“SUMMARIZATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE (P.D.) NO.

1096 ADOPTING A NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE

PHILIPPINES (NBCP) THEREBY REVISING REPUBLIC ACT
NUMBERED SIXTY-FIVE HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (R.A. No.
6541)”

SUBMITTED BY:

Rafols, Czarina Faith

Raganas, Markdiv
Recabo, Matt Nathaniel
Romero, Romel Andrew
Roto, Ritz Ann
Sala, Levie Joshua
Secretaria, John Paul
Sumanting, Jerlyn
Taburnal, Marwein

SUBMITTED TO:
Ms. Quimera, Anabel

1
 The National Building Code of the Philippines aims to protect the
environment, health, property, and public welfare by providing a
framework of minimum standards for all buildings and structures. The
code applies to design, location, construction, alteration, repair,
conversion, use, occupancy, maintenance, moving, denomination, and
addition to public and private buildings, except traditional indigenous
family dwellings. All buildings must conform to safe construction
principles, observe adequate environmental safeguards, and be
maintained in good working condition. The land and site must be
sanitary, hygienic, and safe, and for human habitation, they must be at a
safe distance from polluted sources or potential fire or explosion
hazards.

The Secretary of Public Works, Transportation and

Communications is responsible for administering and enforcing this
code, including penalties for administrative violations. They have the
authority to provide a professional staff with diverse experience in
building design and construction. The Secretary's functions include
formulating policies, implementing rules, and evaluating changes to
existing Referral Codes and incorporating new ones. The Building
Official is responsible for enforcing regulations and collecting fees for
regulatory functions. The Secretary, with technical staff, provides

2
necessary services, including testing laboratories and facilities, and may
secure necessary services from the National Government. The Secretary
may also engage consultants, experts, and advisers from government or
private entities. Building officials are responsible for enforcing orders
and decisions made under the code. The Secretary may designate
incumbent Public Works District Engineers, City Engineers, and
Municipal Engineers as Building Officials in their jurisdiction.
Appointments require qualifications such as being a Filipino citizen, a
registered architect or civil engineer, a member of an accredited
organization, and at least five years of professional experience in
building design and construction. Building officials can inspect
buildings and determine compliance with the code and permit terms.
Building officials must maintain a permanent record of all fees and
charges collected and received under this code. They can retain up to
20% of their collection for operational expenses, while the remaining
80% is deposited with the provincial, city, or municipal treasurer. Public
buildings and traditional indigenous family dwellings are exempt from
building permit fees. The secretary can use net income from fees and
charges to cover operating expenses, such as equipment, supplies, and
materials. The Secretary formulates rules and regulations for building
construction, which take effect after publication in a newspaper.
Violations of the code can result in fines of up to ten thousand
pesos. The Philippines' Civil Code of the Philippines outlines the

3
penalties for violating the law, including fines, imprisonment, and
deportation. Dangerous buildings are those that are structurally unsafe,
fire-prone, or contribute to pollution. Building officials can order repairs,
vacations, or demolition based on the danger to life, health, or safety.
These actions are in addition to existing laws and are subject to further
action under Articles 482 and 694 to 707 of the Civil Code of the
Philippines.

Building permits are required for any construction, alteration,

repair, or conversion of a building or structure. Applicants must submit
an application in writing, including a description of the work, a certified
copy of the TCT covering the lot, the intended use or occupancy, and the
estimated cost. Five sets of corresponding plans and specifications must
be submitted, prepared by a mechanical or electrical engineer. The
Building Official and his technical staff supervise the process, ensuring
compliance with zoning, land use, lines, and structural design
requirements. The Building Official issues the permit within fifteen days
of payment, and permits may be issued for only a part or portion of the
building. Changes to approved plans and specifications must be
approved by the Building Official. The issuance of a building permit
does not authorize disregard or violation of the provisions of this Code.
If the permit is based on defective plans and specifications, the Building
Official can correct them or stop building operations in violation. A

