BDES 311.

BUILDING DESIGN SYSTEM

MODULE 1: Introduction
NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
The COVID 19 Pandemic had a great impact in our society and other countries.
The mode of transportation, working conditions, the life styles and the way of
face to face teaching is one of the most affected.
The INTERNET comes in, to ease the problems in providing virtual
communication. Just give the password, ID number or CODES to enter to a certain
portal or Web page.
In Engineering and Architecture, we also used CODES in building constructions
before you can build a sound project or design. Here in our Country we have the
National Building Code.
BDES 311. BUILDING DESIGN SYSTEM
“Arch. Scott says” All architects must have a solid working knowledge of building
codes. Noncompliance means facing strained schedules and budgets at best, and
lawsuits at worst. Yet until now, no resource has been available to professionals
that demystifies architectural building codes in straightforward, easy-to-understand
language, with a unique graphic presentation.
Engineer and Architect from Penn State faculty, staff, and students their
definition in Building codes specify minimum standards for the construction of
buildings. The codes themselves are not legally binding. They serve, rather, as
"models" for legal jurisdictions to utilize when developing statutes and regulations.
The main purpose of building codes are to protect public health, safety and
general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and
structures.
The building code becomes law of a particular jurisdiction when formally
enacted by the appropriate governmental or private authority..
NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1096
ADOPTING A NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES THEREBY REVISING REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED SIXTY-FIVE HUNDRED FORTY ONE

