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Specific Learning Objectives:

1. _ Enumerate the different housing laws that effect design.
Topics and Activities
1. _ Republic Act 4726, Republic Act 7899: Revised Condominium Act
2. Republic Act 7279: Urban Development and Housing Act
3. Presidential Decree 957: The Subdivision and Condominium Buyers Decree
4. Batas Pambansa Bilang 220: Economic and Socialized Housing

Republic Act 4726, Republic Act 7899

Revised Condominium Act.

Republic Act 7279: Urban Development and Housing Act

AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR A COMPREHENSIVE AND CONTINUING URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING PROGRAM, ESTABLISH
THE MECHANISM FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
This act shall be known as the “Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992”
It shall be the policy of the State to undertake, in cooperation with the private sector, a comprehensive and continuing Urban Development
and Housing Program, hereinafter referred to as the Program, which shall:
a. Uplift the conditions of the underprivileged and homeless citizens in urban areas and in resettlement area by making available to
them decent housing at affordable costs, basic services, and employment opportunities.
b. Provide for the rational use and development of urban land in order to bring about the following:
1. Equitable utilization of residential lands in urban and urbanizable areas with particular attention to the needs and requirements of the
privileged and homeless citizens and not merely on the basis of market forces;
2. Optimization of the use and productivity of land and urban resources;
3. Development of urban areas conducive to commercial and industrial activities which can generate more economic opportunities for
the people;
4. Reduction in urban dysfunction, particularly those that adversely affect public health, safety and ecology; and
5. Access to land and housing by the underprivileged and homeless citizens.
c. Adopt workable policies to regulate and direct urban growth and expansion towards a dispersed urban net and more balanced
urban-rural interdependence.
d. Provide for an equitable land tenure system that shall guarantee security of tenure to Program beneficiaries but shall respect the
rights of small property owners and ensure the payment of just compensation.
e. Encourage more effective people's participation in the urban development process; and
f. Improve the capability of local government units in undertaking urban development and housing programs and projects.
Coverage — This Program shall cover all lands in urban and urbanizable areas, including existing areas for priority development, zonal
improvement sites, slum improvement and resettlement sites, and in other areas that may be identified by the local government units as
suitable for socialized housing.
Exemptions — The following lands shall be exempt from the coverage of this Act:
a. Those included in the coverage of Republic Act No. 6657, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law;
b. Those actually used for national defense and security of the State;
c. Those used, reserved or otherwise set aside for government offices, facilities and other installations, whether owned by the
National Government, its agencies and instrumentalities including government owned or controlled corporations.
d. Those used or set aside for parks, reserves for flora and fauna, forests and watersheds, and other areas necessary to maintain
ecological balance or environmental protection as determined and certified by the proper government agency; and
e. Those actually and primarily used for religious, charitable or educational purposes, cultural and historical sites, hospitals and health
centers, and cemeteries and memorial parks.
The exemptions herein provided shall not apply when the use or purpose of the abovementioned lands has ceased to exist.
Socialized Housing — as defined refers to housing programs and projects covering houses and lot or homelots only undertaken by the
Government or the private sector for the underprivileged and homeless citizens which shall include sites and services development, long-
term financing, liberalized terms on interest payments, and such other benefits in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
Balanced Housing Development — This Program shall include a system to be specified in the Framework plan whereby developers of
proposed subdivision projects shall be required to develop an area for socialized housing equivalent to at least 20% of the total subdivision

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area or total subdivision project cost, at the option of the developer, within the same city or municipality, whenever feasible, and in
accordance with the standards set by the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board and other existing laws. The balanced housing
development as herein required may also be complied with by developers concerned in any of the following manner;
a. Development of new settlement
b. Slum upgrading or renewal of areas for priority development either through zonal improvement programs or slum improvement and
resettlement programs
c. Joint-venture projects with either the local government units or any of the housing agencies; or
d. Participation in the community mortgage program.
Basic Services — Socialized housing or resettlement areas shall be provided by the local government unit of the National Housing Authority
in cooperation with the private developers and concerned agencies with the following basic services and facilities:
a. Potable water,
b. Power and electricity and an adequate power distribution system;
c. Sewerage facilities and an efficient and adequate solid waste disposal system; and
d. Access to primary roads and transportation facilities.
The provision of other basic services and facilities such as health, education, communication, security, recreation, relief and welfare
shall be planned and shall be given priority for implementation by the local government unit and concemed agencies in cooperation with
the private sector and the beneficiaries themselves.
The local government unit, in coordination with the concerned national agencies, shall ensure that these basic services are provided at
the most cost-efficient rates, and shall set a mechanism to coordinate operationally the thrusts, objectives and activities of other
government agencies concerned with providing basic services to housing projects.
Livelihood Component — To the extent feasible, socialized housing and resettlement projects shall be located near areas where
employment opportunities are accessible. The government agencies dealing with the development of livelihood programs and grant of
livelihood loans shall give priority to the beneficiaries of the Program.
Community Mortgage Program — Defined: The Community Mortgage Program (CMP) is a mortgage financing program of the National
Housing Finance Corporation which assists legally organized associations of underprivileged and homeless citizens to purchase and develop
a tract of land under the concept of community ownership. The primary objective of the program is to assist residents of blighted or
depressed areas to own the lots they occupy, or where they choose to relocate to, and eventually improve their neighborhood and homes to
the extent of their affordability.
Related Strategies
Promotion of Indigenous Housing Materials and Technologies
Transport System
a. Smooth Flow Traffic
b. Safety and Convenience of Travel
c. Minimum Use of Land Space
d. Minimum damage to the physical environment
e. Adequate and efficient transport service to people and goods at minimum cost.
Funding— Funds for the Urban Development and Housing Program shall come from the following sources:
a. A minimum of 50% from the annual net income of the Public Estates Authority, to be used by the National Housing Authority to
carry out its programs of land acquisition for resettlement purposes under this Act;
b. Proceeds from the disposition of ill-gotten wealth, not otherwise previously set aside for any other purpose, shall be applied to the
implementation of this Act and shall be administered by the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation.
c. Loans, grants, bequests and donations, whether from local or foreign sources.
d. Flotation of bonds, subject to the guidelines to be set by the Monetary Board.
e. Proceeds from the social housing tax and, subject to the concurrence of the local government units concerned, idle lands tax as
provided in Section 236 of the Local Government Code of 1991 and other existing laws.
f. Proceeds from the sale of disposition of alienable public lands in urban areas, and
g. Domestic and foreign investment or financing through appropriate arrangements like the build-operate-transfer scheme.
Approved. March 24, 1992 (Sgd.) CORAZON C. AQUINO
President of the Philippines

