaning plants, paint stores, spray- more
painting rooms
▪ H3: Assembly buildings without stage for less
▪ G-3: Medium industrial structures where loose than 300
combustible fibers are generated: wood working
establishments

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H: ASSEMBLY FOR LESS THAN 1,000 I: ASSEMBLY FOR 1,000 OR MORE J: ACCESSORY
▪ H4: Recreational/tourism developments not ▪ Any assembly building with a stage and an ▪ J1: Agricultural structures
included in other H classifications (stadiums, occupant load of 1,000 or more
▪ J2: Carports/garages, fences, towers and pools
reviewing stands, and amusement parks)
▪ J3: Stages, courts, tombs, mausoleums, zoos, and
banks

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R1 R2
▪ Low-density residential zone ▪ Medium-density residential zone
▪ Characterized by single-family and single- ▪ Characterized by low-rise single-attached, duplex,
Zones detached dwellings or multilevel buildings for use as multiple family
dwellings

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R2 R3 R3
▪ Further subclassified into: ▪ High-density residential zone ▪ Further subclassified into:
▪ Basic R2 ▪ Characterized low-rise or medium-rise buildings ▪ Basic R3
▪ Single attached or duplex, 1-3 floors for use as multiple family dwellings ▪ Rowhouses 1-3 storeys high
▪ Maximum R2 ▪ Includes low-rise or medium-rise condominium ▪ Maximum R3
▪ Low-rise multi-level building, 3-5 floors buildings ▪ Medium-rise multilevel structure 6-12 storeys
high

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R4 R5 C1
▪ Medium to high-density residential zone ▪ Very high density residential zone ▪ Light commercial
▪ Characterized by low-rise townhouses or buildings ▪ Characterized by medium-rise to high-rise ▪ Neighborhood to community in scale
for use as multiple family dwellings condominiums
▪ Low-rise buildings (1-3 storeys)
▪ Refers to structures on an individual lot
▪ Low-intensity trade/activity
(“townhouse”)
▪ Example: Small shopping centers

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C2 C3 GI
▪ Medium commercial ▪ Metropolitan commercial ▪ General institutional
▪ City or municipal in scale ▪ Metropolitan in scale ▪ Community to national level of institutional use.
Low-rise to high-rise.
▪ Medium-rise buildings (3-5 storeys) ▪ Medium to high-rise buildings (3-5 storeys)
▪ Two types:
▪ Medium to high intensity trade ▪ Very high intensity trade
▪ Education/Recreation
▪ Example: Shopping centers ▪ Example: Large to very large shopping malls
▪ Medical/Government

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I-1 (INDUSTRIAL) I-2 (INDUSTRIAL) UTS (UTILITIES, TRANSPO, SERVICES)

▪ Light industrial use ▪ Medium industrial use ▪ Utilitarian, functional uses
▪ Low-rise but sprawling ▪ Low-rise but sprawling ▪ Low-rise to medium rise

▪ Low-intensity manufacturing ▪ Medium-intensity manufacturing ▪ Low to high-intensity community support

functions
▪ Two clusters:
▪ Transport terminals, intermodals, depots
▪ Power/water generation/distribution, telcos, waste
management facilities

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PRE (PARKS, RECREATION,

SPE (SPECIAL) ENTERTAINMENT) CUL (CULTURAL)
▪ Other vertical facilities not yet mentioned ▪ Low-rise to medium rise ▪ Community to national level of use or occupancy
▪ Included cemeteries and memorial parks ▪ Low to medium intensity recreational functions ▪ Low-rise to medium rise
related to educational uses (parks on campus,
other recreational/assembly structures on
campus)

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A (AGRICULTURAL) AI (AGROINDUSTRIAL) PUD (PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT)

▪ Low to medium rise ▪ Low rise ▪ Land development or redevelopment schemes for
a new project which has a CDMP (Comprehensive
▪ Low to high intensity agricultural activity ▪ Low to high intensity agroindustrial activity
Development Masterplan) or equivalent
▪ Includes farms, but also offices and facilities for ▪ Includes offices and facilities for agroindustrial
▪ Example: Bonifacio Global City
agricultural research and training education and research

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MIXED OCCUPANCIES RIGHT OF WAY

▪ Rule of thumb: The building adheres to the stricter ▪ No building shall be constructed unless it adjoins
requirements.
Location on or has direct access to a public space, yard, or
street on at least one of its sides.
▪ Exceptions:
▪ If it’s a one-storey building, in which case each portion
property
shall conform to applicable rules
▪ If the minor occupancy does not exceed 10% of the
building, in which case it is ignored

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EAVES OVER WINDOWS FIREWALLS ALLOWABLE FIREWALLS

▪ Eaves over required windows shall at least be ▪ A fireproof barrier used to prevent the spread of ▪ R1: Not allowed
750mm from the side and rear property lines. fire between or through buildings ▪ However, an abutment up
to 3.20m high is OK for
▪ Why are firewalls important? Because when they
carports provided that
are built, the building or part of the building above 1.50m, the
extends into the setbacks. abutment shall be
constructed of perforated
concrete blocks.