WHEREAS, the country’s accelerating economic and physical development, coupled with
urbanization and population growth, makes imperative the formulation and adoption of a uniform
building code which shall embody up-to-date and modern technical knowledge on building design,
construction, use, occupancy and maintenance;
WHEREAS, while there is Republic Act. No. 6541, entitled “An Act to Ordain and Institute a
National Building Code of the Philippines”, the same does not conform with the developmental goals
and infrastructure program of the Government and does not adequately provide for all the
technological requirements of buildings and structures, in terms of up-to-date design and
construction standards and criteria;
WHEREAS, in the formation of new national building code, it is the desire and policy of the
Government to avail of and harness the technical expertise and professional know-how of men not
only in the public but in the private sectors as well,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of
the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby order and decree the revision of
Republic Act. No. 6541 to read as follows:
Chapter 1
GENERAL PROVISION
SECTION 101. Title
This Decree shall be known as the “National Building Code of the Philippines” and shall
hereinafter be referred to as the “Code”.
SECTION 102. Declaration of Policy
It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State to safeguard life, health, property, and
public welfare, consistent with the principles of sound environmental management and control;
and to this end, make it the purpose of this Code to provide for all buildings and structures, a
framework of minimum standards and requirements to regulate and control their location, site,
design, quality of materials, construction, use, occupancy, and maintenance.
SECTION 103. Scope and Application
(a) The provisions of this Code shall apply to the design, location, siting, construction, alteration,
repair, conversion, use, occupancy, maintenance, moving, demolition of, and addition to public
and private buildings and structures, except traditional indigenous family dwellings as defined
herein. (b) Buildings and/or structures constructed before the approval of this Code shall not be
affected thereby except when alterations, additions, conversions or repairs are to be made therein
in which case, this Code shall apply only to portions to be altered, added, converted or repaired.
Chapter 1
GENERAL PROVISION
SECTION 104. General Building Requirements
(a) All buildings or structures as well as accessory facilities thereto shall conform in all respects to the
principles of safe construction and must be suited to the purpose for which they are designed. (b)
Buildings or structures intended to be used for the manufacture and/or production of any kind of article
or product shall observe adequate environmental safeguards. (c) Buildings or structures and all parts
thereof as well as all facilities found therein shall be maintained in safe, sanitary and good working
condition.
SECTION 105. Site Requirements
The land or site upon which will be constructed any building or structure, or any ancillary or auxillary
facility thereto, shall be sanitary, hygienic or safe. In the case of sites or buildings intended for use as
human habitation or abode, the same shall be at a safe distance, as determined by competent
authorities, from streams or bodies of water and/or sources of air considered to be polluted; from a
volcano or volcanic site and/or any other building considered to be a potential source of fire or explosion.
SECTION 106. Definitions
As used in this Code, the words, terms and phrases enumerated in Annex “A” hereof shall have the
meaning or definition, correspondingly provided therein.
Chapter 2
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 201. Responsibility for Administration and Enforcement The administration and enforcement of
the provisions of this Code including the imposition of penalties for administrative violations thereof is
hereby vested in the Secretary of Public Works, Transportation and Communications, hereinafter referred to
as the “Secretary”.
SECTION 202. Technical Staff
The Secretary is hereby authorized to constitute and provide in his Department a professional staff
composed of highly qualified architects, engineers and technicians who possess diversified and professional
experience in the field of building design and construction.
SECTION 203. General Powers and Functions of the Secretary under this Code
For purposes of carrying out the provisions of this Code, the Secretary shall exercise the following general
powers and functions:
(1) Formulate policies, plans, standards and guidelines on building design, construction, use, occupancy and
maintenance, in accordance with this Code. (2) Issue and promulgate rules and regulations to implement the
provisions of this Code and ensure compliance with policies, plans, standards and guidelines formulated
under paragraph 1 of this Section. (3) Evaluate, review, approve and/or take final action on changes and/or
amendments to existing Referral Codes as well as on the incorporation of other referral codes which are not
yet expressly made part of this Code. (4) Prescribe and fix the amount of fees and other charges that the
Chapter 2
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 204. Professional and Technical Assistance
The Secretary with the assistance of his technical staff shall provide such professional, technical,
scientific and other services including testing laboratories and facilities as may be required to
carry out the provisions of this Code; Provided that the Secretary may secure such services as he
may deem necessary from other agencies of the National Government and may make arrangement
for the compensation of such services. He may also engage and compensate within appropriations
available therefore, the services of such number of consultants, experts and advisers on full or
parttime basis, as may be necessary, coming from the government or private businesses, entities
or associations to carry out the provisions of this Code.
SECTION 205. Building Officials
Except as otherwise provided herein, the Building Official shall be responsible for carrying out the
provisions of this Code in the field as well as the enforcement of orders and decisions made
pursuant thereto. Due to the exigencies of the service, the Secretary may designate incumbent
Public Works District Engineers, City Engineers and Municipal Engineers to act as Building Officials
in their respective areas of jurisdiction. The designation made by the Secretary under this Section
shall continue until regular positions of Building Official are provided or unless sooner terminated
Chapter 2
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 206. Qualifications of Building Officials
No person shall be appointed as a Building Official unless he possesses the following qualifications:
1. A Filipino citizen and of good moral character. 2. A duly registered architect or civil engineer. 3.
A member of good standing of a duly accredited organization of his profession for not less than two
years. 4. Has at least five years of diversified and professional experience in building design and
construction.
SECTION 207. Duties of a Building Official
In his respective territorial jurisdiction, the Building Official shall be primarily responsible for the
enforcement of the provisions of this Code as well as of the implementing rules and regulations
issued therefor. He is the official charged with the duties of issuing building permits. In the
performance of his duties, a Building Official may enter any building or its premises at all
reasonable times to inspect and determine compliance with the requirements of this Code, and the
terms and conditions provided for in the building permit as issued. When any building work is found
to be contrary to the provisions of this Code, the Building Official may order the work stopped and
prescribe the terms and/or conditions when the work will be allowed to resume. Likewise, the
Building Official is authorized to order the discontinuance of the occupancy or use of any building
or structure or portion thereof found to be occupied or used contrary to the provisions of this Code.
Chapter 2
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 208. Fees
Every Building Official shall keep a permanent record and accurate account of all fees and other charges
fixed and authorized by the Secretary to be collected and received under this Code. Subject to existing
budgetary, accounting and auditing rules and regulations, the Building Official is hereby authorized to retain
not more than twenty percent of his collection for the operating expenses of his office. The remaining
eighty percent shall be deposited with the city or municipal treasurer and shall accrue to the General Fund
of the province, city or municipality concerned.
SECTION 209. Exemption
Public buildings and traditional indigenous family dwellings shall be exempt from payment of building permit
fees. As used in this Code, the term “traditional indigenous family dwelling” means a dwelling intended for
the use and occupancy by the family of the owner only and constructed of native materials such as bamboo,
nipa, logs, or lumber, the total cost of which does not exceed fifteen thousand pesos.
SECTION 210. Use of Income from Fees
Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, the Secretary is hereby authorized to prescribe the
procedures for the use of all net income realized by the office of the Building Official from the collection of
fees and charges not exceeding twenty percent thereof in accordance with Section 208. Such income may be
used to cover necessary operating expenses including the purchase of equipment, supplies and materials,
traveling expenses, obligation expenses and sheriff’s fees and payment of other prior years’ obligations not
adequately funded, subject to existing budgetary and auditing rules and regulations.
Chapter 2
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 211. Implementing Rules and Regulations
In the implementation of the provisions of this Code, the Secretary shall formulate necessary rules and
regulations and adopt design and construction standards and criteria for buildings and other structures.
Such standards, rules and regulations shall take effect after their publication once a week for three
consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation.
SECTION 212. Administrative Fines
For the violation of any of the provisions of this Code or any of the rules or regulations issued thereunder,
the Secretary is hereby empowered to prescribe and impose fines not exceeding ten thousand pesos.
SECTION 213. Penal Provisions
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation, to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move,
improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy, or maintain any building or structure or cause
the same to be done contrary to or in violation of any provision of this Code. Any person, firm or
corporation who shall violate any of the provisions of this Code and/or commit any act hereby declared to
be unlawful shall upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than twenty thousand pesos or by
imprisonment of not more than two years or by both such fine and imprisonment: Provided, that in the
case of a corporation firm, partnership or association, the penalty shall be imposed upon its officials
responsible for such violation and in case the guilty party is an alien, he shall immediately be deported
after payment of the fine and/or service of his sentence.
Chapter 2
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 214. Dangerous and Ruinous Buildings or Structures
Dangerous buildings are those which are herein declared as such or are structurally unsafe or
not provided with safe egress, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous
to human life, or which in relation to existing use, constitute a hazard to safety or health or
public welfare because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, or
abandonment; or which otherwise contribute to the pollution of the site or the community to
an intolerable degree.
SECTION 215. Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
When any building or structure is found or declared to be dangerous or ruinous, the Building
Official shall order its repair, vacation or demolition depending upon the degree of danger to
life, health, or safety. This is without prejudice to further action that may be taken under
the provisions of Articles 482 and 694 to 707 of the Civil Code of the Philippines.
SECTION 216. Other Remedies
The rights, actions and remedies provided in this Code shall be in addition to any and all
other rights of action and remedies that may be available under existing laws.
CHAPTER 3
PERMITS AND INSPECTION
SECTION 301. Building Permits
No person, firm or corporation, including any agency or instrumentality of the government shall
erect, construct, alter, repair, move, convert or demolish any building or structure or cause the
same to be done without first obtaining a building permit therefor from the Building Official
assigned in the place where the subject building is located or the building work is to be done.
SECTION 302. Application for Permits
In order to obtain a building permit, the applicant shall file an application therefor in writing
and on the prescribed form from the Office of the Building Official. Every application shall
provide at least the following information: (1) A description of the work to be covered by the
permit applied for; (2) Certified true copy of the TCT covering the lot on which the proposed
work is to be done. If the applicant is not the registered owner, in addition to the TCT, a copy
of the contract of lease shall be submitted; (3) The use or occupancy for which the proposal
work is intended; (4) Estimated cost of the proposed work. To be submitted together with such
application are at least five sets of corresponding plans and specifications prepared, signed and
sealed by a duly registered mechanical engineer in case of mechanical plans, and by a registered
electrical engineer in case of electrical plans, except in those cases exempted or not required
by the Building Official under this Code
CHAPTER 3
PERMITS AND INSPECTION
SECTION 303. Processing of Building Permits
The processing of building permits shall be under the overall administrative control and supervision of the
Building Official and his technical staff of qualified professionals. In processing an application for a building
permit, the Building Official shall see to it that the applicant satisfies and conforms with approved standard
requirements on zoning and land use, lines and grades, structural design, sanitary and sewerage,
environmental health, electrical and mechanical safety as well as with other rules and regulations
promulgated in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
SECTION 304. Issuance of Building Permits
When satisfied that the work described in an application for building permit and the plans and specifications
submitted therewith, conform to the requirements of this Code and other pertinent rules and regulations,
the Building Official shall, within fifteen days from payment of the required fees by the applicant, issue the
building permit applied for. The Building Official may issue a permit for the construction of only a part or
portion of a building or structure whenever the plans and specifications submitted together with the
application do not cover the entire building or structure. Approved plans and specifications shall not be
changed, modified or altered without the approval of the Building Official and the work shall be done strictly
in accordance thereto.
SECTION 305. Validity of Building Permits
The issuance of a building permit shall not be construed as an approval or authorization to the permittee to
disregard or violate any of the provisions of this Code.
CHAPTER 3
PERMITS AND INSPECTION
Whenever the issuance of a permit is based on approved plans and specifications which
are subsequently found defective, the Building Official is not precluded from requiring
permittee to effect the necessary corrections in said plans and specifications or from
preventing or ordering the stoppage of any or all building operations being carried on
thereunder which are in violation of this Code. A building permit issued under the
provisions of this Code shall expire and become null and void if the building or work
authorized therein is not commenced within a period of one year from the date of such
permit, or if the building or work so authorized is suspended or abandoned at any time
after it has been commenced, for a period of 120 days.
SECTION 306. Non-Issuance, Suspension or Revocation of Building Permits
The Building Official may order or cause the non-issuance, suspension or revocation of
building permits on any or all of the following reasons or grounds: (a) Errors found in the
plans and specifications; (b) Incorrect or inaccurate data or information supplied; (c) Non-
compliance with the provisions of this Code or of any rule or regulation.
Notice of non-issuance, suspension or revocation of building permits shall always be made
in writing, stating the reason or grounds therefor.
CHAPTER 3
PERMITS AND INSPECTION
SECTION 307. Appeal
Within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of advice of the non-issuance, suspension or
revocation of permits, the applicant/permittee may file an appeal with the Secretary who shall render
his decision within fifteen days from date of receipt of notice of appeal. The decision of the
Secretary shall be final subject only to review by the Office of the President.
SECTION 308. Inspection and Supervision of Work
The owner of the Building who is issued or granted a building permit under this Code shall engage the
services of a duly licensed architect or civil engineer to undertake the full time inspection and
supervision of the construction work. Such architect or civil engineer may or may not be the same
architect or civil engineer who is responsible for the design of the building. It is understood however
that in either case, the designing architect or civil engineer is not precluded from conducting
inspection of the construction work to check and determine compliance with the plans and
specifications of the building as submitted. There shall be kept at the jobsite at all times a logbook
wherein the actual progress of construction including tests conducted, weather conditions and other
pertinent data are to be recorded. Upon completion of the construction, the said licensed architect
or civil engineer shall submit the logbook, duly signed and sealed, to the Building Official. He shall
also prepare and submit a Certificate of Completion of the project stating that the construction of
