REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6541 (b) Additions, alterations, repairs, and changes of use or per hectare.

occupancy in all buildings and structures shall comply

with requirements for new buildings and structures (d) The design and construction requirements of this
except as otherwise herein provided. Only such portion Code shall not apply to any traditional indigenous family
AN ACT TO ORDAIN AND INSTITUTE or portions of the existing building or structure which dwelling costing not more than five thousand pesos
have to be altered to effect the addition, alteration, or (P5,000.00) and intended for use and occupancy of the
A NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES repair shall be made to conform to the requirements for family of the owner only. The traditional type of family
new buildings or structures. Alterations should preserve dwellings are those that are constructed of native
the aesthetic value of the building to be altered. materials such as bamboo, nipa, logs, or lumber,
TITLE 1 - ADMINISTRATIVE wherein the distance between vertical supports or
(c) Where, in any specific case, different section of this suportales does not exceed 3.00 meters (10 feet); and if
Chapter 1.01 - GENERAL PROVISIONS Code specify different materials, methods of masonry walls or socalos are used, such shall not be
construction, or other requirements, the most restrictive more than 1.00 meter (3 feet, 3 inches) from the ground:
SECTION 1.01.01: Title shall govern. Provided, however, That such traditional indigenous
family dwelling will not constitute a danger to life or limb
SECTION 1.01.04: Application of its occupants or of the public; will not be fire hazard or
an eyesore to the community; and does not contravene
(a) This Act shall be known as the "National Building (a) This Code shall apply to all buildings and structures any fire zoning regulation of the city or municipality in
Code of the Philippines" and shall hereinafter be referred constructed and any change or repair made thereon which it is located. chan robles virtual law library
to as the "Code". after the approval of said Code. Buildings or structures
constructed before the approval of this Code shall not be (e) Notwithstanding paragraph (d) of this Section, this
SECTION 1.01.02: Declaration of Policy affected thereby; Except, where their continued use or Code shall apply to Group A dwellings produced on a
occupancy is dangerous to life or limb; or where commercial scale and intended for use by the general
(a) It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State to alterations, additions, conversions, or repairs are to be public.
safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare, made thereon, this Code shall apply only to such
consistent with the principles of environmental portions of the buildings or structure which have to be SECTION 1.01.05 Building Use Affecting Public Health
management and control; and to this end, make it the altered in order to effect such damages or repairs. and Safety
purpose of this Code to provide for all buildings and
structured, a framework of minimum standards and (b) This Code shall apply to chartered cities, poblaciones (a) Any building or structure, or any ancillary or
requirements by guiding, regulating, and controlling their of municipalities and municipal districts with a population accessory facility thereto, and any alteration or addition
location, siting, design, quality of materials, construction, of at least two thousand (2,000) inhabitants, and to to any building or structure already existing, shall
use, occupancy, and maintenance, including their barrios of urban areas with a population of at least two conform in all respects to the principles of safe
environment, utilities, fixtures, equipment, and thousand (2,000) inhabitants. This Code shall also apply construction, shall be suited to the purpose for which the
mechanical electrical, and other systems and to any area where there are fifty (50) or more families building is designed, and shall, in no case contribute to
installations. per hectare. making the community in which it is located at eyesore,
a slum, or a blighted area.
SECTION 1.01.03: Scope (c) This Code shall likewise apply to any area proposed
for or being developed into a new town site, residential (b) Adequate environmental safeguards shall be
(a) The provisions of this Code shall apply to the design, subdivision, commercial or residential site, school site, observed in the design, construction, and use of any
location, siting, construction, alteration, repair, housing project, and similar construction projects where building or structure for the manufacture and production
conversion, use, occupancy, maintenance, moving, and five or more buildings not covered by paragraph (d) of of any kind of article or product which constitutes a
demolition of, and addition to, public and private this Section will be constructed even if the poblacion or hazard or nuisance affecting public health and safety,
buildings and structures. barrio population is less than two thousand (2,000) or such as explosives, gas, noxious chemicals,
the density of population is less than fifty (50) families inflammable compounds, or the like.

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 (b) Dangerous Buildings Defined. - Dangerous buildings thereof is likely to fall, or to become detached or
SECTION 1.01.06: Maintenance are those which are structurally unsafe or not provided dislodged, or to collapse and thereby injure persons or
with safe egrees, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are damage property;
(a) All buildings or structures, both existing and new, and otherwise dangerous to human life, or which in relation
all parts thereof shall be maintained in a safe and to existing use constitute a hazard to safety or health or
sanitary condition. All devices or safeguards, which are public welfare, by reason of inadequate maintenance, (5) Whenever any portion or member or any
required by this Code in a building or structure when dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, or abandonment; appurtenance or ornamentation of the exterior thereof is
constructed, altered, or repaired, shall be maintained on or which otherwise contribute to the pollution of the site not of such sufficient strength or stability, or is not so
good working order. or the community to an intolerable degree. Any building anchored, attached, or fastened - place so as to be
or structure which has any or all of the conditions or capable of resisting a wind pressure of one-half of that
SECTION 1.01.07: Insanitary, Unsafe, Hazardous, or defects hereinafter described, or conditions or defects specified in this Code for new buildings of similar
Dangerous Sites similar thereto, shall be deemed to be dangerous
structure; purpose, or location without exceeding the
building: Provided, That such conditions or defect exists
(a) The land or site upon which will be constructed any to the extent that the life, health, property, or safety of working stresses permitted for such buildings;
building or structure, or any ancillary or auxillary facility the public or its occupant are endangered:
thereto, shall be sanitary , hygienic or safe. Where the (6) Whenever any portion thereon has wracked, warped,
land or site is polluted, insanitary, unhygienic, unsafe, or buckled, or settled to such an extent that walls or other
hazardous, conditions contributing to or causing its being (1) Whenever any door, aisle, passageway, stairway, or structural portions have materially less resistance to
polluted, insanitary, unhygienic, unsafe, or hazardous other means of exist is not of sufficient width or size, or winds or earthquake than is required in the case similar
shall be reasonably improved or corrected, or proper is not so arranged as to provide safe and adequate new construction;
remedial measures shall be prescribed or incorporated means of exit in case of fire or panic;
in the design or construction of the building or structure
in accordance with the provisions of this Code. (7) Whenever the building or structure, or any portion
(2) Whenever the stress in any materials member or thereof, because of: (i) dilapidation, deterioration, or
(b) The land or site upon which be constructed a building portion thereof, due to all dead and live loads is more delay; (ii) faulty construction; (iii) the removal,
of structure or any ancillary or accessory facility thereto, than one and one-half times the working stresses or movement, or instability of any portion of the ground
for use of human habitation or abode, shall be at a safe stresses allowed in this Code for new building of similar necessary for the purpose of supporting such building;
distance from streamers or bodies of water and/source structure, purpose, or location: Provided, That in (iv) the deterioration, decay, or inadequacy of its
of air considered to be polluted, volcano or volcanic site, determining working stress, the working stress method
and building or structure considered to be a potential foundation; or (v) any other cause, is likely to partially or
of analysis shall be used, and in the case of completely collapse;
source of fire or explosion, such as ammunitions factory
or dump and storage place for highly inflammable engineering "overstress", the ultimate strength method;
material. (8) Whenever, for any reason, the building or structure,
(3) Whenever any portion thereof has been damaged by or any portion thereof, is manifestly unsafe for the
SECTION 1.01.08: Dangerous and Ruinous Buildings or fire, earthquake, wind, flood, or by any other cause, to purpose for which it is being used;
Structures such an extent that the structural strength or the stability
thereof is materially less than it was before such (9) Whenever the exterior walls or other vertica structural
(a) General. - The provisions of this Code shall apply to
catastrophe and is less than the minimum requirements members list, lean, or buckle to such an extent that the
all dangerous buildings, as herein defined, which are
now in existence or which may hereafter be constructed, of this Code for new buildings of similar structures, structure falls within the condition described in the
as well as to ruinous buildings as defined in Article 482 purpose, or location; preceding subparagraph (2), above, or whenever any
of the Civil Code of the Philippines. chan robles virtual portion thereof suffers a material reduction of the fire and
law library (4) Whenever any portion or member or appurtenance weather resistance qualities of characteristics required

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by this Code for newly constructed buildings of like area, (2) Where the dangerous building is such that to repair it (a) If, for any reason, any section or provision of this
height, and occupancy in the same location; would cost more than 50 per cent of the current to Code shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, no
replacement cost of the building, it shall be repaired or other section or provision of this Code shall be affected
demolished at the opinion of the owner; thereby.
(10) Whenever a building or structure, used or intended
to be used for dwelling purposes, because of inadequate (3) Where the dangerous building poses an immediate SECTION 1.01.13: Repealing Clause
maintenance, dilapidation, decay, damage, faulty threat to life, limb, or property, it shall be vacated
construction or arrangement, inadequate light, air, or immediately, then repaired or demolished in accordance (a) Any and all statutes, orders, ordinances, rules and
sanitation facilities, or otherwise, is found to be with subparagraphs (1) or (2) herein. regulations or parts thereof, inconsistent with the
unsanitary, unfit for human habitation, or in such a provisions of this Code, are hereby repealed or modified
condition that is likely to cause sickness or accordingly.
SECTION 1.01.09. Alternate or new Design, Material,
disease; chan robles virtual law library Method of Construction, or Workmanship; Tests: SECTION 1.01.14: Effectivity

(11) Whenever any building or structure, because of (a) Any design, material, method of construction, or (a) This Code shall take effect upon its approval within
obsolescence, dilapidated, condition, deterioration, workmanship not specifically included in this Code may the Greater Manila Metropolitan Area and in other areas
damage, inadequate exists, lack of sufficient fire- be used: Provided, That such alternate or new design, where there are already existing local building codes,
resistive construction, or other cause, is found to be a material, method of construction, or workmanship is at and four (4) years thereafter, in all other areas in the
least the equivalent of those prescribed in this Code in Philippines: Provided, however, That this provision shall
fire hazard;
effectiveness. not prevent any city or municipal council or board from
adopting this Code immediately upon its approval.
(12) Whenever any portion of a building or structure (b) Tests for design, materials, method of construction,
remains on a site after demolition or destruction of the or workmanship shall be prescribed by the Secretary of
building or structure is abandoned for a period in excess Public Works and Communication in appropriate rules Chapter 1.02 - ENFORCEMENT
of six months, so as to constitute a nuisance or hazard and regulations therefor.
to the public;
SECTION 1.01.10: Municipal and Provincial Ordinances SECTION 1.02.01: Joint Building and Environmental
and Regulations Planning Research and Standards Commission
(13) Whenever any building or structure is in such a
condition as to constitute a public nuisance defined in (a) Local ordinances should conform to the Code and (a) Membership. There is hereby created a Joint Building
Article 694 and 695 of the Civil Code of the Philippines. suppletory requirements hereto shall in no case diminish and Environmental Planning Research and Standards
minimum requirements embodied in this Code. The Commission composed of two Senators, two
Secretary of Public Works and Communications or, in Congressmen, and five other members to be appointed
(c) Abatement of Dangerous Buildings. In all cases of the proper case, the Secretary of Justice shall take any by the President of the Philippines. The members shall
dangerous buildings, except those covered by Article and all appropriate steps in cases where local elect a Chairman from among themselves.
482 and 694 to 707 of the Civil Code of the Philippines, ordinances conflict with the Code.
the Building Official shall order their repair, vacation, or
demolition in accordance with the following procedure: SECTION 1.01.11: Definitions and Tables (1) The President of the Senate shall designate the
chairman of the Committee on Housing, Urban
(a) The definitions in Annex A and the Tables in Annex B Development and Resettlement and one Senator from
(1) Where the dangerous building can reasonably be of this Code are hereby adopted as part thereof. the minority party as members of the Commission.
repaired such that it will no longer be dangerous, it shall
be ordered repaired; SECTION 1.01.12: Separability Clause (2) The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall
designate the Chairman of the Committee on Housing

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and one Congressman from the minority party as Congress; and City Engineer shall be the Building Official. For the
members of the Commission. purpose of the enforcement of the provisions of this
(4) Transmit appropriate recommendation to the Code, the Building Official shall be under the supervision
(3) The President of the Philippines shall appoint two Secretary of Public Works and Communications as a of the Secretary of Public Works and Communications,
architects, two engineers, and one building contractor basis for the promulgation by the Secretary of the any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding.
chosen from those officially recommended by their necessary rules and regulations to carry out the
respective national professional organizations, to serve provisions of this Code. (c) Subject to the approval of the Municipal Mayor, City
for four years or until their successors shall have been Mayor, or Provincial Governor in the proper case, and
duly appointed and qualified. other civil service laws and rules, the Building Official
(c) Technical Staff. The Commission shall be assisted by may appoint such number of officers, inspectors,
(4) The members thereof shall serve without a Technical Staff which shall be headed by an Executive assistants, or other employees possessing the
compensation: except, That the members from the Director and an Assistant Executive Director. All necessary qualifications and competency as may be
professional organizations may receive a per diem of personnel shall be appointed by the Chairman subject to authorized by the Municipal Council, City Council, or
one hundred pesos (P100.00) each per meeting actually civil service laws, rules, and regulations. Provincial Board, as the case may be. He may deputize
attended: Provided, That the total per diem the members such technically qualified employees as may be
may receive shall not exceed six hundred pesos (d) Appropriations. The amount of two hundred and fifty necessary to carry out the provisions of this Code. For
(P600.00) per month. A monthly transportation thousand pesos (P250,000) or such amount thereof as purposes of this Subsection, the terms "necessary
allowance of two hundred fifty pesos (P250.00) shall be may be necessary for the operation of the Commission qualifications and competency" and "technically
granted each of the members from the professional is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of any funds qualified" shall mean that the person to be deputized
organizations. not otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year ending shall have passed the highest grade of examination
June 30, 1973. Such sums may be necessary for the called for in the applicable law regulating the practice of
operating expenses of the Commission in succeeding the branch of engineering or architecture related to or
(b) Duties and Responsibilities. The Commission shall fiscal years shall be included in the annual General associated with the duties and powers which the person
have the following duties and responsibilities: Appropriations Act. to be deputized shall assume.

SECTION 1.02.02: Secretary of Public Works and SECTION 1.02.03: Building permits
(1) Conduct or cause to be conducted continuing Communications and Building Officials
research and studies on building, housing, and (a) Any person, firm, or corporation, including any
environmental planning standards and requirements to (a) The Secretary of Public Works and Communications, department, office, bureau, agency of instrumentality of
safeguard life or limb, health, property, and public hereinafter referred to as the "Secretary", shall the government intending to construct, alter, repair,
welfare; promulgate such rules and regulations necessary to move, convert or demolish any building or structure, or
enable the Building Official to enforce the provisions of cause the same to be done, shall obtain a building
(2) Prepare a draft of a uniform code of criteria, this Code. permit from the Building Official for whichever of such
standards, and detailed specifications covering design, work is proposed to be undertaken for the building or
construction, and other related matters suited to local (b) In municipalities, the Municipal Engineer shall be the structure, before any such work is started.
needs and indigenous conditions for adoption by local Building Official; Provided, That when there is no such
governments to supplement the minimum standards Municipal Engineer, or a duly licensed engineer (b) Appropriate rules and regulations shall be set by the
provided in this Code; performing the duties of a Municipal Engineer, or a Land Secretary concerning:
and Building Official, the Provincial Engineer, or in the
(3) Prepare drafts of environmental planning, absence thereof, the Public Works Engineer within
management and control codes, subdivision policies and whose jurisdiction the municipality falls shall be the (1) Forms for application for building permits;
standards, zoning regulations and other codes for Building Official. In case of cities, the City Public Works (2) Procedures to be observed in securing such permits;
legislative enactment; and recommend, from time to Supervisor shall be the Building Official: Provided, That (3) Procedures to be observed in the issuance,
time, changes in this Building Code for submission to when there is no such City Public Works Supervisor, the suspension, and revocation of such building permits;

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and otherwise, the applicant may bring the matter to the Occupancy shall be issued to the applicant within seven
(4) Type, nature, and scope of plans and specifications, proper Court of Justice for final disposition. (7) days from completion of the requirements for
and other requisite documents, which shall be prepared inspection and occupancy and payment of any and all
and designed by a licensed architect or engineer. (e) All public buildings shall conform to the provisions of fees therefor, unless the building Official or his Deputy
this Code and the Building Official of the city or province issuing the Certificate shall show cause in writing why
where the public building is located shall issue the the Certificate should not be issued and shall indicate
(c) When authorized by the Building Official in building permit therefor, stating in writing that such public thereon the particular provisions of the Code violated or
accordance with the provisions of this Code, plans and building conforms to the requirements of the Code. For the particular requirements not complied with. Within
specifications need not be submitted for the following: national public buildings, the Secretary of Public Works fifteen (15) days from receipt by the applicant of the
and Communications shall issue a certification that such advice from Building Official or his Deputy authorized to
a building conforms to the Code. Public buildings shall issue the certificate why the certificate should not be
(1) Group A traditional indigenous type of dwelling be exempt from payment of building permit, inspection, issued, or why the certificate is suspended or revoked,
construction costing not more than three thousand pesos another fees. the applicant may appeal the non-issuance, suspension,
(P3,000.00); and or revocation thereof, to the Mayor of the chartered city
SECTION 1.02.04: Fees or municipality, or the Governor of the province where
(2) Group J Division 1 Occupancy of Type 1 the building for which the certificate is being applied for
conventional wood frame construction or of the (a) Regulations on building permit, inspection and other is located. Said appeal shall be decided within fifteen
traditional indigenous type of construction costing not fees, and for compliance with the same shall be covered (15) days from receipts thereof, otherwise, the applicant
more than three thousand pesos (P3,000.00). by city and municipal ordinances: Provided, That may bring the matter to the proper Court of Justice for
Traditional indigenous family dwellings under Section final disposition. The building may be occupied only
1.01.04 (d) shall be exempt from payment of building upon issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. chan
(d) The applicant for a building permit for private permit fees. robles virtual law library
buildings or structures after having complied with all the
requirements prescribed therefor in accordance with the SECTION 1.02.05: Inspection ad Certificates of SECTION 1.02.06: Violations of This Code Covering
provisions of this Code, shall be issued a building permit Occupancy Designs, Materials, Methods of Construction, and
within fifteen (15) days from the date of payment of the Workmanship
permit fee for Groups A and J Occupancies and within (a) Inspection. The duly licensed architect or engineer
thirty (30) days from the date of payment of the permit engaged by the owner to undertake inspection and (a) In all cases of violation of this Code covering design,
fee for other Group Occupancies, unless the Building detailed supervision of the construction shall periodically materials, methods of construction, and workmanship,
Official or his Deputy authorized to issue the permit shall certify that the construction conforms to the plans and the Building Official shall observe the following
inform the applicant in writing why the permit should not specifications submitted in the application for a building procedure in ordering the alteration to conform to this
be issued, and shall indicate thereon the particular permit. Upon submission of such periodic certifications Code or demolition of the building or portion thereof:
provisions of the Code violated by the applicant or the during the progress of construction, the Building Official
particular requirements not complied with. Within fifteen shall periodically issue the required authority to continue
(15) days from the date of receipt by the applicant of with the subsequent phases of construction, without (1) Where the building is in the process of construction,
advice from the Building Official or his Deputy authorized prejudice to his right to conduct on his own initiative any the construction of the portion or portions in violation of
to issue the permit why the building permit should not be inspection of the said construction. Upon completion of this Code shall be stopped until the same shall have
issued, or why the building permit is suspended or the construction, the said duly licensed architect or been altered to conform to this Code, unless such partial
revoked, the applicant may appeal the non-issuance, engineer shall submit to the Building Official the final violation will impair the stability and safety of the whole
suspension, or revocation thereof, to the Mayor of the certification that the building conforms to the provisions or part of the structure, in which case, the whole
chartered city or municipality, or the Governor of the of the Code and with the detailed plans and construction shall be stopped.
province where the building or structure for which the specifications submitted.
permit is being applied for is located. Said appeal shall (2) Where a building or portion thereof has been
be decided within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof, (b) Certificates of Occupancy. The proper Certificate of constructed, the following procedure shall be observed:

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(2.1) In case it can be reasonably altered to conform to SECTION 2.01.01: General Chapter 2.02 - FIRE-RESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS
the requirements of this Code, it shall be altered AND STANDARDS FOR FIRE PROTECTION
accordingly; (a) Fire Zones Defined. Fire zones are areas within
which only certain types of building are permitted to be
(2.2) In case the lateration will cost more than 50 per constructed based on their use, occupancy, type of SECTION 2.02.01: Fire-Resistive Requirements
cent of the current construction cost of the building, it construction, and resistance to fire.
shall be altered to conform to this Code or demolished at (a) Exterior bearing and nonbearing walls of Types II and
the option of the owner; (b) Building Located in More Than One Fire Zone. If a III constructions shall have one-hour fire-resistive rating;
building or structure is located in more than one fire zone while those of types IV and V shall have four-hour fire-
(2.3) In case the building or portion thereof poses an and more than one-third of its total floor area is in a more resistive rating.
immediate danger to life, limb, or property, the same restricted fire zone, then the entire building shall conform
shall be vacated immediately, then altered to conform to to the requirements for the more restricted area. (b) Interior bearing walls, permanent partitions, floors,
the requirements of this Code or demolished in and roofs of Types II to IV constructions shall have one-
accordance with subparagraphs (1) and (2) herein. (c) Moved Building. Any building or structure moved hour fire-resistive rating; while those of Type V shall
within or into any fire zone shall be made to comply with have three-hour fire-resistive rating for walls, one-hour
(3) If the owner, after receipts of the order of alteration or all the requirements for buildings of that fire zone. fire-resistive rating for partitions, and two-hour fire-
demolition fails to comply with such order within a period resistive rating for vertical openings, floors, and roofs.
of one year, said construction shall be declared a (d) Temporary Buildings. Temporary buildings or
nuisance and be abated in accordance with the structures conforming to the requirements of this Code, (c) Structural frames of Types II and III constructions
provisions of Article 699 of the Civil Code of the used for the protection of the public around and in shall have one-hour fire-resistive rating; those of Type IV
Philippines. conjunction with construction work may be erected in shall have two-hour fire-resistive rating; and those of
any of the fire zones: Provided, that such work is allowed Type V shall have three-hour fire-resistive rating.
by special permit from the Building Official and such is
(b) This Code shall not be construed to deprive any used only for a limited period of time. (d) Exterior doors and windows shall have three-fourths-
person the right to avail himself of any and all judicial hour fire-resistive rating for all types of construction.
proceedings or remedies available under existing laws. (e) Center Lines of Streets. For the purpose of this
Chapter, the center line of an adjoining street or alley SECTION 2.02.02: Fire-Resistive Standards
(c) Nothing in this Chapter is intended to diminish the may be considered an adjacent property line. Distance
powers vested in the different Boards of Examiners of shall be measured at right angles to the street or alley. (a) General. Materials and systems of fire-resistive
the various architectural and engineering professions as purposes shall be classified according to their fire-
provided for in existence laws regulating the practice of SECTION 2.01.02. Designation of Fire Zones resistive ratings as determined by internationally
architecture and engineering, nor to restrict the accepted testing methods, subject to the provisions of
designing engineering or architect in the exercise of his (a) The Secretary shall classify each type of fire zone in this Section.
professional discretion within the basic minimum accordance to use, occupancy, type of construction, and
standards and requirements embodied in Section resistance to fire subject to the provisions of this Code. (b) One-Hour Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating
1.01.02 of this Code.
(b) Based on the classification of fire zones, City
Counsels or Municipal Boards, by resolution, shall divide (1) The following walls and partitions shall have a one-
TITLE 2 - FIRE AND FIRE-RESISTIVE STANDARDS cities and municipalities into fire zones. Such division hour fire-resistive rating: Solid masonry, 10 centimeters
shall be in accordance with the local physical and spatial (4 inches) thick; hollow unit masonry, 15 centimeters (6
Chapter 2.01 - REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE ZONES inches) thick; solid concrete, 10 centimeters (4 inches)
framework plans or the recommendation of the local city
or municipal development body. thick; stud walls covered on each side with 1.9
centimeters (3/4 inch) lath and plaster, 1.6 centimeters
(5/8 inch) of vermiculite gypsum board, or 2.5