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ALLOWABLE FIREWALLS ALLOWABLE FIREWALLS

▪ R2: One side only ▪ R3: Two configurations are allowed:
▪ Maximum 80% of the length of side property line. ▪ Option A: Two sides
▪ Maximum 85% of each side
▪ Total should not exceed 65% of lot perimeter
▪ Two storeys high only
▪ Option B: One side + Rear
▪ 90% of side or rear (up to 100% for rear if only 4m)
▪ Total should not exceed 50% of lot perimeter
▪ Two storeys high for side, 3.20m high for rear

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ALLOWABLE FIREWALLS
▪ R4: Two sides
▪ Maximum 85% of each side
▪ Total should not exceed 50% of lot perimeter
▪ Maximum height: three storeys

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ALLOWABLE FIREWALLS ALLOWABLE FIREWALLS

▪ R5: Two configurations allowed: ▪ Commercial, institutional, and industrial:
▪ Option A: Two sides ▪ Firewalls allowed on the ff. conditions:
▪ Maximum 75% of each side ▪ Provide sprinkler system
▪ Total should not exceed 50% of lot perimeter
▪ Install fire-retardant or fire-suppression devices
▪ Maximum height: 8 storeys
▪ Maximum 70% of lot perimeter
▪ Option B: One side + Rear ▪ RROW setbacks are complied with
▪ Maximum 65% of side and 50% of rear
▪ Total should not exceed 60% of lot perimeter
▪ Maximum height: 8 storeys for side, 14m for rear

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TGFA ALLOWABLE MAX. TGFA

▪ Total gross floor area ▪ Table VII.1, p.84 of Rule 7 & 8
Allowable ▪ The total floor space inside the building ▪ Format: Number of floors x footprint

floor areas ▪ Keyword: inside/enclosed ▪ Depends on the ff.:

▪ Includes services/parking (unlike GFA) ▪ Lot type
▪ Zoning
▪ Use of firewalls

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BHL
▪ Building height limit
▪ Given in Table VII.2 on p.89
Building height ▪ Depends on zoning

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ESTABLISHING THE TOP OF

HOW IS BUILDING HEIGHT MEASURED? ESTABLISHING THE GRADE LINE BUILDING
▪ From established grade line to the topmost ▪ Grade line = highest adjoining sidewalk or natural ▪ If roof is flat, top = rooftop
portion of the building grade line
▪ If roof is sloping, top = middle of roof height
▪ Excludes allowed projections above the roof, like: ▪ But if grade is sloping:
▪ Signage ▪ If less than 3 meters diff., take highest grade
▪ Masts ▪ If more than 3 meters diff., take the average
▪ Antenna or telecom tower

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HEIGHT LIMIT PROJECTIONS

▪ Towers, spires and steeples
▪ If made of combustible materials, 6.0m above BHL
▪ If made of incombustible materials, limited only by
structural design

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BHL + RROW PARKING SLOT SIZES

▪ The RROW width also dictates the BHL: Vehicle Width of parking slot Length or parking slot

▪ 6-7m RROW: 3.0 storeys or 9.0m Car

▪ 4-5m RROW: 2.5 storeys or 7.5m Parking Perpendicular parking
Parallel parking
2.50m
2.15m
5.00m
6.00m
▪ 0-3m RROW: 2.0 storeys or 6.0m
Jeepney 3.00m 9.00m
▪ Only exceptions: PUD Standard truck/bus 3.60m 12.00m
Articulated truck 3.60m 18.00m

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PARKING REQUIREMENTS SAMPLE PARKING REQUIREMENTS SAMPLE PARKING REQUIREMENTS

▪ Given in Table VII.4 on p.100 ▪ Hotels ▪ Churches
▪ If highly urbanized, 1 slot for every 3 rooms ▪ For every 50sqm. of congregation area, provide:
▪ Based on occupancy and lot/floor areas
▪ 1 car slot
▪ If not, 1 slot for every 7 rooms
▪ 1 jeepney slot
▪ 2 tourist bus parking slots
▪ Public universities
▪ 1 loading slot for articulated truck
▪ 1 car slot for every 5 classrooms
▪ 1 loading space for 2 jeepney or shuttle slots
▪ 1 school bus for every 200 students

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SAMPLE PARKING REQUIREMENTS FRACTIONS IN COMPUTATIONS OFF-SITE PARKING LOTS

