(a) This Act shall be known as the "National Building Code of the Philippines" and shall hereinafter be referred to as the "Code".
 
SECTION 1.01.02: Declaration of Policy
 
(a) It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare, consistent with the principles of environmental management and control; and to this end, make it the purpose of this Code to provide for all buildings and structured, a framework of minimum standards and requirements by guiding, regulating, and controlling their location, siting, design, quality of materials, construction, use, occupancy, and maintenance, including their environment, utilities, fixtures, equipment, and mechanical electrical, and other systems and installations.
 
SECTION 1.01.03: Scope
 
(a) The provisions of this Code shall apply to the design, location, siting, construction, alteration, repair, conversion, use, occupancy, maintenance, moving, and demolition of, and addition to, public and private buildings and structures.
 
(b) Additions, alterations, repairs, and changes of use or occupancy in all buildings and structures shall comply with requirements for new buildings and structures except as otherwise herein provided. Only such portion or portions of the existing building or structure which have to be altered to effect the addition, alteration, or repair shall be made to conform to the requirements for new buildings or structures. Alterations should preserve the aesthetic value of the building to be altered.
 
(c) Where, in any specific case, different section of this Code specify different materials, methods of construction, or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.
 
SECTION 1.01.04: Application
 
(a) This Code shall apply to all buildings and structures constructed and any change or repair made thereon after the approval of said Code. Buildings or structures constructed before the approval of this Code shall not be affected thereby; Except, where their continued use or occupancy is dangerous to life or limb; or where alterations, additions, conversions, or repairs are to be made thereon, this Code shall apply only to such portions of the buildings or structure which have to be altered in order to effect such damages or repairs.
 
(b) This Code shall apply to chartered cities, poblaciones of municipalities and municipal districts with a population of at least two thousand (2,000) inhabitants, and to barrios of urban areas with a population of at least two thousand (2,000) inhabitants. This Code shall also apply to any area where there are fifty (50) or more families per hectare.
 
(c) This Code shall likewise apply to any area proposed for or being developed into a new town site, residential subdivision, commercial or residential site, school site, housing project, and similar construction projects where five or more buildings not covered by paragraph (d) of this Section will be constructed even if the poblacion or barrio population is less than two thousand (2,000) or the density of population is less than fifty (50) families per hectare.
 
(d) The design and construction requirements of this Code shall not apply to any traditional indigenous family dwelling costing not more than five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) and intended for use and occupancy of the family of the owner only. The traditional type of family dwellings are those that are constructed of native materials such as bamboo, nipa, logs, or lumber, wherein the distance between vertical supports or suportales does not exceed 3.00 meters (10 feet); and if masonry walls or socalos are used, such shall not be more than 1.00 meter (3 feet, 3 inches) from the ground: Provided, however, That such traditional indigenous family dwelling will not constitute a danger to life or limb of its occupants or of the public; will not be fire hazard or an eyesore to the community; and does not contravene any fire zoning regulation of the city or municipality in which it is located. chan robles virtual law library
 
(e) Notwithstanding paragraph (d) of this Section, this Code shall apply to Group A dwellings produced on a commercial scale and intended for use by the general public.
 
SECTION 1.01.05 Building Use Affecting Public Health and Safety
 
(a) Any building or structure, or any ancillary or accessory facility thereto, and any alteration or addition to any building or structure already existing, shall conform in all respects to the principles of safe construction, shall be suited to the purpose for which the building is designed, and shall, in no case contribute to making the community in which it is located at eyesore, a slum, or a blighted area.
 
(b) Adequate environmental safeguards shall be observed in the design, construction, and use of any building or structure for the manufacture and production of any kind of article or product which constitutes a hazard or nuisance affecting public health and safety, such as explosives, gas, noxious chemicals, inflammable compounds, or the like.
 
SECTION 1.01.06: Maintenance
 
(a) All buildings or structures, both existing and new, and all parts thereof shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. All devices or safeguards, which are required by this Code in a building or structure when constructed, altered, or repaired, shall be maintained on good working order.
 