Presidential Decree 957: The Subdivision and Condominium Buyers Decree (as amended by PD 1216)
REGULATING THE SALE OF SUBDIVISION LOTS AND CONDOMINIUMS, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF
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Whereas, is the policy of the State to afford its inhabitants the requirements of decent human settlement and to provide them with ample
opportunities for improving their quality of life;
Whereas, numerous reports reveal that many real estate subdivision owners, developers, operators, and/or sellers have reneged on
their representations and obligations to provide and maintain properly subdivision roads, drainage, sewerage, water systems, lighting
systems and other similar basic requirements, thus endangering the health and safety of home and lot buyers;
Whereas, reports of alarming magnitude also show cases swindling and fraudulent manipulations perpetrated by unscrupulous
subdivision and condominium sellers and operators, such as failure to deliver titles to the buyers or titles free from liens and encumbrances,
and to pay real estate taxes, and fraudulent sales of the same subdivision lot to different innocent purchasers for value;
Whereas, these acts not only undermine the land and housing program of the government but also defeat the objective of the New
Society, particularly the promotion of peace and order and the enhancement of the economic, social and moral conditions of the Filipino
people;
Whereas, this state of affairs has rendered it imperative that the real estate subdivision and condominium businesses be closely
supervised and regulated, and that penalties be imposed on fraudulent practices and manipulations committed in connection therewith.
Now, Therefore, |, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do
hereby decree and order:
This Decree shall be known as THE SUBDIVISION AND CONDOMINIUM BUYERS’ PROTECTIVE DECREE.
The National Housing Authority shall have exclusive jurisdiction to regulate the real estate trade and business in accordance with the
provisions of this Decree.
The registered owner of a parcel of land wishes to convert the same into a subdivision project shall submit his subdivision plan to the
Authority which shall act upon and approve the same, upon findings that the plan complies with the Subdivision Standards’ and Regulations
enforceable at the time the plan is submitted. The same procedure shall be followed in the case of a plan for a condominium project except
that, in addition, said Authority shall act upon and approve the plan with respect to the building or buildings included in the condominium
project in accordance with the National Building Code.
The subdivision plan, as so approved, shall then be submitted to the Director of Lands for approval in accordance with the procedure
prescribed in Section 44 of the Land Registration Act (Act No. 496, as amended by R.A. No. 440): Provided that in case of complex
subdivision plans, court approval shall no longer be required. The condominium plan as likewise so approved, shall be submitted to the
Register of Deeds of the province or city in which the property lies and the same shall be acted upon but subject to the conditions and in
accordance with the procedure prescribed in Section 4 of the Condominium Act (R.A. No. 4726)
License to sell - Such owner or dealer to whom has been issued a registration certificate shall not, however, be authorized to sell any
Subdivision lot or condominium unit in the registered project unless he shall have first obtained a license to sell the project within two weeks
from the registration of such project.
The Authority, upon proper application therefore, shall issue to such owner or dealer of a registered project a license to sell the project
if, after an examination of the registration statement filed by said owner or dealer and all the pertinent documents attached thereto, he is
convinced that the owner or dealer is of good repute, that his business is financially stable, and that the proposed sale of the subdivision lots
or condominium units to the public would not be fraudulent.
Suspension of License to Sell - Upon verified complaint by a buyer of a subdivision lot or condominium unit in any interested party,
the Authority may, in its discretion, immediately suspend the owner's or dealer’s license to sell pending investigation and hearing of the case
as provided in Section 13 hereof.
Issuance of Title - The owner or developer shall deliver the title of the lot or unit to the buyer upon full payment of the lot or unit. No
fee, except those required for the registration of the deed of sale in the Registry of Deeds, shall be collected for the issuance of such title. In
the event a mortgage over the lot or unit is outstanding at the time of issuance of the title to the buyer, the owner or developer shall redeem
the mortgage or the corresponding portion thereof within six months from such issuance in order that the title over any fully paid lot or unit
may be secured and delivered to the buyer in accordance herewith.
Access to Public Offices in the Subdivisions — No owner or developer shall deny any person free from access to any government
Office or public establishment located within the subdivision or which may be reached only by passing through the subdivision.
Right of Way to Public Road — The owner or developer of a subdivision without access to any existing public road or street must
secure a right of way to a public road or street and such right of way must be developed and maintained according to the requirement of the
government and authorities concerned.
Organization of Homeowners Association - The owner or developer of a subdivision project or condominium project shall initiate the
organization of a homeowners association among the buyers and residents of the projects for the purpose of promoting and protecting their
mutual interest and assist in their community development.
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Done in the City of Manila, this 12% day of July, in the year of Our Lord nineteen hundred and seventy-six.
(Sgd.) FERDINAND E. MARCOS
President of the Philippines
By the President:
(Sgd.) JOCOBO C.CLAVE
President Executive Assistant