▪ Public hospital ▪ When computing for parking slots, a fraction of ▪ If a multi-floor parking garage is located within a
▪ 1 car slot for every 25 beds 50% or higher shall be considered as one slot. 200-meter radius of the building, 20% of the
required parking provisions may be served the
▪ 1 loading space for 2 jeepney/shuttle slots ▪ In all cases, at least one slot shall be provided
multi-floor parking garage.
▪ 1 slot for articulated truck unless otherwise allowed.
▪ 1 slot for standard truck for every 5,000sqm gross
floor area
▪ Add truck maneuvering space outside RROW

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OFF-SITE PARKING LOTS MANEUVERING SPACE TRAFFIC-GENERATING BUILDINGS

▪ Reserved or leased parking slots may also serve ▪ Using the RROW as a maneuvering space is not ▪ Example: shopping malls
the parking requirements if: allowed
▪ The distance between such buildings and major
▪ The slots are in a permanent parking building and not ▪ To prevent this, direct access of road intersections is regulated
in a vacant parking lot.
parking/loading/utility slots to the RROW shall be
▪ The said parking building is: ▪ The building ingress and the intersection shall be
disallowed
▪ Not more than 100m away, if residential
at least 50m apart (measured between the two
▪ Not more than 200m away, if commercial nearest curbs)

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FRONT YARDS AS PARKING

▪ Not allowed for the following:
▪ R2 Maximum
▪ R3 Maximum
Minimum requirements:
▪ GI Group A dwellings
▪ C1, C2 and C3
▪ 50% of front yard may be used as parking for R2
Basic and R3 Basic

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SANITATION FOUNDATION STRUCTURAL LOADS

▪ At least one sanitary toilet and adequate washing ▪ At least 250mm thick ▪ First floor live load: 200kg/sqm
and draining facilities
▪ At least 600mm below the surface of the ground ▪ Second floor live load: 150kg/sqm
▪ Wind load for roofs: 120kg/sqm (vertical)

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STAIRS ENTRANCE + EXIT

▪ Minimum width: 750mm ▪ At least one entrance, and another one for exit
▪ Maximum riser: 200mm Development
▪ Minimum tread: 200mm controls
▪ Note: These riser/tread dimensions do not match the general
dimensions prescribed in Rule 12.

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TERMS DEFINED TERMS DEFINED TERMS DEFINED

▪ TLA = Total lot area ▪ USA = Unpaved surface area ▪ MACA = PSO + ISA
▪ PSO = Percentage of site occupancy ▪ The portion of the open space that is unpaved ▪ Hence, TLA = MACA + USA
▪ Note: MACA stands for Maximum Allowable Construction Area
▪ The part of the lot occupied by the building (A.K.A. ▪ ISA = Impervious surface area
building footprint expressed in %) ▪ The portion of the open space that is paved
▪ TOSL = Total open space within lot ▪ Since “open space” = TOSL,
▪ The part of the lot NOT occupied by the building
▪ TOSL = USA + ISA
▪ TLA = PSO + TOSL

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TERMS DEFINED
▪ AMBF = Allowable max. building footprint
▪ Footprint expressed in square meters
▪ GFA = Gross floor area
▪ Total enclosed floor area (including balconies)
▪ Excludes the following enclosed areas:
▪ Parking, services, utilities
▪ Vertical penetrations in parking floors if not used for residential or
commercial purposes
▪ Balconies exceeding 10sqm, uncovered areas, fire escape
structures, etc.

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TERMS DEFINED BUILDING BULK METHOD 1: AMBF PROJECTION

▪ TGFA = Total gross floor area ▪ A volume quantity ▪ Determine the AMBF
▪ Includes all enclosed floor areas, no exceptions ▪ In the simplest sense, ▪ Determine the BHL (in meters)
▪ AMVB = Allowable max. volume of building ▪ Building bulk = Footprint x Height ▪ AMBF x BHL = Building bulk
▪ OFB = Outer faces of the building ▪ However, the Code prescribes several different
▪ FLAR = Floor and lot area ratio methods for determining this quantity

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METHOD 2: FLAR
▪ FLAR : Floor to lot area ratio
▪ Total floor area / lot area
▪ For example, a FLAR designation of 1.50 means that a
lot measuring 100sqm may accommodate a building
whose total floor area is 150sqm.
▪ In a way, FLAR tells us how many lots can fit inside the
building.

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METHOD 2: FLAR METHOD 3: AMVB

▪ Building bulk = Footprint x Height 1. AMBF x BHL = initial AMVB (“prism”)
▪ To get footprint: 2. Superimpose the angular plane originating from
▪ FLAR x TLA = Total floor area the RROW onto the “prism”
▪ Total floor area/Number of storeys = Footprint ▪ Angular plane: a plane originating from the RROW that
establishes the outer limit for walls and building
▪ Hence, building bulk is equal to: projections.
▪ [(FLAR x TLA)/number of storeys] x BHL 3. Use the angular plane to reduce the volume of
the prism. This is the AMVB.