building conforms to the provisions of this Code as well as with the approved plans and specifications.
CHAPTER 3
PERMITS AND INSPECTION
SECTION 309. Certificate of Occupancy
No building or structure shall be used or occupied and no change in the existing use
or occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be
made until the Building Official has issued a Certificate of Occupancy therefor as
provided in this Code. A Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued by the Building
Official within thirty (30) days if after final inspection and submittal of a Certificate
of Completion referred to in the preceding Section, it is found that the building or
structure complies with the provisions of this Code. The Certificate of Occupancy
shall be posted or displayed in a conspicuous place on the premises and shall not be
removed except upon order of the Building Official.
The non-issuance, suspension and revocation of Certificates of Occupancy and the
procedure for appeal therefrom shall be governed in so far as applicable, by the
provisions of Section 306 and 307 of this Code.
CHAPTER 4
TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
SECTION 401. Types of Construction
For purposes of this Code, all buildings proposed for construction shall be classified or identified according to the following types:
(1) Type I – Type I buildings shall be of wood construction. The structural elements may be any of the materials permitted by this
Code. (2) Type II – Type II buildings shall be of wood construction with protective fire-resistant materials and one-hour fire-
resistive throughout:
Except, that permanent non-bearing partitions may use fire-retardant treated wood within the framing assembly. (3) Type III – Type
III buildings shall be of masonry and wood construction. Structural elements may be any of the materials permitted by this Code:
Provided, that the building shall be one-hour fire-resistive throughout. Exterior walls shall be of incombustible fire-resistive
construction. (4) Type IV – Type IV buildings shall be of steel, iron, concrete, or masonry construction. Walls, ceilings, and
permanent partitions shall be of incombustible fire-resistive construction: Except, that permanent non-bearing partitions of one-hour
fire-resistive construction may use fire-retardant treated wood within the framing assembly. (5) Type V – Type V buildings shall be
fire-resistive. The structural elements shall be of steel, iron, concrete, or masonry construction. Walls, ceilings, and permanent
partitions shall be of incombustible fire-resistive construction.
SECTION 402. Changes in Types
No change shall be made in the type of construction of any building which would place the building in a different sub-type or type of
construction unless such building is made to comply with the requirements for such sub-type of construction: Except, when the
changes is approved by the Building Official upon showing that the new or proposed construction is less hazardous, based on life and
fire risk, than the existing construction.
SECTION 403. Requirements on Type of Construction
Subject to the provisions of this Chapter, the Secretary shall prescribe standards for each type of construction, and promulgate rules
and regulations therefor, relating to structural framework, exterior walls and openings, interior walls and enclosures, floors, exits
and stairs construction, and roofs.
CHAPTER 5
REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE ZONES
SECTION 501. Fire Zones Defined
Fire zones are areas within which only certain types of buildings are permitted to be constructed based on their
use or occupancy, type of construction, and resistance to fire.
SECTION 502. Buildings located in more than One Fire Zone
A building or structure which is located partly in one fire zone and partly in another shall be considered to be in
the more highly restrictive fire zone, when more than one-third of its total floor area is located in such zone.
SECTION 503. Moved Building
Any building or structure moved within or into any fire zone shall be made to comply with all the requirements for
buildings in that fire zone.
SECTION 504. Temporary Buildings
Temporary buildings such as reviewing stands and other miscellaneous structures conforming to the requirements
of this Code, and sheds, canopies and fences used for the protection of the public around and in conjunction with
construction work, may be erected in the fire zones by special permit from the Building Official for a limited
period of time, and such buildings or structures shall be completely removed upon the expiration of the time limit
stated in such permits. SECTION 505. Center Lines of Streets
SECTION 505. Center Lines of Streets
For the purpose of this Chapter, the center line of an adjoining street or alley may be considered an adjacent
property line. Distances shall be measured at right angles to the street or alley.
CHAPTER 5
REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE ZONES
SECTION 506. Restrictions on Existing Buildings
Existing buildings or structures in fire zones that do not comply with the requirements for a new
building erected therein shall not hereafter be enlarged, altered, remodeled, repaired or moved
except as follows: (a) Such building is entirely demolished; (b) Such building is to be moved
outside the limits of the more highly restrictive Fire Zone to a zone where the building meets the
minimum standards; (c) Changes, alterations and repairs may be made provided that in any 12-
month period, the value of the work does not exceed twenty percent of the value of the existing
building, and provided that, such changes do not add additional combustible material, and do not, in
the opinion of the Building Official, increase the fire hazard; (d) Additions thereto are separated
from the existing building by fire walls, as set forth in Sub-section 604 (b); (e) Damage from fire or
earthquake, typhoons or any fortuitous event may be repaired, using the same kind of materials of
which the building or structure was originally constructed, provided that, the cost of such repair
shall not exceed twenty percent of the replacement cost of the building or structure.
SECTION 507. Designation of Fire Zones
The Secretary shall promulgate specific restrictions for each type of Fire Zone. Cities and
municipalities shall be divided into such Fire Zones in accordance with local, physical, and spatial
framework plans submitted by city or municipal planning and/or development bodies.
CHAPTER 6
FIRE-RESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS IN CONSTRUCTION
SECTION 601. Fire-Resistive Rating defined
Fire-resistive rating means the degree to which a material can withstand fire as determined by generally
recognized and accepted testing methods.
SECTION 602. Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating
Fire-resistive time period rating is the length of time a material can withstand being burned which may be one-
hour, two-hours, three-hours, four-hours, etc.
SECTION 603. Fire-Resistive Standards
All materials of construction, and assemblies or combinations thereof shall be classified according to their fire-
retardant or flame-spread ratings as determined by general accepted testing methods and/or by the Secretary.
SECTION 604. Fire-Resistive Regulations
The Secretary shall prescribe standards and promulgate rules and regulations on the testing of construction
materials for flame-spread characteristics, tests on fire damages, fire tests of building construction and
materials, door assemblies and tinclad fire doors and window assemblies, the installation of fire doors and
windows and smoke and fire detectors for fire protective signaling system, application and use of controlled
interior finish, fire-resistive protection for structural members, fire-resistive walls and partitions, fire-resistive
floor or roof ceiling, fire-resistive assemblies for protection of openings and fire-retardant roof coverings.
CHAPTER 7
CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENT OF ALL BUILDINGS BY
USE OR OCCUPANCY
SECTION 701. Occupancy Classified
(a) Buildings proposed for construction shall be identified according to their use or the character of its occupancy
and shall be classified as follows:
(b) (1) Group A – Residential Dwellings Group A Occupancies shall be dwellings.
(c) (2) Group B – Residentials, Hotels and Apartments Group B Occupancies shall be multiple dwelling units
including boarding or lodging houses, hotels, apartment buildings, row houses, convents, monasteries and other
similar building each of which accommodates more than 10 persons.
(d) (3) Group C – Education and Recreation Group C Occupancies shall be buildings used for school or day-care
purposes, involving assemblage for instruction, education, or recreation, and not classified in Group I or in
Division 1 and 2 or Group H Occupancies.
(e) (4) Group D – Institutional Group D Occupancies shall include: Division 1 – Mental hospitals, mental sanitaria,
jails, prisons, reformatories, and buildings were personal liberties of inmates are similarly restrained. Division 2
– Nurseries for full-time care of children under kindergarten age, hospitals, sanitaria, nursing homes with non-
ambulatory patients, and similar buildings each accommodating more than five persons. Division 3 – Nursing
homes for ambulatory patients, homes for children of kindergarten age or over, each accommodating more than