SECTION 1.01.07: Insanitary, Unsafe, Hazardous, or Dangerous Sites
 
(a) The land or site upon which will be constructed any building or structure, or any ancillary or auxillary facility thereto, shall be sanitary , hygienic or safe. Where the land or site is polluted, insanitary, unhygienic, unsafe, or hazardous, conditions contributing to or causing its being polluted, insanitary, unhygienic, unsafe, or hazardous shall be reasonably improved or corrected, or proper remedial measures shall be prescribed or incorporated in the design or construction of the building or structure in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
 
(b) The land or site upon which be constructed a building of structure or any ancillary or accessory facility thereto, for use of human habitation or abode, shall be at a safe distance from streamers or bodies of water and/source of air considered to be polluted, volcano or volcanic site, and building or structure considered to be a potential source of fire or explosion, such as ammunitions factory or dump and storage place for highly inflammable material.
 
SECTION 1.01.08: Dangerous and Ruinous Buildings or Structures
 
(a) General. - The provisions of this Code shall apply to all dangerous buildings, as herein defined, which are now in existence or which may hereafter be constructed, as well as to ruinous buildings as defined in Article 482 of the Civil Code of the Philippines. chan robles virtual law library
 
(b) Dangerous Buildings Defined. - Dangerous buildings are those which are structurally unsafe or not provided with safe egrees, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life, or which in relation to existing use constitute a hazard to safety or health or public welfare, by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, or abandonment; or which otherwise contribute to the pollution of the site or the community to an intolerable degree. Any building or structure which has any or all of the conditions or defects hereinafter described, or conditions or defects similar thereto, shall be deemed to be dangerous building: Provided, That such conditions or defect exists to the extent that the life, health, property, or safety of the public or its occupant are endangered:
 
 
(c) Abatement of Dangerous Buildings. In all cases of dangerous buildings, except those covered by Article 482 and 694 to 707 of the Civil Code of the Philippines, the Building Official shall order their repair, vacation, or demolition in accordance with the following procedure:
 
 
SECTION 1.01.09. Alternate or new Design, Material, Method of Construction, or Workmanship; Tests:
 
(a) Any design, material, method of construction, or workmanship not specifically included in this Code may be used: Provided, That such alternate or new design, material, method of construction, or workmanship is at least the equivalent of those prescribed in this Code in effectiveness.
 
(b) Tests for design, materials, method of construction, or workmanship shall be prescribed by the Secretary of Public Works and Communication in appropriate rules and regulations therefor.
 
SECTION 1.01.10: Municipal and Provincial Ordinances and Regulations
 
(a) Local ordinances should conform to the Code and suppletory requirements hereto shall in no case diminish minimum requirements embodied in this Code. The Secretary of Public Works and Communications or, in the proper case, the Secretary of Justice shall take any and all appropriate steps in cases where local ordinances conflict with the Code.
 
SECTION 1.01.11: Definitions and Tables
 
(a) The definitions in Annex A and the Tables in Annex B of this Code are hereby adopted as part thereof.
 
SECTION 1.01.12: Separability Clause
 
(a) If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Code shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, no other section or provision of this Code shall be affected thereby.
 
SECTION 1.01.13: Repealing Clause
 
(a) Any and all statutes, orders, ordinances, rules and regulations or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Code, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
 
SECTION 1.01.14: Effectivity
 
(a) This Code shall take effect upon its approval within the Greater Manila Metropolitan Area and in other areas where there are already existing local building codes, and four (4) years thereafter, in all other areas in the Philippines: Provided, however, That this provision shall not prevent any city or municipal council or board from adopting this Code immediately upon its approval.
  Chapter 1.02 - ENFORCEMENT  
SECTION 1.02.01: Joint Building and Environmental Planning Research and Standards Commission
 
(a) Membership. There is hereby created a Joint Building and Environmental Planning Research and Standards Commission composed of two Senators, two Congressmen, and five other members to be appointed by the President of the Philippines. The members shall elect a Chairman from among themselves.
 
(b) Duties and Responsibilities. The Commission shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
 
(c) Technical Staff. The Commission shall be assisted by a Technical Staff which shall be headed by an Executive Director and an Assistant Executive Director. All personnel shall be appointed by the Chairman subject to civil service laws, rules, and regulations.
 