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centimeters (1 inch) of gypsum board; and 5 centimeters members shall have a two-hour fire-resistive rating. 3.8 (a) General. Finishes for interior walls and ceilings of any
(2 inches) nominal thickness tongue and groove wood, centimeters (1-1/2 inches) of concrete; 5 centimeters (2 building shall be classified according to their flame-
or two layers of 1.9 centimeters (3/4 inch) tongue and inches) of masonry; and two layers of metal lath and spread characteristics using the internationally accepted
groove wood separated by sheet metal or asbestos plaster with 1.9 centimeters (3/4 inch) air space between "Tunnel Test" or other equivalent test for fire protection.
paper and treated on each side with a fire-retardant and having a total thickness of 6.3 centimeters (2-1/2 The class of materials according to flame-spread
coating having a flame-spread rating of 50 or less. inches). characteristics shall be determined for each occupancy
Square-edged boards may be used is the layers are laid group. The smoke density shall not be greater than that
at right angles with each other. obtain from the burning of untreated wood under similar
(d) Three-Hour Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating conditions when tested in accordance with the "Tunnel
(2) The following floors shall have a one-hour fire- Test" in the way intended for use. The products of
resistive rating: masonry or concrete, 10 centimeters (4 combustion shall be no more toxic than the burning of
inches) thick; wood joists having two layers of flooring (1) The following partitions, walls, and floors shall have a untreated wood under similar conditions.
above and a plaster or gypsum board ceiling, 1.9 three-hour fire-resistive rating: solid masonry, 17.8
centimeters (3/4 inch) in thickness - the two layers of centimeters (7 inches) thick; hollow unit masonry, 25.4 (b) Interior Finish Materials. Interior walls and ceiling
flooring shall be separated by sheet metal or asbestos centimeters (10 inches) thick; and solid concrete, 15 finish shall mean interior wainscoting, paneling, or other
building paper; 6.3 centimeters (2-1/2 inches) net centimeters (6 inches) thick. finish applied structurally or for decoration, acoustical
thickness tongue and grooved wood floors covered with correction, surface insulation or similar purposes.
1.9 centimeters (3/4 inch) wood flooring laid at right (2) The following protection for metal structural members Requirements for finishes shall not apply to trim, doors,
angles thereto. The supporting beams for such floors shall have a three-hour fire resistive rating: centimeters and windows or their frames, nor to materials which are
shall be not less than 15 centimeters (6 inches) in (2 inches) of concrete; 7.6 centimeters (3 inches) of less than one millimeter (0.039 inch) in thickness
minimum dimension. masonry. cemented to an incombustible backing. Interior finish
materials applied to walls and ceilings shall be tested as
(3) The following protections for metal structural specified herein and regulated for purposes of limiting
members shall have one-hour fire-resistive rating: 2.5 (e) Four-Hour Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating flame-spread.
centimeters (1 inch) of concrete; 3.8 centimeters (1-1/2
inches) of masonry; and metal lath and 2.5 centimeters SECTION 2.02.04: Promulgation of Fire-Resistive
(1) The following partitions, walls, and floors shall have a
(1 inch) of plaster. Regulations
four-hour fire resistive rating: solic masonry walls, 20
centimeters (8 inches) thick; hollow unit masonry, 30
(4) The following shall also have a one-hour fire-resistive (a) The Secretary shall promulgate appropriate
centimeters (12 inches) thick; and solid concrete, 17.8
rating; wood colums, 20 centimeters (8 inches) or more standards and regulations on the testing of materials for
centimeters (7 inches) thick.
in least dimension; and wood beams, 15 centimeters (6 flame-spread characteristics; application of controlled
inches) or more in least dimension. interior finish; finishes based on occupancy; materials
(f) Steel Joists. Steel joist floors shall have from one to and tests on fire dampers, fire tests of building
four-hour fire-resistive rating based on internationally construction and materials, fire tests of door assemblies,
(c) Two-Hour Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating tin-clad fire doors, fire test of window assemblies,
accepted standards of engineering.
installation of fire door and fire windows, and smoke and
(g) Flame-Proof Materials. Materials required to be fire detectors for fire protective signaling systems; fire-
(1) The following partitions, walls, and floors shall have a resistive protection of structural members; fire-resistive
two-hour fire-resistive rating: solid masonry, 15 flame-proofed shall be treated with a flame-retardant
having flame-spread rating of 50 less as determined by walls and partitions; fire-resistive floor-ceilings or roof-
centimeters (6 inches) thick; hollow unit masonry, 20 ceilings; fire-resistive assemblies for protection of
centimeters (8 inches) thick; and solid concrete, 127 the "Tunnel Test".
openings; and fire-retardant roof coverings.
centimeters (5 inches) thick.
SECTION 2.02.03: Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish
(2) The following protections for metal structural TITLE 3 - REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY

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Chapter 3.01 - CLASSIFICATION OF ALL BUILDINGS only for private residential purposes or for a family building with a stage and an occupant load of less than
BY group. 100 in the building; Division 2 - Any assembly building
without a stage and having an occupant load of 300 or
USE OR OCCUPANCY AND GENERAL (5) Group E - Business and Mercantile. Group E more in the building; Division 3 - Any assembly building
REQUIREMENTS Occupancies shall include: Division 1 - Gasoline filling without a stage and having an occupant load of less than
and service stations; storage garage and boat storage 300 in the building, including such buildings used for
FOR ALL OCCUPANCIES structures where no work is done except exchange of school purposes less than eight hours per week; and
parts and maintenance requiring no open flame, welding, Division 4 - Stadiums, reviewing stands, amusement
or the use of highly flammable liquids; Division 2 - park structures not included within Group I or Divisions
SECTION 3.01.01: Occupancy Classified Wholesale and retail stores, office buildings, drinking 1, 2, and 3, Group H Occupancies.
and dining establishments having an occupant load test
(a) Building proposed, for construction shall be identified than 100, printing plants, municipal police and fire (9) Group I - Assembly Occupant Load 1000 or More.
according to its use or the character of its occupancy stations, factories and workshops using materials not Group I Occupancies shall be any assembly building
and shall be classified as follows: highly flammable or combustible, storage and sales with a stage and an occupant load of 1000 or more in
room for combustible goods, and paint stores without the building.
bulk handling, and Division 3 -Aircraft hangars where no
(1) Group A - Residential: Dwellings. Group A
repair work is done except exchange of parts and (10) Group J - Accessory. Group J Occupancies shall
Occupancies shall include dwellings.
maintenance requiring no open flame, welding, or the include: Division 1 - Private garages, carports, sheds,
use of highly flammable liquids; open parking garages and agricultural buildings; Division 2 - Fences over 1.80
(2) Group B - Residential: Hotels and Apartments. -
and heliports. meters (6 feet) high, tanks, and towers.
Group B Occupancies shall include boarding or lodging
houses, hotels, apartment houses, convents, and
(6) Group F - Industrial. Group F Occupancies shall
monasteries (each accomodating more than 10 (b) Other subgroupings or divisions within Groups A to J
include: Ice plants, power plants, pumping plants, cold
persons). chan robles virtual law library may be determined by the Secretary. Any other
storage, and creameries; factories and workshops using
incombustible and non-explosive materials; and storage occupancy not mentioned specifically in this Section, or
(3) Group C - Education and Recreation. Group C about which there is any question, shall be included in
and sales rooms of incombustible and non-explosive
Occupancies shall be any building used for school or the Group which its use most nearly resembles based on
materials.
day care purposes more than eight hours per week, the existing or proposed life and fire hazard.
involving assemblage for instruction, education, or
(7) Group G - Storage and Hazardous. Group G
recreation, and not classed in Group I or in Divisions 1 (c) The Building Officials shall identify and indicate in the
Occupancies shall include: Division 1 - Storage and
and 2 of Group H Occupancies. Certificate of Occupancy the appropriate classification to
handling of hazardous and highly flammable or explosive
materials other than flammable liquids; Division 2 - which a building or structure to be constructed belongs.
(4) Group D - Institutional. Group D Occupancies shall
Storage and handling of flammable liquids; dry cleaning
include: Division 1 - Mental hospitals, mental SECTION 3.01.02: Change in Use
plants using flammable liquids; paint stores with bulk
sanitariums, jails, prisons, reformatories, and buildings
handling; paint shops and spray painting rooms, and
where personal liberties of inmates are similarly (a) No change shall be made in the character of
shops; Division 3 - Wood working establishments,
restrained; Division 2 - Nurseries for full-time care of occupancies or use of any building which would place
planning mills and box factories, shops factories where
children under kindergarten age, hospitals, sanitariums, the building in a different division of the same group of
loose, combustible fibers or dust are manufactured,
nursing homes with non-ambulatory patients, and similar occupancy or in a different group of occupancies, unless
processed or generated; warehouses where highly
buildings (each accommodating more than five persons); such buildings is made to comply with the requirements
combustible material is stored; Division 4 - Repair
Division 3 - Nursing homes for ambulatory patients, for such division or group of occupancy: Except, That the
garages; and Division 5 - Aircraft repair hangars.
homes for children of kindergarten age or over (each character of occupancy of existing buildings may be
accommodating more than five persons); Provided, That changed subject to the approval of the Building Official
(8) Group H - Assembly Other Than Group I. Group H
Group D Occupancies shall not include buildings used and the building may be occupied for purposes set forth
Occupancies shall include: Division 1 - Any assembly

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in other Groups without conforming to all the rating.
requirements for those Groups, provided the new or (a) General. Buildings shall adjoin or have access to a
proposed use is less hazardous, based on life and fire (2) A "Two-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation" public space, yard, or street on not less than one side.
risk, than the existing use. shall be of not less than two-hour fire-resistive Required yards shall be permanently maintained. For the
construction. All openings in such separation shall be purpose of this Section, the center line of an adjoining
SECTION 3.01.03: Mixed Occupancy protected by a fire assembly having a one and one-half- street or alley shall be considered an adjacent property
hour fire-resistive rating. line. Eaves over required windows shall be not less than
(a) General. When a building is used for more than one 75 centimeters (30 inches) from the side and rear and
occupancy purposes, each part of the building (3) A "Three-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation" rear property lines.
comprising a distinct "Occupancy" shall be separated shall be of not less than three-hour fire-resistive
from any other occupancy. When a building is used for construction. All openings in walls forming such (b) Fire Resistance of Walls. Exterior walls shall have
more than one occupancy purpose, it shall be subject to separation shall be protected by a fire assembly having fire resistance and opening protection in accordance
the most restrictive requirements for the occupancies a three-hour fire-resistive rating. The total width of all with requirements set by the Secretary. Projections
concerned: Except, - (1) When a one-story building openings in any three-hour fire-resistive occupancy beyond the exterior wall shall not extend beyond a point
houses more than one occupancy, each portion of the separation wall in any one-story shall not exceed 25 per one-third the distance to the property line from an
building shall conform to the requirements for the cent of the length of the wall in that story and no single exterior wall; or a point one-third the distance from an
occupancy housed therein, and the area of the building opening shall have an area greater than 10.00 square assumed vertical plane located where fire-resistive
shall be such that the sum of the actual areas divided by meters (107.1 square feet). All openings in floors forming protection of openings is first required due to location on
the allowable area for each separate occupancy shall a "Three-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation" property, whichever is the least restrictive. Distance shall
not exceed one; and (2) Where minor accessory uses do shall be protected by vertical enclosures extending be measured at right angles from the property line.
not occupy more than 10 per cent of the area of any floor above and below such openings. The walls of such When openings in exterior walls are required to be
of a building, nor more than 10 per cent of the basis are vertical enclosures shall be of not less than ten-hours protected due to distance from property line, the sum of
permitted in the occupancy requirements. The major use fire-resistive construction, and all openings therein shall the area of such openings shall not exceed 50 per cent
of the building shall determine the occupancy be protected by a fire assembly having one and one- of the total area of the wall in each story.
classification provided the uses are separated in half-hour fire-resistive rating.
accordance with requirements for occupancy (c) Buildings on Same Property and Buildings
separation. (4) A "Four-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation" Containing Courts. For the purpose of determining the
shall have no openings therein and shall be of not less required wall and opening protection, buildings on the
(b) Forms of Occupancy Separation. Occupancy than four-hour fire-resistive construction. same property and court walls shall be assumed to have
separations shall be vertical or horizontal or both, or a property line between them. When a new building is to
when necessary, of such other form as may be required be erected on the same property with an existing
to afford a complete separation between the various (d) Fire Ratings for Occupancy Separation. Occupancy building, the assumed property line from the existing
occupancy divisions in the building. separations shall be provided between various groups, building shall be the distance to the property line for
subgroupings, or divisions of occupancies. The each occupancy as set forth by the Secretary: Provided,
(c) Types of Occupancy Separation. Occupancy Secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations for That two or more buildings on the same property may be
separations shall be classed as "One-Hour Fire- appropriate occupancy separations in buildings of mixed considered as portions of one building of the aggregate
Resistive" "Two-Hour Fire-Resistive", "Three-Hour Fire- occupancy:Provided, That where any occupancy area of such buildings is within the limits of allowable
Resistive", and "Four-Hour Fire-Resistive". separation is required, the minimum shall be a "One- floor areas for a single building; and that when the
Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation"; and where buildings so considered house different occupancies or
the occupancy separation is horizontal, structural are of different types of construction, the area shall be
(1) A "One-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separations" members supporting the separation shall be protected that allowed for the most restricted occupancy or
shall be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive by equivalent fire-resistive construction. construction.
construction. All openings in such a separations shall be
protected a fire assembly having a one-hour fire-resistive SECTION 3.01.04: Location on Property SECTION 3.01.05: Allowable Floor Areas

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 shall occupy not more than 90 per cent of a corner lot 200 kilograms per square meter (40 pounds per square
(a) Areas of One-Story Buildings and Building Over One and 80 per cent of an inside lot, and subject to the foot) and for the second floor, at least 150 kilograms per
Story. Allowable floor areas for one-story buildings and provisions on easements of light and view of the Civil square meter (30 pounds per square foot).
buildings over one story shall not exceed the limits Code of the Philippines, shall be at least 2.00 meters (6
determined in accordance with occupancy groups and feet, inches) from the property line. (g) Roof. The wind load for roofs shall be at least 150
types of construction. kilograms per square meter (30 pounds per square
(b) Light and Ventilation. Every dwelling shall be so foot).
(b) Area Separation Walls. Each portion of a building constructed and arranged as to provide adequate light
separated by one or more area separation walls may be and ventilation. (h) Stairs. Stairs may be 75 centimeters (30 inches)
considered a separate building provided the area wide, with a rise of 20 centimeters (8 inches) and a run
separation wall meet the requirements of this Code. of 23 centimeters (9 inches).
(1) Habitable rooms, bathrooms, toilet rooms and utility
SECTION 3.01.06: Allowable Area Increases rooms shall have a height of not less than 2.40 meters (8 (i) Entrance and Exit. There shall be one entrance and
feet), measured from floor to ceiling. one exit.
(a) The floor area hereinabove provided may be
increased in certain specific instances and under (2) Rooms shall have a minimum size of 6.00 square (j) Electrical Outlets. There shall be at least one
appropriate conditions, based on the existence of public meters (65 square feet) with a least horizontal dimension convenience outlet per 6.00 meters (20 feet) of wall
space, streets, or yards extending along the adjoining of 2.00 meters (6 feet, 7 inches) for rooms of human measured along the floor and one light outlet for every
two or more sides of the building or structure. habitations; 3.00 square meters (32 feet) with a least room.
horizontal dimension of 1.50 meters (5 feet) for kitchens;
SECTION 3.01.07: Maximum Height of Buildings and and 1.20 square meters (13 square feet) with a least (k) Mechanical Requirements. Family dwellings not more
Increases horizontal dimension of 90 centimeters (3 feet) for than two stories shall be exempt from the requirements
bathrooms. of the Mechanical Code.
(a) The maximum height and number of stories of every
building shall be dependent upon the character of the (3) Windows shall be at least 1/10th of the floor area of SECTION 3.01.09: Requirements for Group
occupancy and the type of construction, and shall not the room. Occupancies
exceed the limits determined by population density,
building bulk, widths of streets, and car parking (a) Subject to the provisions of this Code, the Secretary
requirements. The height shall be measured from the (c) Sanitation. Every dwelling shall be provided with at shall promulgate regulations for each occupancy group
highest adjoining sidewalk or ground surface, provided least one sanitary toilet and adequate washing and covering: allowable construction, height, and area;
that the height measured from the lowest adjoining drainage facilities. location on property, exit facilities, light, ventilation, and
surface shall not exceed such maximum height by more sanitation; enclosure of vertical openings; fire-
than 3.00 meters (10 feet): Except, That towers, spires, (d) Foundation. Footing shall be of sufficient size and extinguishing system; and special hazards.
and steeples, erected as a part of a building and not strength to support the load and dwelling and shall be at
used for habitation or storage, are limited as to height least 30 centimeters (1 foot) thick and 60 centimeters (2
only by structural design if completely of incombustible feet) below the surface of the ground. Each post shall be TITLE 4 - TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
materials, or may extend not to exceed 6.00 meters (19 anchored to such footings by straps and bolts of
feet, 8 inches) above the height limits for each adequate size. Chapter 4.01 - CLASSIFICATION OF ALL BUILDINGS
occupancy group if of combustible materials. BY TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION AND GENERAL
(e) Post or Suportales. The dimensions of wooden post REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 3.01.08: Maximum Requirements for Group A or suportales shall be those found in Table 3.01 - A
Dwellings: One Two Stories Dimension of Wooden Posts or Suportales (Annex B).

(a) Dwelling Location and Lot Occupancy. The dwelling (f) Floor. The live load of the first floor shall be at least

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SECTION 4.01.01: Types of Construction (c) The Building Official shall identify and indicate in the (b) All building erected shall face a street or public alley
Certificate of Occupancy the appropriate classification to or private street which has been officially approved.
(a) The requirements of this Chapter are minimum for which a building or structure to be constructed belongs.
the varying degrees of public safety and resistance to (c) No building shall be altered nor arranged so as to
fire. Every building proposed for construction shall be SECTION 4.01.02: Change in Type reduce the size of any room or the relative area of
identified according to the following: windows to less than that provided for buildings under
(a) No change shall be made in the type of construction this Code, or so as to create an additional room, unless
of any building which would place the building in a such additional room conforms to the requirements of
(1) Type I. Type I Buildings shall be of wood different subtype or type of construction unless such this Code.
construction. The structural elements may be any of the bidding is made to comply with the requirements for
materials permitted by this Code. such subtype or type of construction: Except, That the (d) No building shall be enlarged, so that the dimensions
type of construction of existing buildings may be of any required court yard would be less than that
(2) Type II. Type II Buildings shall be of wood changed subject to the approval of the Building Official prescribed for any such building.
construction with protective fire-resistant materials and and the building may be constructed for purposes set
one-hour fire-resistive throughout: Except, That forth in other Types without conforming to all the SECTION 5.01.02: Measurement of Site Occupancy
permanent nonbearing partitions may use fire-retardant requirements for those Types, provided the new or
treated wood within the framing assembly. proposed construction is less hazardous, based on life (a) The measurement of site occupancy or lot occupancy
and fire risk, than the existing construction. shall be taken at the ground level and shall be exclusive
(3) Type III. Type III Buildings shall be masonry and of courts, yards, and light wells.
wood construction, Structual elements may be any of the SECTION 4.01.03: Requirements on Types of
materials permitted by this Code: Provided, That the Construction (b) Courtyards and light wells shall be measured clear of
building shall be one-hour fire-resistive throughout. any projections from the walls enclosing such wells or
Exterior walls shall be of incombustible fire-resistive (a) Subject to the provisions of this Chapter, the yards with the exception of roof leaders, wall copings,
construction. Secretary shall promulgate regulations for each type of sills, or steel fire escapes, not exceeding 1.20 meters (4
construction, and promulgate rules and regulations feet) in width.
(4) Type IV. Type IV Building shall be of steel, iron, therefor, covering: structural framework, exterior walls
concrete, or masonry construction. Walls and permanent and openings, interior walls and enclosures, floors, exits SECTION 5.01.03: Percentage of Site Occupancy
partitions shall be of incombustible fire-resistive and stars construction, and roofs.
construction: Except, That permanent nonbearing (a) The maximum site occupancy shall be governed by
partitions of one-hour fire resistive construction framing the use, type of construction, and height of the building,
assembly. TITLE - LIGHT, VENTILATION, AND SANITATION and the use, area, nature and location of the site, subject
to the provisions of local zoning requirements and in
(5) Type V. Type V Buildings shall be fire-resistive. The Chapter 5.01 - LIGHT AND VENTILATION accordance with rules and regulations set forth by the
structural elements shall be of steel, iron, concrete, or Secretary.
masonry construction. Walls and permanent partitions
shall be incombustible fire-resistive construction. SECTION 5.01.04: Minimum Size of Courts and Their
SECTION 5.01.01: General
Least Dimensions

(b) Other subtypes or divisions within Types I to V may (a) Subject to the provisions of the Civil Code on
(a) The minimum size of courts and their least
be determined by the Secretary. Any building which easement on light and view, and to provisions of this
dimensions shall be dependent upon the use, type of
does not conform entirely to a type of construction herein Title, every building shall be so constructed, arranged,
construction, and height of the building subject to the
set forth shall be classified into a type having an equal or and equipped as to provide adequate light and
requirements set forth by the Secretary: Provided, That
lesser degree of fire-resistance of the building. ventilation.
in no case shall be the minimum horizontal dimension of
courts be less than 2.00 meters (6 feet, 7 inches).