4
permit expires if the building or work is not commenced within a year or
if it is suspended or abandoned for 120 days. The Building Official can
order non-issuance, suspension, or revocation of permits for errors in
plans, inaccurate data, or non-compliance with the Code or rules.
Appeals can be filed within 15 days. The owner of a building must
engage a licensed architect or civil engineer for full-time inspection and
supervision of the construction work. A logbook should be kept at the
jobsite, and a Certificate of Completion must be submitted within 30
days. No building or structure can be used or occupied until a Certificate
of Occupancy is issued, which must be posted on the premises and
cannot be removed without the Building Official's order.
Types of Construction
TYPE I Wood Construction
TYPE II Wood Construction with Fire
Resistive Materials; one (1) hour
fire resistive
TYPE III Masonry and Wood construction
with Fire Resistive Materials; one
(1) hour fire resistive; with
Incombustible Exterior Walls
TYPE IV Steel, Iron, Concrete Masonry
construction with Incombustible
Interior Walls

5
 TYPE V Steel, Iron, Concrete Masonry
construction of Structural
Elements; four-hour (4) fire
resistive

No changes to a building's construction type can be made unless

approved by the Building Official. The Secretary prescribes standards
for each type of construction and promulgates rules and regulations.

Fire zones restrict the construction of certain buildings based on

their use, occupancy, construction type, and fire resistance. Buildings in
one fire zone and another must comply with all requirements.
Temporary buildings, such as reviewing stands and sheds, can be erected
in fire zones with a special permit from the Building Official. Adjacent
property lines are measured at right angles to the street or alley. Existing
buildings in fire zones that don't meet new building requirements must
be demolished, moved outside the zone, or modified within a 12-month
period, if the work doesn't exceed 20% of the original building's value
and doesn't increase fire hazards. Additions must be separated by fire
walls. Damage from fire, earthquake, or other events can be repaired
using original materials, but the cost mustn't exceed 20% of the
replacement cost.

6
 Materials who has ability to withstand fire are rated Fire-resistive.
The construction materials are classified based on their fire-retardant or
flame-spread ratings. The Secretary prescribes standards and regulations
for testing, fire damages, door assemblies, fire doors, windows, smoke
detectors, controlled interior finishes, structural members, walls,
partitions, and roof coverings.

The code requires that any changes to the character of occupancy

or use of a building must comply with the requirements of the specific
division or group of occupancy.

Buildings proposed for construction shall be identified according to

their use or the character of its occupancy and shall be classified as
follows:
Group A Residential Dwellings
Group B Residential, Hotels, Apartments
(Multiple Dwellings)
Group C Education and Recreation ( school
or day-care purposes)
Group D Institutional
Division 1- Personal liberties are

7
 restrained.
Ex. Mental Hospitals, Jails, etc.
Division 2 - Nursing Homes for
non-ambulatory patients
Division 3 - Nursing Homes for
ambulatory patients
Group E Business and Mercantile
Division 1 - Gasoline Filling
Station
Division 2 - Wholesale and Retail
Stores
Division 3 - Aircraft Hangars
Group F Industrial - ice plants, power
plants, etc.
Group G Storage and Hazardous - storage,
hazardous and highly flammable
materials
Group H Assembly other than I
Division 1 - Assembly with stage
and occupant load < 1000
Division 2 - Assembly without
stage and occupant load 300 or

8
 more
Division 3 - Assembly Building
without stage and occupant of <
300
Division 4 - Stadia, reviewing
stands Amusement Parks (not
1,2,3)
Group I Assembly Occupant Load 1000 or
more
Group J Accessory
Division 1 - Private garages,
carports, sheds
Division 2 - Fences over 1.80m
high, tanks, towers