(d) Appropriations. The amount of two hundred and fifty thousand pesos (P250,000) or such amount thereof as may be necessary for the operation of the Commission is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of any funds not otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973. Such sums may be necessary for the operating expenses of the Commission in succeeding fiscal years shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
 
SECTION 1.02.02: Secretary of Public Works and Communications and Building Officials
 
(a) The Secretary of Public Works and Communications, hereinafter referred to as the "Secretary", shall promulgate such rules and regulations necessary to enable the Building Official to enforce the provisions of this Code.
 
(b) In municipalities, the Municipal Engineer shall be the Building Official; Provided, That when there is no such Municipal Engineer, or a duly licensed engineer performing the duties of a Municipal Engineer, or a Land and Building Official, the Provincial Engineer, or in the absence thereof, the Public Works Engineer within whose jurisdiction the municipality falls shall be the Building Official. In case of cities, the City Public Works Supervisor shall be the Building Official: Provided, That when there is no such City Public Works Supervisor, the City Engineer shall be the Building Official. For the purpose of the enforcement of the provisions of this Code, the Building Official shall be under the supervision of the Secretary of Public Works and Communications, any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding.
 
(c) Subject to the approval of the Municipal Mayor, City Mayor, or Provincial Governor in the proper case, and other civil service laws and rules, the Building Official may appoint such number of officers, inspectors, assistants, or other employees possessing the necessary qualifications and competency as may be authorized by the Municipal Council, City Council, or Provincial Board, as the case may be. He may deputize such technically qualified employees as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Code. For purposes of this Subsection, the terms "necessary qualifications and competency" and "technically qualified" shall mean that the person to be deputized shall have passed the highest grade of examination called for in the applicable law regulating the practice of the branch of engineering or architecture related to or associated with the duties and powers which the person to be deputized shall assume.
 
SECTION 1.02.03: Building permits
 
(a) Any person, firm, or corporation, including any department, office, bureau, agency of instrumentality of the government intending to construct, alter, repair, move, convert or demolish any building or structure, or cause the same to be done, shall obtain a building permit from the Building Official for whichever of such work is proposed to be undertaken for the building or structure, before any such work is started.
 
(b) Appropriate rules and regulations shall be set by the Secretary concerning:
 
 
(c) When authorized by the Building Official in accordance with the provisions of this Code, plans and specifications need not be submitted for the following:
 
 
(d) The applicant for a building permit for private buildings or structures after having complied with all the requirements prescribed therefor in accordance with the provisions of this Code, shall be issued a building permit within fifteen (15) days from the date of payment of the permit fee for Groups A and J Occupancies and within thirty (30) days from the date of payment of the permit fee for other Group Occupancies, unless the Building Official or his Deputy authorized to issue the permit shall inform the applicant in writing why the permit should not be issued, and shall indicate thereon the particular provisions of the Code violated by the applicant or the particular requirements not complied with. Within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt by the applicant of advice from the Building Official or his Deputy authorized to issue the permit why the building permit should not be issued, or why the building permit is suspended or revoked, the applicant may appeal the non-issuance, suspension, or revocation thereof, to the Mayor of the chartered city or municipality, or the Governor of the province where the building or structure for which the permit is being applied for is located. Said appeal shall be decided within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof, otherwise, the applicant may bring the matter to the proper Court of Justice for final disposition.
 
(e) All public buildings shall conform to the provisions of this Code and the Building Official of the city or province where the public building is located shall issue the building permit therefor, stating in writing that such public building conforms to the requirements of the Code. For national public buildings, the Secretary of Public Works and Communications shall issue a certification that such a building conforms to the Code. Public buildings shall be exempt from payment of building permit, inspection, another fees.
 
SECTION 1.02.04: Fees
 
(a) Regulations on building permit, inspection and other fees, and for compliance with the same shall be covered by city and municipal ordinances: Provided, That Traditional indigenous family dwellings under Section 1.01.04 (d) shall be exempt from payment of building permit fees.
 
SECTION 1.02.05: Inspection ad Certificates of Occupancy
 
(a) Inspection. The duly licensed architect or engineer engaged by the owner to undertake inspection and detailed supervision of the construction shall periodically certify that the construction conforms to the plans and specifications submitted in the application for a building permit. Upon submission of such periodic certifications during the progress of construction, the Building Official shall periodically issue the required authority to continue with the subsequent phases of construction, without prejudice to his right to conduct on his own initiative any inspection of the said construction. Upon completion of the construction, the said duly licensed architect or engineer shall submit to the Building Official the final certification that the building conforms to the provisions of the Code and with the detailed plans and specifications submitted.
 