five persons: Provided, that Group D Occupancies shall not include buildings used only for private or family
group dwelling purposes.
CHAPTER 7
CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENT OF ALL BUILDINGS BY
USE OR OCCUPANCY
Division 1 – Gasoline filling and service stations, storage garages and boat storage structures where no work is
done except exchange of parts and maintenance requiring no open flame, welding, or the use of highly
flammable liquids.
Division 2 – Wholesale and retail stores, office buildings, drinking and dining establishments having an occupant
load of less than one hundred persons, printing plants, police and fire stations, factories and workshops using
not highly flammable or combustible materials and paint stores without bulk handlings.
Division 3 – Aircraft hangars and open parking garages where no repair work is done except exchange of parts
and maintenance requiring no open flame, welding or the use of highly flammable liquids. (6) Group F –
Industrial Group F Occupancies shall include: ice plants, power plants, pumping plants, cold storage, and
creameries, factories and workshops using incombustible and non-explosive materials, and storage and sales
rooms for incombustible and non-explosive materials. (7) Group G – Storage and Hazardous Groups G
Occupancies shall include:
Division 1 – Storage and handling of hazardous and highly flammable material. Division 2 – Storage and handling
of flammable materials, dry cleaning plants using flammable liquids; paint stores with bulk handling, paint
shops and spray painting rooms. Division 3 – Wood working establishments, planning mills and box factories,
shops,
CHAPTER 7
CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENT OF ALL BUILDINGS BY
USE OR OCCUPANCY
factories where loose combustible fibers or dust are manufactured, processed or generated;
warehouses where highly combustible materials is stored. Division 4 – Repair garages. Division 5 –
Aircrafts repair hangars. (8) Group H – Assembly Other Than Group I Group H Occupancies shall
include:
Division 1 – Any assembly building with a stage and an occupant load of less than 1000 in the
building. Division 2 – Any assembly building without stage and having an occupant load of 300 or
more in the building. Division 3 – Any assembly building without a stage and having an occupant
load of less than 300 in the building. Division 4 – Stadia, reviewing stands, amusement park
structures not included within Group I or in Division 1, 2, and 3 of this Group. (9) Group I – Assembly
Occupant Load 1000 or More Group I Occupancies shall be any assembly building with a stage and an
occupant load of 1000 or more in the building. (10) Group J – Accessory Group J Occupancies shall
include: Division 1 – Private garage, carports, sheds and agricultural buildings. Division 2 – Fences
over 1.80 meters high, tanks and towers. (b) Other subgroupings or divisions within Groups A to J
may be determined by the Secretary. Any other occupancy not mentioned specifically in this
Section, or about which there is any question, shall be included in the Group which it most nearly
resembles based on the existing or proposed life and fire hazard.
CHAPTER 7
CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENT OF ALL BUILDINGS BY
USE OR OCCUPANCY
SECTION 702. Change in Use
No change shall be made in the character of occupancy or use of any building which would place the
building in a different division of the same group of occupancy or in a different group of occupancies,
unless such building is made to comply with the requirements of this Code for such division or group of
occupancy. The character of occupancy of existing buildings may be changed subject to the approval of
the Building Official and the building may be occupied for purposes set forth in other Groups: Provided
the new or proposed use is less hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than the existing use.
SECTION 703. Mixed Occupancy
(a) General Requirements
When a building is of mixed occupancy or used for more than one occupancy, the whole building shall be
subject to the most restrictive requirement pertaining to any of the type of occupancy found therein
except in the following: (1) When a one-storey building houses more than one occupancy, each portion of
the building shall conform to the requirement of the particular occupancy housed therein and; (2) Where
minor accessory uses do not occupy more than ten percent of the area of any floor or a building, nor
more than ten percent of the basic area permitted in the occupancy requirements, in which case, the
major use of the building shall determine the occupancy classification.
CHAPTER 7
CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENT OF ALL BUILDINGS BY
USE OR OCCUPANCY
(b) Forms of Occupancy Separation
Occupancy separations shall be vertical or horizontal or both, or when necessary, of such other forms as
may be required to afford a complete separation between the various occupancy divisions in the building.
(c) Types of Occupancy Separation
Occupancy separation shall be classified as “One-Hour Fire-Resistive”, “Two-Hour Fire Resistive”, “Three-
Hour Fire-Resistive” and “Four-Hour Fire-Resistive.” (1) A “One-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy
Separation” shall be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction. All openings in such separation
shall be protected by a fire assembly having a one-hour fire-resistive rating. (2) A “Two-Hour Fire-
Resistive Occupancy Separation” shall be of not less than two-hour fire-resistive construction. All
openings in such separation shall be protected by a fire assembly having a two-hour fire-resistive rating.
(3) A “Three-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation” shall be of not less than three hour fire-resistive
construction. All openings in walls forming such separation shall be protected by a fire assembly having a
three-hour fire-resistive rating. The total width of all openings in any three-hour fire-resistive occupancy
separation wall in any one-storey shall not exceed 25 percent of the length of the wall in that storey and
no single opening shall have an area greater than 10.00 square meters. All openings in floors forming a
“Three-Hour Fire Resistive Occupancy Separation” shall be protected by vertical enclosures extending
above and below such openings.
CHAPTER 7
CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENT OF ALL BUILDINGS BY
USE OR OCCUPANCY
The walls of such vertical enclosures shall be of not less than twohour fire-resistive construction, and
all openings therein shall be protected by a fire assembly having a three-hour fire-resistive rating. (4) A
“Four-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation” shall have no openings therein and shall be of not less
than four-hour fire-resistive construction. (d) Fire Rating for Occupancy Separation
Occupancy Separations shall be provided between groups, subgroupings, or divisions of occupancies.
The Secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations for appropriate occupancy separations in buildings of
mixed occupancy; Provided, that, where any occupancy separation is required, the minimum shall be a
“One-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation”; and where the occupancy separation is horizontal,
structural members supporting the separation shall be protected by an equivalent fire-resistive
construction.
SECTION 704. Location on Property
(a) General
No building shall be constructed unless it adjoins or has direct access to a public space, yard or street on
at least one of its sides. For the purpose of this Section, the center line of an adjoining street or alley
shall be considered an adjacent property line. Eaves over required windows shall not be less than 750
millimeters from the side and rear property lines.
CHAPTER 7
CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENT OF ALL BUILDINGS BY
USE OR OCCUPANCY
(b) Fire Resistance of Walls
Exterior walls shall have fire resistance and opening protection in accordance with the requirements set
forth by the Secretary. Projections beyond the exterior wall shall not exceed beyond a point one-third
the distance from an assumed vertical plane located where the fire-resistive protection of openings is first
required to the location on property whichever is the least restrictive. Distance shall be measured at
right angles from the property line. When openings in exterior walls are required to be protected due to
distance from property line, the sum of the areas of such openings in any storey shall not exceed 50
percent of the total area of the wall in that storey.
(c) Buildings on Same Property and Buildings Containing Courts
For the purpose of determining the required wall and opening protection, buildings on the same property
and court walls shall be assumed to have a property line between them. When a new building is to be
erected on the same property with an existing building, the assumed property line from the existing
building shall be the distance to the property line for each occupancy as set forth by the Secretary:
Provided, that two or more buildings on the same property may be considered as one building if the
aggregate area of such building is within the limits of allowable floor areas for a single building, and when
the buildings so considered, house different occupancies or are of different types of construction, the