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OTHER FORMULAS
▪ PSO = AMBF / TLA
▪ GFA = TLA x FLAR
▪ TGFA = GFA + Non-GFA

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INTENT VARIABLES
RULE 8 ▪ Every building shall be designed, constructed, and
equipped to provide adequate light and ventilation.
▪ Setbacks

Light + Ventilation ▪ Site occupancy

▪ Room sizes
▪ Ceiling heights
▪ Window sizes
▪ Courts

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MEASUREMENT OF SITE
OCCUPANCY PSO, TOSL, USA, ISA LOT TYPES
▪ Taken at ground level and exclusive of courts, ▪ TLA = PSO + TOSL ▪ The Code defines seven lot types
yards, and light wells. ▪ Inside lot
▪ TOSL = USA + ISA
▪ Interior lot
▪ USA = minimum value ▪ Corner lot
▪ ISA = maximum value ▪ Through lot
▪ Corner through lot
▪ These values are given in Table VII.1 on p.131
▪ Corner through lot abutting 3 or more streets
▪ End lot

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5 Apr 2023

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YARD VERSUS SETBACK

▪ Yard: the required open space left between the
outermost face of the building and the property
lines
▪ Setback: the width of the yard

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 5 Apr 2023

COURTS
▪ Minimum dimension: 2.00m
▪ Hence, minimum area: 4.00sqm
▪ All inner courts shall be connected to a street or
yard by a passageway at least 1.20m wide

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JOINING OF COURTS
▪ Minimum dimension may be reduced to 1.50m in
cluster living units with adjacent courts
▪ Minimum area per court: 3.00sqm
▪ Separation wall: 2.00m high maximum

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PARKING SPACES AND CARPORTS FRONT YARDS AS PARKING

▪ If a carport is roofed, it will be considered part of ▪ Only allowed for single family dwelling units falling
the building footprint and not the TOSL under the following zoning classifications:
▪ Basic R-2
▪ Basic R-3
▪ R-4

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FIREWALL EXTENSIONS MINIMUM CEILING HEIGHTS

▪ Above the roof line: 400mm Artificially Naturally
ventilated ventilated
▪ Under the eaves: 300mm Ground floor 2.70m 2.70m
▪ From the building edges: 600mm Second floor 2.40m 2.70m
Succeeding floors 2.10m 2.70m
Mezzanines 1.80m 2.70m

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MINIMUM ROOM SIZES HABITABLE ROOM

Minimum Minimum
area dimension
Room for human 6.00sqm 2.00m
habitation
Kitchen 3.00sqm 1.50m
Toilet and bath 1.20sqm 0.90m

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KITCHEN TOILET + BATH AIR SPACE REQUIREMENTS

Floor
Air space/person
area/person
School rooms 3.00 cubic meters 1.00sqm
Workshops, 12.00 cubic meters
factories, offices
Habitable rooms 14.00 cubic meters

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MINIMUM AREA OF WINDOWS EASEMENT IS PUBLIC LAND

Minimum window Absolute ▪ Situated outside of private property limits
area minimum
▪ Should be equally enjoyed by all members of the
Habitable rooms 10% of floor area 1.00sqm
Easements community
Bathrooms, laundry 5% of floor area 240sq.mm.
rooms, etc. ▪ The only uses allowed are those that support its
public recreational character

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MINIMUM EASEMENTS

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VIEW CORRIDORS + SIGHTLINES

▪ The carriageway shall be free of structures,
particularly commercial signs that will impede the
RROW view corridor and sightlines within the RROW
▪ To dignify important public/historical buildings, all
forms of commercial signs intruding into the
RROW leading to or away said structures shall be
disallowed

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ACCESS TO PROPERTY
▪ No building shall be constructed unless it adjoins
or has direct access to a public space, yard, or
road on at least one side.
▪ Interior or rear lots shall have an access road with
a minimum width of 3.00m. Provide a 4.00m wide
chaflan at the intersection with the main RROW.