Batas Pambansa Bilang. 220: Economic and Socialized Housing

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS TO ESTABLISH AND PROMULGATE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF
STANDARDS AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIALIZED HOUSING PROJECTS IN URBAN AND RURAL
ARERAS FROM THOSE PROVIDED UNDER PRESIDENTIAL DECREES NUMBERED NINE HUNDRED FIFTY SEVEN, TWELVE
HUNDRED SIXTEEN, AND TEN HUNDRED NINETY SIX AND ELEVEN HUNDRED EIGHTY FIVE.
It is hereby declared a policy by the Government to promote and encourage the development of economic and socialized housing
projects, primarily by the private sector, in order to make available adequate economic and socialized housing units for the average and low-
income earners in urban and rural areas.
As used in this Act, economic and socialized housing refers to housing units which are within the affordability level of the average and
low-income earners which is thirty percent (30%) of the gross family income as determined by the National Economic and Development
Authority (NEDA) from time to time. It shall also refer to the government-initiated sites and services development and construction of
economic and socialized housing projects in depressed areas.
The Ministry of Human Settlements is authorized to establish and promulgate different levels of standards and technical requirements
for the development of economic and socialized housing projects and economic and socialized housing units in urban and rural areas from
those provided in Presidential Decree numbered Nine Hundred Fifty Seven (PD 957), otherwise known as the “Subdivision and
Condominium Buyers’ Protective Decree,” Presidential Decree numbered Twelve Hundred and Sixteen (PD 1216), “Defining Open Space in
Residential Subdivision’, Presidential Decree numbered Ten Hundred and Ninety Six (PD 1096), otherwise known as the “National Building
Code” and Presidential Decree numbered Eleven Hundred Eighty Five (PD 1185), otherwise known as the “Fire Code of the Philippines” and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, in consultation with the Ministry of Public Works and Highways, the Integrated National
Police, and other appropriate government units and instrumentalities and private associations.
This Act shall take effect upon its approval. Approved, March 25, 1982 (P.B. No. 1880)
RULES AND STANDARDS FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIALIZED HOUSING PROJECTS TO IMPLEMENT BATAS PAMBANSA.
Alley A public way intended to serve both pedestrian and emergency vehicles, and also access to lots, both ends
always connecting to streets.
Block A parcel of land bounded on the sides by streets or alleys or pathways or other natural or man-made
features, and occupied by or intended for buildings.
Cluster Housing A single-family attached dwelling containing three or more separate living units grouped closely together to
form relatively compact structures.
Commission Shall mean the Human Settlements Regulatory Commission
Community Facilities Facilities or structures intended to serve common needs and for the benefit of the community, such as:
neighborhood/ multi-purpose center, health center, drugstore, school, livelihood center, etc.
Dwelling A building designed or used as residence for one or more families.
Single-Family Detached a dwelling for one family which is completely surrounded by permanent open spaces, with independent
access, services and use of land.
Single-Family Attached a dwelling containing two or more separate living units each of which is separated from another by party or
lot lines walls and provided with dependent access, services, and use of land. Such dwellings shall include
duplexes, row houses or terraces, and cluster housing.
Multi-Family Dwelling a dwelling on one lot containing separate living units for 3 or more families usually provided with common
access, services and use of land.
Economic and A type of housing project provided to moderately low income families with lower interest rates and longer
Socialized Housing amortization periods
Frontage That part or end of a lot which abuts a street.
Living Unit A dwelling, or portion thereof, providing complete living facilities for one family, including provisions for
sleeping, cooking, eating, bathing & toilet & laundry facilities, same as a single family dwelling.

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Lot/Plot A portion of a subdivision or any parcel of land intended as a unit for transfer of ownership or for building
development.
Lot Line Wall A wall used only by the party upon whose lot the wall is located, erected at a line separating two parcels of
land each of which is a separate real estate entity.
Party Wall A wall used jointly by two parties under easement agreement, erected upon a line separating two parcels of
land each of which is a separate real estate.
Row House A single family attached dwelling containing three or more separate living units designed in such a way that
they abut each other at the sides, as in a row, and are separated from each other by party walls; provided
with independent access, service and use of land.
Basis and objectives of the minimum design standards - The minimum design standards set forth herein are intended to provide
minimum requirements within the generally accepted levels of safety, health and ecological considerations. Variations however are also
possible, as may be based on some specific regional, cultural and economic setting. The parameters used in formulating these Design
Standards are:
A. Protection and safety of life, limb, property and general public welfare.
B. Basic needs of human settlements, enumerated in descending order as follows:
1. Water
Movement and Circulation
Storm Drainage
OaRwn