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 lowest window opening on such shaft. Such duct or
(b) All inner courts shall be connected to a street or yard, (3) For habitable rooms: 14.00 cubic meters (494 cubic intake shall have a minimum unobstructed cross-
either by a passageway with a minimum width of 1.20 feet) of air space per adult person and 7.00 cubic meters sectional area of not less than 0.30 square meter (3.2
meters (4 feet) or by a door through a room or rooms. (247 cubic feet) of air space per child under 10 years of square feet) with a minimum dimension of 30
age. centimeters (1 foot). The opening to the duct or intake
SECTION 5.01.05: Ceiling Heights shall not be less than 30 centimeters (1 foot) above the
bottom of the shaft and the street surface or bathroom of
(a) Habitable rooms, bathrooms, toilet rooms, storage SECTION 5.01.08: Window Openings court, at the respective ends of the conduct or intake.
rooms, and utility rooms shall have a ceiling height of not
less than 2.40 meters (8 feet), measured from the floor (a) Every room intended for any use, not otherwise SECTION 5.01.11: Ventilating Skylights
to the ceiling:Provided, That for buildings of more than provided with air-conditioning or mechanical ventilation
one story, the minimum ceiling height of the first story system as herein provided in this Code, shall be (a) Skylights. Skylights shall have a glass area not less
shall be 2.70 meters (9 feet) and 2.40 meters (8 feet) for provided with a window or windows whose total area of than that required for the window they replace. They
the second story, and succeeding stories. Garages shall openings shall be at least 1/10th the floor area of the shall be equipped with movable sashes or louvers of an
have an unobstructed headroom clearance of not less room, and such shall open directly to a court, yard, aggregate net area not less than that required for
than 2.10 meters (7 feet) above the finished floor. public way or alley, or water course. openable parts in the window they replace or with
approved ventilation of equal efficiency.
SECTION 5.01.06: Minimum Size of Rooms and Their SECTION 5.01.09: Mezzanine Floor
Least Dimensions (b) Ventilation. Rooms containing industrial heating
(a) A Mezzanine floor is a partial, intermediate floor in equipment shall be provided with adequate artificial
(a) The minimum sizes of rooms and their least any story or room of a building having an area not more means of ventilation to prevent excessive accumulation
horizontal dimensions shall be as follows: 6:00 square than one-half of the area of the room or space in which it of hot or polluted air. chan robles virtual law library
(65 square feet) with at least nominal dimension of 2.00 is constructed.
meters (6 feet 7 inches) for rooms for human habitation; SECTION 5.01.12: Artificial Ventilation
3.00 square meters (32 square feet) with a least (b) A mezzanine floor shall be constructed with a clear
horizontal dimension of 1.50 meters (5 feet) for kitchens; ceiling height of not less than 1.90 meters (6 feet, 4 (a) General. When artificial ventilation is required, the
and 1.20 square meters (12 square feet) with a least inches) above and below. equipment shall be designed and constructed to meet
horizontal dimension of 0.90 meter (3 feet) for the following requirements in air changes:
bathrooms. SECTION 5.01.10: Vent Shafts
(1) Business and Workrooms
SECTION 5.01.07: Minimum Air Space Requirements in (a) Size. Vent shafts shall have a cross-sectional area of
Determining the Size of Rooms not less than 1/10th of a square meter for every meter of (1.1) For rooms wholly above grade occupied for office,
height of shafts (1 square foot per 10 feet) but not less clerical or administrative purposes, or as stores, sales,
(a) The following minimum air spaces shall be provided: than 1.00 square meter (10.7 square feet) in any case. rooms, restaurants, markets, factories, workshops, or
No such shaft shall be less than 60 centimeters (2 feet) machinery rooms, not less than three changes of air per
in its least dimension. hour shall be provided.
(1) For school rooms: 3.00 meters (106 cubic feet) with
1.00 square meter (10.7 square feet) of floor area per (b) Skylights. Unless open to the outer air at the top for (1.2) For rooms wholly above grade, occupied as
person. its full area, such shaft shall be covered by a skylight bakeries, hotel or restaurant kitchen, laundries other
having a net area of fixed louver openings equal to the than accessory to dwellings, and boiler rooms, of not
(2) For workshops, factories, and offices: 10.00 cubic maximum required shaft area. less than ten changes or air per hour shall be provided.
meters (354 cubic feet) or air space per person at
daytime and 14.00 cubic meters (494 cubic feet) of air (c) Air Ducts. Air ducts shall be connected to a street or (2) Rooms in Public and Institutional Buildings
space per person at night time. court by a horizontal duct or intake at a point below the

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(2.1) For auditoriums and other rooms used for horizontally from the property line to the outermost point
assembly purposes, not less than 0.85 cubic meter (30 of the projection. SECTION 6.01.04: Arcades
cubic feet) of air per minute shall be supplied for each
person for whom seating or other accommodation is
provided. SECTION 6.01.02: Projection into Alleys and Streets (a) Arcades shall be constructed on sidewalks when
required by local ordinances. The with of the arcade and
(2.2) For wards and dormitories of institutional buildings, its height over affected sidewalks shall be uniform within
not less than 0.85 cubic meter (30 cubic feet) of air per (a) No part of any structure or its appendage shall a block:Provided, That, in no case, shall an arcade be
minute shall be supplied for each person project into any alley or street except as provided in this less than 3.00 meters (10 feet) above the establishment
accommodated. Code. sidewalk grade of the established street.

Chapter 5.02 - SANITATION (b) No projection shall be allowed on any national roads (a.1.) General. For the purpose of this Section, a
or public highway. marquee shall include by any object or decoration
attached thereto.
(c) Footing located at least 2.40 meters (8 feet) below
SECTION 5.02.01: General grade may project not more than 30 centimeters (12 (b.2.) Projection and Clearance. The horizontal
inches) beyond the property line. clearance between the outmost edge of the marquee
(a) All buildings hereafter erected for human habitation and the curb line shall be not less than 30 centimeters (1
should be provided with plumbing facilities installed in (d) Foundation may be permitted to encroach into public foot). The vertical clearance between the payment or
conformity with the National Plumbing Code adopted sidewalk areas to a width not exceeding 50 centimeters grounds line and the undersurface of the marquee shall
and promulgated by the National Master Plumbers (1 foot, 8 inches): Provided, That the top of the said be not less than 2.70 meters (9 feet).
Association of the Philippines pursuant to Republic Act foundations or footings does not reach beyond the level
1378, otherwise known as the "Plumbing Law". of a plane 60 centimeters (2 feet) below the established (c.3.) Construction. A Marquee shall be constructed of
grade; and Provided, further, That said projection does incombustible material or materials of not less than one-
not obstruct any existing utility such as power, hour fire-resistive construction. It shall provided with the
TITLE 6 - REGULATIONS FOR USE OF PUBLIC communication, gas, water, or sewer lines, unless the necessary drainage facility.
owner concerned shall pay the corresponding entities for
PROPERTY the re-routing of the parts affected. (d.4.) Location Prohibited. Every marquee shall be so
Chapter 6.01 - BUILDING PROJECTION OVER located as not to interfere with the operation of any
exterior standpipe connection or to obstruct the clear
SECTION 6.01.03: Projection of Balconies and passage from stairways or exists from the building or the
PUBLIC STREETS
Appendages Over Streets installation or maintenance of electroliers.

SECTION 6.01.01: General (a) The extent of any projection over an affected alley or SECTION 6.01.06: Movable Awnings or Hoods
street shall be uniform within a block and shall conform
to the limitations set forth in Table 6.01-A: Projection of (a) Definition. An awning is a movable shelter supported
(a) No part of any building structure or any of its balconies and Appendages (Annex B). entirely from the exterior wall of a building and of a type
appendages shall project beyond the property line of the which can be retracted, folded, or collapsed against the
building site, except as provided in this Code. (b) The clearance between the established grade of the face of a supporting building.
street or sidewalk and the undersurface of the balcony
(b) The projection of any structure of appendage over a shall be not less than 3.00 meters (10 feet). (b) Clearance. The horizontal clearance between the
public property shall be the distance measured awning and the curb line shall be not less than 30
centimeters (1 foot). The vertical clearance between the

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undermost surface of the awning and the payment or construction or demolition unless the Building Official
ground line shall be not less than 2.40 meters (8 feet). (c) Any material or structure temporarily occupying authorizes the sidewalk to be fenced and closed.
Collapsible awnings shall be so designed that they shall public property, including fences, canopies, and Adequate signs and railings shall be provided to direct
not block required when collapsed. walkways, shall be adequately lighted between sunset pedestrian traffic.
and sunrise.
SECTION 6.01.07: Doors (b) The walkway shall be capable of supporting a
SECTION 6.02.02: Temporary Use of Streets and uniform live load of 633 kilograms per square meter (150
(a) Doors either sully opened or when opening, shall not Alleys pounds per square foot). a durable wearing surface shall
projects beyond the property line. be provided throughout the construction period.
(a) The use of public property shall meet legal
SECTION 6.01.08: Corner Buildings with Chaflans requirements and subject to permit to be issued officially SECTION 6.02.07: Pedestrian protection
by the Building Official.
(a) Every corner building on a public street or alley less (a) Protection Required. Pedestrian traffic shall be
than 30.60 meters (12 feet) in width shall be made with a SECTION 6.02.03: Storage on Public Property protected by a railing on the street side when the
chaflan or truncated angle at the corner. The face of the walkway extends into the roadway, by a railing when
triangle so formed shall be at right angles to the bisector (a) Materials and equipment necessary for work to be adjacent to excavations, and by such other appropriate
of the angle of intersection of the street done under a permit shall not be placed or stored on portion such as set forth in Table 6.02-A: Type of
lines;Provided, That, in no case, shall the length of the public property so as to obstruct free and convenient Protection Required for Pedestrian (Annex B).
chaflan be less than 4.00 meters (13 feet, 4 inches). In approach to and use of any fire hydrant, fire or police
special cases, the Building Official shall determine the alarm box, utility box, catch basin, or manhole or so as (b) Railings. Railings shall be built substantially and
size and form of the chaflan. not to interfere with any drainage of any street or alley should be at least 1.00 meter (3 feet, 3 inches) in
gutter. height.
(b) If the buildings is arcaded, no chaflan is required
notwithstanding the width of the public street or alleys SECTION 6.02.04: Mixing Mortar on Public Property (c) Fence. Fences shall be built of an approved material,
less than 12.00 meters (39 feet, 4 inches). not less than 2.40 meters (8 feet) in height above grade,
(a) The mixing or handling of mortar, concrete, or similar and to be placed on the side of the walkway nearest to
materials on public street shall not be allowed except the building site. Fences shall enclose entirely the
Chapter 6.02 - PROTECTION OR PEDESTRIANS when the same are to be used on such streets or any building site. Openings in such fences shall be provided
DURING CONSTRUCTION OR DEMOLITION portion thereof such as curbs, gutters, manholes, with doors which shall be kept closed at all times.
sidewalks, culverts and the like.
(d) Canopies. The protective canopy shall have a clear
SECTION 6.02.05: Protection of Utilities height of 2.40 meters (8 feet) above the walkway, and
SECTION 6.02.01: General shall be constructed structurally safe. Every canopy shall
(a) All public or private utilities above or below the have a solid fence built along its entire length on the
(a) No person shall use or occupy a street, alley, or ground shall be protected from any damages by any construction side. If materials are stored or work is done
public sidewalk for the performance or work under a work being done under the permit. This protection shall on top of the canopy, the edge along the street shall be
building permit except in accordance with the provisions be maintained while such work is being done and shall adopted by a tight curb board not less than 30
of this Chapter. not obstruct the normal functioning of any such utility. centimeters (1 foot) high and a railing not less than 1.00
meters (3 feet, 3 inches) high shall be provided. The
(b) No person shall perform any work on any work on SECTION 6.02.06: Walkway entire structure shall be designed to carry the loads
any building or structure adjacent to a public way in imposed upon it: Provided, That the live load shall be not
general use by the public for pedestrian travel, unless (a) A temporary walkway not less than 1.20 meters (4 less than 633 kilograms per square meter (150 pounds
the pedestrians are protected as specified in this feet) wide shall be provided in lieu of the sidewalk, or in per square foot).
Chapter. case there is none, in front of the building site during

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SECTION 6.02.08: Maintenance and Removal of disturbances by the public utility franchise owner and the
Protection Devices SECTION 8.01.01: General duly constituted officials thereof. Adequate signs and
safeguards shall be installed around and near the
(a) Maintenance. Such protection devices shall be (a) Buildings proposed for construction shall comply with excavation to protect the public from any danger of
properly maintained in place and kept in good order for all the regulations and specifications herein set forth falling into the excavation. Repeated and flagrant
the entire length of time pedestrians may be governing quality, characteristics and properties of violations of this Section shall be the basis of revocation
endangered. materials, methods of design and construction, type of of any public utility franchise. This provision shall not
occupancy, and classification of construction. exempt the franchise owner and the duly constituted
(b) Removal. Every protection fence or canopy shall be officials thereof from any criminal or civil liabilities arising
removed within 30 days after such protection is no SECTION 8.01.02: Excavations, Foundations, and from such excavations and disturbances to third
longer required. Retaining Walls persons.

SECTION 6.02.09: Demolition (a) General. Subject to the provisions of Articles 684 to
686 of the Civil Code of the Philippines on lateral and (c) Footings and Foundations, and Retining Walls
(a) The work of demolishing any building shall not be subjacent support, the quality of materials and design
commenced until the required pedestrian protection used structurally in excavations, footings and shall
structures are in place. conform to the internationally recognized and accepted (1) Footings and foundations shall be of the appropriate
principles of engineering. type, of adequate size, and capacity in order to safely
(b) The Building Official require the permitee to submit sustain the superimposed loads under seismic or any
plans and complete schedule for demolition. Where such (b) Excavation or fills. condition to external forces that may affect the safety or
required, no work shall be done until such plans and/or stability of the structure. It shall be the responsibility of
schedule are approved by the Building Official. the architect and/or engineer to adopt the type and
(1) Excavation or fills for any building structure and design of the same in accordance with generally
excavations or fills accessory thereto shall be so accepted principles and standards of engineering.
TITLE 7 - ENGINEERING REGULATIONS constructed or protected that they do not endanger life
and property. (2) Whenever or wherever there exists in the site of the
Chapter 7.01 - GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS construction on abrupt change in the ground levels or
(2) Whenever or wherever the depth of any excavation levels of the foundation such that instability of the soil
for a new construction is such that the lateral and could result, retaining walls shall be provided and such
subjacent support of the adjoining property or existing shall be of adequate design and type of construction in
SECTION 7.01.01: Scope structure thereon would be affected in a manner that the accordance with generally accepted standards and
stability of safety of the same is in endanger, the person principles of engineering.
(a) The design and construction of all buildings and undertaking or causing the excavation to be undertaking
structures shall be in compliance with the provisions of or causing the excavation to be undertaken shall be
the National Structural Code for Buildings, latest edition, responsible for the expense of underpinning or SECTION 8.01.03: Veneer
adopted and promulgated by the Board of examiners of extending the foundation or footings of the
civil engineers pursuant to Republic Act Numbered 544, aforementioned property or structure only when such (a) Definition. Veneer is a nonstructural facing of brick,
as amended, otherwise known as the "Civil Engineering underpinning is necessary for the safety of the same concrete, stone, tile, metal, plastic, glass, or other similar
Law". during excavation. approved materials attached to a backing or structural
components of the building for the purpose of
(3) Excavations and other similar disturbances made on ornamentation, protection, or enclosure that may be
TITLE 8 - DETAILED REGULATIONS adhered, integrated, or anchored either on the exterior or
public property caused by public utilities shall be
Chapter 8.01 - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS interior of the building or structure.
repaired immediately and returned to its former condition
within 48 years from the start of such excavations and

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(b) Design Requirements. The design of all veneer shall (b) Elevator Enclosures. Walls and partitions enclosing construction as specified under Title 2 on Fired Zones
comply with the following: elevators and escalators shall be not less than the fire- and Fire-Resistive Standards and under Title 4 on Types
resistive construction required under the Types of of Construction.
(1) Veneer shall support no load other than its own Construction. Enclosing walls of elevators shafts may
weight and the vertical dead load of veneer above. consist of wire glass set in metal frames on the entrance (b) All floors shall be so framed and tied into the
side only. Elevator shafts extending through more than framework and supporting walls as to form an integral
(2) Surfaces to which veneer is attached shall be two stories shall be equipped with an approved means of part of the whole building.
designed to support the additional vertical and lateral adequate ventilation to and through the main roof of the
loads imposed by the veneer. building:Provided, That in buildings housing Groups G (c) The types of floor construction used shall provide
and F Occupancies equipped with automatic fire- means to keep the beams and girders from spreading by
(3) Consideration shall be given for differential extinguishing systems throughout, enclosures shall not installing either ties or bridging, with no laterally
movement of supports including that caused by be required to escalators: Provided, further, That the top unsupported length of joints being permitted to exceed
temperature changes, shinkage, creep, and deflection. of the escalator opening at each story shall be provided 2.40 meters (8 feet) except as otherwise specified in this
with a draft curtain. Such draft curtain shall enclose the Code.
(4) Adhered veneer and its backing shall be designed to perimeter of the unenclosed opening and shall extend
have a bond to the supporting elements sufficient to from the ceiling downward at least 30 centimeters (12 SECTION 8.01.06: Roof Construction ad Covering
withstand shearing stresses due to their weights inches) on all sides. Automatic sprinklers shall be
including seismic effects on the total assemblage. provided around the perimeter of the opening and within (a) Roof Coverings. Roof coverings for all buildings shall
60 centimeters (2 feet) of the draft curtain. The distance be either fire-retardant or ordinary depending upon the
(5) Anchored veneer and its attachments shall be between the sprinklers shall not exceed 1.80 meters (6 fire-resistive requirements of the particular Type of
designed to resist external forces equal to twice the feet) center-to-center. Construction. The use of combustible roof insulation
weight of the veneer. shall be permitted in all Types of Construction provided it
(c) Other Vertical Openings. All shafts, ducts, chutes, is covered with approved roof covering applied directly
(6) Anchors, supports, and veneers shall be and other vertical openings not covered in paragraph (b), thereto.
incombustible corrosion-resistant. above shall have enclosing walls conforming to the
requirements specified under the Type of Construction of (b) Roof Trusses. All roofs shall be so framed and tied
(c) Construction. The person undertaking a causing a the building in which they are located. In other than into the framework and supporting walls so as to form an
construction to be undertaken shall observe, to the Group A Occupancies rubbish and linen chutes shall integral part of the whole building. Roof trusses shall
satisfaction of the Building Official, internationally terminate in rooms separated from the remainder of the have all joints well fitted and shall have all tension
recognized and accepted principles governing bidding by a One-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy members well tightened before any load is placed on the
dimensions of units, weights of materials, methods of Separation. Openings into the chutes shall not be truss. Diagonal and sway bracing shall be used to brace
construction, attachment or anchorage, bonding or located in required exit corridors or stairways. chan all roof trusses. The allowable working stresses of
anchorage, bonding or adhesion, structural adequacy robles virtual law library materials in trusses shall conform to this Code. The
and type and rigidity of backing, and considerations for minimum net section of the members after framing shall
differential movements of supports including that caused (d) Air Ducts. Air ducts passing through a floor shall be be used in determining the strength on the truss at any
by temperature changes, shinkage, creep, and enclosed in a shaft. The shaft shall be as required in this point.
deflection. Code for vertical openings. Dampers shall be installed
where ducts pierce the shaft enclosure walls. Air ducts in (c) Attics
SECTION 8.01.04: Enclosure of Vertical Openings Group A Occupancies need not be enclosed in a shaft if
conforming to the mechanical provisions of this Code.
(a) General. Vertical openings be enclosed depending (1) Access. An attic access opening shall be provided in
upon the fire-resistive requirements of a particular type SECTION 8.01.05: Floor Construction the ceiling of the top floor of buildings with combustible
of construction as set forth in this Code. ceiling or roof construction. The opening shall be located
(a) Floor construction shall be of materials and in a corridor or hallway of buildings or three or more