(b) Certificates of Occupancy. The proper Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued to the applicant within seven (7) days from completion of the requirements for inspection and occupancy and payment of any and all fees therefor, unless the building Official or his Deputy issuing the Certificate shall show cause in writing why the Certificate should not be issued and shall indicate thereon the particular provisions of the Code violated or the particular requirements not complied with. Within fifteen (15) days from receipt by the applicant of the advice from Building Official or his Deputy authorized to issue the certificate why the certificate should not be issued, or why the certificate is suspended or revoked, the applicant may appeal the non-issuance, suspension, or revocation thereof, to the Mayor of the chartered city or municipality, or the Governor of the province where the building for which the certificate is being applied for is located. Said appeal shall be decided within fifteen (15) days from receipts thereof, otherwise, the applicant may bring the matter to the proper Court of Justice for final disposition. The building may be occupied only upon issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. chan robles virtual law library
 
SECTION 1.02.06: Violations of This Code Covering Designs, Materials, Methods of Construction, and Workmanship
 
(a) In all cases of violation of this Code covering design, materials, methods of construction, and workmanship, the Building Official shall observe the following procedure in ordering the alteration to conform to this Code or demolition of the building or portion thereof:
 

(b) This Code shall not be construed to deprive any person the right to avail himself of any and all judicial proceedings or remedies available under existing laws.
 
(c) Nothing in this Chapter is intended to diminish the powers vested in the different Boards of Examiners of the various architectural and engineering professions as provided for in existence laws regulating the practice of architecture and engineering, nor to restrict the designing engineering or architect in the exercise of his professional discretion within the basic minimum standards and requirements embodied in Section 1.01.02 of this Code.
  TITLE 2 - FIRE AND FIRE-RESISTIVE STANDARDS Chapter 2.01 - REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE ZONES   SECTION 2.01.01: General
 
(a) Fire Zones Defined. Fire zones are areas within which only certain types of building are permitted to be constructed based on their use, occupancy, type of construction, and resistance to fire.
 
(b) Building Located in More Than One Fire Zone. If a building or structure is located in more than one fire zone and more than one-third of its total floor area is in a more restricted fire zone, then the entire building shall conform to the requirements for the more restricted area.
 
(c) Moved Building. Any building or structure moved within or into any fire zone shall be made to comply with all the requirements for buildings of that fire zone.
 
(d) Temporary Buildings. Temporary buildings or structures conforming to the requirements of this Code, used for the protection of the public around and in conjunction with construction work may be erected in any of the fire zones: Provided, that such work is allowed by special permit from the Building Official and such is used only for a limited period of time.
 
(e) Center Lines of Streets. For the purpose of this Chapter, the center line of an adjoining street or alley may be considered an adjacent property line. Distance shall be measured at right angles to the street or alley.
 
SECTION 2.01.02. Designation of Fire Zones
 
(a) The Secretary shall classify each type of fire zone in accordance to use, occupancy, type of construction, and resistance to fire subject to the provisions of this Code.
 
(b) Based on the classification of fire zones, City Counsels or Municipal Boards, by resolution, shall divide cities and municipalities into fire zones. Such division shall be in accordance with the local physical and spatial framework plans or the recommendation of the local city or municipal development body.
  Chapter 2.02 - FIRE-RESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR FIRE PROTECTION  
SECTION 2.02.01: Fire-Resistive Requirements
 
(a) Exterior bearing and nonbearing walls of Types II and III constructions shall have one-hour fire-resistive rating; while those of types IV and V shall have four-hour fire-resistive rating.
 
(b) Interior bearing walls, permanent partitions, floors, and roofs of Types II to IV constructions shall have one-hour fire-resistive rating; while those of Type V shall have three-hour fire-resistive rating for walls, one-hour fire-resistive rating for partitions, and two-hour fire-resistive rating for vertical openings, floors, and roofs.
 
(c) Structural frames of Types II and III constructions shall have one-hour fire-resistive rating; those of Type IV shall have two-hour fire-resistive rating; and those of Type V shall have three-hour fire-resistive rating.
 
(d) Exterior doors and windows shall have three-fourths-hour fire-resistive rating for all types of construction.
 