Solid and Liquid Waste Disposal

Power
Park/ Playground
C. Affordability levels of market
D. Location
The actual setting of project site shall determine the type and degree of development to be required in a subdivision/ housing
project regardless of political boundaries. With respect to this, the degree on level of development shall be defined as follows:
1 Underdeveloped Area characterized by the predominant absence of utility systems or networks, especially water supply,
roads and power.
2 Developed Area characterized by the predominant presence of utility systems or networks, especially water supply,
roads and power.
Technical Guidelines — |n determining whether an economic and socialized housing shall be allowed, the following guidelines shall be
considered
A. Suitability of Site
1. Physical Suitability
A potential site must have characteristics assuring healthful, safe and environmentally sound community life. It shall be stable
enough to accommodate foundation load without excessive site works. Critical areas (e.g., areas subject to flooding,
landslides and street) must be avoided.
Slope
Flat to rolling terrain (0 to 5%) are preferable but housing development may take place up to 15% slopes, with flat lands (below
5%) for high density development and sloping area (5 to 15%) for low to medium density development. The latter slopes
should be capable of being developed for habitation at reasonable cost within assurance or stability for vertical construction.
Availability of basic needs
The prioritized basic needs cited earlier shall preferably be available within reasonable distance from the project site, but
where these are not available, the same shall be provided for by the developer.
Conformity with the Zoning Ordinance of Land Use Plan of the City/ Municipality
Generally, housing projects should conform by the Zoning Ordinance of the city or municipality where they are located.
However where there is no Zoning Ordinance or Land Use Plan, the dominant land use principle and site suitability factors
cited herein shall be used in determining suitability of a project to a site.
Furthermore, if the project is undoubtedly supportive of other land uses and activities, (e.g., housing for industrial workers)
said project shall be allowed.
B. Allowance for future development
Project Design should consider not only the reduction of cost of development to a minimum but also provision for possible future
improvement or expansion, as in the prescription of lot sizes, rights-of-way of roads, open space, allocation for common uses and
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facilities.
C. Land Allocation
1. Saleable and non-saleable area
There shall be no fixed ratio between saleable and non-saleable portion of a subdivision project.
2. Area allocated for Circulation System
The area allocated for the circulation system shall not be fixed, as long as the prescribed dimension and requirements for
access (to both the project site and to dwelling units) specified in these Design Standards are complied with.
Area allocated for community facilities
Sites for community facilities shall be reserved or allocated by the developer, where such facilities may be constructed/up by
the Homeowners Association as the need arises. Said sites shall be used exclusively for these facilities as defined in Rule Il,
and the area shall be exclusive of that area intended for park/playground.
The area allocated for community facilities shall vary with the density of the subdivision, i.e., number of lots and/or living units
whichever is applicable as shown in the comparative tabulation.
Community facilities shall be centrally located where they can serve maximum member of population, preferably near or side
by side the park/playground.
Area allocate for Park/Playground
Provision for park/playground is required in all cases.
Allocation of areas for parks and playgrounds shall be exclusive of those allocated for community facilities and shall vary
according to the density of lots and/or living units in the subdivision, whichever is applicable.
Location of parks shall be based on hierarchy, accessibility and shall be free from hazard, risks, barriers, etc.
Landscaping (sodding and tree-planting) shall be done by the subdivision developer/owner.
Minimum size for a pocket park is 100 square meters.
D. Integration of project site with adjacent property and to the total development context of the city/ municipality.
Land allocation and alignment of the various utilities (roads, drainage, power and water) of the subdivision should align and be
integrated with those of existing networks as well as projects outside the boundaries of the project site, e.g., access roads (road
connecting project site to the nearest public road) should follow the standard specification of the MPWH.
Hierarchy of roads (with respect to function and dimension) shall be observed when planning the road network within the project
site such that no major or minor road aligned with an alley or footpath.
Design Standards and Planning Considerations - the following design standards and planning considerations shall be observed by
all projects covered by these Rules.
A. Water Supply
1. Underdeveloped Area
2. Developed Area
B. Circulation System
t. Circulation system shall be the same in both Underdeveloped Area and a Developed Area projects except for type of
pavement which is adopted on regional or locational peculiarities of the project site.
2: Planning considerations or Circulation Layout
a. Observance of the hierarchy of roads within the subdivision.
b. Conformance to natural topography.
c. Consideration for access and safety e.g. adequate radius, minimum number of roads at intersections, moderate
slope/grade. Adequate sight distance, no blind corner, etc.
d. Optimization as to number of lots to lessen area for roads, at the same time enhance community interaction.
There shall be no duplication of street names and such names shall not bear any similarity to existing street names in
adjacent subdivisions, except when they are in continuation of existing ones. Street names shall be recognizable and
readable.
The developer shall bear the cost of purchase and installation of street names/signs coincident with the construction of
streets and utilities.
f. Sidewalks shall not be required when drainage system is through canals; when drainage canals are covered or
underground, the space above the canals shall be utilized as sidewalk.
C. Drainage System
Drainage system shall be required in all projects.