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stories in height, and readily accessible in buildings of balance of the required ventilation provide by eave or grandstands.
any height. The opening be not less than 55 centimeters cornice vents.
by 75 centimeters (22 inches by 30 inches). Seventy-five
centimeters (30 inches) minimum clear headroom shall (1) Determination of Occupant Loads. The occupant load
be provided above the access opening. Attics with a (d) Roof Drainage. Roof systems not designed to permitted in any building or portion thereof shall be
maximum vertical clear height of less than 75 support accumulated water shall be sloped for drainage. determined by dividing the floor area assigned to that
centimeters (30 inches) need not be provided with use by the square meters or square feet per occupant
access openings. according generally accepted principles of engineering.
(1) Roof Drains. Unless roofs are sloped to drain over The capacity of a building containing mixed occupancies
(2) Area Separations. Enclosed attics spaces formed of roof edges or are designed to support accumulated shall be determined by adding the number of occupants
combustible construction shall be divided into horizontal water, roof drains shall be installed at each low point of of the various parts of the building classified as to
areas not exceeding 230 square meters (2500 square the roof. Roof drains shall be adequate in size to convey Occupancy and Type of Construction.
feet) by partitions extending from the ceiling to the roof. the water tributary to the roof drains.
Such partitions shall be not less than 13 millimeters (1/2 (2) Exit Requirements. Exit requirements of a building or
inch) thick gypsum wallboard, or 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) (2) Overflow Drains and Scuppers. Where roof drains portion thereof used for different purposes shall be
nominal thickness tight-fitting wood, 10 millimeters (3/28 are required, overflow drains having the same size as determined by the occupant load which gives the largest
inch) thick plywood or approved incombustible materials the roof drains shall be installed with the inlet flow line number of persons. No obstruction shall be placed the
adequately supported. Openings in the partitions shall located 5 centimeters (2 inches) above the low point of required width of an exit except projections permitted by
be protected by self-closing doors constructed as the roof, or overflow scuppers having three times the this code.
required for the partitions: Except, That where the entire size of the roof drains may be installed in adjacent
attic is equipped with an approved automatic fire- parapet walls with the inlet flow line 5 centimeters (2 (3) Posting of Room Capacity. Any room having an
extinguishing system, the attic space may be divided into inches) above the low the point of the adjacent roof and occupant load of more than 50 where fixed seats are not
areas not to exceed 700 square meters (7500 square having minimum opening height of 10 centimeters (4 installed, and which is used for classroom, assembly, or
feet). inches). Overflow drains shall be connected to drain similar purpose, shall have the capacity of the room
lines independent from the roof drains. posted in a conspicuous place near the main exit from
(3) Draft Stops. Regardless of the Type of Construction, the room. Approved signs shall be maintained in a
draft stops shall be installed in trussed roofs, between (3) Concealed Piping. Roof drainage overflow drains, legible manner by the owner or his authorized agent,
roof and bottom chord of trusses, in all buildings when concealed within the construction of the building, and shall indicate the number of occupants permitted for
exceeding 1900 square meters (20,000 square feet). shall be installed. each room use.
Draft stops shall be constructed as for attic area
separations, and in accordance with Type of (4) Over Public Property. Roof drainage water from a (4) Changes in Elevation. Except in Group A
Construction. building shall not be permitted to flow over public Occupancies, changes in elevation of not less than 30
property, except for Groups A and J Occupancies. centimeters (12 inches) along any exit serving a tributary
(4) Ventilation. Enclosed attics and enclosed rafter occupant load of 10 or more shall be by means of
spaces formed where ceilings are applied direct to the ramps.
underside of roof rafters, shall have cross ventilation for (e) Flashing. At the juncture of the roof and vertical
each separate space by ventilating and openings surface, flashing and counterflashing shall be provided.
protected against the entrance of rain. The net free (b) Exits Required
ventilating area shall be not less than 1/150ths of the SECTION 8.01.07: Stairs, Exits, and Occupant Loads
area of the space ventilated, except that the area nay be
1/300ths this provided by ventilators located in the upper (a) General. The construction of stairs, exits, and (1) Number of Exits. Every building or usable portion
portion of the space to be ventilated at least 90 occupant loads shall conform to requirements for thereof shall have at least one exit. In all occupancies,
centimeters (3 feet) above eave or cornice vents with the occupants of buildings, reviewing stands, bleachers, and floors above the first story having an occupant load of
more than 10 shall have not less than two exits. Each

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mezzanine used for other than storage purposes, if measured in a straight line between exits. Where three that the clear width of the exitway is not less than 70
greater in area than 185 square meters (2000 square or more exits are required they shall be arranged a centimeters (2 feet, 4 inches). In computing the required
feet), or if more than 18.00 meters (60 feet) in any reasonable distance apart so that if one becomes exit width, the net dimension of the exitway shall be
dimension shall have not less than two stairways to an blocked others will be available. used.
adjacent floor. Every story or portion thereof, having an
occupant load of 500 to 999 shall have not less than (4) Distance to Exits. No point in an unsprinkled building (4) Door Leaf Width. No leaf an exit door shall exceed
three exits. Every story or portions thereof, having an shall be more than 45.00 meters (150 feet) from an 1.20 meters (4 feet) in width.
occupant load of 1000 or more shall have not less than exterior exit door, a horizontal exit, exit passageway, or
four exits. The number of exits required from any story of an enclosed stairway, measured along the line of travel. (5) Special Doors. Revolving, sliding, and overhead
a building shall be determined by using the occupant In building equipped with a complete automatic fire- doors shall not be used as required exits.
loads of floors which exit through the level under extinguishing system the distance from exits may be
consideration as follows: 50 per cent of the occupant increased to 60.00 meters (200 feet). (6) Egress from Door. Every required exit door shall give
load in the first adjacent story above (and the first immediate access to an approved means of egress from
adjacent story below, when a story below exits through the building.
the level under consideration) and 25 per cent of the (c) Doors. The provisions herein shall apply to every exit
occupant load in the story immediately beyond the first door serving an area having an occupant load more than (7) Change in Floor Level at Doors. Regardless of the
adjacent story. The maximum number of exits required 10, or serving hazardous rooms or areas. occupant load, there shall be a floor or landing on each
for any story shall be maintained until egress is provided side of and exit door. The floor or landing shall be level
from the structure. For purposes of this Section, with, or not more than 5 centimeters (2 inches) lower
basements or cellars and occupied roofs shall be (1) Swing. Exit doors shall swing in the direction of exit than the threshold of the doorway: Except, That in
provided with exits as required for stories. Floors above travel when serving any hazardous areas or when Groups A and B Occupies, a door may open on the top
the second story, basements, and cellars used for other serving an occupant load of 50 or more. Double acting step of a flight of stairs or an exterior landing providing
than service of the building shall have not less than two doors shall not be used as a part of fire assembly, nor the door does not swing over the top step or exterior
exits. equipped with panic hardware. A double acting door landing and the landing is not more than 19 centimeters
shall be provided with a view panel of not less than 1300 (7-1/2 inches) below the floor level.
(2) Width. The total width of exists in meters shall be not square centimeters (200 square inches).
less than the total occupant load served divided by 165 (8) Door Identification. Glass doors shall conform to the
(in feet, by 50). Such width of exits shall be divided (2) Type of Lock or Latch. Exit door shall be openable requirements specified in Section 10.05.05. Other exit
approximately equally among the separate exits. The from the inside without the use of a key or any special doors shall be so marked that they are readily
total exit width required from any story of a building shall knowledge or effort: Except, That this requirement shall distinguishable from the adjacent construction.
be determined by using the occupant load of that story, not apply to exterior exit doors in a Group E or F
plus the percentage of the occupant loads of floors Occupancy if there is a conspicuous, readily visible and (9) Additional Doors. When additional doors are provided
which exit through the level under considerations as durable sign on or adjacent to the door, stating that the for egress purposes, they shall conform to all provisions
follows: 50 per cent of the occupant load in the first door is to remain unlocked during business hours. The in the following cases: Approved revolving door having
adjacent story above (and the first adjacent story below locking device must be of a type that will be readily leaves which will collapse under opposing pressures
when a story below exits through the level under distinguishable as locked. Flush bolts or surface bolts may be used in exit situations: Provided,That such doors
consideration) and 25 per cent of the occupant load in are prohibited. have a minimum width of 2.00 meters (6 feet, 7 inches);
the story immediately beyond the first adjacent story. or they are not used in occupancies where exits are
The maximum exit width required from any story of a (3) Width and Height. Every required exit doorway shall required to be equipped with panic hardware; or at least
building shall be maintained. be of a size as to permit the installation of a door not one conforming exit door is located adjacent to each
less than 90 centimeters (3 feet) in width and not less revolving door installed in a building, and the revolving
(3) Arrangement of Exits. If only two exits are required than 2.00 meters (6 feet, 7 inches) in height. When door shall not be considered to provide any exit width.
they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less installed in exit doorways, exits doors shall be capable of
than one-fifth of the perimeter of the area served opening at least 90 degrees and shall be so mounted

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(d) Corridors and Exterior Exit Balconies. The provisions doors, in any portion of an interior corridor wall shall not (5) Landings. Every landing shall have a dimension
herein shall apply to every corridor and exterior exit exceed 25 per cent of the area of the corridor wall of the measured in the direction of travel equal to the width of
balcony serving as required exit for an occupant load of room which it is separating from the corridor. the stairway. Such dimension need not exceed 1.20
more than 10. meters (4 feet) when the stair has a straight run.
Landings, when provided shall not be reduced in width
(c) Stairways. Every stairway serving any building or by more than 9.3 centimeters (3-1/2 inches) by a door
(1) Width. Every corridor or exterior exit balcony shall be portion thereof shall conform to the following when fully open.
not less in which 1.12 meters (3 feet, 8 inches). requirements of this Code except stairs or ladders used
only to attend equipment. (6) Basement Stairways. Where a basement stairway
(2) Projections. The required width of corridors and and stairway to an upper story terminate in the same exit
exterior exit balconies shall be unobstructed: Except, enclosure, an approved barrier shall be provided to
That trim, handrails, and doors when fully opened shall (1) Width. Stairways serving an occupant load of more prevent persons from continuing on into the basement.
not reduce the required width by more than 18 than 50 shall be not less in width than 1.12 meters (3 Directional exit signs shall be provided as specified in
centimeters (7 inches). Doors in any position shall not feet, 8 inches). Stairways serving an occupant load of 50 this Code.
reduce the required width by more than one-half. less may be 90 centimeters (3 feet) wide. Private
stairways serving an occupant load less than 10 may be (7) Distance Between Landings. There shall be not more
(3) Access to Exits. When more than one exit is 75 centimeters (2 feet, 6 inches) wide. Trim and than 3.65 meters (12 feet) vertically between landings.
required, they shall be so arranged to allow going to handrails shall not reduce the required width may more
either direction from any point in the corridor or exterior than 9 centimeters (3-1/2 inches). (8) Handrails. Stairways shall have handrails on each
exit balcony to a separate exit, except for dead ends side, and every stairway required to be more than 3.00
permitted. (2) Rise and Run. The rise of every step in a stairway meters (9 feet) in width shall be provided with not less
shall not exceed 19 centimeters (7-1/2 inches) and the than one intermediate handrail for each 3.00 meters (9
(4) Dead Ends. Corridors and exterior exit balconies with run shall not be less than 25 centimeters (10 inches). feet of required width. Intermediate handrails shall be
dead ends are permitted when the dead ends does not Except as provided under paragraph (d) the maximum spaced approximately equal within the entire width of the
exceed 6.00 meters (20 feet) in length. variations in the height of risers and the width of treads stairway. Handrails shall be placed not less than 75
in any one flight shall be 5 millimeters (3-1/2 inch): centimeters (2 feet, 6 inches) nor more than 85
(5) Construction. Walls and ceilings of corridors shall be Except, That in private stairways serving an occupant centimeters (2 feet, 10 inches) above the nosing of
not less than one hour fire-resistive construction: Except, load of less than 10, the rise may be 20 centimeters (8 threads, and ends of handrails shall be returned or shall
That this requirement shall not apply to exterior exit inches) and run may be 23 centimeters (9 inches). terminate in newel posts or safety terminals: Except, in
balcony railings, corridors of a one-story building the following cases: Stairways 1.12 meters (3 feet, 8
housing a Group E or F Occupancy occupied by one (3) Winding Stairway. In Group A Occupancies and in inches or less in width and stairway serving one
tenant only and which serves an occupant load of 30 private stairways in Group B Occupancies, winders may individual dwelling unit in Group A or B Occupancies
less, nor to corridors, formed by temporary partitions. be used if the required width of run is provided at a point may have one handrails, except that such stairway open
Exterior exit balconies cannot project into an area where not more than 30 centimeters (12 inches) from the side on one or both sides shall have handrails provided on
protected openings are required. of the stairway where the treads are the narrower, but in the open side or sides; or stairways having less four than
no case shall any width of run be less than 15 four risers need not have handrails.
(6) Openings. Where corridor walls are required to be centimeters (6 inches) at any point.
one-hour fire-resistive construction every interior door (9) Exterior Stairway Protection. All openings in the
opening shall be protected as set forth in generally (4) Circular Stairways. Circular stairs may be used as an exterior wall below or within 3.00 meters (10 feet),
recognized and accepted requirements for dual purpose exit provided the minimum width of run is not less than measured horizontally, of an exterior exit stairway
fire exit doors. Other interior openings, except ventilation 25 centimeters (10 inches). All treads in any one flight serving a building over two stories in height shall be
louvers equipped with approved automatic fire shutters between landing shall have identical dimensions within a protected by a self-closing fire assembly having a three-
shall be 6.3 millimeters (1/4 inch) fixed wire glass set in 5-millimeters (3/16-inch) tolerance. fourths-hour fire-resistive rating: Except, That openings
steel frames. The total area of all openings other than may be unprotected when two separated exterior

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stairways serve an exterior exit balcony. occupant load served by such exit. The capacity shall be more in height, one of the required exits shall be
determined by allowing 0.28 square meter (3 square smokeproof enclosure.
(10) Stairway Construction-Interior. Interior stairways feet) of net clear floor area per ambulatory occupant and
shall be constructed as specified in this Code. Where 1.86 square meters (20 square feet) per non-ambulatory
there is enclosed usable space shall be protected on the occupant. The dispersal area into which the horizontal (1) Stairs in smokeproof enclosures shall be of
enclosed side as required for one-hour fire-resistive exit leads shall be provided with exits as required by this incombustible construction.
construction. Code.
(2) There shall be no openings in smokeproof enclosure,
(11) Stairway Construction-Exterior. Exterior stairways (h) Exit Enclosures. Every interior stairway, ramp, or except exit doorways and openings in exterior walls.
shall be of incombustible material: Except, That on Type escalator shall be enclosed as specified in this Code: There shall be no openings directly into the interior of the
III buildings which do not exceed two stories in height, Except, That in other than Group D Occupancies, an building. Access shall be through a vestibule with one
and are located in less fire-resistive Fire Zones, as well enclosure will not be required for a stairway, ramp, or wall at 50 per cent open to the exterior and having an
as on Type I buildings, these may be of wood not less escalator serving only one adjacent floor and connected exit door from the interior of the building and an exit door
than 5 centimeters (2 inches) in nominal thickness. with corridors or stairways serving other floors. Stairs in leading to the smokeproof enclosure. In lieu of a
Exterior stairs shall be protected as required for exterior Group A Occupancies need not be enclosed. vestibule, access may be by way of an open exterior
walls due to location on property as specified in this balcony of incombustible materials.
Code. Exterior stairways shall not project into an area
where openings are required to be protected. Where (1) Enclosure walls shall be of not less than two-hour (3) The opening from the building to the vestibule or
there is enclosed usable space under stairs the walls fire-resistive construction elsewhere. There shall be no balcony shall be protected with a self-closing fire
and soffits of the enclosed space shall be protected on openings into exit enclosures except exit doorways and assembly having one-hour fire-resistive rating. The
the enclosed side as required for one-hour fire-resistive openings in exterior walls. All exit doors in an exit opening from the vestibule or balcony to the stair tower
construction. enclosure shall appropriately be protected. shall be protected a self-closing fire assembly having a
one-hour fire-resistive rating.
(12) Stairway to Roof. In every building more than two (2) Stairway and ramp enclosures shall include landings
stories in height, one stairway shall extend to the roof and parts of floors connecting stairway flights and shall (4) A smokeproof of enclosure shall exit into a public
surface, unless the roof has a slope greater than 1 in 3. also include a corridor on the ground floor leading from way or into an exit passageway leading to a public way.
the stairway to the exterior of the building. Enclosed The exit passageway shall be without other openings
(13) Headroom. Every required stairway shall have a corridors or passageways are not required from and shall have walls, floors, and ceilings of two-hour exit
headroom clearance of not less than2.00 meters (6 feet, unenclosed stairways. resistance.
8 inches). Such clearance shall be established by
measuring vertically from a plane parallel and tangent to (3) A stairway in an exit enclosure shall not continue (5) A stairway in a smokeproof enclosure shall not
the stairway tread nosing to the soft above all points. below the grade level exit unless an approved barrier is continue below the grade level exit unless an approved
provided at the ground floor level to prevent persons barrier is provided at the ground floor level to prevent
from accidentally continuing into the basement. persons from accidentally continuing into the
(f) Ramps. A ramp conforming to the requirements of basement. chan robles virtual law library
this Code may be used as an exit. The width of ramps (4) There shall be no enclosed usable space under
shall be as required for corridors. stairways in an exit enclosure, nor shall the open space
under such stairways be used for any purpose. (j) Exit Outlets, Courts, and Passageways. Every exit
(g) Horizontal Exit. If conforming to the provisions of this shall discharge into a public way, exit court, or exit
Code, a horizontal exit may be required exit. All passageway. Every exit court shall discharge into a
openings in a separation wall shall be protected by a fire (i) Smokeproof Enclosures. A smoke enclosure shall public way or exit passageway. Passageways shall be
assembly having a fire-resistive rating of not less than consist of a continuous stairway enclosed from the without openings other than required exits and shall
one hour. A horizontal exit shall lead into a floor area highest point top the lowest point by walls of two-hour have walls, floors, and ceilings of the building but shall
having capacity for an occupant load not less than the fire-resistive construction. In buildings five stories or

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be not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction. (1) Width. Every aisle shall be not less than 90 (1) Seat Spacing. With standard seating the spacing of
centimeters (3 feet) wide if serving only one side, and rows of seats from back-to-back shall be not less than
not less than 1.07 meters (3 feet, 6 inches) wide if 84 centimeters (2 feet, 9 inches), nor shall less than 69
(1) Width. Every exit court and exit passageway shall be serving both sides. Such minimum width shall be centimeters (2 feet, 3 inches) plus the sum of the
at least as wide as the required total width of the measured at the point farthest from an exit, cross aisles, thickness of the back and inclination of the back.
tributary exits, such as required width being based on or foyer and shall be increased by 4 centimeters (1 1/2 Automatic or self-rising seats shall be measured in the
the occupant load served. The required width of exit inches) for each 1.50 meters (5 feet) in length toward the seat-up position, other seats shall be measured in the
courts or exit passageways shall be unobstructed except exit, cross aisle, or foyer. With continental spacing, side seat-down position. With continental seating, the spacing
as permitted in corridors. At any point where the width of aisle shall be not less than 1.12 meters (3 feet, 8 inches) of rows of unoccupied seats shall provide a clear width
an exit court is reduced from any cause, the reduction in in width. measured horizontally, as follows: 45 centimeters (18
width shall be affected gradually by a guardrail at least inches) clear for rows of 18 seats or less; 51 centimeters
90 centimeters (3 feet) in height. The guardrail shall (2) Exit Distance. In area occupied by seats and in (20 inches) clear for rows of 35 seats or less; 51
make an angle of not more than 30 degrees with the exit Group H and I Occupancies without seats, the line of centimeters (21 inches) clear for rows of 45 seats or
court. travel to an exit door by an aisle shall not be not more less; and 56 centimeters (22 inches) clear for rows of 46
than 46.00 meters (150 feet). With standard spacing, as seats or more.
(2) Slope. The slope of exit courts shall not exceed 1 in specified in this Code, aisles shall be so located that
10. The slope of exit passageways shall not exceed 1 in there will be not more than six intervening seats between (2) Width. The width of any seat shall not less than 45
8. any seat and the nearest aisle. With continental spacing, centimeters (1 foot, 6 inches).
the number of intervening seats may be increased to 29
(3) Number of Exits. Every exit court shall be provided where exit doors are provided along each aisle of the
with exits as required by this Code. row of seats at the rate of one pair of exit doors for five (n) Special Hazards
rows of seats. Such exit doors shall provide a minimum
(4) Openings. All openings into an exit court less than clear width of 1.75 meters (5 feet, 6 inches).
3.00 meters (10 feet) wide shall be protected by fire (1) Boiler Rooms. Except in Group A Occupancies,
assemblies having a three-fourths-hour fire resistive (3) Cross Aisle. Aisles shall terminate in a cross aisle, every boiler room and every room containing an
rating: Except, That openings more than 3.00 meters (10 foyer, or exit. The width of the cross aisle shall be not incinerator or L-P Gas or liquid fuel-fired equipment shall
feet) above the floor of the exit court may be less than the sum of the required width of the widest be provided with at least two means of egress, one of
unprotected. aisle plus 50 per cent of the total required width of the which may be a ladder. All interior openings shall be
remaining aisle leading thereto. In Groups C, H, and E protected as set by internationally recognized and
Occupancies, aisles shall not be provided a dead end accepted practice for dual purpose fire exit doors.
(k) Exit Signs and Illumination. Exits shall be illuminated greater than 6.00 meters (20 feet) in length.
at any time the building is occupied with light having an (2) Cellulose Nitrate Handling. Film laboratories,
intensity of not less than one-foot candle at floor level: (4) Vomitories. Vomitories connecting the foyer or main projection rooms, and nitro-cellulose processing rooms
Except, That for Group A Occupancies the exit exit with the cross aisles shall have a total width not less shall have not less than two exits.
illumination shall be provided with separate circuits or than the sum of the required width of the widest aisles
separated sources of power (but not necessarily leading thereto plus 50 per cent of the total required
separate from exit signs) when these are required for width of the remaining aisles leading thereto. (o) Reviewing Stands, Grandstands, and Bleachers
exit sign illumination.
(5) Slope. The slope portion of aisles shall not exceed 1
(l) Aisles. Every portion of every building in which are (1) Height of Stands. Stands employing combustible
in 8.
installed seats, tables, merchandise, equipment, or framing shall be limited to 11 rows or 2.70 meter (9 feet)
similar materials shall be provided with aisles leading to in height.
an exit. (m) Seats
(2) Design Requirements. The minimum unit live load for