Other subgroupings or divisions within these groups may be

determined by the Secretary. Any othet occupancy not mentioned in this
section or about which there is any question shall be included in the
group most closely resembled based on existing or proposed life and fire
hazard. The construction of buildings is classified into various groups
based on their use or occupancy. Group B includes residential buildings,
hotels, and apartments that accommodate more than ten people. Group C
includes schools and daycare facilities, while Group D includes

9
institutions like mental hospitals, hospitals, and nursing homes. Group E
includes business and mercantile establishments, such as gas stations,
retail stores, and printing plants. Group F includes industrial facilities
like ice plants, power plants, and factories. Group G includes storage
and handling of hazardous materials, dry cleaning plants, paint stores,
woodworking establishments, and repair garages. Group H includes
assembly buildings with a stage and occupant load of less than 1000,
assembly buildings without a stage, and stadiums. Group I includes
assembly buildings with an occupant load of 1000 or more. Group J
includes accessories like private garages, carports, sheds, and agriculture
buildings. Other subgroupings or divisions within these groups may be
determined by the Secretary. Any other occupancy not mentioned in this
section or about which there is any question shall be included in the
group most closely resembled based on existing or proposed life and fire
hazards. This requires that any changes to the character of occupancy or
use of a building must comply with the requirements of the specific
division or group of occupancy. Existing buildings may be occupied or
used in other groups if the new or proposed use is less hazardous based
on life and fire risk. When a building is of mixed occupancy or used for
more than one occupancy, the whole building must adhere to the most
restrictive requirements, except in cases where minor accessory uses do
not occupy more than 10% of the floor or building area. Occupancy
separations can be vertical or horizontal, or both, or other forms as

10
needed. Occupancy separations are classified as "One-Hour Fire-
Resistive", "Two-Hour Fire Resistive", "Three-Hour Fire-Resistive", and
"Four-Hour Fire-Resistive". The Secretary is responsible for
promulgating rules and regulations for appropriate occupancy
separations in buildings of mixed occupancy. Buildings must adjoin or
have direct access to a public space yard or street on at least one of its
sides. The center line of an adjoining street or alley is considered an
adjacent property line. Eaves over required windows must be less than
750 millimeters from the side and rear property lines. Exterior walls
must have fire resistance and opening protection according to the
Secretary's requirements. Projections beyond the exterior wall must not
exceed one-third the distance from the assumed vertical plane. Buildings
on the same property and buildings containing courts must have a
property line between them. The allowable floor areas for one-storey
buildings and buildings over one-storey must not exceed the limits
prescribed by the Secretary for each occupancy group and/or types of
construction. Floor areas may be increased in certain instances and under
appropriate conditions, subject to Building Official approval. The
maximum height and number of storeys of every building are dependent
on occupancy and construction type. The Secretary is responsible for
establishing rules and regulations for various Group Occupancies,
including construction, height, location, exit facilities, lighting,

11
ventilation, sanitation, vertical opening enclosures, fire extinguishing
systems, and special hazards.

Every building are required to be designed, constructed, and

equipped to provide adequate light and ventilation. All buildings must
face a street or public alley or private street, and no building shall be
altered or arranged to reduce the size of any room or the relative area of
windows to less than that provided for buildings under this Code. No
building shall be enlarged so that the dimensions of the required court or
yard would be less than that prescribed for such building measures site
occupancy or lot occupancy at the ground level, exclusive of courts,
yards, and light wells. Maximum site occupancy is governed by the use,
type of construction, and height of the building and the use, area, nature,
and location of the site. Courts, yards, and light wells must be measured
clear of all projections from the walls enclosing such wells or
yards. Minimum sizes of rooms and their least horizontal dimensions are
as follows: Rooms for Human Habitations, Kitchens, and Baths and
Toilets. Air space requirements in determining the size of rooms include
school rooms, workshops, factories, and offices, and habitation
rooms. Window openings must have a total free area of openings equal
to at least ten percent of the floor area of the room, and ventilation or
vent shafts must have a horizontal cross-sectional area of not less than
0.10 square meters for every meter of height of shaft but in no case shall

12
the area be less than 1.00 square meter. Artificial ventilation is required
for rooms or spaces housing industrial or heating equipment to prevent
excessive accumulation of hot and/or polluted air. When artificial
ventilation is required, the equipment must meet minimum requirements
in changes.