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An open canal on each side of the circulation network shall be provided. Said canal shall have appropriate slope to effect good
drainage. Moreover, the sides of the open canal shall be lined with grass or stones to prevent erosion.
In case of non-existence of drainage system in the locality, catchment area for drainage discharges shall be provided for and
developed by the developer/owner in consultation with local authorities or private entities concerned, to prevent flooding of
adjacent property. Moreover, said catchment are shall be made safe and maintained and shall form part of the park/playground
requirement.
Sewage Disposal System
The minimum requirement for sewage disposal shall be the use of septic tank.
For single detached units and multi-unit buildings, communal septic tanks may be allowed.
Drain field area of affluent shall be 25.00 meters minimum distance from any source of water (well, spring, ect.)
Electrical System
1. Underdeveloped Area
Electrical power supply is optional. However, the developer shall allocate sufficient land area for easements for power supply
facilities based on existing laws and regulations.
2. Developed Area
When power is available within the locality of the project site, its connection to the subdivision is required. Actual connection,
however, may depend on the minimum number of users as required by the power supplier. Installation particles materials and
fixtures used shall be in accordance with the provisions of the existing rules and regulations of the Electrical Code of the local
utility company.
Lots
1. Lot Sizes
Refer to comparative tabulation
2. Lot Planning Consideration (applicable to Underdeveloped and Developed Area Projects)
a. Alot shall either be served by a road, motor court, an alley or a pathway.
b. Deep lots and irregularly shaped lots shall be avoided.
c. Lot elevation may be at grade, lower or higher than the elevation of the street but should not be so excessive as to effect
good utility connection/run.
d. Lot lines shall be perpendicular or radial to street lines in appropriate cases.
e. Lot shall be protected against non-conforming uses and/or other risk through provision of adequate buffer strip,
protective walls, and roads or other similar devices. On the other hand, lot shall be laid out that they front desirable
views, such as parks, lagoons, etc.
f. Lot shall be laid out that water courses/drainage ways do not bisect the lots.
g. Minimum lot frontages
Refer to comparative tabulation
Block Length
Maximum block length is 250 meters. Block length exceeding 250 meters, but not beyond 400 meters shall be provided by an
alley at mid-length.
Easements
Provisions of easements in both underdeveloped and developed area projects shall be integrated with utility network/ part or right-
of-way.
Other Facilities
1. Garbage Disposal System
Garbage disposal shall be undertaken by the local government or in the absence thereof by individual lot owners, but shall
always observe sanitary practices and methods.
2. Firefighting
The Homeowners Association shall form fire brigade in collaboration with the barangay fire brigade. Water for firefighting
shall be part of the water supply requirement and shall comply with the requirements of the local/district fire unit of the
Integrated National police.
Building Design Standards and Guidelines — Projects incorporating housing components shall comply with the following design
standards and guidelines.
A. Single Family Dwellings

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1. Height Limitation - Maximum number of storeys is two (2).

2. Unit Planning
a. Access to the Property - Direct access to the single-family dwelling shall be provided by means of abutting public street,
alley or pathway.
b. Access to the Dwelling Unit - An independent means of access to the dwelling unit shall be provided without trespassing
adjoining properties. Acceptable means of access to the rear yard of the dwelling unit shall be provided without passing
through any other dwelling unit or any other yard.
c. Open Space Requirements - Open spaces shall be located totally or distributed anywhere within the lot in such a manner
as to provide maximum light and ventilation into the building.
Private Open Space Requirement
Type of Lot Residential All Other
a. Interior lot (located in the interior of a block made accessible or alley by means
of a private access road 50% 25%
b. Inside lot (non-corner or single frontage lot) 20& 15%
c. Corner and/or through lot 10% 15%
d. Lots bounded on three sides by public open spaces such as streets, easement
of seashores, rivers, esterors, etc. 5% 5%
d. Sizes and Dimensions of Courts and Yards — The minimum horizontal dimension of courts and yards shall be not less
than 2.00 meters. All inner courts shall be connected to a street or yard, wither by a passageway with a minimum width
of 1.20 meters or by a door through a room or rooms.
Every court shall have a width of not less than 2.00 meters for one and two-storey buildings. However, this may be
reduced to not less than 1.50 meters in cluster living units such as quadruplexes, row-houses and the like, one or two
storeys in height with adjacent courts with an area of not less than 3.00 square meters. Provided, further, that the
separation wall or fences, if any, shall be not higher than 2.00 meters. Irregularly shaped lots such as triangular lots and
the like whose courts may also be triangular in shape may be exempted from having a minimum width of 2.00 meters,
provided that no side thereof shall be less than 3.00 meters.
e. Abutments —Abutments may be permitted on all sides provided that:
1. A fire wall starting from the ground level and extending at least 3.00 meters from the roof line is constructed.
2. There shall be no opening on the party fire wall.
3. The fire wall shall have a minimum of one-hour fire resistive rating.
3. Building Standards
a. Space Standards — Spaces within the dwelling structure shall be distributed in an economical, efficient and practical
manner so as to afford the maximum living comfort and convenience and to ensure health and safety among the
occupants. It shall provide complete living facilities for one family including provisions for living, sleeping, laundry,
cooking, eating, bathing and toilet facilities.
b. Floor Area Requirement— The minimum floor area requirement for single-family dwelling shall be 20.00 square meters.
c. Ceiling Heights
1. Minimum ceiling heights for habitable measured from the finished floor line to the ceiling line, whereas ceilings are
not provided, a minimum headroom clearance of 2.00 meters shall be provided.
2. Mezzanine floors shall have a clear ceiling height of not less than 1.80 meters above and below it, provided that it
shall not cover 50% of the floor area below it.
d. Openings
1. Doors
a. Aminimum of one entrance/exit shall be provided where the number of occupants is not more than 10; two (2)
entrance/exits where the number of occupants is greater than 10.
b. Doors shall have a minimum clear height of 2.00 meters. Except for bathroom doors and doors in mezzanine
which shall have a minimum clear height of 1.80 meters.
c. Minimum clear width shall be the following:
Main Door! Service Door _—_(0.80 meters
Bedroom Door 0.70 meters
Bathroom Door 0.60 meters
2. Windows