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reviewing stands, grandstands, and bleachers shall be (4.1) Aisles Required. Aisles shall be provided in all shall have handrails. Stairs for stands shall have
488 kilograms per square meter (100 pounds per square stands: Except, That aisles may be omitted when all the handrails. Handrails shall conform to the requirements of
foot) of horizontal projection for the structure as a whole. following conditions exists: Seats are without backrest; this Code.
Seat and footboards shall be 178.5 kilograms per linear the rise from row to row does not exceed 30 centimeters
meter (120 pounds per linear foot). The sway force, (12 inches) per row; the number of rows does not
applied to seats, shall be 35.7 kilograms per linear meter exceed 11 in height; the top seating board is not over (6) Guardrails
(24 pounds per linear foot) parallel to the seats and 14.8 3.00 meters (10 feet) above grade; and first seating
kilograms per linear meter (10 pounds per linear foot) board is not more than 50 centimeters (20 inches) above
perpendicular to the seats. Sway forces need not be grade. (6.1) Guardrails shall be required in all locations where
applied simultaneously with other lateral forces. the top of seat plank is more than 1.20 meters (4 feet)
(4.2) Obstructions. No obstruction shall be placed in the above the grade and at the front of stands elevated more
(3) Spacing of Seats required width of any aisle or exitway. than 60 centimeters (2 feet) above grade. Where only
sections of stands are used, guardrails shall be provided
(4.3) Stairs Required. When an aisle is elevated more as required in this Code.
(3.1) Row Spacing. The minimum spacing of rows of than 20 centimeters (8 inches) above grade, the aisle
seats measured from back-to-back shall be: 55 shall be provided with a stairway or ramp whose width is (6.2) Railings shall be 1.07 meters (3 feet, 6 inches)
centimeters (22 inches) for seats without backrests in not less than the width of the aisles. above the rear of a seat plank or 1.07 meters (3 feet 6
open air standards; 76 centimeters (30 inches) for seats inches) above the rear of the steps in an aisle when the
with backrests; and 84 centimeters (33 inches) for chair (4.4) Dead End. No vertical aisle shall have a dead and guardrail is parallel and adjacent to the aisle: Except,
seating. There shall be a space of not less than 30 more than 16 rows in depth regardless of the number of That the height may be reduced to 90 centimeters (3
centimeters (12 inches) between the back of each seat exits required. feet) for guardrails located in front of the grandstand.
and front of the seat immediately behind it.
(4.5) Width. Aisles shall have a minimum width of 1.07 (6.3) A midrail shall be placed adjacent to any seat to
(3.2) Rise Between Rows. The maximum rise from one meters (3 feet, 6 inches). limit the open distance above the top of any part of a
row of seats to the next shall not exceed 40 centimeters seat to 3.00 meters (10 feet) where the seat is at the
(16 inches). extreme end or at the extreme rear of the bleachers of
(5) Stairs and Ramps. The requirements in this Code grandstand. The intervening space shall have one
(3.3) Seating Capacity. For determining the seating shall apply to all stairs and ramps except for portions additional rail midway in the opening: Except, That
capacity of a stand, the width of any seat shall be not that pass through the seating area. railings may be omitted when stands are placed directly
less than 45 centimeters (18 inches) nor more than 48 against a wall or fence giving equivalent protection;
centimeters (19 inches). stairs and ramps shall be provided with guardrails.
(5.1) Stair Rise and Run. The maximum rise of treads Handrails at the front of stands and adjacent to an aisle
(3.4) Number of Seats Between Aisles. The number of shall not exceed 20 centimeters (8 inches) and the shall be designed at resist a load of 74 kilograms per
seats between any seats and an aisle shall not be minimum width of the run shall be 28 centimeters (11 linear meter (50 pounds per linear foot) applied at the
greater than 15 for open air stands with seats without inches). The maximum variations in the width of treads top rail. Other handrails shall be designed at resist a
backrests; 9 for open air stands with seats having in any one flight shall be not more than 5 millimeters load of 9 kilograms (20 pounds).
backrest in buildings, and 6 for seats with backrest in (3/16 inch) and the maximum variation in the height of
building. two adjacent rises shall not exceed 5 millimeters (3/16 (7) Footboards. Footboards shall be provided for all rows
inch). of seats above the third row, or beginning at such point
where the seating plank is more than 60 centimeters (2
(4) Aisles (5.2) Ramp Slope. The slope of ramp shall be of feet) above grade.
approved nonslip material.

(5.3) Handrails. A ramp with a slope exceeding 1 in 10

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 divided by 650 (by 200 in feet) when exiting by ramps or except for Type I or II constructions.
(8) Exits horizontally. When both horizontal and stair exits are
used, the total width of exits shall be determined by (b) Spacing between supports in one direction for flat
using both figures as applicable. No exit shall be less wired glass skylights shall not exceed 7.60 meters (25
(8.1) Distance to Exit. The line of travel to an exit shall than 1.07 meters (42 inches) in width. Exits shall be feet). Corrugated wired glass may have supports 1.50
be not more than 45.00 meters (150 feet). For stands arranged a reasonable distance apart. When but two meters (5 feet) apart in the direction of the corrugation.
with seats without backrests this distance may be exits are provided, they shall be spaced not less than All glass in skylights shall be wire glass: Except, That
measured by direct line from a seat to the exit from the one-fifth of the perimeter apart. skylights over vertical shafts extending through two or
stand. more stories shall be glazed with plain glass as specified
in this Code: Provided, That wire glass may be used if
(8.2) Aisle Used as Exit. An aisle may be considered as (9) Securing of Chairs. Chairs and benches used on ventilation equal to not less than one-eighth the cross-
only one exit unless it is continuous at both ends to a raised stands shall be secured to the platform upon sectional area of the shaft but never less than 1.20
legal building exit or to a safe dispersal area. which they are placed: Except, That when less than 25 meters (4 feet) is provided at the top of such shaft. Any
chairs are used upon a single raised platform the glass not wire glass shall be protected above and below
(8.3) Two Exits Required. A stand with the first seating fastening of seats to the platform may be omitted. When with a screen constructed of wire not smaller than 12
board not more than 50 centimeters (20 inches) above more than 500 loose chairs are used in connection with U.S. gauge with a mesh not larger than 2.5 centimeters
grade of floor may be considered to have two exits when athletic events, chairs shall be fastened together in (1 inch). The screen shall be substantially supported
the bottom of the stands is open at both ends. Every groups of not less than three, and shall be tied or staked below the glass.
stand or section of a stand within a building shall have at to the ground.
least two means of egress when the stand (c) Skylights installed for the use of photographers may
accommodates more than 50 persons. Every open air (10) Safe Dispersal Area. Each safe dispersal area shall be constructed of metal frames and plate glass without
stand having seats without backrest shall have at least have at least two exits. If more than 6000 persons are to wire netting.
two means of egress when the stand accommodates be accommodated within such an area, there shall be a
more than 300 persons. minimum of three exits, and for more than 9000 persons (d) Ordinary glass may be used in the roofs and
there shall be a minimum of four exits. The aggregate skylights for greenhouses, provided the height of the
(8.4) Three Exits Required. Three exits shall be required clear width of exits from a safe dispersal area shall be greenhouse at the ridge does not exceed 6.00 meters
for stands within a building when there are more than determined on the basis of not less than one exit unit 56 (20 feet) above the grade. The use of wood in the
300 occupants within a stands, and for open air stands centimeters (22 inches) for each 500 persons to be frames of skylights will be permitted in greenhouses
with seats without backrests where a stand or section of accommodated and no exit shall be less than 1.12 outside of highly restrictive Fire Zones if the height of the
a stand accommodates more than 1000 occupants. meters (44 inches) in width. Exits shall be a reasonable skylights does not exceeds 6.00 meters (20 feet) above
distance apart but shall be spaced not less than one-fifth the grade, but in other cases metal frames and metal
(8.5) Four Exits Required. Four exits shall be required of the perimeter of the area apart from each other. sash bars shall be used.
when a stand or section of stand accommodates more
than 1000 occupants. Except, That for an open air stand (e) Glass used for the transmission of light, if placed in
with seats without backrest four exits need not be SECTION 8.01.08: Skylights floors or sidewalks, shall be supported by metal or
provided unless there are accommodations for more reinforced concrete frames, and such glass shall be not
than 3000 occupants. (a) All skylights shall be constructed with metal frames, less than 12.7 millimeters (1/2 inch) in thickness. Any
except those for Groups A and J Occupancies. Frames such glass over 103 square centimeters (16 square
(8.6) Width. The total width of exits in meters shall be not of skylights shall be designed to carry loads required for inches) in area shall have wire mesh embedded in the
less than the total occupant load served divided by 165 roofs. All skylights, the glass of which is set an angle of same or shall be provided with a wire screen underneath
(by 50 in feet): Except, that for open air stands with less than 45 degrees from the horizontal, if located as specified for skylights in this Code. All portions of the
seats without backrests the total width of exits in meters above the first story, shall be at least 10 centimeters (4 floor lights or sidewalk lights shall be of the same
shall be not less than the total occupant load served inches) above the roofs. Curbs on which the skylight strength as required for floor or sidewalk lights shall be
divided by 500 (150 in feet) when exiting by stairs, and rests shall be constructed of incumbustible materials of the same strength as construction, except in cases

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where the floor is surrounded by a railing not less than (1) On Types II and III buildings the exterior walls and (a) Chimneys
1.07 meters (3 feet, 6 inches) in height, in which case roofs of penthouses which are 1.50 meters (5 feet) pr
the construction shall be calculated for not less than roof more from an adjacent property line may be of one-hour (1) Structural Design. Chimneys shall be designed,
loads. fire-resistive incombustible construction. anchored, supported, reinforced, constructed, and
installed in accordance with generally accepted
SECTION 8.01.09: Bays, Porches, Balconies (2) Walls not less than 1.50 meters (5 feet) from an principles of engineering. Every chimney shall be
exterior wall of a Type IV building may be of one-hour capable of producing a draft at the appliance not less
(a) Walls and floors in bay and oriel windows shall fire-resistive incombustible construction. than the required for the safe operation of the appliance
conform to the construction allowed for exterior walls connected thereto. No chimney shall support any
and floors of the type of construction of the building to structural load than its own weight unless it is designed
which they are attached. The roof covering of a bay or The above restriction shall not prohibit the placing of to act as a supporting member. Chimneys in an wood-
oriel window shall conform to the requirements of the wood flagpoles or similar structures on the roof of any framed building shall be anchored laterally at the ceiling
roofing of the main roof. Exterior balconies attached to or building. and each floor line which is more than 1.80 meters (6
supported by walls required to be of masonry, shall have feet) above grade, except when entirely within the
brackets or beams constructed of incombustible (e) Towers and Spires. Towers or spires when closed framework on when designed to be free standing.
materials. Railings shall be provided for balconies, shall have exterior walls as required for the building to
landings, or porches, which are more than 75 which they are attached. Towers not enclosed and which (2) Walls. Every masonry chimneys shall have walls of
centimeters (2 feet, 6 inches) above grade. extend more than 23.00 meters (75 feet) above grade masonry units, bricks, stones, listed masonry units,
shall have their framework construction of iron, steel, or reinforced concrete or equivalent solid thickness of
SECTION 8.01.10: Penthouses and Roof Structures reinforced concrete. No tower or spire shall occupy more hollow masonry and lined with suitable liners in
than one-fourth of the street frontage of any building to accordance with the following requirements:
(a) Height. No penthouse or other projection above the which is attached and in no case shall the base area
roof when used as an enclosure for tanks or elevators exceed 150 square meters (1600 square feet) unless it (2.1) Masonry Chimneys for Residential-type
which run to the roof and in all other cases shall be not conforms entirely to the type of construction Appliances. Masonry chimneys shall be constructed of
extend more than 3.60 meters (12 feet)in height above requirements of the building to which it is attached and is masonry units or reinforced concrete with walls not less
the roof. limited in height as a main part of the building. If the area than 10 centimeters (4 inches) thick or rubble stone
of the tower or spire exceeds 10.00 square meters (107 masonry not less than 30 centimeters (12 inches) thick.
(b) Area. The aggregate area of all penthouses and square feet) at any horizontal cross section, its The chimney linear shall be in accordance with this
other roof structures shall not exceed 33-1/3 per cent of supporting frame shall extend directly to the ground. The Code.
the area of the supporting roof. roof covering of the spires shall be as required for the
main roof of the roof of the rest of the structure. Skeleton (2.2) Masonry Chimneys for Low-heat-
(c) Prohibited Uses. No penthouse, bulkhead, or any towers used as radio masts, neon signs, or Appliances. Masonry chimneys shall be constructed of
other similar projection above the roof shall be used for advertisement frames and placed on the roof of any masonry units or reinforced concrete with walls not less
purposes other than shelter of mechanical equipment or building shall be constructed entirely of incombustible than 20 centimeters (8 inches) thick except that rubbles
shelter of vertical shaft openings in the roof. A materials when more than 7.60 meters (25 feet) in height stone masonry shall be not less than 30 centimeters (12
penthouse or bulkhead used for purposes other than that and shall be directly supported on an incombustible inches) thick. The chimneys linear shall be in
allowed by this Section shall conform to the framework to the ground. No such skeleton towers shall accordance with this Code.
requirements of this Code for an additional story. be supported on roofs of combustible framings. They
shall be design to withstand a wind load from any (2.3) Masonry Chimneys for Medium-heat-
(d) Construction. Roof structures constructed with walls, direction in addition to any other loads. Appliances. Masonry chimneys for medium-heat
floors, and roof as required for the main portion of the appliances shall be constructed of solid masonry units of
building except in the following cases: SECTION 8.01.11: Chimneys, Fireplaces, and reinforced concrete not less than 20 centimeters (8
Barbecues inches) thick, except that stone masonry shall be not at
less than 30 centimeters (12 inches) thick and, in

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addition shall be lined with not less than 10 centimeters centimeters (4 inches) thick with lining shall extend for (7) Change in Size or Shape. No change in the size or
(4 inches) of firebrick laid in a solid bed of fire clay not less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) for firebrick, shape of a masonry chimney where the chimney passes
mortar with solidity filled head, bed, and wall joints, which lining shall extend for not less than 12.00 meters through the roof shall be made within a distance of 15
starting not less than 60 centimeters (2 feet) below the (40 feet) above the roof of the combustion chamber. If centimeters (6 inches) above or below the roof joists or
chimney connector entrance and extending for a the design capacity or grate area of such an incinerator rafters.
distance of at least 7.60 meters (25 feet) above the exceed 115 kilograms (250 pounds) per hour and 0.84
chimney connector entrance. Chimneys extending 7.60 square meter (9 square feet) respectively, walls shall be (8) Separation. When more than one passageway is
meters (25 feet) or less above the chimney connector not less than 20 centimeters (8 inches) thick, lined with contained in the same chimney, masonry separation at
shall be lined to the top. not less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) of firebrick least 10 centimeters (4 inches) thick bonded into the
extending the full height of the chimney. masonry wall of the chimney shall be provided to
(2.4) Masonry Chimneys for High-heat separate passageways.
Appliances. Masonry chimneys for high-heat appliances (3) Linings. Fire clay chimney lining shall be not less
shall be constructed with double walls of sold masonry than 16 millimeters (5/8 inch) thick. The lining shall (9) Inlets. Every inlet to masonry chimneys shall enter
units of reinforced concrete not less than 20 centimeters extend from 20 centimeters (8 inches) below the lowest the side thereof and shall be of not less than 3
(8 inches) in thickness, with an air space of not less than inlet or, in the case of fireplaces, from the throat of the millimeters (1/8 inch) thick metal or 16 millimeters (5/8
5 centimeters (2 inches) between walls. The inside of the fireplace to a point above enclosing masonry walls. Fire inch) refractory materials.
interior walls shall be of firebrick not less than 10 clay chimney linings shall be installed ahead of the
centimeters (4 inches) in thickness laid in a solid bid of construction of the chimney as it is carried up, carefully (10) Clearance. Combustible materials shall not be
fire clay mortar with solidly filled head, bed and wall bedded one on the other in fire clay mortar, with close- placed within 5 centimeters (2 inches) of smoke
joints. fitting joints left so smooth on the inside. Firebrick not chamber walls or masonry chimney walls when built
less than 5 centimeters (2 inches) thick may be used in within a structure, or with 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) when
(2.5) Masonry Chimneys for Incinerators Installed in place of fire clay chimney. the chimney is built entirely outside the structure.
Multi-Story Buildings (Apartment-type
Incinerators). Chimneys for incinerators installed in multi- (4) Area. No chimney passageway shall be smaller in (11) Termination. All incineration shall terminate in a
story buildings using the chimney passageway as a area than the vent connection on the appliance attached substantially constructed spark arrester having a mesh
refuse chute where the horizontal grate area of thereto. not exceeding 19 centimeters (3/4 inch).
combustion chamber does not exceed 0.84 square
meter (9 square feet) shall have walls of solid masonry (5) Height. Every masonry chimney shall extend at least (12) Cleanouts. Cleanout opening shall be provided at
or reinforced concrete, not less than 10 centimeters (4 60 centimeters (2 feet) above the part of the roof through the base of every masonry chimney.
inches) thick with a chimneys lining as specified in this which it passes and at least 60 centimeters (2 feet)
Code. If the grate area of such an incinerator exceeds above the highest elevation of any part of a building (b) Fireplaces and Barbecues. Fireplaces, barbecues,
0.84 square meter (9 square feet), walls shall be not less within 3.00 meters (10 feet) to the chimney. smoke chamber, and fireplace chimneys shall be of solid
than 10 centimeters (4 inches) of firebrick except that masonry or reinforced concrete and shall conform to the
higher than 9.00 meters (30 feet) above the roof of the (6) Corbeling. No masonry chimney shall be corbel from minimum requirements specified in this Code. Factory-
combustion chamber, common brick alone, 20 a wall more than 15 centimeters (6 inches) nor shall a built metal room heating stoves may be used in
centimeters (8 inches) in thickness, may be used. masonry chimney be corbeled from a wall which is less accordance with generally recognized engineering
than 30 centimeters (12 inches) in thickness unless it practices.
(2.6) Masonry Chimneys for Commercial and Industrial- projects equally on each side of the wall. In the second
type Incinerators. Masonry chimneys for commercial and story of a two-story building of Group A Occupancy,
industrial-type incinerators of a size designed for not corbeling of masonry chimneys on the exterior of the (1) Fireplace Walls. Walls of fireplaces shall be not less
more than 115 kilograms (250 pounds) or refuse per enclosing walls may equal the wall thickness. In every than 20 centimeters (8 inches) in thickness. Walls of
hour and having a horizontal grate area not exceeding case the corbeling shall not exceed 2.5-centimeter (1 fireboxes shall be not less than 25 centimeters (10
0.84 meter (9 square feet) shall have walls of solid inch) projection for each course of brick. inches) in thickness: Except, That where a lining of
masonry or reinforced concrete not less than 10 firebrick is used such walls shall be not less than 20

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centimeters (8 inches) in thickness. The firebox shall be clearance from such opening. No part of metal hoods
not less than 50 centimeters (20 inches) in depth. The used as part of a fireplace, barbecue, or heating stove (2) In all dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, workshops or
maximum thickness of joints in firebrick shall be 6 shall be less than 40 centimeters (18 inches) from factories, and other rooms with an occupant load of
millimeter (1/4 inch). combustible material. This clearance may be reduced to more than 10, assembly halls under Groups H and I
the minimum requirements set forth in this Code. Occupies with an occupant load of more than 500, and if
(2) Hoods. Metal hoods used as a part of a fireplace or the exit doors of said rooms are more than 30.00 meters
barbecue shall be not less than No. 18 gauge copper, (7) Areas of Flues, Throats, and Dampers. The net (100 feet) from the nearest safe fire dispersal area of the
galvanized steel, or other equivalent corrosion-resistant cross-sectional area of the flue and of the throat building or opening to a court or street.
ferrous metal with all seams and connections of between the firebox and the smoke chamber of a
smokeproof unsoldered construction. The hoods shall be fireplaces shall be not less than the requirements (3) In all rooms used as storage or handling of
sloped at an angle of 45 degrees or less from the vertical according to internationally recognized and accepted photographic and x-ray nitrocellulose films and other
and shall extend horizontally at least 15 centimeters (6 principles of engineering. Where dampers are used, they inflammable articles.
inches) beyond the limits of the firebox. Metal hoods shall be of not less than No. 12 gauge metal. When fully
shall be kept a minimum of 40 centimeters (18 inches) opened, damper openings shall be not less than 90 per (b) Dry Standpipes. Every building six more stories in
from combustion materials unless approved for reduced cent of the required flue area. When fully opened, height shall be equipped with one or more dry
clearances. damper blade shall not extent the line of inner face of the standpipes.
flue.
(3) Circulators. Approved metal heat circulators may be
installed fireplaces. (8) Lintel. Masonry over the fireplace opening shall be (1) Construction and tests. Dry standpipes shall be of
supported by an incombustible lintel. wrought iron or galvanized steel and together with
(4) Smoke Chamber. Front and side walls shall be not fittings and connections shall be of sufficient strength to
less than 20 centimeters (8 inches) in thickness. Smoke (9) Hearth. Every fireplace shall be provided with a brick, withstand 20 kilograms per square centimeter (300
chamber back walls shall not be not less than 15 concrete, stone, or other approved incombustible hearth pounds per square inch) of water pressure when ready
centimeters (6 inches) in thickness. slab at least 30 centimeters (12 inches) wider on each for service, without leaking at the joints, valves, or
side than the fireplace opening and projecting at least 30 fittings. Tests shall be conducted by the owner or his
(5) Fireplace Chimneys. Walls of chimneys without flue centimeters (18 inches) therefrom. This slab shall be not representative or contractor in the presence of a
lining shall be not less than 20 centimeters (8 inches) in less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) thick and shall be representative of the City or Municipal Fire Department
thickness. Walls of chimneys with flue lining shall be not supported by incombustible materials or reinforced to whenever deemed necessary for the purpose of
less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) in thickness and carry its own weight and all imposed loads. Combustible certification of its proper function. chan robles virtual law
shall not be constructed in accordance with this Code. forms and centering shall be removed. library