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THREE RROW LEVELS

▪ RROW above grade
▪ RROW at grade
▪ RROW below grade

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RROW ABOVE GRADE RROW AT GRADE

▪ From the finished surface of the roadway all the ▪ From natural grade line to the finished surface of
way up to the air the carriageway or sidewalk
▪ If utilized for whatever purpose, the use or air ▪ Generally utilized for the movement of the general
rights must be compensated for (leased from the public (motorists and pedestrians)
government)
▪ If utilized for whatever purpose, proponent must
▪ Minimum clear height: 4.27m from crown of lease/pay the government
carriageway

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 5 Apr 2023

RROW BELOW GRADE SIDEWALKS

▪ From finished surface of roadway all the way ▪ The local planning authority shall determine which
down into the ground streets shall have an open sidewalk or an arcaded
sidewalk, or a combination of both
▪ If utilized for whatever purpose, proponent must
lease/pay the government ▪ For a RROW width of 9.00m or more, the
minimum sidewalk width shall be 1.20m on each
side of the RROW. For RROW less than 9.00m,
refer to Table VIII.G.3

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 5 Apr 2023

GRADE OF SIDEWALKS
▪ As much as possible, sidewalks shall be level and of
uniform grade throughout the length of the street
▪ When the street slope does not exceed 1/12, the
sidewalk shall follow the street slope
▪ When the street slope is 1/10, the sidewalk shall be
maintained level for every 20-40 meters of run, each
level joined by a ramp of a slope not exceeding 1/6.

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DRIVEWAYS ACROSS SIDEWALKS

▪ If curb height = 200mm or lower, the driveway and
the sidewalk shall be on the same plane. Provide
entry ramp of slope 1/3 to ¼ connecting the
carriageway to the sidewalk/curb.

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DRIVEWAYS ACROSS SIDEWALKS

▪ If curb height = greater than 200mm, a curb
cutout for the driveway may be allowed and the
driveway may be constructed along the entire
width of the sidewalk. The sidewalk and the
driveway shall be joined by a ramp with a slope of
not more than 1/8.

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 5 Apr 2023

PLANTING STRIPS
▪ Sidewalks 2.00m or more in width shall include on
its outer side a planting strip of not less than
800mm wide up to a maximum of 1/3 of the
sidewalk width
▪ The planting strip is meant to separate the curb
from the sidewalk, and must always be placed
near the curbline.

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 5 Apr 2023

BASIC SANITATION PROVISIONS

RULE 9 ▪ All buildings shall be provided with the ff:
▪ Adequate and potable water supply
Sanitation
▪ Adequate plumbing installation
▪ Suitable wastewater treatment/disposal system
▪ Storm water drainage

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 5 Apr 2023

WATER SOURCE WATER QUALITY WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEM

▪ Potable water shall be sourced from the existing ▪ Shall conform to the criteria in the National ▪ Sanitary sewage from buildings shall be
municipal waterworks system whenever possible Standards for Drinking Water discharged directly into the nearest street sanitary
sewer main
▪ If no sanitary sewerage system is available, septic
tanks may be used

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 5 Apr 2023

STORM DRAINAGE NATIONAL PLUMBING CODE

▪ Rainwater drainage shall not discharge into the
sanitary system
▪ All plumbing installations (water supply and
drainage) shall conform to the National Plumbing
RULE 10
Code Building Projections Over Public Streets

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 5 Apr 2023

ARE PROJECTIONS BEYOND THE

PROPERTY LINE ALLOWED? PROJECTIONS INTO THE RROW PROJECTIONS INTO THE RROW
▪ No. Unless otherwise allowed by the Code. ▪ National roads or public highways: footings ▪ In all cases, these projections shall not obstruct
located at least 2.40m below grade may project any utilities/services, unless the owner is willing to
300mm (maximum) beyond the property line pay for the rerouting of said utilities/services.
▪ Public sidewalk: Foundations may encroach
500mm into the sidewalk if top of foundation is at
least 600mm below grade

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 5 Apr 2023

BALCONIES BALCONIES ARCADES

▪ Clearance between sidewalk grade and lowest ▪ Arcades may be constructed on sidewalks of
portion of balcony = 3.00m minimum streets whenever allowed or required by existing
building and zoning regulations.
▪ Arcades shall be at least 3.00m above the
sidewalk grade.

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 5 Apr 2023

DOORS + WINDOWS CHAFLANS

▪ Unless at least 2.40m above the pavement, no ▪ Every corner building or fence on a public street
door or window shall project beyond the property less than 3.60m wide shall be truncated at the
line when fully opened or upon opening. corner to form a chaflan.
▪ The chaflan shall be at least 4.00m wide.