SECTION 2.02.02: Fire-Resistive Standards
 
(a) General. Materials and systems of fire-resistive purposes shall be classified according to their fire-resistive ratings as determined by internationally accepted testing methods, subject to the provisions of this Section.
 
(b) One-Hour Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating
 
 
(c) Two-Hour Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating
 
 
(d) Three-Hour Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating
 
 
(e) Four-Hour Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating
 
 
(f) Steel Joists. Steel joist floors shall have from one to four-hour fire-resistive rating based on internationally accepted standards of engineering.
 
(g) Flame-Proof Materials. Materials required to be flame-proofed shall be treated with a flame-retardant having flame-spread rating of 50 less as determined by the "Tunnel Test".
 
SECTION 2.02.03: Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish
 
(a) General. Finishes for interior walls and ceilings of any building shall be classified according to their flame-spread characteristics using the internationally accepted "Tunnel Test" or other equivalent test for fire protection. The class of materials according to flame-spread characteristics shall be determined for each occupancy group. The smoke density shall not be greater than that obtain from the burning of untreated wood under similar conditions when tested in accordance with the "Tunnel Test" in the way intended for use. The products of combustion shall be no more toxic than the burning of untreated wood under similar conditions.
 
(b) Interior Finish Materials. Interior walls and ceiling finish shall mean interior wainscoting, paneling, or other finish applied structurally or for decoration, acoustical correction, surface insulation or similar purposes. Requirements for finishes shall not apply to trim, doors, and windows or their frames, nor to materials which are less than one millimeter (0.039 inch) in thickness cemented to an incombustible backing. Interior finish materials applied to walls and ceilings shall be tested as specified herein and regulated for purposes of limiting flame-spread.
 
SECTION 2.02.04: Promulgation of Fire-Resistive Regulations
 
(a) The Secretary shall promulgate appropriate standards and regulations on the testing of materials for flame-spread characteristics; application of controlled interior finish; finishes based on occupancy; materials and tests on fire dampers, fire tests of building construction and materials, fire tests of door assemblies, tin-clad fire doors, fire test of window assemblies, installation of fire door and fire windows, and smoke and fire detectors for fire protective signaling systems; fire-resistive protection of structural members; fire-resistive walls and partitions; fire-resistive floor-ceilings or roof-ceilings; fire-resistive assemblies for protection of openings; and fire-retardant roof coverings.
  TITLE 3 - REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY Chapter 3.01 - CLASSIFICATION OF ALL BUILDINGS BY USE OR OCCUPANCY AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL OCCUPANCIES  
SECTION 3.01.01: Occupancy Classified
 
(a) Building proposed, for construction shall be identified according to its use or the character of its occupancy and shall be classified as follows:
 
 
(b) Other subgroupings or divisions within Groups A to J may be determined by the Secretary. Any other occupancy not mentioned specifically in this Section, or about which there is any question, shall be included in the Group which its use most nearly resembles based on the existing or proposed life and fire hazard.
 
(c) The Building Officials shall identify and indicate in the Certificate of Occupancy the appropriate classification to which a building or structure to be constructed belongs.
 
SECTION 3.01.02: Change in Use
 
(a) No change shall be made in the character of occupancies or use of any building which would place the building in a different division of the same group of occupancy or in a different group of occupancies, unless such buildings is made to comply with the requirements for such division or group of occupancy: Except, That the character of occupancy of existing buildings may be changed subject to the approval of the Building Official and the building may be occupied for purposes set forth in other Groups without conforming to all the requirements for those Groups, provided the new or proposed use is less hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than the existing use.
 
SECTION 3.01.03: Mixed Occupancy
 
(a) General. When a building is used for more than one occupancy purposes, each part of the building comprising a distinct "Occupancy" shall be separated from any other occupancy. When a building is used for more than one occupancy purpose, it shall be subject to the most restrictive requirements for the occupancies concerned: Except, - (1) When a one-story building houses more than one occupancy, each portion of the building shall conform to the requirements for the occupancy housed therein, and the area of the building shall be such that the sum of the actual areas divided by the allowable area for each separate occupancy shall not exceed one; and (2) Where minor accessory uses do not occupy more than 10 per cent of the area of any floor of a building, nor more than 10 per cent of the basis are permitted in the occupancy requirements. The major use of the building shall determine the occupancy classification provided the uses are separated in accordance with requirements for occupancy separation.
 