(6) Clearance to Combustible Material. Combustible (2) Size. Dry standpipes shall be of such size as to be
material shall not be placed within 5 centimeters (2 SECTION 8.01.12: Fire-Extinguishing Systems capable of delivering 946 liters (250 gallons) per minute
inches) of fireplace, smoke chamber, or chimneys walls from each of any three outlets simultaneously under the
when built entirely within a structure, or within 2.5 (a) Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems: Where pressure created by one fire engine or pumper, based
centimeters (1 inch) when the chimney is built entirely Required. Standard automatic fire-extinguishing systems on the existing city equipment available. The local Fire
outside the structure. In lieu of 2.5-centimeter (1 inch) shall comply with requirements of generally recognized Department shall be consulted as to the proper size and
clearance between chimney and exterior wall, 12 and accepted practices and shall be installed in the threads of those connections.
millimeters (1/2 inch) gypsum board may be substituted. following places:
Combustible materials shall not be placed within 15 (3) Number Required. Every building six or more stories
centimeters (6 inches) of the fireplace opening. No such (1) In every basement or cellar with an area of 200 in height where the area of any floor above the fifth floor
combustible material within 30 centimeters (12 inches) of square meters (2152 square feet) or more which is used is 950 square meters (10,000 square feet) or less shall
the fireplace opening shall project more than 3 for habitation, recreation, dining, study, or work, and be equipped with not less than one dry standpipe and an
millimeters (1/8 inch) for each 2.5-centimeter (1 inch) which base an occupant load of more than 20. additional standpipe shall be installed for each additional

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950 square meters (10,000 square feet) or fraction both sides, and every Group C Occupancy of two or length.
thereof. more stories in height, whose corridors serve only one
row of rooms on one side and with an open court on the (4) Location. In Groups H and I Occupancies, outlets
(4) Location. Standpipes shall be located within stairway other side, and every Group B, D, E, F, and G shall be located as follows: one on either side of the
landings or near such stairways as possible or Occupancy of three or more stories in height and every stage, one at the rear of the auditorium, and one at the
immediately inside of an exterior wall and 30 centimeters Group G and E Occupancy over 1800 square meters rear of the balconies. Where occupant loads are less
(12 inches) of an opening in a stairway enclosure of the (20,000 square feet) in area shall be equipped with one than 500 the above requirements may be waived:
balcony or vestibule of a smokeproof tower or an outside or more interior wet standpipes extending from the cellar Provided, That portable fire-extinguishers of appropriate
exit stairway. or basement into the topmost story: Provided, That capacity and type are installed within easy access from
Group H buildings having no stage and having a seating the said locations. In Groups B, C, D, E, F, and G
(5) Siamese Connection. Subject to the provisions of capacity of less than 500 need to be equipped with Occupancies the location of all interior wet standpipes
subparagraph (2), all 10-centimeter (4-inch) dry interior standpipes. shall be in accordance with the requirements for dry
standpipes shall be equipped with a two-way Siamese standpipes: Provided, That at least one wet standpipe is
fire department connection. All 12.5-centimeters (5-inch) installed to cover not more than 650 square meters (700
dry standpipes shall be equipped with a three-way (1) Construction. Interior wet standpipes shall be square feet).
Siamese fire department connection and 15-centimeter constructed as required for dry standpipes.
(6-inch) dry standpipes shall be equipped with a fourway (5) Outlets. All interior wet standpipes shall be equipped
Siamese fire department connection. All Siamese inlet (2) Size with a 3.8-centimeter (1-1/2 inch) valve in each story
connections shall be located on a street front of the including the basement or cellar of the building , and
building and not less than 30 centimeters (12 inches) nor (2.1) Interior wet standpipes shall have an internal located not less than e0 centimeters (1 foot) nor more
more than 1.20 meters (4 feet above the grade and shall diameter sufficient to deliver 189 liters (50 gallons) of than 1.50 meters (5 feet) above the floor.
be equipped with clapper-checks and substantial plugs. water per minute under 2.1 kilograms per square
All Siamese inlet connections shall be recessed in the centimeter (30 pounds per square inch) pressure at the (6) Threads. All hose threads in connection with the
wall or otherwise substantially protected. lose connection, based on the available water supply. installation of such standpipes, including valves and
Buildings of Groups H and I Occupancies shall have wet reducing fittings, shall be uniform with that used by the
(6) Outlets. All dry standpipes shall be extend from the standpipe systems capable of delivering the required local Fire Department.
ground floor to and over the roof and shall be equipped quantity and pressure from any two outlets
with a 6.3-centimeter (2-1/2-inch) outlet not more than simultaneously; for all other occupancies only one outlet (7) Water Supplies. All interior wet standpipes shall be
1.20 meters (4 feet) above the floor level at each story. need be figured to be at one time. In no case shall the connected to a street water main not less than 10
All dry standpipes shall be equipped with a two-way 6.3- internal diameter of a vet standpipe be less than 5 centimeters (4 inches) in diameter, or when the water
centimeters (2-1/2 inch) outlet above the roof. All outlets centimeters (2 inches), except when the standpipe is pressure is sufficient, to a water tank of sufficient size as
shall be equipped with gate valves with substantial attached to an automatic fire-extinguishing system as set provided in subparagraph (8). When more than one
chains. by the internationally recognized and accepted interior wet standpipe is required in the building, such
engineering practices. standpipes shall be connected at their bases or at their
(7) Signs. An iron or bronze sign with raised letters at tops by pipes of equal size.
least 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) high shall be rigidly (2.2) Any approved formula which determines pipe sizes
attached to the building adjacent to all Siamese on a pressure drop basis may be used to determine pipe (8) Pressure and Gravity Tanks. Tanks shall have a
connections and such sign shall read: "CONNECTION size for wet standpipe systems. The Building Official capacity sufficient to furnish at least 1346 liters (250
TO DRY STANDPIPE." may require delivery and pressure tests on completed gallons) per minute for a period of not less than 10
wet standpipe systems before approving such systems. minutes. Such tanks shall be located so as to provide
not less than 11.3 kilograms (25 pounds) pressure at the
(c) Wet Standpipes. Every Group H and I Occupancy of (3) Numbered Required. Wet standpipes shall be so topmost hose outlet for its entire supply. Discharge pipes
any height and every Group C Occupancy of two or located that any portion of the can be reached therefrom from pressure tanks shall extend 5 centimeters (2
more stories in height, whose corridors are flanked on with a hose not exceeding 23.00 meters (75 feet) in inches) into and above the bottom of such tanks. All

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tanks shall be tested in place after installation and bronze and shall consist of a sleeve not less than 20 reduce the required ventilating area of interfere with the
proved tightly at a hydrostatic pressure 50 per cent in centimeters (8 inches) in diameter through the floor operating mechanism or obstruct the distribution of water
excess of the working pressure required. Where such extending to and flush with the ceiling below and with a from the automatic fire-extinguishing systems.
tanks are used for domestic purpose the supply pipe for top flange, recessed with an inside shoulder, to receive
such purposes shall be located at or above the center the lid and flush with the finish floor surface. The lid shall (3) Design. Ventilators, penthouses, and supporting
line of such tanks. Incombustible supports shall be be a solid casting and have a ring lift recessed on the framework shall be designed in accordance with this
provided for all such supply tanks and not less than 90- top thereof, so as to be flush. The lid shall have the Code.
centimeters (3-foot) clearance shall be maintained over words "FIRE DEPARTMENT ONLY, DO NOT COVER
the top and under the bottom of all pressure tanks. UP", cast on the top thereof. The lid shall be installed in (4) Automatic Openings. Each ventilator shall be
such a manner as to permit its removal readily from the arranged to open automatically after the outbreak of fire
(9) Fire Pumps. Fire pumps shall have a capacity of not inlet. by the use of an approved automatic closing device as
less than 1346 liters (250 gallons) per minute with a defined in this Code. The fusible link and operating cable
pressure of not less than 11.3 kilograms (25 pounds) at (2) Location. Basement pipe inlets shall be strategically shall hold each door closed against a minimum 13.5-
the topmost hose outlet. The source of supply for such located and kept readily accessible at all times to the kilogram (30-pound) counterforce exerted by springs or
pump shall be a street water main of not less than 10- Fire Department. counterweights. This minimum counterforce shall be
centimeter (4-inch) diameter or a well or cistern exerted on each door through its entire arc of travel and
containing a one-hour supply. Such pumps shall be for a minimum 115 degrees. A manual control shall be
supplied with an adequate source of power of the (e) Approval. All fire-extinguishing systems, including provided.
building and shall be automatic in operation. automatic sprinkles, wet and dry standpipes, automatic
chemical extinguishers, basement pipe inlets, and the (5) Spring Actuations. Springs, when employed to
(10) Hose and Hose Reels. Each hose outlet of all appurtenance thereto shall meet the approval of the Fire actuate ventilator doors, shall be capable of maintaining
interior wet standpipes shall be supplied with a hose not Department of the particular municipality or city as to full required tension indefinitely. Springs shall not be
less than 3.8 centimeters (1-1/2 inches) in diameter. installation and location and shall be subject to such stressed more than 50 per cent of their rated capacity
Such hose shall be equipped with a suitable brass or periodic tests as may require. and shall not be located directly in the air stream, nor
bronze nozzle and shall be not over 23.00 meters (75 exposed to the elements.
feet) in length. An approved standard form of wall hose SECTION 8. 01.13: Stages and Platforms
reel or racks shall be provided for the hose and shall be (6) Location of Fusible Links. A fusible link shall be
located so as to make the hose readily accessible at all (a) Stage Ventilators. There shall be one or more placed in the cable control system on the underside of
times and shall be recessed in the walls or protected ventilators constructed of metal or other incombustible the ventilator at or above the roof line, and shall be so
suitable cabinets. material near the center and above the highest part of located as not to be affected by the operation of fire-
any working stage raised above the stage roof and extinguishing systems.
having a total ventilation area equal to at least five per
(d) Basement Pipe Inlets. Basement pipe inlets shall be cent of the floor area within the stage walls. The entire (7) Control. Remote, manual, or electrical control shall
installed in the first floor of every store, warehouse, or equipment shall conform to the following requirements: provide for both opening and closing of the ventilator
factory where there are cellars or basements under doors for periodic testing and shall be located at a point
same: Except, Where in such cellars or basements there on the stage designated by the Building Official. When
is installed a fire-extinguishing system as specified in (1) Opening Action. Ventilators shall open by spring remote control of ventilator is electrical, power failure
this Code, or where the cellars or basements are used action or force of gravity sufficient to overcome the shall not affect its instant operation in the event of fire.
for banking purposes, safe deposit vaults, or similar effects of neglect, rust, dirt, or expansion by heat or Hand winches may be employed to facilitate operation of
uses. warning of the framework. manually controlled ventilators.

(2) Glass. Glass, if used in ventilators, must be protected (8) Curb Construction. Curbs shall constructed as
(1) Materials. All basement pipe inlets shall be of cast against falling on the stage. A wire screen, if used under required for the roof.
iron, steel brass, or bronze with lids of cast brass or the glass, must be so placed that if clogged it cannot

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 half-hour fire-resistive rating. The proscenium opening, only where ribbon type motion picture film in excess of
(b) Gridirons which shall be the main opening for viewing 22-millimeter (7/8-inch) width and electric are projection
performances, shall be provided with a self-closing fire- equipment are used. Every motion picture machine
resistive curtain according to generally recognized and using ribbon type in excess of 22-millimeter (7/8-inch)
(1) Gridirons, fly galleries, and pin-rails shall be accepted engineering practices. width and electric arc projection equipment, together
constructed of incombustible materials and fire with all electrical devices, rheostats, machines, and all
protection of steel and iron may be omitted. Gridirons (e) Stage Floors. The Type of Construction for stage such films present in any Group C, I, or H Occupancy,
and fly galleries shall be designed to support a live load floors shall depend upon the requirement based on the shall be enclosed in a projection room large enough to
of not less than 112 kilograms per square meter (75 Type of Occupancy and the corresponding fire-resistive permit the operator to walk freely on either side and back
pounds per square foot). Each loft block well shall be requirements. All parts of the stage floor shall be of the machine.
designed to support 37.2 kilograms per linear meter (250 designed to support not less than 185 kilograms per
pounds per linear foot) and the block well shall be square meter (125 pounds per square foot). Openings (b) Construction. Every projection room shall be of not
designed to support the aggregate weight of all the loft through stage floors shall be equipped with tight-fitting less than one-hour fire-resistive construction throughout
block well served. The head block well must be provided trap doors. and the walls and ceiling shall be finished with
with an adequate strongback of lateral brace to offset incombustible material. The ceiling shall be not less than
torque. 2.40 meters (8 feet) from the finished floor. The room
(f) Platforms. The Type of Construction for platforms shall have a floor area of not less than 7.00 square
(2) The main counterweight sheave beam shall be shall depend upon the requirements based on the Type meters (80 square feet) and 3.50 square meters (40
designed to support a horizontal and vertical uniformly of Occupancy and corresponding fire-resistive square feet) for each additional machine.
distributed live load sufficient to accommodate the requirements. Enclosed platforms shall be provided with
weight imposed by the total number of loft blocks in the one or more ventilators conforming to the requirements (c) Exits. Every projection room shall have at least two
gridiron. The sheave blocks shall be designed to of stage ventilators: Except, That the total area shall be doorway separated by not less than one-third the
accommodate the maximum load for the loft blocks or equal to five per cent of the area of the platform. When perimeter of the room, each at least 75 centimeters (2
head blocks served with a safety factor of five. more than one ventilators is provided, they shall be so feet, 6 inches) wide and 2.00 meters (6 feet, 7 inches)
spaced as to provide proper exhaust ventilation. high. All entrances to a projection room shall be
Ventilators shall not be required for enclosed platforms protected by a self-closing fire assembly having a three-
(c) Rooms Accessory to Stage. In buildings having a having a floor area of 45.00 square meters (500 square fourths hour fire-resistive rating. Such doors shall open
stage, the dressing room sections, workshops, and feet) or less. outward and lead to proper exits as required in this Code
storerooms shall be located on the stage side of the and shall not be equipped with any latch. The maximum
proscenium wall and shall be separated from each other (g) Stage Exits. At least one exit not less than 90 width of such door need be no more than 75 centimeters
and from the stage by not less than a One-Hour Fire- centimeters (3 feet) wide shall be provided from a (2 feet, 6 inches).
Resistive Occupancy Separation. passageway not less than 90 centimeters (3 feet) in
width to a street or exit court. An exit stair not less than (d) Ports and Openings. Ports in projection room walls
(d) Prosceniums Walls. A stage shall be completely 75 centimeters (2 feet, 6 inches) wide shall be provided shall be of three kinds: projection ports; observation
separated from the auditorium by a proscenium wall of for egress from each fly gallery. Each tier of dressing ports; and combination ports used for both observation
not less than two-hour incombustible construction. The rooms shall be provided with at least two means of and for stereopticon, spot, or floodlight machines.
proscenium wall shall extend not less than 1.20 meters egress each not less than 75 centimeters (2 feet, 6
(4 feet) above the roof over the auditorium. Proscenium inches) wide and all such stairs shall be constructed as
walls may have, in addition to the main proscenium specified in this Code. The stairs required in this (1) Ports Required. There shall be provided for each
opening at the orchestra pit level and not more than two Subsection need to be enclosed. motion picture projector not more than one projection
openings at the stage floor level, each of which shall be port, which shall be limited in area to 774 square
not more than 2.00 square meters (25 square feet) in SECTION 8.05.14: Motion Picture Projection Rooms centimeters (120 square inches), and not more than one
area. All openings in the proscenium wall of a stage shall observation port, which shall be limited in area to 1290
be protected by a fire assembly having a one and one- (a) General. The provisions of this Section shall apply square centimeters (200 square inches). There shall be

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not more than three combination ports, each of which each arc lamp and from one or more points near the Chapter 9.01 - MECHANICAL REGULATIONS
shall not exceed 75 centimeters by 60 centimeters (30 ceiling. Systems shall exhaust to outdoors either directly
inches by 24 inches). Each port opening shall be or through an incombustible flue used for no other
completely covered with a pane of glass: Except, That purpose. Exhaust capacity shall be not less than 0.42 SECTION 9.01.01: Mechanical Code
when acetate (safety) film is used projection ports may cubic meter (15 cubic feet) nor more than 1.40 cubic
be increased in size to an area not to exceed 4644 meters (50 cubic feet) per minute for each are lamp plus (a) All mechanical systems equipment, and installations
square centimeters (720 square inches). 5.60 cubic meters (200 cubic feet) per minute for the mentioned in this Code shall conform to the provisions of
room itself. Systems shall be controlled from within the the Mechanical Code of the Philippines, latest edition,
(2) Shutters. Each port and every other opening in enclosure and have pilot lights to indicate operation. The adopted and promulgated by the Board of Mechanical
projection room walls, including any fresh-air inlets but exhaust system serving the projection room may be Engineering Examiners pursuant to Commonwealth Act
excluding exit doors and exhaust ducts, shall be extended to cover room associated therewith such as Numbered 294, as amended.
provided with a shutter of not less than No. 10 U.S. rewind rooms. No dampers shall be installed in such
gauge sheet metal or its equivalent large enough to exhaust systems. Ventilation of these rooms shall not be
overlap at least 25 millimeters (1 inch) on all sides of connected in any way ventilating or air conditioning Chapter 9.02 - ELECTRICAL REGULATIONS
such opening. Shutters shall be arranged to slide without system serving other portions of the building. Exhaust
binding in guides constructed of material equal to the ducts shall be of incombustible material, and shall either
shutters in strength and fire resistance. Each shutter be kept 25 millimeters (1 inch) from combustible material SECTION 9.02.01: Electrical Code
shall be equipped with a 74ºC (165ºF) fusible link, which or covered with 10 millimeters (1/2 inch) of incombustible
when fused by heat will cause closure of the shutter by heat-insulating material. (a) All electrical systems and installations mentioned in
gravity. Shutters of a size greater than 1290 square this Code shall conform to the provisions of the
centimeters (200 square inches) shall be equipped with Philippine Electrical Code, latest edition, adopted and
a counter-balance. There shall also be a fusible link (f) Regulation of Equipment. All shelves, fixtures, and promulgated by the Board of Electrical Engineering
located over the upper magazine of each projector, fixed equipment in a projection room shall be Examiners pursuant to Republic Act No. 184, otherwise
which, upon operating, will close all the shutters. In constructed of incombustible materials. All films not in known as the Electrical Engineering Law.
addition, there shall be provided suitable means for actual use shall be stored in metal cabinets having
manually closing all shutters simultaneously from any individuals compartments for reels or shall be in
generally accepted shipping containers. No solder shall TITLE 10 - SPECIAL SUBJECTS
projector head and from a point within the projection
room near each exit door. Shutters on openings not in be used in the construction of such metal cabinets.
Chapter 10.01 - PHOTOGRAPHIC AND X-RAY FILMS
use shall be kept closed: Except, That shutters may be
omitted when acetate (safety) film only is used. (g) Sanitary Requirements. Every projection room shall
be provided with unenclosed water closet and lavatory. SECTION 10.01.01: Storage and Handling
(e) Ventilation SECTION 8.01.15: Lathing, Plastering, and Installation (a) In the storage and handling of photographic and x-
of Wallboards ray nitrocellulose film, automatic sprinklers shall be
provided in the following case:
(1) Inlet. A fresh-air inlet from the exterior of the building (a) General. The installation of lath, plaster, and gypsum
not less than 928. 8 square centimeters (114 square wallboards shall conform to the fire-resistive rating (1) When unexposed and the films exceed the aggregate
inches) and protected with wire netting shall be installed requirements and the Type of Construction of the of 14.00 cubic meters (500 cubic feet), these should be
within 50 millimeters (2 inches) of the floor in every building and shall be designed in accordance with the in generally accepted safety shipping containers for
projection room, the source of which shall be remote legally accepted principles of engineering. films;
from other outside vents or flues.
(2) Where shelving used for storage of individual
(2) Outlets. Ventilation shall be provided by one or more TITLE 9 - MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL packages not in said safety shipping containers and the
mechanical exhaust systems which shall draw air from REGULATIONS films exceeds 1.40 cubic meters (50 cubic feet) in

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capacity; or with such booths, shall be equipped with automatic durability, soundness, and weather and fire resistance.
sprinklers. Materials and their assembly shall comply with the latest
(3) Storage not in generally accepted safety shipping generally accepted engineering and architectural
containers in any fire section equipped with automatic (b) Buildings used for, or housing, a nitrate picture film specifications and standards.
sprinklers may be permitted up to 14.00 cubic meters laboratory or studio shall have automatic sprinklers. A
(500 cubic feet). minimum of one sprinkler for every 6.00 square meters (c) Every device or system designed to connect
(64 square feet) shall be provided. prefabricated assemblies shall be capable of developing
(b) Film negatives in storage or in process of handling the strength of the different members as a homogenous
shall be kept in heavy manila envelopes not exceeding SECTION 10.01.03: Classes of Film Exempted or monolithic structure, except in the case of members
12 films to an envelope. Expanding envelopes shall not forming part of a structural frame as specified in this
be used. (a) The provisions of this Section do not apply to: film for Code. Anchorages and connections between members
amateur photographic use in original packages of "roll" and the supporting elements of the structure or walls
(c) Film negatives shall be kept in properly insulated and "film pack" films in quantities of less than 1.40 cubic shall be capable of withstanding all probable external
vented cabinets, vented storage vaults or outside meters (50 cubic feet); safety film (cellulose acetate and internal forces or other conditions for a structurally
storage houses. Not more than 113 kilograms (250 base); dental x-ray film; establishments manufacturing sound construction. In structural design, proper
pounds shall be stored in any single cabinet. Where the photographic films and their storage incidental thereto; allowances shall be made for any material to be
film stored exceeds 453.5 kilograms (1000 pounds), it and films stored or being used in standard motion picture displaced or removed for the installations of pipes,
shall be in vented storage vaults or in a detached booths. conduits, or others.
structure or roof vault. Door openings in vault shall be of
four hour fire-resistive construction and shall be kept (b) Safety photographic X-ray films (cellulose acetate (d) Placement of prefabricated assemblies shall be
close except when in use. base) may be identified by the marking on the edge of inspected to determined compliance with this Code.
the film.
(d) Only incandescent electric lights shall be permitted,
protected with substantial wire guards or vapor proof SECTION 10.01.04: Sprinklers Chapter 10.03 - PLASTICS
globes, or both. Portable lights on extension cords are
prohibited. Smoking shall be prohibited and conspicuous (a) Unless otherwise provided in this Code, all sprinklers
no smoking sign posted. when so required shall be of a type, specifications, and SECTION 10.03.01: General
method of installations in accordance with generally
(e) No films shall be stored within 60 centimeters (2 feet) accepted practices. (a) Approved Plastics. Approved plastic materials shall
seam pipes, chimneys, or other sources of heat. chan be those which have a flame-spread rating of 225 or less
robles virtual law library and a smoke density not greater than that obtained from
Chapter 10.02 - PREFABRICATED CONSTRUCTION the burning of untreated wood under similar conditions
(f) First aid appliances of types using water or water when tested in accordance with generally recognized
solutions shall be provided. Discarded films shall be and accepted engineering practices for surface burning
stored and handled in the same manner as other films characteristics of building materials in the way intended
until removed from the premises. SECTION 10.02.01: General for use. The products of combustion shall be no more
toxic than the burning of untreated wood under similar
SECTION 10.01.02: Nitrocellulose Motion Picture Film (a) Prefabricated assembly is a structural unit, the conditions.
integral parts of which have been built up or assembled
(a) Nitrate motion picture film shall be stored or handled prior to incorporation in the building. SECTION 10.03.02: Installation
only in buildings of fire-resistive construction. Every
room where nitrate film is stored or handled in quantities (b) Special tests based on internationally recognized and (a) Structural Requirements. All plastic materials and
greater than 22.5 kilograms (50 pounds), except in accepted engineering practices shall be required on their assemblies shall be of adequate strength and
motion picture booths or rewinding rooms connected assemblies to determine heir structural appropriateness, durability to withstand the prescribed design loads.