Requires all buildings for human habitation to have adequate water

supply, plumbing installation, suitable wastewater treatment or disposal
system, storm water drainage, pest and vermin control, noise abatement
devices, and other measures for the protection and promotion of health.
Potable water requirements must be supplied from existing municipal or
city waterworks systems, and the quality of drinking water must
conform to the latest National Standards for Drinking Water. The design,
construction, and operation of deep wells for groundwater abstraction
must follow the Water Code of the Philippines. Water piping
installations must conform to the National Plumbing Code. Storm
drainage systems must not discharge to the sanitary sewer system, and
buildings with hollow or wood construction must be rat proofed.
Industrial establishments must have positive noise abatement devices.
Pipe materials must conform to the Standard Specifications of the
Philippine Standard Council.

13
 This outlines the regulations for building and structure projections,
including those over public property, alleys, streets, national roads, and
highways. Foundations located at least 2.40 meters below grade along
national roads or public highways may project no more than 300
millimeters beyond the property line. Foundations may encroach into
public sidewalk areas to a width not exceeding 500 millimeters,
provided the top is 600 millimeters below the established grade and does
not obstruct existing utilities. Arcades must be constructed on sidewalks
of streets, with a width and height uniform throughout the street.
Canopies or marquees are permanent roofed structures above doors, with
a horizontal clearance of 300 millimeters and a vertical clearance of 3.00
meters. They must be constructed of incombustible materials and
provided with necessary drainage facilities. An awning is a movable
shelter supported from the exterior wall of a building, with a clearance
of 300 millimeters and 2.40 meters. Doors, windows, and other
structures less than 2.40 meters above the pavement or ground line
should not project beyond the property line.

The requirements for building permits, pedestrian protection, and

the proper use of streets, alleys, and sidewalks are stated in this code. It
states that no person can occupy a street, alley, or public sidewalk
without permission, and that any work on buildings adjacent to public
ways must be protected. Temporary structures, such as fences, canopies,

14
and walkways, must be adequately lit between sunset and sunrise.
Materials and equipment must not obstruct fire hydrants, alarm boxes,
utility boxes, catch basins, or manholes, and should not interfere with
street or alley gutter drainage. Mixing mortar, concrete, or similar
materials on public streets is prohibited. Public or private utilities must
be protected from damage during permit work. Temporary walkways
must be provided for sidewalks, and pedestrian traffic must be protected
by railings, railings, fences, and canopy structures. All protective
devices must be properly maintained and removed within 30 days of
their removal. Building demolition work is not recommended until all
necessary pedestrian protective structures are in place.

Buildings must adhere to regulations and specifications governing

material quality, design methods, occupancy, and classification. The
National Structural Code of Buildings, adopted by the Board of Civil
Engineering, governs structural design. Bay and oriel windows must
conform to the building's construction type, and exterior balconies must
be masonry-supported. Railings are required for balconies above grade.
Penthouses and other roof structures should not exceed 8.40 meters in
height, and their area should not exceed one-third of the supporting roof.
Penthouses and bulkheads should only be used for mechanical
equipment or vertical shaft openings. Wall board installation must meet
fire-resistive rating requirements and building construction type.

15
 The National Building Code of the Philippines requires compliance
with the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Code for mechanical
systems, equipment, and installations. This mandate is set forth by the
Board of Mechanical Engineering in accordance with Commonwealth
Act No. 294, amended as the Mechanical Engineering Law. This
mandates adherence to the Philippine Electrical Code for all electrical
systems, equipment, and installations, as stipulated by the Board of
Electrical Engineering in accordance with Republic Act No. 184, also
known as the Electrical Engineering Law.