area shall be that allowed for the most restrictive occupancy or construction.
CHAPTER 7
CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENT OF ALL BUILDINGS BY
USE OR OCCUPANCY
SECTION 705. Allowable Floor Areas
The allowable floor areas for one-storey building and buildings over one-storey shall not exceed the limits
prescribed by the Secretary for each occupancy groups and/or types of construction. For purposes of this
Section, each portion of a building separated by one or more area separation walls may be considered a
separate building provided the area separation walls meet the requirements prescribed therefor by the
Secretary.
SECTION 706. Allowable Floor Area Increases
The floor areas hereinabove provided may be increased in certain specific instances and under
appropriate conditions, based on the existence of public space, streets or yards extending along and
adjoining two or more sides of the building or structure subject to the approval of the Building Official.
CHAPTER 7
CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENT OF ALL BUILDINGS BY
USE OR OCCUPANCY
SECTION 707. Maximum Height of Buildings
The maximum height and number of storeys of every building shall be dependent upon the character of
occupancy and the type of construction as determined by the Secretary considering population density,
building bulk, widths of streets and car parking requirements. The height shall be measured from the
highest adjoining sidewalk or ground surface: Provided, that the height measured from the lowest
adjoining surface shall not exceed such maximum height by more than 3.00 meters: Except, that towers,
spires, and steeples, erected as part of a building and not used for habitation or storage are limited as to
height only by structural design if completely of incombustible materials, or may extend not to exceed
6.00 meters above the height limits for each occupancy group if of combustible materials.
SECTION 708. Minimum Requirements for Group A Dwellings
(a) Dwelling Location and Lot Occupancy
The dwelling shall occupy not more than ninety percent of a corner lot and eighty percent of an inside lot,
and subject to the provisions on Easements of Light and View of the Civil Code of Philippines, shall be at
least 2 meters from the property line.
CHAPTER 7
CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENT OF ALL BUILDINGS BY
USE OR OCCUPANCY
(b) Light and Ventilation
Every dwelling shall be so constructed and arranged as to provide adequate light and ventilation as
provided under Section 805 to Section 811, of this Code.
(c) Sanitation
Every dwelling shall be provided with at least one sanitary toilet and adequate washing and drainage
facilities.
(d) Foundation
Footings shall be of sufficient size and strength to support the load of the dwelling and shall be at least
250 millimeters thick and 600 millimeters below the surface of the ground.
(e) Post
The dimensions of wooden posts shall be those found in Table 708-A: Dimensions of Wooden Posts (Annex
B-1). Each post shall be anchored to such footing by straps and bolts of adequate size.
CHAPTER 7
CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENT OF ALL BUILDINGS BY
USE OR OCCUPANCY
(f) Floor
The live load of the first floor shall be at least 200 kilograms per square meter and for the second floor,
at least 150 kilograms per square meter.
(g) Roof
The wind load for roofs shall be at least 120 kilograms per square meter for vertical projection.
(h) Stairs
Stairs shall be at least 750 millimeters in clear width, with a rise of 200 millimeters and a minimum run of
200 millimeters.
(i) Entrance and Exit
There shall be at least one entrance and another one for exit.
(j) Electrical Requirements
All electrical installation shall conform to the requirements of the Philippine Electrical Code.
CHAPTER 7
CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENT OF ALL BUILDINGS BY
USE OR OCCUPANCY
(k) Mechanical Requirements
Mechanical systems and/or equipment installation shall be subject to the requirement of the Philippine
Mechanical Engineering Code.
SECTION 709. Requirements for Other Group Occupancies
Subject to the provisions of this Code, the Secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations for each of the
other Group Occupancies covering: allowable construction, height, and area; location on property, exit
facilities, light, ventilation, and sanitation; enclosures of vertical openings; fire extinguishing systems;
and special hazards.
CHAPTER 8
LIGHT AND VENTILATION
SECTION 801. General Requirements of Light and Ventilation
(a) Subject to the provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines on Easements of Light and View, and to
the provisions of this part of the Code, every building shall be designed, constructed, and equipped to
provide adequate light and ventilation. (b) All buildings shall face a street or public alley or a private
street which has been duly approved. (c) No building shall be altered nor arranged so as to reduce the
size of any room or the relative area of windows to less than that provided for buildings under this Code,
or to create an additional room, unless such additional room conforms to the requirements of this Code.
(d) No building shall be enlarged so that the dimensions of the required court or yard would be less than
that prescribed for such building.
SECTION 802. Measurement of Site Occupancy
(a) The measurement of site occupancy or lot occupancy shall be taken at the ground level and shall be
exclusive of courts, yards, and light wells. (b) Courts, yards, and light wells shall be measured clear of
all projections from the walls enclosing such wells or yards with the exception of roof leaders, wall
copings, sills, or steel fire escapes not exceeding 1.20 meters in width.
CHAPTER 8
LIGHT AND VENTILATION
SECTION 803. Percentage of Site Occupancy
(a) Minimum site occupancy shall be governed by the use, type of construction, and height of the building
and the use, area, nature, and location of the site; and subject to the provisions of the local zoning
requirements and in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary.
SECTION 804. Size and Dimensions of Courts
(a) Minimum size of courts and their least dimensions shall be governed by the use, type of construction,
and height of the building as provided in the rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary, provided
that the minimum horizontal dimension of court shall be not less than 2.00 meters. (b) All inner courts
shall be connected to a street or yard, either by a passageway with a minimum width of 1.20 meters or by
a door through a room or rooms.
SECTION 805. Ceiling Heights
(a) Habitable rooms provided with artificial ventilation shall have ceiling heights not less than 2.40
meters measured from the floor to the ceiling; Provided that for buildings of more than onestorey, the
minimum ceiling height of the first storey shall be 2.70 meters and that for the second storey 2.40 meters
and succeeding storeys shall have an unobstructed typical head-room clearance of not less than 2.10
meters above the finished floor. Above stated rooms with a natural ventilation shall have ceiling heights
not less than 2.70 meters. (b) Mezzanine floors shall have a clear ceiling height not less than 1.80 meters
above and below it.
CHAPTER 8
LIGHT AND VENTILATION
SECTION 806. Size and Dimension of Rooms
Minimum sizes of rooms and their least horizontal dimensions shall be as follows: 1. Rooms for Human
Habitations – 6.00 square meters with a least dimension of 2.00 meters; 2. Kitchens – 3.0 square meters
with a least dimension of 1.50 meters; 3. Bath and toilet – 1.20 square meters with a least dimension of
0.90 meter.
SECTION 807. Air Space Requirements in Determining the Size of Rooms
Minimum air space shall be provided as follows:
1. School Rooms – 3.00 cubic meters with 1.00 square meter of floor area per person; 2. Workshops,
Factories, and Offices – 12.00 cubic meters of air space per person; 3. Habitable rooms – 14.00 cubic
meters of air space per person.
SECTION 808. Window Openings
Every room intended for any use, not provided with artificial ventilation system as herein specified in this
Code, shall be provided with a window or windows with a total free area of openings and equal to at least
ten percent of the floor area of room, and such window shall open directly to a court, yard, public street
or alley, or open water courses.
CHAPTER 8
LIGHT AND VENTILATION
SECTION 809. Vent Shafts
(a) Ventilation or vent shafts shall have a horizontal cross-sectional area of not less than 0.10 square
meter for every meter of height of shaft but in no case shall the area be less than 1.00 square meter. No
vent shaft shall have its least dimension less than 600 millimeters. (b) Skylights – Unless open to the outer
air at the top for its full area, vent shaft shall be covered by a skylight having a net free area or fixed
louver openings equal to the maximum required shaft area. (c) Air ducts shall open to a street or court by
a horizontal duct or intake at a point below the lowest window opening. Such duct or intake shall have a
minimum unobstructed cross-sectional area of not less than 0.30 square meter with a minimum dimension
of 300 millimeters. The openings to the duct or intake shall be not less than 300 millimeters above the
bottom of the shaft and the street surface or level of court, at the respective ends of the duct or intake.
SECTION 810. Ventilation Skylights