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a. rooms for habitable use shall be provided with windows with a total free are of openings equal to at least 10%
of the floor area of the room.
Bathrooms shall be provided with windows with an area not less than 1/20 of its floor area.
Required windows may open into a roofed porch where the porch:
1. Abuts a court, yard, public street or alley, or open water course and other public open spaces;
2. _ Has a ceiling height of not less than 2.00 meters.
Interior Stairs — The stairs shall ensure structural safety for ascent and descent, even in extreme cases of emergency. It
shall afford adequate headroom and space for the passage of furniture.
1. Width - Stairways shall have a minimum clear width of 0.60 meters.
2. Rise and Run — Stairs shall have a minimum riser height of 0.25 meters and a minimum tread width of 0.20 meters.
Stair treads shall be exclusive of nosings and/or other projections.
3. Headroom Clearance — Stairs shall have a minimum headroom clearance of 2.00 meters. Such clearance shall be
established by measuring vertically from a place parallel and tangent to the stairway tread moving to the soffit above
all points.
4. Landings — Every landing shall have a dimension measured in the direction of travel equal to the width of the
stairway. Maximum height between landing shall 2.60 meters.
5. Handrails - Stairways shall have at least one handrail on one side provided there is a guard or wall on the other
side. However, stairways having less than 4 risers need not have handrails, and stairs with either a guard or wall on
one end need not be provided with a handrail on that end.
6. Guard and Handrail Details - The design of guards and handrails and hardware for attaching handrails to guards,
balusters or masonry walls shall be such that these are made safe and convenient.
a. Handrails on stairs shall not be less than 0.80 meters nor more than 1.20 meters above the upper surface of
the tread, measured vertically to the top of the rail from the lending edge of the tread.
b. Handrails shall be so designed as to permit continuous sliding of hands on them and shall be provided with a
minimum clearance of 38 mm. from the wall to which they are fastened.
c. The height of guards shall be measured vertically to the top guard from the leading edge of the tread or from
the floor of landings. It shall not be less than 0.80 meters and no more than 1.20 meters. Masonry walls may
be used for any portion of the guard.
7. Winding and circular stairways — Winders and circular stairways may be used if the required width of run is provided
at a point not more than 300 millimeters from the side of the stairway where the treads are narrower but in no case
shall any width of run be less than 150 mm. at any point. The maximum variation in the height of risers and the
width of treads in any one plight shall be 5 mm.
8. Ladders — The use of ladders shall be allowed provided that the maximum distance between landings shall be
convenient and safe.
Roofing — Roofing material that is impervious to water shall be provided.
Electrical Requirements — There shall be provided at least one light outlet and one convenience outlet per activity area.
Fireblocks — When any 2 living units abut each other, a fireblock shall be required in which case the fireblock shall be the
masonry construction at least 4” thick and shall extend from the lowest portion of the wall adjoining the 2 living units up to
the point just below the roof covering or purlins.
Abutments — Whenever a dwelling abuts on a property line a fire wall shall be required. The firewall shall be of masonry
construction, at least 4” thick and extend vertically from the lowest portion of the wall adjoining the living units up to a
maximum height of 3.00 meters above the highest point of the roof attached to it the firewall shall also extend horizontally
up to a minimum distance of 3.00 meters beyond the outermost edge of the abutting living units.
No openings whatsoever shall be allowed except when the two abutting spaces of 2 adjacent living units are enclosed or
partially open. e.g., carports, terraces, patios, etc; instead a separation wall shall be required.
B. Multi-Family Dwellings
1. Plot Planning
a. Access to the property — Direct vehicular access to the property shall be provided by means of an abutting improved
public street or alley.