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Sufficient and substantial technical data shall be approved by the Building Official. (a) General. Where a fire-resistive rating is not required
submitted to establish stresses, maximum unsupported for the roof structure, and in all buildings provided with
spans, and such other information as may be deemed (2) Plastics may be used in approved skylights in Type I an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system,
necessary for the various thickness and forms used. one-hour constructions which are located 30 centimeters approved plastics may be used with or without sash as
(12 inches) or more above the lower plane of the ceiling. the light-transmitting medium in monitors and sawtooth
(b) Fastenings. Fastenings shall be adequate to The walls of the skylight well shall be no less fire- roofs: Except, That plastics used in monitors or sawtooth
withstand design loads and internal and external resistive than the adjacent ceiling. roofs of Type II buildings shall be of materials
stresses required of the assembly, Proper allowances appropriate to use according to flame-spread
shall be made for expansion and contraction of plastic (3) Where a fire-resistive ceiling is not required in one- characteristics.
materials in conjunction with other materials with which it story buildings, approved plastics may be used in
assembled or integrated. skylights. (b) Allowable Areas. The area of individual plastic
glazing used in monitors and sawtooth glazing shall not
SECTION 10.03.03: Glazing of Openings (b) Installation Requirements exceed 15.00 square meters (150 square feet). The total
aggregate area of plastics used in skylights, monitors,
(a) Doors, sash and framed openings in exterior walls of and sawtooth glazing shall not exceed 20 per cent of the
all building except Types IV and V construction may be (1) Except in Group A Occupancies, no skylight shall be floor area of the room or occupancy sheltered.
glazed or equipped with approved plastic: Provided, installed within 3.00 meters (10 feet) of a property line.
That: (c) Area Separations. The areas of such plastic panels
(2) The edges of dome-type skylights shall be properly shall be separated from each other by a section
(1) The wall in which such glazing is installed is so flashed. incombustible materials or by a section of the roofing
located that openings are not required to be fire- material of the structure not less than 1.50 meters (5
protected. (3) Plastic skylights shall be separated from each other feet) in length. The lower edge of the plastic material
by at least 2.50 meters (feet, 4 inches) Laterally and shall be at least 15 centimeters (6 inches) above the
(2) Except for Type I buildings, the location, size, and 3.00 meters (10 feet) along the slope of the roof. surface of the adjoining roof surface.
spacing of such glazed openings do not exceed the
values set by generally recognized and accepted SECTION 10.03.06: Plastic Light Diffusers in Ceilings
principles of engineering. (c) Allowable Areas. The area of individual plastic
skylights shall not exceed 10.00 square meters (107 (a) General. Ceiling light diffusers having an area greater
(3) Plastics used in glazed openings of Type II buildings square feet). The total aggregate area of plastics used in than 10 per cent of any 10.00 square meters (100
shall be of materials appropriate to use according to skylights, monitors, and sawtooth glazing shall not square feet) of room area shall be approved plastics
flame-spread characteristics and the location, size and exceed 20 per cent of the floor area of the room or conforming to the requirements specified in this Code.
spacing of the openings do not exceed the values set occupancy sheltered.
forth by generally accepted principles of engineering. (b) Installation. Plastic light diffusers shall be installed in
(d) Curb Requirements. Plastic skylights in roofs having such a manner that they will not readily become
SECTION 10.03.04: Skylights a slope of less than 1 in 3 shall have a 10 centimeter (4- detached when subjected to room temperature of 149ºC
inch) high curb. The curb may be omitted where a wire (300ºF) for 25 minutes, except, for plastic light diffusers
(a) General. Approved plastics may be used in skylights screen not smaller the No. 12 U.S. gauge with 25- which are installed in the first floor areas of Group C
installed on roofs Types I, II, or III buildings and all millimeter (1-inch) mesh is provided immediately below Occupancies having egress directly to the exterior of the
buildings equipped with an approved automatic fire- the skylight. The screen shall be substantially mounted building; and plastic light diffusers which are located
extinguishing system in Groups A, B, C, E, F, J, H-3, an below the skylight. between an approved automatic fire-extinguishing
H-4 Occupancies: Except, That: system and the areas to be protected other than public
SECTION 10.03.05: Light-Transmitting Panels in corridors or Groups A, B, C, D, E, G, H, and I
(1) Approved plastics may be used in any type of Monitors and Sawtooth Roofs Occupancies if tests in accordance with generally
construction or occupancy as a fire venting system when accepted and recognized principles of engineering have

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established that such installations will not interfere with in greenhouse in less restrictive Fire Zones. direct to the exterior of the building. The mechanical
the efficient operation of such automatic fire- exhaust system shall be designed to move the air
extinguishing systems. through any portion of the paint spray area at the rate of
Chapter 10.04 - SHEET METAL SPRAY BOOTHS not less than 30.00 linear meters (100 linear feet) per
SECTION 10.03.07: Partitions minute. The blades of exhaust fan shall be constructed
of nonferous materials and shall be mounted in such a
(a) Where partitions are not required to be of fire- manner as to prevent contact with the exhaust duct. The
resistive or incombustible construction, approved SECTION 10.04.01: General motor shall not be mounted in the spray booth or the
plastics conforming to the requirements specified in this duct system and belts shall be enclosed where they
Code may be used. (a) General. Paint spray booths shall be constructed of enter the booth or duct system.
steel of not less than No. 18 U.S. gauge in thickness and
SECTION 10.03.08: Exterior Veneer shall be designed in accordance with this Code. (b) Exhaust Ducts. Exhaust ducts shall be constructed of
steel having a thickness not less than the values set by
(a) General. Exterior veneer may be of approved plastic (b) Area. The area of a paint spray booth shall not generally recognized and accepted principles of
materials and shall conform to the provisions of this exceed 150 square meters (1500 square feet) nor 10 per engineering. The discharge paint for ducts in a paint
Section. cent of the basic area permitted for the major use of the spray booth shall be not less than 1.80 meters (6 feet)
building according to the occupancy group. from adjoining combustible construction nor less than
(b) Height. Plastic veneer may be attached to exterior 7.50 meters (25 feet) from adjoining exterior wall
walls above the first story of buildings located outside of (c) Floor Construction. The floor shall be constructed of openings: Except, That the discharge point for exhaust
highly restrictive Fire Zones: Provided, further, That the incombustible material. ducts is not regulated in a water-wash spray booth.
height of veneer is not in excess of 10.50 meters (35
feet) above the adjacent grade elevation. (d) Interior Surface. Paint spray booths shall be
designed to permit the free passage of exhaust air from Chapter 10.05 - GLASS AND GLAZING
(c) Area. Section of plastic veneer shall not exceed all parts of the interior and all interior surfaces shall be
15.00 square meters (150 square feet) in area: Except, smooth and continuous without outstanding edges.
That in less restrictive Fire Zones the area may be
increased by 50 per cent. SECTION 10.04.02: Fire Protection SECTION 10.05.01: General

(d) Separation. Sections of plastic veneer shall be (a) Every spray booth having an open front elevation (a) This Chapter shall apply to exterior glass and glazing
separated by a minimum of 1.20 meters (4 feet) larger than 0.90 meter (9 square feet) and which is not in all occupancies except Groups A, B, and J
vertically and 60 centimeters (2 feet) horizontally. equipped with doors, shall have a fire curtain or metal Occupancies not over three stories in height, and to
deflector not less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) deep interior and exterior glass and glazing in all occupancies
SECTION 10.03.09: Awnings and Canopies installed that upper outer edge of the booth opening. subject to human impact as specified in this Chapter.

(a) Plastics of materials appropriate to use according to SECTION 10.04.03: Light (b) Standards for materials shall conform to this Chapter
flame-spread characteristics may be utilized in awnings and to generally recognized and accepted principles of
and canopies, and all such awnings and canopies shall (a) Paint spray booths shall illuminated through engineering on glass dimensional tolerance, breaking
be constructed in accordance with provisions governing hammered wire or heat-treated glass panels. The glass stress levels, and design (safety) factors.
projections and appendages specified in this Code. panels shall be located in such a manner as to reduce
the hazard of ignition caused by paint spray deposit. (c) Each light shall bear the manufacturer's label
(b) Approved plastics may be used in awnings where designating the type and thickness of glass. Each light
untreated canvas is permitted. SECTION 10.04.04: Ventilation with special performance characteristics such as
laminated, heat-strengthened, fully tempered or
(c) Approved plastics may be used in lieu of plain glass (a) General. Mechanical ventilation shall be provided insulated shall bear the manufacturer's identification

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showing the special characteristic and thickness by engineering on impact loads of glass: Except, in the SECTION 10.06.03: Design and Construction
etching or other permanent identification that shall be following cases:
visible after the glass is glazed. (a) General. Signs and signs structures shall be
(1) Bath tub and shower enclosures shall be constructed designed and constructed to resist all wind and seismic
SECTION 10.05.02: Area Limitation from approved shatter-resistant materials, such as: wire forces. All bracing systems shall be designed and
reinforced glass not less than 5-6-millimeter (7/32-inch) constructed to transfer lateral forces to the foundations.
(a) Exterior glass and glazing shall be capable of safety thickness; fully tempered glass not less than 4.8- For signs on buildings the dead and lateral loads shall
withstanding the loads set forth by generally recognized millimeter (3/16-inch) thickness; or laminated safety be transmitted through the structural frame of the
and accepted principles of engineering on wind glass of not less than 6.4-millimeter (1/4-inch) thickness. building to the ground in such manner as not to
pressures for various height zones above ground acting overstress any of the elements thereof. The overturning
inward or outward. The area of individual lights shall not (2) Glass lights located not less than 45 centimeters (18 moment produced from lateral forces shall, in no case,
be more than those set by generally recognized and inches) above the adjacent finished floor or walking exceed two-thirds of the dead-load resisting moment.
acceptable principles of engineering on the maximum surface. Uplift due to overturning shall be adequately resisted by
allowable area of glass according to the wind load proper anchorage to the ground or to the structural
multiplied by the appropriate adjustment factor. (3) Glass lights when the least dimension is no greater frame of the building. The weight of earth superimposed
than 45 centimeters (18 inches). over footings may be used in determining the dead-load
SECTION 10.05.03: Glazing resisting moment. Such earth shall be carefully placed
(4) Glass lights 0.55 square meter (16 square feet) or and thoroughly compacted.
(a) Glass firmly supported on all four edges shall be less in area.
glazed with a minimum laps and edge clearances in SECTION 10.06.04: Support
accordance with generally accepted and recognized Chapter 10.06 - SIGNS
principles of engineering for minimum glazing (a) General. The supports for all signs or signs
requirements: Provided, That glass edge clearance in structures shall be placed in or upon private property
fixed openings shall be not less than what is required for and shall be securely built, constructed, and erected in
SECTION 10.06.01: General
wind and earthquake drift. For glass not firmly supported conformity with the requirements of this Code.
on all four edges, design shall be submitted for approval.
(a) No signs or signboards shall be erected in such a
Glass supports shall be considered firm when deflection (b) Materials. Materials of construction for signs and sign
manner as to confuse or obstruct the view or
of the support at design load does not exceed 1/175th of structures shall be of the quality and grade as specified
interpretation of any official traffic sign signal or device.
the span. in this Code.
(b) No signboards shall be constructed as to unduly
SECTION 10.05.04: Windows Louvered (c) Restrictions and Combustible Materials. All signs and
obstruct the natural view of the landscape, distract or
sign structures erected in highly restrictive Fire Zones
obstruct the view of the public as to constitute a traffic
(a) Regular plate, sheet, or patterned glass in jalousies shall have structural members of incombustible
hazard, or otherwise defile, debase, or offend the
and louvered windows shall not be thinner than nominal materials. Ground signs may be constructed of any
aesthetic and cultural values and traditions of the Filipino
5.6 millimeters (7/32 inch) and no longer than 1.20 material meeting the requirements of this Code.
people.
meters (4 feet) Exposed glass edged shall be Combination signs, roof signs, walls signs, projecting
smooth. chan robles virtual law library signs, and signs on marquees shall be constructed of
SECTION 10.06.02: Maintenance
incombustible materials. No combustible materials other
SECTION 10.05.05: Impact than approved plastics shall be used in the construction
(a) All signs, together with all of their supports, braces,
of electric signs.
guys and anchors, shall be kept in repair and in proper
(a) Frameless glass, doors, glass in doors, fixed glass
state of preservation. The display surfaces of all signs
panels, and similar glazed openings which may be (d) Nonstructural Trim. Nonstructural trim and portable
shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times.
subject to accidental human impact shall conform with display surface may be of wood, metal, approved
generally recognized and accepted principles of plastics, or any combination thereof.

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 Standpipes. No sign or signs structure shall be erected customarily incidental to those of the main building, such
(e) Anchorage. Member supporting unbraced signs shall in such a manner that any portion of its surface or as servants' quarters, garage, pumphouse, laundry, etc.
be so proportioned that the bearing loads imposed on supports will interfere in any way with the free use of any
the soil in either direction, horizontal or vertical, shall not fire escape, exit, or standpipe. A.03: Alley. Any public space or thoroughfare which has
exceed the safe values. Braced ground signs shall be been dedicated or deeded to the public or of public use
anchored to resist the specified wind or seismic load in (c) Obstruction of Openings. No sign shall obstruct any as a passageway.
any direction. Anchors and supports shall be designed opening to such an extent that light or ventilation is
for safe bearing loads on the soil and for an effective reduced to a point below that required by this Code. A.04: Alter or Alteration. Any change, addition, or
resistance to pull-out amounting to a force twenty five Signs erected within 1.50 meters (5 feet) of an exterior modification in construction or occupancy.
percent (25) greater than the required resistance to wall in which there are openings within the area of the
overturning. Anchors and supports shall penetrate to a sign shall be constructed of incombustible material or A.05: Apartment. A room, or suite of two or more rooms,
sufficient depth below ground. Portable ground signs approved plastics. chan robles virtual law library designed and intended for, or occupied by one family for
supported by frames or posts rigidly attached to the base living, sleeping, and cooking purposes.
shall be so proportioned that the weight and size of the (d) Projection Over Alleys. No sign or sign structures
base will be adequate to resist the wind pressure. Signs shall project into any public alley below a height of 4.25 A.06: Apartment House. Any building or portion thereof,
attached to masonry, concrete, or steel shall be safely meters (14 feet) above grade nor project more than 30 which is designed, built, rented, leased, let, or hired out
and securely fastened thereto by means of metal centimeters (12 inches) where the sign structure is to be occupied, or which is occupied as the home or
anchors, bolts, or approved expansion screws of located 4.25 meters (14 feet) to 4.85 meters (16 feet) residence of three or more families living independently
sufficient size and anchorage to support safely the loads above grade. The sign or sign structure may project not of each other and doing their own cooking in the said
applied. No wooden blocks or plugs or anchors with more than 0.90 meter (3 feet) into the public alley where building, and shall include flats and apartments.
wood used in connection with screws or nails shall be the sign or sign structure is located more than 4.85
considered proper anchorage, except in the case of meters (16 feet) above graded. A.07: Arcade. Any portion of a building above the first
signs attached to wood framing. No anchor or support of floor projecting over the sidewalk beyond the first-story
any sign shall be connected to, or supported by, an wall used as protection for pedestrians against rain and
unbraced parapet wall, unless such wall is designed in Enacted without executive approval: August 26, 1972. sun.
accordance with the requirements for parapet walls.
A.08: Area. An open subsurface adjacent to a building or
(f) Display Surfaces. Display surfaces in all types of lot line.
signs may be made of metal, glass, or approved
plastics. A.09: Assembly Building or Hall. A building or a portion
of a building used for the gathering together of fifty or
SECTION 10.06.05: Projection and Clearance more persons for such purposes as deliberation,
ANNEX A- DEFINITIONS worship, entertainment, amusement, or awaiting
(a) Clearance from High Voltage Power Lines. Signs transportation or of a hundred or more persons in
shall be located not less than 1.80 meters (6 feet) Part A drinking and dining establishments.
horizontally or 3.60 meters (12 feet) vertically from
overhead electrical conductors which are energized in A.01: Accessoria or Row House. A house of not more A.10: Attic Story. Any story situated wholly or part in a
excess of 750 volts. The term "overhead conductor" as than two stories, composed of a row of dwelling units roof, so designed, arranged, or built as to be used for
used in this Section means any electrical conductor, entirely separated from one another by party wall or business, storage, or habitation.
either bare or insulated, installed above the ground walls and with an independent entrance for each
except such conductors as are enclosed in an iron pipes dwelling unit. A.11: Awning. A movable shelter supported entirely from
or other material covering of equal strength. the exterior wall of a building and of a type which be
A.02: Accessory Building. A building subordinate to the retracted, folded, or collapsed against the face of a
(b) Clearance from Fire Escapes, Exits, or main building on the same lot and used for purposes

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supporting building. (a) Residential Appliances Type. A factory-built or
B.10: Building. Any structure built for the support, masonry chimney suitable for removing products of
shelter, or enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or combustion from residential type appliances producing
Part B property of any kind. combustion gases not in excess of 538C (1000F)
measured at the appliance flue outlet.
B.11: Building, Existing. A building erected prior to the
B.01: Backing. The surface or assembly to which veneer adoption of this Code or one for which a legal building (b) Low-Heat Appliance Type. A factory-built, masonry or
is attached. permit has been issued. metal chimney suitable for removing the products of
combustion from fuel-burning low-heat appliances
B. 02: Balcony. A portion of the seating space of an B.12: Building Height. The vertical distance from the producing combustion gases not in excess of 538ºC
assembly room, the lower part of which is raised 1.20 established grade elevation to the highest point of the (1000ºF) under normal operating conditions but capable
meters (4 feet) or more above the level of the main floor. coping of a flat roof, to the average height of the highest of producing combustible gases of 760ºC (1400ºF)
gable of a pitch or hip roof, or to the top of the parapet if during intermittent forced firing of period up to one hour.
B.03: Balcony, Exterior Exit. A landing or porch the roof is provided with a parapet. In case of sloping All temperatures are measured at the appliance flue
projecting from the wall of a building, and which serves ground, the average ground level of the buildable area outlet.
as a required means of egress. shall be considered the established grade elevation.
(c) Medium-Heat Appliance Type. A factory-built
The long size shall be at least 50 per cent open, and the B.13: Building Length. Its general linear dimension, masonry or metal chimney suitable for removing the
open area above the guardrail shall be so distributed as usually measured in the direction of the bearing wall for products of combustion from fuel-burning medium-
to prevent the accumulation of smoke or toxic gases. girders. heated appliances producing combustion gases not in
excess of 1093ºC (2000ºF) measured at the appliance
B.04: Barbecue. A stationary open hearth or brazier, B.14: Building Official. The officer charged with the flue outlet.
either fuel-fired or electric, used for food preparation. administration and enforcement of this Code; the City
Engineer or the City Public Works Supervisor in the case
B. 05: Basement. A portion of a building between floor of chartered cities, and the Municipal Engineer, the Land C.03: Chimney Connector. The pipe which connects a
and ceiling which is partly below and partly above grade and Building Official, or the Public Works Engineer in the flue-burning appliance to a chimney.
but so located that the vertical distance from grade to the case of provinces and municipalities.
floor below is less than the vertical distance from grade C.04: Chimney, Factory-Built. The listed chimney.
to ceiling. B.15: Building Width. Its shortest linear dimension,
usually measured in the direction of the floor, beams or C.05: Chimney Liner. The lining material of fire clay or
B.06: Bay or Panel. One of the intervals or spaces into joists. other approved material.
which the building front is divided by columns,
buttresses, or division walls. Part C C. 06: Chimney, Masonry. The chimney of solid masonry
units, bricks, stones, listed hollow unit masonry units, or
B.07: Boarding House. A house with five or more reinforced concrete.
sleeping rooms where boarders are provided with C.01: Cellar. The portion of a building between floor and
lodging and meals for fixed sum paid by the month, or ceiling which is wholly partly below grade and so located C.07: City. A political subdivision usually governed by a
week, in accordance with the previous arrangement. that the vertical distance from grade to the floor below is mayor and a council having local legislative authority
equal to or greater than the vertical distance from grade with broad powers of self-government granted to it by its
B. 08. Boiler Room. Any room containing a steam or hot to ceiling. charter.
water boiler.
C.02: Chimney Classifications: C.08: Concrete Block. A hollow or solid concrete
B.09: Buildable Are. The remaining space in a lot after masonry unit made from portland cement and suitable
deducting the required minimum open spaces. aggregates such as sand, gravel, crushed stone,

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bituminous or anthracite cinders, burned clay or shale, purposes.
pumice, volcanic scoria, air-cooled or expanded blast F.01: Facing. Any masonry, forming an integral part of a
furnace slags. D.04: Dwelling Multiple. A building used as a home or wall, used as a finished surface. (As contrasted to
residence of three or more families living independently veneer, see definition).
C.09: Coping. The material or units used to form a cap of from one another, each occupying one or more rooms
finish on top of a wall, pier, or pilaster. are as a single housekeeping unit. F.02: Firebrick. A refractory brick.