(b) Forms of Occupancy Separation. Occupancy separations shall be vertical or horizontal or both, or when necessary, of such other form as may be required to afford a complete separation between the various occupancy divisions in the building.
 
(c) Types of Occupancy Separation. Occupancy separations shall be classed as "One-Hour Fire-Resistive" "Two-Hour Fire-Resistive", "Three-Hour Fire-Resistive", and "Four-Hour Fire-Resistive".
 
 
(d) Fire Ratings for Occupancy Separation. Occupancy separations shall be provided between various groups, subgroupings, or divisions of occupancies. The Secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations for appropriate occupancy separations in buildings of mixed occupancy: Provided, That where any occupancy separation is required, the minimum shall be a "One-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation"; and where the occupancy separation is horizontal, structural members supporting the separation shall be protected by equivalent fire-resistive construction.
 
SECTION 3.01.04: Location on Property
 
(a) General. Buildings shall adjoin or have access to a public space, yard, or street on not less than one side. Required yards shall be permanently maintained. For the purpose of this Section, the center line of an adjoining street or alley shall be considered an adjacent property line. Eaves over required windows shall be not less than 75 centimeters (30 inches) from the side and rear and rear property lines.
 
(b) Fire Resistance of Walls. Exterior walls shall have fire resistance and opening protection in accordance with requirements set by the Secretary. Projections beyond the exterior wall shall not extend beyond a point one-third the distance to the property line from an exterior wall; or a point one-third the distance from an assumed vertical plane located where fire-resistive protection of openings is first required due to location on property, whichever is the least restrictive. Distance shall be measured at right angles from the property line. When openings in exterior walls are required to be protected due to distance from property line, the sum of the area of such openings shall not exceed 50 per cent of the total area of the wall in each story.
 
(c) Buildings on Same Property and Buildings Containing Courts. For the purpose of determining the required wall and opening protection, buildings on the same property and court walls shall be assumed to have a property line between them. When a new building is to be erected on the same property with an existing building, the assumed property line from the existing building shall be the distance to the property line for each occupancy as set forth by the Secretary: Provided, That two or more buildings on the same property may be considered as portions of one building of the aggregate area of such buildings is within the limits of allowable floor areas for a single building; and that when the buildings so considered house different occupancies or are of different types of construction, the area shall be that allowed for the most restricted occupancy or construction.
 
SECTION 3.01.05: Allowable Floor Areas
 
(a) Areas of One-Story Buildings and Building Over One Story. Allowable floor areas for one-story buildings and buildings over one story shall not exceed the limits determined in accordance with occupancy groups and types of construction.
 
(b) Area Separation Walls. Each portion of a building separated by one or more area separation walls may be considered a separate building provided the area separation wall meet the requirements of this Code.
 
SECTION 3.01.06: Allowable Area Increases
 
(a) The floor area hereinabove provided may be increased in certain specific instances and under appropriate conditions, based on the existence of public space, streets, or yards extending along the adjoining two or more sides of the building or structure.
 
SECTION 3.01.07: Maximum Height of Buildings and Increases
 
(a) The maximum height and number of stories of every building shall be dependent upon the character of the occupancy and the type of construction, and shall not exceed the limits determined by population density, building bulk, widths of streets, and car parking requirements. The height shall be measured from the highest adjoining sidewalk or ground surface, provided that the height measured from the lowest adjoining surface shall not exceed such maximum height by more than 3.00 meters (10 feet): Except, That towers, spires, and steeples, erected as a part of a building and not used for habitation or storage, are limited as to height only by structural design if completely of incombustible materials, or may extend not to exceed 6.00 meters (19 feet, 8 inches) above the height limits for each occupancy group if of combustible materials.
 
SECTION 3.01.08: Maximum Requirements for Group A Dwellings: One Two Stories
 
(a) Dwelling Location and Lot Occupancy. The dwelling shall occupy not more than 90 per cent of a corner lot and 80 per cent of an inside lot, and subject to the provisions on easements of light and view of the Civil Code of the Philippines, shall be at least 2.00 meters (6 feet, inches) from the property line.
 
(b) Light and Ventilation. Every dwelling shall be so constructed and arranged as to provide adequate light and ventilation.
 