Outlines regulations for the storage and handling of photographic

and x-ray films. It requires automatic fire extinguishing systems for
unexposed films, heavy Manila envelopes for film negatives, insulated
cabinets, and incandescent electric lights. Films should not be stored
near heat sources and must have first aid provisions. Exemptions apply
to amateur photographic use, safety film, dental X-ray film, and films in
manufacturing establishments. All fire extinguishing systems must
adhere to the type, specifications, and installation methods prescribed by
the Secretary.

Defines prefabricated assembly as a pre-assembled structural unit

for buildings. The Secretary is tasked with establishing tests for

16
structural integrity, durability, soundness, weather, and fire resistance of
such assemblies. Connecting devices must ensure the strength of
members, with allowances for structural frame components. Anchorage
and connections must withstand external and internal forces. Inspections
are required to ensure compliance with the code during the placement of
prefabricated assemblies.

This lays out the requirements for using plastic materials in

building. The requirements for approved plastic materials in buildings,
including flame-spread rating, smoke density, and installation. Glazing
and skylights can be used with approved automatic fire-extinguishing
systems in Types I, II, or III constructions. It also outlines the
regulations for partitions and exterior veneers in building. Proper
flashing edges, separate plastic skylights by at least 2.50 meters and 3.00
meters along the roof slope, and permissible areas of 10.00 square
meters are all installation criteria. Plastic skylights installed on roofs
with a slope of less than one-third shall have a 100-millimeter-high curb
unless a wire screen is installed immediately below the skylight. Panels
in monitors and roofs can be used with or without sash, provided they
meet flame-spread characteristics, area separation is required, and
installation prevents detachment. Partitions are not required to be fire-
resistant or incombustible, but approved plastics can be used. Exterior

17
veneers can be made of approved materials and must conform to the
provisions of the text. They should not be attached to any exterior wall
above the first storey, except in buildings outside highly restrictive Fire
Zones, where the height is not exceeding 10.00 meters above the
adjacent grade of elevation. Sections of plastic veneer should not exceed
15.00 square meters in area, except in less restrictive Fire Zones where
the area can be increased by fifty percent. Sections of plastic veneer
must be separated by a minimum of 1.20 meters vertically and 600
millimeters horizontally.

This regulates for sheet metal paint spray booths, including

construction material, area limitations, floor construction, and interior
surface design. The chapter also outlines ventilation Requirements for
paint spray booths, including mechanical ventilation directed to the
exterior. The following are the things to remember: Booths must be
constructed with steel of No. 18 U.S. gauge thickness, have a floor made
of incombustible material, and facilitate the free passage of exhaust air.
Spray booths larger than 1.00 square meters with open front elevations
and no doors must have a 100-millimeter-deep fire curtain or metal
deflector installed at the upper outer edge. Light Paint spray booths must
be illuminated using hammered wire or heat-treated glass panels,
reducing the risk of ignition due to paint spray deposit. A minimum air
flow rate of 30.00 lineal meters per minute, non-ferrous exhaust fan

18
blades, motor placement, and enclosed belts. Exhaust ducts must be
constructed with steel and discharge points should be at least 2.00
meters from combustible construction and 8.00 meters from exterior
wall openings.

The regulations and requirements for glass and glazing in building

construction aim to ensure safety, structural integrity, and compliance
with standards. These regulations apply to exterior and interior glass
subject to human impact, excluding certain occupancies and height
limitations. The materials used must meet specified standards for
dimensional tolerances, breaking stress levels, and design safety factors.
These include provisions for the area limitation of exterior glass,
ensuring it can withstand wind pressures based on height. Proper glazing
techniques are required for glass panels firmly supported on all four
edges, with specific guidelines for laps, edge clearances, and glass
supports. Louvered windows must use glass that meets minimum
thickness requirements and have smooth exposed edges. Furthermore,
there are specific requirements for impact resistance in certain glass
applications, such as frameless glass doors, glass in doors, and fixed
glass panels. The Secretary's guidelines outline the necessary impact
loads for these elements. However, there are exceptions for bathtub and
shower enclosures, glass lights above a certain height, glass lights with
small dimensions, and glass lights with an area of 1.50 square meters or

19
less. Overall, these regulations and requirements ensure that glass and
glazing in building construction are designed and installed to meet safety
standards, withstand environmental pressures, and protect occupants
from accidental human impact.