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Access to dwelling — An independent means of access shall be provided to each dwelling, or group of dwellings in a
single plot, without trespassing adjoining properties. Each dwelling must be capable of maintenance without trespassing
adjoining properties. Utilities and service facilities must be independent for each dwelling unit.
Each dwelling unit shall be provided with a sanitary means for the removal of garbage and trash.
Access to living units — An independent means of access to each living unit's shall be provided without passing through
and yard of a living unit or any other yard.
Non-Residential use — Portions of the property may be designed for use for non-residential use provided the type of non-
residential use is harmonious or compatible with the residential character of the property. Some examples of allowable
non-residential uses are garages, carports, cooperative store and structures for the homeowners association.
Any non-residential use of any portion of the property shall be subordinate to the residential use and character of the
property. The floor area authorized for non-residential use, whether in the principal dwelling structure or in any
accessory building, shall not exceed 25% of the total residential area.
The computation of the non-residential area shall include hallways, corridors or similar spaces which serve both
residential and non-residential areas.
Open Space Requirements — Portions of the property shall be devoted to open space to provide for adequate light,
ventilation and fire safety.
1. Setbacks from the property line shall be maintained, the minimum of which shall be the following:
Kinds of Lot Total Open Minimum Setback Requirement per Storey
Space Required 492 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 12
Interior 50% 2.00 230 260 290 3.20 350 380 410 440 4.70 5.00
Inside 20% 2.00 230 260 290 320 350 380 410 4.40 470 5.00
Comer/Through 10% 2.00 230 260 290 320 350 380 410 440 470 5.00
Lot abutting 3 or more
streets, alleys, rivers, esteros 5% 2.00 230 260 290 3.20 3.50 380 410 440 4.70 5.00
2. Distances between buildings shall also be adequately maintained to ensure light and ventilation.
In general, the minimum distance between 2 buildings in which the taller buildings has not more than 2 storeys shall
be 4.00 meters. And the minimum horizontal clearance between the two roof eaves shall be 1.50 meters.
The minimum distance between 2 buildings wherein the taller building has 3 or 4 storeys shall be 6.00 meters. And
the minimum horizontal clearance between the 2 roof eaves shall be 2.00 meters.
The minimum distance between buildings with more than 4 storeys shall be 10 meters. The minimum horizontal
clearance shall be 6.00 meters.
Except, however in cases when the 2 sides of the buildings face each other as blank walls, i.e., either there are no
openings or only minimal openings for comfort rooms, the minimum distance between the buildings shall be 2.00
meters. And the horizontal clearance between the roof eaves shall be 1.00 meter.
In the measurement of distances between two buildings, measurement shall be made where the distance between
the two buildings is shortest.
tf Parking Requirement — For multi-family dwellings, a minimum of one (1) parking space for every twenty (20) living units
shall be provided.
2. Building Design Stamps
a. Living Units - In general, all building design standards for the single-family dwelling shall apply for all living units of multi-
family dwellings, except that, the minimum floor are of living unit in multi-family dwellings shall be 36.00 square meters.
b. Exits — Exit requirements of a building or portion thereof shall be determined by the occupant load which gives the largest
number of persons. No obstruction shall be placed in the required width of an exit except projections permitted by these
implementing rules and regulations.
The occupant load in any building or portion thereof shall be determined by the multiplying number of living units by 6.
1. No. of Exits - Every multi-family dwelling or usable portion thereof shall have at least one exit. Floors above the
first storey shall have at least two exits, which shall be remote from each other, irrespective of the occupant load in
the same storey.
The number of exits required from any storey of a building shall be determined by using the occupant loads of floors
which exit though the level under consideration as follows:
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a. 50% of the first adjacent storey above (and the first adjacent storey below, when a storey below exits through
the level under considerations), and;
b. 25% of the occupant load in the storey immediately beyond the first adjacent storey.
The maximum number of exits required for any storey shall be maintained until egress is provided from the
structures. For purposes of this Section, basement or cellars and occupied roofs shall be provided with exits as
required for storeys.
Width — Exits serving living units with occupant load of 50 or less shall have a minimum width of 0.80 meters. For
every additional occupant load of 25 or fractions thereof, and additional width of 1.50 meters shall be provided. The
total exit width required from and storey of a building may be divided approximately equally among the separate
exits, provided the minimum width of 0.80 meters is maintained.
The total exit width required from any storey of a building shall be determined by using the occupant load of that
Storey plus the percentage of the occupant loads of floors which exit through the level under consideration as
follows:
a. _ Fifty percent (50%) of the occupant load in the first adjacent storey above and the first adjacent below when a
storey below exits through the level under consideration, and;
b. Twenty five percent (25%) of occupant load in the storey immediately beyond the first adjacent storey.
The maximum exit width room any storey of a building shall be maintained.
Arrangement of Exits — Distance between any two exits shall be such that they shall be remote from each other and
as arranged and constructed to minimize any possibility that both may be blocked by any one fire or emergency
condition, provided that it shall not be less than one fifth the perimeter of the area served, measured in a straight
line between the exits.
Distance to Exits - No point in a building shall be more than 45.00 meters from an exterior exit door, a horizontal
exit, exit passageway, or an enclosed stairway, measured along the line of travel.. In a building equipped with the
complete, automatic fire extinguishing system the distance from exits may be increased to 60.00 meters.
Automatic Smoke Detection Alarm Initiating Device - Automatic smoke detection alarm initiating devices shall be
installed in every family dwelling unit located and adjusted to operate reliably in case o abnormal accumulation of
smoke in any part of the protected area. Installation of smoke detection alam initiating device shall be approved for
the particular application, location and spacing.
c. Corridors and Exterior Exit Balconies — The provisions herein apply to every corridor and exterior exit balcony serving as
a required exit for an occupant load of more than fifty (50).
1 Width — Every corridor or exit balcony shall not be less than 1.20 meters in width.
2. Projections — The required width of corridors and exit balconies shall be unobstructed. Doors in any position shall
not reduce the required width of the corridor by more than one-half.
3. Access to Exits - When more than one exit is required, they shall be so arranged to allow going to either direction
from any dead end point.
Dead Ends — Corridors and exterior balconies with dead ends are permitted when the dead end shall not exceed
12.00 meters in length.
Construction — Walls of corridors above the first storey shall be of masonry. Ceilings shall likewise be fire-resistive
provided, however that this requirement shall not apply to corridors formed by temporary partitions.
Exterior exit balconies shall not project into an area where protected openings are required.
Openings — Where corridor walls are required to be fire-resistive, every interior door opening shall be protected as
set forth in generally recognized and accepted requirements for dual purpose fire exit doors. The total openings
other than doors, in any portion of an interior corridor wall shall not exceed twenty five percent (25%) of the area of
the corridor wall of the room being separated from the corridor.
7. Ramps — Changes in floor elevation of less than 300 millimeters along any exit serving a tributary occupant load of
10 or more shall be by means of ramps. The maximum allowable slope for ramps is fifteen percent (15%).
d. Common Stairways — Except for stairs or ladders used only to serve as access to equipment, every stairway inside a
multi-family dwelling serving two or more living units shall conform to the following design requirements:
1. Width — Stairs having two or more living units with an occupant load of 50 or less shall have a minimum clear width
of 0.90 meters. Stairways serving living units with an occupant load more than 50 shall not b less than 1.00 meter.