(c) Sanitation. Every dwelling shall be provided with at least one sanitary toilet and adequate washing and drainage facilities.
 
(d) Foundation. Footing shall be of sufficient size and strength to support the load and dwelling and shall be at least 30 centimeters (1 foot) thick and 60 centimeters (2 feet) below the surface of the ground. Each post shall be anchored to such footings by straps and bolts of adequate size.
 
(e) Post or Suportales. The dimensions of wooden post or suportales shall be those found in Table 3.01 - A Dimension of Wooden Posts or Suportales (Annex B).
 
(f) Floor. The live load of the first floor shall be at least 200 kilograms per square meter (40 pounds per square foot) and for the second floor, at least 150 kilograms per square meter (30 pounds per square foot).
 
(g) Roof. The wind load for roofs shall be at least 150 kilograms per square meter (30 pounds per square foot).
 
(h) Stairs. Stairs may be 75 centimeters (30 inches) wide, with a rise of 20 centimeters (8 inches) and a run of 23 centimeters (9 inches).
 
(i) Entrance and Exit. There shall be one entrance and one exit.
 
(j) Electrical Outlets. There shall be at least one convenience outlet per 6.00 meters (20 feet) of wall measured along the floor and one light outlet for every room.
 
(k) Mechanical Requirements. Family dwellings not more than two stories shall be exempt from the requirements of the Mechanical Code.
 
SECTION 3.01.09: Requirements for Group Occupancies
 
(a) Subject to the provisions of this Code, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations for each occupancy group covering: allowable construction, height, and area; location on property, exit facilities, light, ventilation, and sanitation; enclosure of vertical openings; fire-extinguishing system; and special hazards.
  TITLE 4 - TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION Chapter 4.01 - CLASSIFICATION OF ALL BUILDINGS BY TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS   SECTION 4.01.01: Types of Construction
 
(a) The requirements of this Chapter are minimum for the varying degrees of public safety and resistance to fire. Every building proposed for construction shall be identified according to the following:
 
 
(b) Other subtypes or divisions within Types I to V may be determined by the Secretary. Any building which does not conform entirely to a type of construction herein set forth shall be classified into a type having an equal or lesser degree of fire-resistance of the building.
 
(c) The Building Official shall identify and indicate in the Certificate of Occupancy the appropriate classification to which a building or structure to be constructed belongs.
 
SECTION 4.01.02: Change in Type
 
(a) No change shall be made in the type of construction of any building which would place the building in a different subtype or type of construction unless such bidding is made to comply with the requirements for such subtype or type of construction: Except, That the type of construction of existing buildings may be changed subject to the approval of the Building Official and the building may be constructed for purposes set forth in other Types without conforming to all the requirements for those Types, provided the new or proposed construction is less hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than the existing construction.
 
SECTION 4.01.03: Requirements on Types of Construction
 
(a) Subject to the provisions of this Chapter, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations for each type of construction, and promulgate rules and regulations therefor, covering: structural framework, exterior walls and openings, interior walls and enclosures, floors, exits and stars construction, and roofs.
  TITLE - LIGHT, VENTILATION, AND SANITATION Chapter 5.01 - LIGHT AND VENTILATION   SECTION 5.01.01: General
 
(a) Subject to the provisions of the Civil Code on easement on light and view, and to provisions of this Title, every building shall be so constructed, arranged, and equipped as to provide adequate light and ventilation.
 
(b) All building erected shall face a street or public alley or private street which has been officially approved.
 
(c) No building shall be altered nor arranged so as to reduce the size of any room or the relative area of windows to less than that provided for buildings under this Code, or so as to create an additional room, unless such additional room conforms to the requirements of this Code.
 
(d) No building shall be enlarged, so that the dimensions of any required court yard would be less than that prescribed for any such building.
 
SECTION 5.01.02: Measurement of Site Occupancy
 
(a) The measurement of site occupancy or lot occupancy shall be taken at the ground level and shall be exclusive of courts, yards, and light wells.
 
(b) Courtyards and light wells shall be measured clear of any projections from the walls enclosing such wells or yards with the exception of roof leaders, wall copings, sills, or steel fire escapes, not exceeding 1.20 meters (4 feet) in width.
 