This presentation is the property of Arch. Pedro Santos Jr. and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-
ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

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 5 Apr 2023

\ 1 RULE 11
Protection of Pedestrians
\

STREET
\ \
\

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 5 Apr 2023

PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS STORAGE IN PUBLIC PROPERTY MORTAR MIXING

▪ No person shall use or occupy a street or sidewalk ▪ Shall not obstruct utility provisions (fire hydrants, ▪ The mixing of mortar or concrete shall not be
for the performance of work except in accordance fire alarm box, manholes) allowed on public streets.
with this rule
▪ Shall not interfere with drainage
▪ No work shall be performed adjacent to a public
▪ Shall not interfere with vehicular and pedestrian
way unless pedestrians are protected as specified
traffic
in this rule

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 5 Apr 2023

TEMPORARY WALKWAYS FENCES + CANOPIES FENCES + CANOPIES

▪ When the Building Official authorizes a sidewalk ▪ Fences shall entirely enclose a construction site ▪ When the horizontal distance between the OFB
to be closed, a temporary walkway at least 1.20m and the inner edge or the sidewalk is more than ½
▪ Minimum height: 2.40 meters above curb
wide shall be provided the building height, only a 2.40m high fence is
required.
▪ If the street has no sidewalk, width may be
reduced to 600mm. ▪ When the horizontal distance between the OFB
and the inner edge or the sidewalk is equal or less
▪ If RROW is 5.00m wide or less, no temporary
than ½ the building height, a canopy will be also
walkways are allowed.
be required in addition to the fence.

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 5 Apr 2023

FENCES + CANOPIES
▪ For canopies: provide a clear unobstructed height
of 2.40m above the walkway

This presentation is the property of Arch. Pedro Santos Jr. and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-
ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

85
 5 Apr 2023

EXCAVATIONS OCCUPANT LOAD

RULE 12 ▪ Excavations must not endanger life or property ▪ The maximum number of persons that may be
allowed to occupy a certain room, floor, or area
General Design Requirements ▪ Any person undertaking an excavation shall
ensure that the soil of the adjoining property will ▪ Shall be determined by dividing the floor area
not cave in or settle. assigned to that use by the unit area allowed per
occupant as shown on Table XII.1.
▪ Cut slopes shall be no steeper than 2:1
(horizontal:vertical). ▪ Floor area/unit area per occupant

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 5 Apr 2023

OCCUPANT LOAD OCCUPANT LOAD NUMBER OF EXITS

2 exits required 2 exits required ▪ Every building shall have at least one exit
Use Area/occupant Use Area/occupant
if more than if more than
Dwellings 28.00sqm 10 ▪ Upper floors with occupant load of more than 10
Stores – Basement 2.80sqm 50
shall have at least two exits
Hotels, apartments 18.60sqm 10 Stores – Ground floor 2.80sqm 50
▪ A mezzanine floor bigger than 185sqm or having
Classrooms 1.80sqm 50 Stores – Upper floors 5.60sqm 10 more than 18.00m in any dimension shall have at
School shops/labs 4.60sqm 50 Stores – Offices 9.30sqm 30 least two stairways to an adjacent floor
Hospitals 8.40sqm 50 Auditoriums, theaters, 50
0.65sqm
churches me

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 5 Apr 2023

NUMBER OF EXITS WIDTH OF EXITS ARRANGEMENT OF EXITS

▪ Every floor with occupant load of 500-999 shall ▪ Total width of exits = Occupant load/165 ▪ If two exits are required, the two exits must be
have at least 3 exits. apart by at least 1/5 of the perimeter of the area
▪ Note: This is the total width in meters
served.
▪ Every floor with occupant load of 1000 or more
shall have at least 4 exits. ▪ If three or more are required, they shall be
arranged a reasonable distance apart

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 5 Apr 2023

DISTANCE TO EXITS EXITS DOORS TYPE OF LOCKS

▪ If without a sprinkler system, 45.00m maximum ▪ When serving an occupant load of 50 or more, ▪ Exit doors shall be openable from the inside
must swing in the direction of exit travel without the use of a key or any special knowledge
▪ If with a sprinkler system, 60.00m maximum
or effort
▪ Double acting doors shall not be used as exits
▪ Measured from any point in a building, measured
when serving a tributary load of more than 100.
along the line of travel
Must be provided with a view panel of not less
than 1300 sq. cm.

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 5 Apr 2023

SIZE OF DOORS PROHIBITED DOORS FLOOR LEVEL CHANGE AT DOORS

▪ Minimum width of doorway: 0.90mm ▪ The following shall not be used as exit doors: ▪ There shall be a floor or a landing on each side of an
▪ Revolving doors exit door
▪ Minimum height of doorway: 2.00m
▪ Sliding doors ▪ The floor/landing shall not be more than 50mm lower
▪ Shall be capable of opening at least 90 degrees than the door threshold
▪ Overhead doors
▪ Maximum door leaf width: 1.20m ▪ Exception: For Group A or B occupancies, a door may
open over the top step provided that the landing is
not more than 200mm from the floor level and the
door does not swing over the top step.