Skylights shall have a glass area not less than that required for the windows that are replaced. They shall
be equipped with movable sashes or louvers with an aggregate net free area not less than that required
for openable parts in the window that are replaced or provided with approved artificial ventilation of
equivalent effectiveness.
CHAPTER 8
LIGHT AND VENTILATION
SECTION 811. Artificial Ventilation
(a) Rooms or spaces housing industrial or heating equipment shall be provided with artificial means of
ventilation to prevent excessive accumulation of hot and/or polluted air. (b) Whenever artificial
ventilation is required, the equipment shall be designed and constructed to meet the following minimum
requirements in air changes:
1. For rooms entirely above grade and used for office, clerical, or administrative purposes, or as stores,
sales rooms, restaurants, markets, factories, workshops, or machinery rooms, not less than three
changes of air per hour shall be provided.
2. 2. For rooms entirely above grade and used as bakeries, hotel or restaurant kitchens, laundries other
than accessory to dwellings, and boiler rooms – not less than ten changes of air per hour shall be
provided. 3. For auditorium and other rooms used for assembly purposes, with seats or other
accommodations – not less than 0.30 cubic meter of air per minute shall be supplied for each person.
4. For wards and dormitories of institutional buildings – not less than 0.45 cubic meter of air per
minute shall be supplied for each person accommodated. 5. For other rooms or spaces not specifically
covered under this Section of the Code, applicable provisions of the Philippine Mechanical Engineering
Code, shall be followed.
CHAPTER 9
SANITATION
SECTION 901. General Requirements
Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Civil Code of the Philippines on Property, Ownership, and its
Modification, all buildings hereafter erected, altered, remodeled, relocated or repaired for human
habitation shall be provided with adequate and potable water supply, plumbing installation, and suitable
wastewater treatment or disposal system, storm water drainage, pest and vermin control, noise
abatement device, and such other measures required for the protection and promotion of health of
persons occupying the premises and others living nearby.
SECTION 902. Water Supply System
(a) Whenever available, the potable water requirements for a building used for human habitation shall be
supplied from existing municipal or city waterworks system. (b) The quality of drinking water from
meteoric, surface or underground sources shall conform to the criteria set in the latest approved National
Standards for Drinking Water. (c) The design, construction and operation of deepwells for the abstraction
of groundwater shall be subject to the provisions of the Water Code of the Philippines. (d) The design,
construction and operation of independent waterworks systems private housing subdivisions or industrial
estates shall be governed by existing laws relating to local waterworks system. (e) The water piping
installations inside buildings and premises shall conform to the provisions of the National Plumbing Code
of the Philippines.
CHAPTER 9
SANITATION
SECTION 903. Wastewater Disposal System
(a) Sanitary sewage from buildings and neutralized or pre-treated industrial wastewater shall be
discharged directly into the nearest street sanitary sewer main of existing municipal or city sanitary
sewerage system in accordance with the criteria set by the Code on Sanitation and the National Pollution
Control Commission. (b) All buildings located in areas where there are no available sanitary sewerage
system shall dispose their sewage “Imhoff” or septic tank and subsurface absorption field. (c) Sanitary
and industrial plumbing installations inside buildings and premises shall conform to the provisions of the
National Plumbing Code.
SECTION 904. Storm Drainage System
(a) Rainwater drainage shall not discharge to the sanitary sewer system. (b) Adequate provisions shall be
made to drain low areas in buildings and their premises.
SECTION 905. Pest and Vermin Control
(a) All buildings with hollow and/or wood construction shall be provided with rat proofing. (b) Garbage
bins and receptacles shall be provided with ready means for cleaning and with positive protection against
entry of pest and vermins. (c) Dining rooms for public use without artificial ventilation shall be properly
screened.
CHAPTER 9
SANITATION
SECTION 906. Noise Pollution Control
Industrial establishments shall be provided with positive noise abatement devices to tone down the noise
level of equipment and machineries to acceptable limits set down by the Department of Labor and the
National Pollution Control Commission.
SECTION 907. Pipe Materials
All pipe materials to be used in buildings shall conform to the Standard Specifications of the Philippine
Standard Council.
CHAPTER 10
BUILDING PROJECTION OVER PUBLIC STREETS
SECTION 1001. General Requirements
(a) No part of any building or structure or any of its appendages shall project beyond the property line of
the building site, except as provided in this Code. (b) The projection of any structure or appendage over
a public property shall be the distance measured horizontally from the property line to the uttermost
point of the projection.
SECTION 1002. Projection into Alleys or Streets
(a) No part of any structure or its appendage shall project into any alley or street, national road or public
highway except as provided in this Code. (b) Footings located at least 2.40 meters below grade along
national roads or public highway may project not more than 300 millimeters beyond the property line. (c)
Foundations may be permitted to encroach into public sidewalk areas to a width not exceeding 500
millimeters; provided, that the top of the said foundations is not less than 600 millimeters below the
established grade; and provided further, that said projection does not obstruct any existing utility such as
power, communication, gas, water, or sewer lines, unless the owner concerned shall pay the
corresponding entities for the rerouting of the parts of the affected utilities.
CHAPTER 10
BUILDING PROJECTION OVER PUBLIC STREETS
SECTION 1003. Projection of Balconies and Appendages Over Streets
(a) The extent of any projection over an alley or street shall be uniform within a block and shall conform
to the limitations set forth in Table 1003-A; Projection of Balconies and Appendages (Annex B-2). (b) The
clearance between the established grade of the street and/or sidewalk and the lowest under surface of
any part of the balcony shall not be less than 3.00 meters.
SECTION 1004. Arcades
(a) Whenever required by existing building and zoning regulations, arcades shall be constructed on
sidewalks of streets. The width of the arcade and its height shall be uniform throughout the street
provided, that in no case, shall an arcade be less than 3.00 meters above the established sidewalk grade.
CHAPTER 10
BUILDING PROJECTION OVER PUBLIC STREETS
SECTION 1005. Canopies (Marquees)
(a) Definition: A canopy or marquee is a permanent roofed structure above a door attached to and
supported by the building and projecting over a wall or sidewalk. This includes any object or
decoration attached thereto.
(b) (b) Projection and Clearance. The horizontal clearance between the outermost edge of the
marquee and the curb line shall be not less than 300 millimeters. The vertical clearance between the
pavement or ground line and the undersurface of any part the marquee shall not be less than 3.00
meters.
(c) (c) Construction. A marquee shall be constructed of incombustible material or materials of not less
than two-hours fire-resistive construction. It shall be provided with necessary drainage facility.
(d) (d) Location. Every marquee shall be so located as not to interfere with the operation of any
exterior standpipe connection or to obstruct the clear passage from stairway exits from the building
or the installation or maintenance of electroliers
CHAPTER 10
BUILDING PROJECTION OVER PUBLIC STREETS
SECTION 1006. Movable Awnings or Hoods
(a) Definition. An awning is a movable shelter supported entirely from an exterior wall of a building and
of a type which can be retracted, folded, or collapsed against the face of a supporting building. (b)
Clearance. The horizontal clearance between the awning and the curb line shall not be less than 300
millimeters. The vertical clearance between the undermost surface of the awning and the pavement or
ground line shall be not less than 2.40 meters. Collapsible awnings shall be so designated that they shall
not block a required exit when collapsed or folded.
SECTION 1007. Doors, Windows, and the like
Doors, windows, and the like less than 2.40 meters above the pavement or groundline shall not, when
fully opened or upon opening, project beyond the property line except fire exit doors.
SECTION 1008. Corner Buildings with Chaflans
(a) Every corner building or solid fence on a public street or alley less than 3.60 meters in width shall be
truncated at the corner. The face of the triangle so formed shall be at right angles to the bisector of the
angle of the intersection of the street lines; provided, that in no case, the Secretary shall determine the
size and form of the chaflan. (b) If the building is arcaded, no chaflan is required notwithstanding the
width of the public street or alley, less than 12.00 meters.
IGNORANCE
OF THE