SECTION 5.01.03: Percentage of Site Occupancy
 
(a) The maximum site occupancy shall be governed by the use, type of construction, and height of the building, and the use, area, nature and location of the site, subject to the provisions of local zoning requirements and in accordance with rules and regulations set forth by the Secretary.
 
SECTION 5.01.04: Minimum Size of Courts and Their Least Dimensions
 
(a) The minimum size of courts and their least dimensions shall be dependent upon the use, type of construction, and height of the building subject to the requirements set forth by the Secretary: Provided, That in no case shall be the minimum horizontal dimension of courts be less than 2.00 meters (6 feet, 7 inches).
 
(b) All inner courts shall be connected to a street or yard, either by a passageway with a minimum width of 1.20 meters (4 feet) or by a door through a room or rooms.
 
SECTION 5.01.05: Ceiling Heights
 
(a) Habitable rooms, bathrooms, toilet rooms, storage rooms, and utility rooms shall have a ceiling height of not less than 2.40 meters (8 feet), measured from the floor to the ceiling: Provided, That for buildings of more than one story, the minimum ceiling height of the first story shall be 2.70 meters (9 feet) and 2.40 meters (8 feet) for the second story, and succeeding stories. Garages shall have an unobstructed headroom clearance of not less than 2.10 meters (7 feet) above the finished floor.
 
SECTION 5.01.06: Minimum Size of Rooms and Their Least Dimensions
 
(a) The minimum sizes of rooms and their least horizontal dimensions shall be as follows: 6:00 square (65 square feet) with at least nominal dimension of 2.00 meters (6 feet 7 inches) for rooms for human habitation; 3.00 square meters (32 square feet) with a least horizontal dimension of 1.50 meters (5 feet) for kitchens; and 1.20 square meters (12 square feet) with a least horizontal dimension of 0.90 meter (3 feet) for bathrooms.
 
SECTION 5.01.07: Minimum Air Space Requirements in Determining the Size of Rooms
 
(a) The following minimum air spaces shall be provided:
 
 
SECTION 5.01.08: Window Openings
 
(a) Every room intended for any use, not otherwise provided with air-conditioning or mechanical ventilation system as herein provided in this Code, shall be provided with a window or windows whose total area of openings shall be at least 1/10th the floor area of the room, and such shall open directly to a court, yard, public way or alley, or water course.
 
SECTION 5.01.09: Mezzanine Floor
 
(a) A Mezzanine floor is a partial, intermediate floor in any story or room of a building having an area not more than one-half of the area of the room or space in which it is constructed.
 
(b) A mezzanine floor shall be constructed with a clear ceiling height of not less than 1.90 meters (6 feet, 4 inches) above and below.
 
SECTION 5.01.10: Vent Shafts
 
(a) Size. Vent shafts shall have a cross-sectional area of not less than 1/10th of a square meter for every meter of height of shafts (1 square foot per 10 feet) but not less than 1.00 square meter (10.7 square feet) in any case. No such shaft shall be less than 60 centimeters (2 feet) in its least dimension.
 
(b) Skylights. Unless open to the outer air at the top for its full area, such shaft shall be covered by a skylight having a net area of fixed louver openings equal to the maximum required shaft area.
 
(c) Air Ducts. Air ducts shall be connected to a street or court by a horizontal duct or intake at a point below the lowest window opening on such shaft. Such duct or intake shall have a minimum unobstructed cross-sectional area of not less than 0.30 square meter (3.2 square feet) with a minimum dimension of 30 centimeters (1 foot). The opening to the duct or intake shall not be less than 30 centimeters (1 foot) above the bottom of the shaft and the street surface or bathroom of court, at the respective ends of the conduct or intake.
 
SECTION 5.01.11: Ventilating Skylights
 
(a) Skylights. Skylights shall have a glass area not less than that required for the window they replace. They shall be equipped with movable sashes or louvers of an aggregate net area not less than that required for openable parts in the window they replace or with approved ventilation of equal efficiency.
 
(b) Ventilation. Rooms containing industrial heating equipment shall be provided with adequate artificial means of ventilation to prevent excessive accumulation of hot or polluted air. chan robles virtual law library
 
SECTION 5.01.12: Artificial Ventilation
 
(a) General. When artificial ventilation is required, the equipment shall be designed and constructed to meet the following requirements in air changes:
 
(1) Business and Workrooms