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 5 Apr 2023

CORRIDORS DEAD ENDS STAIRWAY WIDTHS

▪ Minimum width: 1.10m ▪ Maximum length: 6.00m ▪ 1.10m for occupant load more than 50
▪ This width shall be unobstructed, except that trim ▪ 0.90m for occupant load of 50 or less
handrails and doors when fully opened shall not
▪ 0.75m for occupant load of less than 10 (private)
reduce the required with by more than 200mm.
▪ Handrails shall not reduce the width of stairways
▪ Doors in any position shall not reduce the width by
by more than 100mm
more than ½.

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 5 Apr 2023

RISER AND TREAD STAIRWAY HEADROOM LANDINGS

▪ Maximum riser: 200mm ▪ Not less than 2.00m measured from the nosing ▪ Length = stairway width
▪ Minimum tread: 250mm ▪ If the stairway has a straight run, landing length
▪ Note: Always keep in mind that the NBC requirement is a
does not need to exceed 1.20m
maximum for risers, and a minimum for treads ▪ Landing width shall not be reduced by more than
100mm by any door when fully opened
▪ Max. vertical distance between landings: 3.60m

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 5 Apr 2023

HANDRAILS HANDRAILS BASEMENT STAIRWAYS

▪ Stairways shall have handrails on each side ▪ Exceptions: ▪ If a basement stairway and a stairway to an upper
▪ In Group A or B occupancies, stairways 1.10m or less storey terminate at the same exit enclosure, a
▪ If a stairway is more than 3.00m in width, at least
in width serving one individual dwelling may have one barrier shall be provided to prevent persons from
one intermediate handrail shall be provided
handrail only continuing into the basements
▪ Height of handrails: 800-900mm above the nosing ▪ Stairways having less than four risers need not have ▪ Also provide directional exit signs
of treads handrails

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 5 Apr 2023

WINDING STAIRWAYS CIRCULAR STAIRWAYS AISLES

▪ Allowed as exits as long as the required tread ▪ May be used as exits provided that the minimum ▪ Aisles leading to an exit shall be provided for all
(250mm) is provided at a point 300mm away width of run is not less than 250mm portions with installed seats, tables, etc.
from the narrow end
▪ Shall be at least 0.80m wide if serving only one
▪ However, the tread must not be narrower than side, or 1.00m if serving both sides
150mm at any point
▪ This minimum width shall be measured at the
point farthest from the exit, and shall be increased
by 30mm for every meter in length towards the
exit

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 5 Apr 2023

AISLE TRAVEL DISTANCE AISLE TRAVEL DISTANCE FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS

▪ The line of travel to an exit door by an aisle shall ▪ The number of seats between aisles may be ▪ Automatic fire extinguishing systems are required
not be more than 45.00m increased to 30 if: for the following:
▪ Maximum 7 seats between wall and aisle ▪ Exit doors are provided along each aisle at the rate of 1 ▪ Habitable storeys with an area of 200 sqm or more
pair of exit doors for every 5 rows of seats with an occupant load of more than 20
▪ Maximum 14 seats between two aisles ▪ The back-to-back distance between seats is 1.00m ▪ Dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, workshops or
▪ Maximum slope: 1 in 8 minimum factories with occupant load of more than 10
▪ Minimum clear width of exit doors is 1.70m ▪ Assembly halls under Group H and I with occupant
load of more than 500

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 5 Apr 2023

DRY STANDPIPES WET STANDPIPES LOCATIONS OF WET STANDPIPES

▪ All buildings 4 or more storeys in height shall be ▪ The following shall have wet standpipes: ▪ All portions of the building are within 6.00m of a
equipped with one or more dry standpipes ▪ Group H or I occupancy of any height nozzle attached to a hose 23.00m in length
▪ Group C occupancy 2 or more storeys in height (standpipes 58.00m apart)
▪ Standpipes shall be located within enclosed
stairway landings ▪ Groups B, D, E F and G 3 or more storeys in height ▪ For assembly occupancies:
▪ Group G and E occupancy over 1800 sqm in area ▪ 1 outlet on each side of the stage
▪ Siamese connections shall be located on the
street-front of a building 300mm-1200mm above ▪ Exemption: ▪ 1 at the rear of the auditorium
grade ▪ Group H buildings without stage whose seating ▪ 1 at the rear of the balcony
capacity is less than 500

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 5 Apr 2023

REFERRAL CODES CLEARANCE OF SERVICE DROPS

RULE 13 ▪ All electrical systems and installations shall
conform to the provisions of the Philippine
▪ 2.50m from highest point of roofs

Electrical + Mechanical ▪ 3.00m from the ground

Electrical Code pursuant to RA 7920 (Electrical
Engg. Law) ▪ 1.00m (horizontal) from windows/porches
▪ All mechanical systems and installations shall ▪ 5.50m from the crown of the street or sidewalk
conform to the provisions of the Philippine ▪ No service drop conductors or any other wiring
Mechanical Code pursuant to RA 8495 (Mech. shall pass over swimming pools
Engg. Law)