The use of computers for building design is permitted, as long as

the programs used are documented. - Program documentation involves
providing references to detailed descriptions of the program or a brief
statement of its theoretical background and algorithms. - Computer-
generated computations should be accompanied by output sheets and a
certification from a designer or consultant.

The regulations allow for the use of computers in the design of

buildings, provided that certain requirements are met. The programs
used must be documented, meaning that there is a detailed description of
the program or a brief statement of its theoretical background and
algorithms. This documentation must be filed with the Building Official,
making it accessible for review. In addition, when submitting design
computations, a copy of the output sheets generated by computer
programs must be included. These output sheets should be accompanied
by a certification from a designer or consultant, stating that the results
were obtained using documented programs. The certification should also
specify the specific program used for each part of the computations

20
being submitted. These regulations aim to ensure transparency and
accountability in the use of computer programs for building design,
allowing for proper review and verification of the design process. By
adhering to these requirements, designers can confidently utilize
computer technology while maintaining the necessary standards of
quality and accuracy in building design.

The regulations governing signs in building construction ensure

safety, aesthetics, and compliance with standards. They include the
following provisions: Signs should not obstruct or confuse official traffic
signs or compromise the natural view of the landscape. They must not
pose a traffic hazard or offend aesthetic and cultural values. All signs,
including their supports, braces, guys, and anchors, must be well-
maintained and in a proper state of preservation. They should be neatly
painted and securely displayed at all times. Sign structures should be
designed and constructed to withstand all forces according to the
National Structural Code for Buildings. Sign supports and anchorages
must be located on private property and built in compliance with the
code requirements. The materials used for signs must meet specific
quality and grade standards. In highly restrictive Fire Zones, signs
should have structural members made of incombustible materials.
Ground signs can be constructed using any material meeting code
requirements, while certain types of signs, such as combinations signs,

21
roof signs, and wall signs, must be made of incombustible materials.
Clearances must be maintained from high voltage power lines, fire
escapes, exits, and standpipes to ensure unobstructed access. Signs
should not obstruct openings to the extent that it reduces light and
ventilation below the required standards. Signs erected near exterior
walls with openings should be made of incombustible materials or
approved plastics. Projection limitations apply to signs over alleys. The
extent of projection depends on the height above the sidewalk grade,
with specific measurements defined by the code. Signs should be
illuminated using electrical means in accordance with the Philippine
Electrical Code.

The Transitory and Final Provisions section addresses various

aspects related to existing buildings, interim rules and regulations,
separability, repealing conflicting laws, and the effective date of the
code. Existing buildings and structures that were constructed under
previous building codes or ordinances, if done legally and in accordance
with those regulations, will be respected. However, any alterations,
additions, conversions, or repairs made to these buildings or structures
must adhere to the provisions of the new building code. Interim rules
and regulations on buildings that were promulgated by the Secretary
before the adoption of the new code will continue to be in effect, as long
as they do not conflict with the provisions of the new code. A

22
separability clause states that if any provision of the building code is
declared unconstitutional or invalid for any reason as it applies to a
person or circumstance, it will not affect the validity of the other
provisions. A repealing clause specifies that all laws, decrees, charters,
executive orders, ordinances, rules and regulations, or parts thereof that
are contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of the new building
code are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly. The
building code is effective upon its promulgation, which occurred on the
19th of February in the year 1977 in the City of Manila. In summary,
these provisions address the treatment of existing buildings, the
continuation of interim rules, the separability of provisions, the repealing
of conflicting laws, and the effective date of the building code.

23