LAW
IS A

SIN
 MODULE 1 QUIZ BDES 311 FIRST SEM. 2020-2021

FILL IN THE BLANKS. Read carefully and write your answer in the space provided.

 1.“Arch. Scott says” All architects must have a solid working knowledge of _______________.

 2.The main purpose of ___________________ is to protect public health, safety and general welfare as
they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures.

 3.Republic Act. No. ________________, entitled;

 4._________________________________________________, the same does not conform with the

developmental goals and infrastructure program of the Government and does not adequately provide for
all the technological requirements of buildings and structures, in terms of up-to-date design and
construction standards and criteria.

 5.SECTION 102. ____________________________ “It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State to
safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare”.
 6.SECTION 104. ____________________________ “All buildings or structures as well as accessory facilities
thereto shall conform in all respects to the principles of safe construction and must be suited to the
purpose for which they are designed”.

 7.NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES. PRESIDENTIAL DECREE _________________.

 8.SECTION 105. _____________________________ “The land or site upon which will be constructed any
building or structure, or any ancillary or auxiliary facility thereto, shall be sanitary, hygienic or safe.

 9.SECTION 215. ______________________________“When any building or structure is found or declared

to be dangerous or ruinous, the Building Official shall order its repair, vacation or demolition depending
upon the degree of danger to life, health, or safety”.

 10.SECTION 301. ___________________________“No person, firm or corporation, including any agency or

instrumentality of the government shall erect, construct, alter, repair, move, convert or demolish any
building or structure or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a _________________.
Assignment:
Bring a photocopy of a Land Title. To help you to read and check the specifications on the
plot of a survey of your Land Title. Before we draw it on the computer aided drawing software.