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 5 Apr 2023

ELEVATORS ESCALATORS AIR CONDITIONING

▪ Hoistway pit: minimum 600mm from underside of ▪ Maximum inclination: 30° from horizontal ▪ Comfortable cooling standards:
car to bottom of pit ▪ Temperature: 20°-24° Celsius
▪ Width between ballustrades: 560mm-1200mm.
▪ Maximum four elevators in a single hoistway Shall not exceed the width of the step by more ▪ Humidity: 50% - 60%
than 330mm ▪ Air movement: 4.60-7.60 meters per minute
▪ Residential buildings 5 storeys or higher shall
have at least one passenger elevator on 24-hour ▪ Speed: 38 meters per minute maximum (common
constant operation rule is 90-120 fpm/27.5-36.5mpm)

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 5 Apr 2023

WATER PUMPING FILM STORAGE ROOMS

▪ Installation of pumping equipment directly from
the public water supply system is prohibited
RULE 14 ▪ Provide automatic fire extinguishing systems for
the following:
Photo Films + X-ray Films
▪ When unexposed films in shipping containers exceed
14.00 cubic meters
▪ When shelving used for storing film exceeds 1.40
cubic meters in capacity

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 5 Apr 2023

FILM STORAGE ROOMS PREFABRICATED ASSEMBLY

▪ No films shall be stored within 600mm of steam
pipes, chimneys, or other sources of heat
RULE 15 ▪ A structural unit, the integral parts of which have
been built-up or assembled prior to incorporation
Prefabricated Construction in the building
▪ To determine structural adequacy, they shall pass
special tests conducted by accredited material
testing laboratories

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 5 Apr 2023

APPROVED PLASTICS PLASTIC DOORS

RULE 16 ▪ Those which have a flame-spread rating of 225 or
less
▪ Plastic doors are allowed except for entrance
doors and exit doors, which should be of materials
Plastics other than plastics
▪ Those with a smoke density not greater than that
obtained from the burning of untreated wood
▪ Those whose products of combustion are no
more toxic than those of untreated wood

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 5 Apr 2023

SPRAY PAINT BOOTHS

RULE 17 ▪ Paint spray booths shall be constructed of not
less than No. 18 US Gauge in thickness
RULE 18
Sheet Metal Spraybooths Glass + Glazing
▪ The area of a spray paint booth shall not exceed
150sqm
▪ The floor of the booth, if combustible, shall be
covered with non-combustible material
▪ Shall permit the free passage of exhaust air

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 5 Apr 2023

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS GENERAL REQUIREMENTS GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

▪ Applies to all exterior glass/glazing except Groups ▪ Glass panels with special performance ▪ Glass in large areas along shopping malls,
A, B, and J not taller than three storeys characteristics shall bear the manufacturer’s label commercial buildings, institutional buildings, etc.
indicating said characteristics
▪ Each glass panel shall bear the manufacturer’s
label designating the type and thickness of glass ▪ Measures shall be taken to keep persons from
walking into fixed glass panels where the floor on
both sides of the glass are the same level
(guardrails, etching, flower bins)

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 5 Apr 2023

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS PROGRAM DOCUMENTATION

RULE 19 ▪ The use of computers for all or any part of
building design is permitted provided that all
▪ File with the OBO a reference to a publication
accessible to him where a detailed description of
Use of Computers programs to be used are documented the program including a description of the
algorithms are found
▪ The software name, version number and the
developer and its address shall be provided as
part of documentation

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 5 Apr 2023

SIGNS ROOF SIGNS

RULE 20 ▪ No sign shall be erected in such a manner as to
confuse or obstruct the view or interpretation of
▪ No signs shall be installed on rooftops of
buildings of wooden structures or of buildings
Signs any official traffic sign/device with wooden roof framing
▪ Signs in any foreign language shall have a ▪ Provide grounding of metallic parts of roof signs
translation in English or the local dialect exposed to lightning

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 5 Apr 2023

GROUND SIGNS PROJECTING SIGNS PROJECTING SIGNS

▪ Shall be located within the property line and under ▪ On non-arcaded RROW: ▪ Minimum vertical clearance
no circumstances shall they occupy the RROW ▪ Signs shall not project more than 1.20m ▪ Non-arcaded RROW: 3.00m from road surface to
lowest part of signs
▪ On arcaded RROW:
▪ Arcaded RROW: 5.00m from road surface to lowest
▪ Signs shall not project more than 0.60m part of signs
▪ Buildings abutting RROW without sidewalks:
▪ Signs shal not project more than 0.30m

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 5 Apr 2023

END

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