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Rise and Run — Stairs shall have a minimum riser height of 0.20 meters and a minimum tread width of 0.25 meters.
Stairs shall be exclusive of nosing/and or other projections. The maximum variation in the height of risers and the
width of treads in any one flight shall be 5.00 meters.
Landings — Every landing shall have a dimension measured in the direction of travel equal to the width of the
stairway however such dimension need not exceed 1.20 meters when the stair has a straight run. Landings shall
not be reduced in width by more than 100 millimeters by a door when fully opened.
Basement Stairways - When a basement stairway to an upper storey terminates in the same exit enclosure, an
approved barrier shall be provided to prevent persons from continuing on to the basement. Directional exit signs
shall be provided.
Distance between landings — There shall not be more than 3.60 meters vertical distance between landings.
Handrails — Stairways less than 3.00 meters in width shall have at least one handrail on one side, provided there is
a guard or wall on the other side. Stairways measuring 3.00 to 3.50 meters in width shall have two (2) handrails.
Stairways more than 3.50 meters wide shall have at least one intermediate handrail for every 3.00 meters of
required width. Intermediate handrails shall be spaced approximately equal within the entire width of the stairway.
Except that stairways having less than four (4) risers need not have handrails and stairs with either gurad or wall on
one end need not be provided with a handrail on that end.
Handrail Details - Handrails shall be placed not less than 0.80 meters or more than 1.00 meter above the nosing or
treads. Ends of handrails shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminals.
Distance to Stairs — Per floors above the first storey, the maximum travel distance from the exit door of a living unit
to the stairway shall be 24.00 meters.
Stairway to Roof — In very building four or more storeys in height, one stairway shall extend to the roof unless the
roof has a slope greater than 1 in 3.
Headroom — Every common stairway shall have a headroom clearance of not less than 2.00 meters. Such
clearance shall be established by measuring vertically from a plane parallel and tangent to the stairway tread nosing
to the soffit above all points.
Utilities and Services - To ensure healthful and livable conditions in the project, basic utilities and services shall be
provided, the minimum requirements of which shall be;
1. Water Supply — Water supply shall be adequate in amount and reasonably free from chemical and physical
impurities; a main service connection and a piping system with communal faucets to serve the common areas like
the garden, driveways, etc. shall be provided. Pipes branching out from the main water line shall service the
individual units which shall be provided with individual water meters.
Power Supply/Electrical Service — If available in the vicinity, a main power service shall be provided with a main
circuit to service common lighting as well as common power needs of the dwelling. Like the water system, however
branch circuits with separate meters shall service the individual living units.
Drainage System — Surface run-offs shall be channeled to appropriate repositories.
Sewage Disposal System — Sewage disposal may be accomplished by any of the following means;
a. _ Discharge to an existing public sewerage system.
b. _ treatment in a community disposal, plant or communal septic tank.
c. Treatment in individual septic tanks with disposal by absorption field or leaching pit.
5. Garbage Disposal System — There shall be provided adequate services for regular collection and disposal of
garbage and rubbish.
C. General Construction Requirements
1. Structural Requirements
All construction shall conform to the provisions of the latest edition of the Philippine Structural Code.
2. Electrical Requirement
All electrical systems, equipment and installation shall conform to the provisions of the latest edition of the Philippine Electrical
Code and the requirements of the electric utility that serves the locality.
3. Sanitary Requirements
All sanitary systems, equipment and installation shall conform to the provisions of the latest edition of the National Plumbing
Code.

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4. Construction Materials
The use of indigenous materials for site development and construction of dwellings shall be encouraged, as long as
these are in conformity with the requirements of these Rules and ensures a building life span of at least 25 years, or in a
correspondence to loan terms of payment.
Non-Development— Failure on the part of the owner or developer to develop the project in accordance with the approved project plans
and within the time herein specified shall subject the owner/developer to administrative sanctions and penalties.
Organization and Registration of Homeowners - The owner or developer of a socialized housing and economic housing project shall
initiate the organization of a homeowners association among the buyers and residents of the project for the purpose of promoting and
protecting their mutual interest. Said homeowners association shall register with the Commission and the latter is hereby authorized to
accredit and determine the legitimate homeowners association of the housing project for purposes of applying the pertinent provisions of
these Rules.
Donation of Roads, Open Spaces and Water Supply - The owner or project developer shall donate the roads and open spaces
found in the project to the local government of the area after their completion had been certified by the Commission and it shall be mandatory
for the said local government to accept such donations. Parks and playgrounds may be donated to the duly accredited Homeowners
Association of the project with the consent of the city or municipality concerned under PD 1216.
The water supply system of the project may likewise be donated to the duly accredited homeowners association after certification by the
Commission of its completion and of its being operational. Should the homeowners not accept the donation, the owner or developer of the
project shall collect reasonable rates to be determined by the Commission in consultation with the National Water Resources Council of the
Local Utilities Administration. The proceeds thereof shall be used exclusively for the maintenance and operation of the water system by the
developer.
Effectivity- These Rules shall take effect thirty days after its last publication in two newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines
for at least once a week for two consecutive weeks.
Promulgated, 11 June 1982, Makati, Metro Manila
APPROVED:

(SGD.) IMELDA ROMUALDEZ MARCOS

Minister, Ministry of Human Settlements
Chairman, Human Settlements Regulatory Commission

ATTESTED:

(SGD.) ERNESTO C. MENDIOLA

Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer

Arch. Dennis C. de Villa

September 21, 2008

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