C.10: Corrosion-Resistant. The non-ferrous metal, or D.05: Dwelling, One-Family. A detached building F.03. Fire Clay. A finely ground clay used as plasticizer
any metal having an unbroken surface of non-ferrous designated for, or occupied exclusively by one family. for masonry mortars; varies widely in physical
metal, or steel with not less than 10 per cent chromium properties.
or with not less than 0.20 per cent copper. D.06: Dwelling Unit. One or more habitable rooms which
are occupied or which are intended or designed to be F.04: Fireplace. A heart and fire chamber or similarly
C.11: Corrosion-Resistant Materials. Materials that are occupied by one family with facilities for living, sleeping, prepared place in which a fire may be made and which is
inherently rust-resistant or materials to which an cooking, and eating. built in conjunction with a chimney.
approved rust-resistive coating has been applied either
before or after forming or fabrication. F.05: Fire Resistance or Fire-Resistive Construction. A
Part E construction to resist the spread of fire, details of which
C.12: Course. A continuous horizontal layer of masonry are specified in this Code.
units.
E.01: Exit. A continuous and unobstructed means of F.06: Fire-Resistiveness. The degree to which a material
C.13: Court. An unoccupied space between building egress to a public way, and shall include intervening can withstand fire as determined by internationally
lines and lot lines other than a yard free, open, and doors, doorways, corridors, exterior exit balconies, recognized and accepted testing methods. The fire-
unobstructed by appendages from the ground upward. ramps, stairways, smokeproof enclosures, horizontal resistive time period rating is the length of time a
exits, exit passageways, exit courts, and yards. An exit material can withstand being burned and is usually
Part D shall be deemed to be that point which opens directly classified as one-hour, two-hour, three-hour, four-hour,
into a safe dispersal area or public way. All etc.
measurements are to be made to that point when
D.01: Dispersal Area (Safe). An area which will determining the permissible distance of travel. F.07: Fire-Retardant Treated Wood. Lumber or plywood
accommodate a number of persons equal to the total impregnated with chemicals and when tested in
capacity of the stand and building it serves, in such a E.02: Exit Court. A yard of court providing egress to a accordance with accepted fire standards for a period of
manner that no person within the area need be closer public way for one or more required exits. 30 minutes shall have a flame-spread of not over 25 and
than 15.00 meters (50 feet) from the stand or building. show no evidence of progressive combustion. The fire
Dispersal areas shall be based upon an area of not less E.03: Exit, Horizontal. A means of passage from one retardant properties shall not be considered permanent
than 0.28 square meter (3 square feet) per person. building into another building occupied by the same where exposed to the weather.
tenant through a separation wall having a minimum fire
D.02: Dormitory. A room occupied by more than two resistance of one-hour. F.08: First Story. The story the floor of which is at or
guests. above the level of the sidewalk or adjoining ground, the
E.04: Exit. Passageway. An enclosed means of egress remaining stories being numbered in regular succession
D.03: Dwelling. Any building or any portion thereof which connecting a required exit or exit court with a public upward.
is not an "apartment house', "lodging house" or a "hotel" way.
as defined in this Code, which contains one or two F.09: Floor Area. The area included within the
"dwelling units" or "guest rooms", used, intended or Part F surrounding exterior walls of a building or portion
designed to be built, used, rented, leased, let or hired thereof, exclusive of vent shafts and courts.
out to be occupied, or which are occupied for living

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The floor area of a building or portion thereof, not landings, and those portions of the common halls
provided with surrounding exterior walls shall be the G.05: Garage, Public. Any garage other than a private through which it is necessary to pass in going between
usable area under the horizontal projection of the roof or garage. the entrance floor and the room.
floor above.
G.06: Girder. A horizontal structural piece which H.04: Heliport. An area of land or water or a structural
F.10: Footing. That portion of the foundation of a supports the end of the floor beams or joists or walls surface which is used, or intended for use, for the
structure which spreads and transmits loads directly to over openings. landing and takeoff of helicopters, and any appurtenant
the soil or the pile. areas which are used, or intended for use, for heliport
G.07: Grade (Adjacent Ground Elevation). The lowest buildings and other heliport facilities.
F.11: Foundation. All the portions of the building or point of elevation of the finished surface of the ground
structure below the footings, the earth upon which the between the exterior wall of a building and a point 1.50 H.05: Helistop. The same as a heliport except that no
structure rests. meters (5 feet) distant from said wall, or the lowest point refueling, maintenance, repairs, or storage of helicopters
of elevation of the finished surface of the ground is permitted.
Part G between the exterior wall of a building and the property
line if it is less than 1.50 meters (5 feet) distant from said H.06: Hotel. A building or part thereof with rooms
wall. In case walls are parallel to and within 1.50 meters occupied or intended to be occupied for hire as
G.01: Garage. A building or portion thereof in which a (5 feet) of a public sidewalk, alley, or other public way, temporary aboding place of individuals with a general
motor vehicle containing gasoline, distillate or other the grade shall be the elevation of the sidewalk, alley, or kitchen and public dining room service, but no provision
volatile, flammable liquid in its tank, is stored, repaired, public way. for cooking in any individual suite or room.
or kept.
G.08: Ground Floor. The story at or near the level of the H.07: Hotel Apartment. An apartment house which may
G. 02: Garage, Commercial. A garage where grade. The other stories, beginning with the second, for furnish dining room service and other services for the
automobiles and other motor vehicles are housed, cared the first next above, shall be designated by successive exclusive use of its tenants.
for, equipped, repaired or kept for renumeration, hire or floor numbers counting upward.
sale. Part I
G.09: Guest Room. Any or rooms used, or intended to
G.03: Garage, Open Parking. A structure of one or more be used by a guest for sleeping purposes. Every 9.30
tiers in height which is at least 50 per cent open on two square meters (100 square feet) of superficial floor area I.01: Incombustible. As applied to building construction
or more sides and is used exclusively for the parking or in a dormitory shall be considered to be a guest room. material, a material which, in the form it is used, is either
storage of passenger motor vehicles having a capacity one of the following:
of not more than nine persons per vehicle. Open parking Part H
garages are further classified as either ramp access or
mechanical-access. Ramp-access open parking garages (a) Materials of which no part will ignite and burn when
are those employing a series of continuously rising floors H.01: Habitable Room. Any room meeting the subjected to fire; or
permitting the movement of vehicles under their own requirements of this Code for sleeping, living, cooking, or
power from and to the street level. Mechanical-access dining purposes, excluding such enclosed spaces as (b) Material having a structural base of incombustible
parking garages are those employing parking machines, closets, pantries, bath or toilet rooms, service rooms, material as defined in item (a), above, with a surfacing
lifts, elevators, or other mechanical devices for vehicles connecting corridors, laundries, unfinished attics, material not over 3.2 millimeters (1/8 inch) thick which
moving from and to street and in which public occupancy storage spaces, cellars, utility rooms, and similar space. has a flame-spread rating of 50 or less.
is prohibited above the street level.
H.02: Hall Common. A corridor or passageway used in
G.04: Garage, Private. A building or portion of a building common by all the occupants within a building. "Incombustible" does not apply to surface finish
in which only motor vehicles used by the tenants of the materials. Material required to be incombustible for
building or buildings on the premises are stored or kept. H.03. Hall, Stair. A hall which includes the stair, stair reduced clearances to flues, heating appliances, or other

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materials shall refer to material conforming to the or structure; it includes all loads except dead and lateral
provisions of this Code. No material shall be classed as loads, and weight of temporary partitions, cases, M.01: Masonry. A form of construction composed of
incombustible which is subject to increase in counters, and similar equipment, and all loads imposed stone, brick, concrete, gypsum, hollow clay tile, concrete
combustibility or flame-spread rating beyond the limits due to the occupancy of the building or structure. block or tile, or other similar building units or materials or
herein established, through the effects of age, moisture, combination of these materials laid up unit by unit and
or other atmospheric condition. L.06: Load Occupant. The total number of persons that set in mortar.
may occupy a building or portion thereof at any one
I.02: Incombustible Material. When referred to as time. M.02: Masonry, Solid. Masonry of solid units built without
structural material, means brick, stone, terracotta, hollow spaces.
concrete, iron steel, sheet metal, or tiles used either L.07: Lodging House. Any building or portion thereof,
singly or in combination. containing not more than five guest rooms which are M.03: Masonry Unit. Brick, block, tile, stone, or other
used by not more than five guests where rent is paid in similar building unit or combination thereof, made to be
I.03: Incombustible Roofing. A covering of not less than money, goods, labor, or otherwise. bonded together by a cementitious agent.
two thickness of roofing felt and a good coat of tar and
gravel of tin, corrugated iron, or other approved fire- L.08: Lot. A parcel of land on which a principal building M.04: Marquee. A permanent roofed structure above a
resisting material with standing seam or lap joint. and its accessories are placed or may be placed door attached to and supported by the building and
together with the required open spaces. A lot may or projecting over a walk or side walk.
I.04: Incombustible Stud Partition. A partition plastered may not be the land designated as lot on recorded plot.
on both sides upon metal lath or wire cloth for the full M.05: Mezzanine or Mezzanine Floor. A partial,
height, and fire-topped between the studs with L.09: Lot, Corner. A lot situated at the junction of two or intermediate floor in any story or room of a building
incombustible material, 20 centimeters (8 inches) above more streets forming an angle of not more than one having an area not more than one-half of the area of the
the floor and at the ceiling. hundred thirty-five degrees (135º) room or space in which it is constructed.

Part L L.10: Lot, Depth of. The average horizontal distance

between the front and the rear lot lines. Part N

L.01: Line, Building. The line formed by the intersection L.11: Lot, Front. The front boundary line of a lot
of the outer surface of the inclosing wall of the building bordering on the street and in the case of a corner lot, it N.01: Non-Conforming Building. A building which does
and the surface of the ground. may be either frontage. not conform with the regulations of the district where it is
situated as to height, yard requirements, lot area and
L.02: Lintel. The beam or girder placed over an opening L.12: Lot, Inside. A lot fronting on but one street or public percentage of occupancy.
in a wall, which supports the wall construction above. alley and the remaining sides bounded by lot lines.
N.02: Non-Conforming Use. The use of a building or
L.03: Load Dead. The weight of the permanent portions L.13: Lot Line. The line of demarcation between either land or any portion of such building or land which does
of a building or structure; it includes the weight of the public and private property. not conform with the use regulation of the zone where it
walls, permanent partitions, framing, floors, roofs, and all is situated.
other permanent and stationary fixtures, mechanisms, L.14. Lot, Open. A lot bounded on all sides by street
and other construction entering into and becoming a part lines.
of a building or structure. Part O
L.15: Lot, Width of the average horizontal distance
L.04: Load, Lateral. That load caused by winds, between the side lot lines.
earthquakes, or other dynamic forces. O.01: Occupancy. The purpose for which a building shall
also include the building or room housing such use.
L.05: Load, Live. The weight of the contents of a building Part M Change of occupancy is not intended to include change

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of tenants or proprietors. P.09: Public Way. A parcel of land unobstructed from the dilapidated, obsolescent, and insanitary condition of the
ground to the sky, more than 3.00 meters (10 feet) in building within the area. An eyesore is a building or area
O.02: Owner. Any person, company, or corporation width, appropriated to the free passage of the general which is markedly unpleasant to look at.
owning the property or properties under consideration or public.
receivers, trustees, or other duly authorized persons. S.05: Socalo, Masonry. The wall between the bottom of
the window sill and the ground.
Part R
Part P S.06: Soffit. The underside of a beam, lintel or reveal.

R.01: Repair. The reconstruction of renewal of any part S.07: Stable. Any structure designed and intended for
P.01: Panic Hardware. A bar which extends across at of an existing building for the purpose of its the enclosure, shelter, or protection of any horse,
least one-half the width of each door leaf, which will maintenance. The word "Repairs" shall not apply to any carabao, or other cattle.
open the door if subjected to pressure. change of construction.
S.08: Stable, Commercial. A stable wherein the animals
P.02: Partitions. An interior subdividing wall. kept are for business, racing, or breeding purposes.
Part S
P.03: Person. A natural person, his heirs, executors, S.09: Stage. A partially enclosed portion of an assembly
administrators or assigns, and also includes a firm, building which is designed or used for the presentation
partnership, or corporation, its or their successors or S.01: Shaft. A vertical opening through a building for
of plays, demonstrations, or other entertainment wherein
assigns or their agents. elevators, dumb-water, mechanical equipment, or similar
scenery, drops or other effects may be installed or used,
purposes.
and where the distance between the top of the
P.04: Pier. An isolated mass of masonry forming support proscenium opening and the ceiling above the stage is
for arches columns, girders, lintels, trustees, and similar S.02: Show Window. A store window in which goods are
more than 1.50 meters (5 feet).
structural parts. displayed.
S.10: Stairway. Two or more risers shall constitute a
P.05: Pilaster. A portion of the wall which projects on S.03: Site, Sanitary, Hygienic or Safe. Shall be
stairway.
one or both sides and acts as a vertical beam, a column, understood to mean, among others:
or both. S.11: Stairway, Private. A stairway serving one tenant
(a) Surface condition of the site, such as being swampy,
improperly drained, or filled with refuse, garbage, or filthy only.
P.06: Plaster, Portland Cement. A mixture of portland
cement, or portland cement and lime, and aggregate and materials;
S.12: Story. That portion of a building included between
other approved materials as specified in this Code. the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of
(b) Subsurface condition of the site, such as when the
soil substrata will not support safely a construction or the floor next above, except that the topmost story shall
P.07: Plastics, Approved. Plastic materials which have a be that portion of a building included between the upper
flame-spread rating of 225 or less. inadequate filing of an excavation or which a
construction will be undertaken; or surface of the topmost floor and the ceiling or roof
above. If the finished floor level directly above a
P.08: Platform, Enclosed. A partially enclosed portion of basement, cellar or unused underfloor space is more
an assembly room the ceiling of which is not more than (c) Nearness to certain hazardous places such as to
constitute a danger to the proposed site, such as than 50 per cent of the total perimeter or is more than
1.50 meters (5 feet) above the proscenium opening and 3.60 meters (12 feet) above grade as defined herein at
which is designed or used for the presentation of plays, airports, heliports, or volcanoes.
any point, such basement, cellar or unused underfloor
demonstrations, or other entertainment wherein scenery, space shall be considered as a story.
drops, decorations, of the effects may be installed or
S.04: Slum: Blighted Area; Eyesore. An area where the
used. S.13: Story, Height of. The perpendicular distance from
values of real estate tend to deteriorate because of the
top to top of two successive tiers of floors, floor beams,

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joists. The clear height of a story or a room is distance
from the floor to the ceiling. The clear height of balconies (b) Walls or portions of walls within an unenclosed roof W.01: Wall, Bearing. A wall which supports any load
is measured from the highest point of the sidewalk grade area, when located a horizontal distance from an exterior other than its own weight.
to the underside of the balcony floor joists. If these joists opening equal to twice the height of the opening; and
are sealed, this clear height is measured to the W.02: Wall, Cross. A term which may be used
underside of the sealing. (c) Ceiling and roof soffits beyond a horizontal distance synonymously with a partition.
of 3.00 meters (10 feet) from the outer edge of the
S.14: Street. Any thoroughfare or public space which ceiling or roof soffits. W.03: Wall, Curtain. The inclosing wall of an iron or steel
has been dedicated or deeded to the public for public framework or the nonbearing portion of an inclosing wall
use. between piers.

S.15: Structure. That which is built or constructed, an Part V W.04: Wall, Dead. A wall without openings.
edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of work
artificially built up or composed of parts joined together W.05: Wall, Exterior. Any wall or element of a wall or any
in some definite manner. V.01: Value or valuation of a Building. The estimated number or group of members, which defines the exterior
cost to replace the building in kind, based on current boundaries or courts of a building.
S.16: Structural Frame. The framing system including replacement costs.
the columns and the girders, beams, trusses, and W.06: Wall, Faced. A wall in which the facing and
spandrels having direct connections to the columns and V.02: Vault. Any surface of underground construction backing are so bonded together that they act as a
all other members which are essential to the stability of covered on top, or any fire-proof construction intended composite element, and exert a common action under
the building as a whole. The members of floor or roof for the storage of valuables. load.
panels which have no connection to the columns shall
be considered secondary members and not a part of the V.03: Veneer. Nonstructural facing of brick, concrete, W.07: Wall, Fire. Any wall which subdivides a building so
structural frame. stone, tile, metal, plastic, or other similar approved as to resist the spread of fire, by starting at the
material attached to a backing for the purpose of foundation and extending continuously through all
S.17: Suportales. The vertical supports, such as posts or ornamentation, protection, or insulation. stories to, or above, the roof. Extension above the roof is
stanchions, as used in indigenous or traditional type of 1.00 meter (3 feet, 3 inches).
construction. These may be free-standing as stilts or V.04: Veneer, Adhered. Veneer secured and supported
integrated into the wall structure. In the case of the through adhesion to an approved bonding material W.08: Wall, Foundation. That Portion of an inclosing wall
former, pie de gallos (knee braces) or crosettas (cross applied over an approved backing. below the first tier of floor joists.
bracings) are sometimes used.
V.05: Veneer, Anchored. Veneer secured to and W.09: Wall, Height of. The perpendicular distance
S.18: Surface, Exterior. Weather-exposed surfaces. supported by approved mechanical fasteners attached to measured from its base line either at the grade or at the
and approved backing. top of the girder to the top of the coping thereon.
S.19: Surfaces. Interior. Surfaces other than weather- Foundation and retaining walls are measured from the
exposed surfaces. V.06: Veneer, Exterior. Veneer applied to weather- grade downward to the base of the footing.
exposed surfaces.
S.20: Surface, Weather-Exposed. All surface of walls, W.10: Wall, Nonbearing. A wall which supports no lead
ceilings, floors, roofs, soffits, and similar surfaces V.07: Veneer, Interior. Veneer applied to surfaces other other than its own weight.
exposed to the weather excepting the following: than weather-exposed surfaces.
W.11: Wall, Parapet. That part of any wall entirely above
(a) Ceiling and roof soffits enclosed by walls or by the roofline.
beams which extend a minimum of 30 centimeters (12 Part W
inches) below such ceiling or roof soffits; W.12: Wall, Party. A wall separating two or more

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buildings, and used or intended to be used in common Table 3.01-A Width of Street 1 Balcony Maximum Projection 2
by the said buildings. 2.00 m. to less 3.00 m. No balcony 0.30 m.
DIMENSIONS OF WOODEN POSTS OR 3.00 m. No balcony 0.45 m.
W.13. Wall, Retaining. Any wall used to resist the lateral SUPORTALES 1
displacement of any material; a subsurface wall built to Over 3.00 m. but less than 8.00 m. With balcony 0.80
resist the lateral pressure of adjoining earth, or enclosing m.
wall to resist the lateral pressure of internal loads. 8.00 m. to less than 10.00 m. With balcony 1.00 m.
Type of Maximum Maximum Maximum Required 10.00 m. to less than 11.00 m. With balcony 1.00 m.
W.14: Wall, Thickness of. The minimum thickness Maximum 11.00 m. to less than 12.00 m. With balcony 1.10 m.
measured on the bed. 12.00 m. to less than 13.00 m. With balcony 1.30 m.
Building Height of Height Spacing of Finished Size of
13.00 m. to less than 14.00 m. With balcony 1.40 m.
W.15: Window. An opening through a wall of a building 1st Floor Total Posts Suportales 14.00 m. or over With balcony 1.50 m.
to the outside air for the purpose of admitting natural
light and air. 1-Storey Shed 4.00 m. 350 m. 10 cms. x 10 cms. (4" x
4") 1 The width of streets is the total width of the right-of-
W.16: Window, Oriel. A projecting window similar to a 1-Storey Shed 3.00 m. 4.00 m. 10 cms. x 10 cms. (4" way measured from the property line to property line.
bay window, but carried on brackets or corbels. The term x 4")
"bay window" may also be applied to an oriel window 1-Storey Shed 5.00 m. 4.00 m. 12.5 cms x 12.5 2 The maximum projection shall be measured from the
projecting over the street line. cms. (5" x 5") property line to the outermost part of the projection. No
1-Storey Shed 1.00 to 5.50 m. 3.50 m. 12.5 cms. x projection shall be allowed on national roads and public
W.17: Wire Backing. Horizontal strands of tautened wire 12.5 cms. or Chalet 1.50 m. (5" x 5") highways.
attached to surfaces vertical wood supports which, when 2- Storey House 3.00 m. 6.00 m. 300 m. 12.5 cms. x
covered with building paper, provide a backing for 12.5 cms. (5" x 5") Table 6.02-A
portland cement plaster. 2-Storey House 3.50 m. 7.00 m. 4.00 m. 12 cms. x 15
TYPE OF PROTECTION REQUIRED FOR
cms. (6" x "6)
2-Storey House 4.50 m. 8.00 m. 4.50 m. 17.5 cms. x PEDESTRIANS 1
Part Y 17.5. cms. ("7 x "7)
2-Storey House 5.00 m. 9.00 m. 4.50 m. 20 cms. x 20
cms. (8" x 8")
Y.01: Yard or Patio. The vacant space left in a lot
between the building and the property line. Height of Protection
Construction Distance from Construction Required
1 Logs or tree trunk suportales may be used as posts in 2.40 Meters Less than 1.80 Meters (6 feet) Railing
Y.02: Yard, Rear. The yard lying between the side lot indigenous traditional type of construction, provided that
lines and the nearest lot line and the nearest building (8 feet) or less
these are of such sizes and spacing as to sustain 1.80 meters (6 feet) or more None
line. vertical loading equivalent at least to the loading Less than 1.80 Meters (6 feet) Fence and
capacities of the posts and spacing in this Table. More than Canopy
Y.03: Yard, Side. The yard lying between the side line
and the nearest building line and between the front and 1.80 Meters (6 feet) or more, but not more
the rear yards. than one-fourth the height of construction Fence and
Table 6.01-A Canopy
2.40 Meters
PROJECTION OF BALCONIES AND APPENDAGES
1.80 Meters (6 feet) or more, but between Fence
ANNEX B-TABLES one-fourth to one-half the height of
construction

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 (8 feet)
180 Meters (6 feet) or more, but exceeding None
one-half the height of construction
1 All protective devices shall include appropriate lights
and warning signs.

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