PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 1 - REVIEWER VALID & SUBSISTING PHILIPPINE LAWS ON:

Introduction: What is Professional Practice Course? PHYSICAL PLANNING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT
(Master Development Planning, Subdivision Planning, Site Planning, etc.)
TOPIC 01: INTRODUCTION TO PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 1

WHY DO WE NEED THIS COURSE?

As architects, we are taught to design wonderful buildings throughout our student

life, but as we mature as a professional, we must think about the implications of our
Designs.

As we are designing our projects, we must always ponder upon these questions:

- Will my work be recognized as a legal piece of document?

- Is my design up to the accepted minimum standards?
- Will people be safe if they use my building/structure?
- Will my work fulfill the minimum requirements of the government?

these will be some of the questions that you will ask yourself when you are a
Professional Architect, and this course (Professional Practice) will be a guide
indiscussing the legalities and real-world implications of our profession.the image
above shows some of the Architect's scope of work, Plans, Aesthetics, Structural
Concept, Site development, Interior design and utilities, but aside from these
Architects MUST ALWAYS follow the laws pertinent in designing a building.

* P.D. = Presidential Decree, B.P. = Batas Pambansa, R.A. Republic Act, IRR =
Implementing Rules and Regulations

PROJECT PHASES:

There are 3 basic phases or stages in a Design project:

Design (Preparation) -----> Construction (Implementation) -----> Post Construction

and each phase has also laws that govern/guide them

- Preparation of ARCHITECTURAL Plans and Designs

BUT WHY? Aren't architects free to Design whatever they envision?
(Space/Architectural Plans, Sections, Elevations, Ceiling and Roof Plans,
Yes, we architects are free to design what we envision, BUT we must always abide Architectural Interiors)
by the laws governing our practice, why? Because of these reasons :

This is the relevance of taking up this course, to make you future architects aware of
the "real-Life" implications of our profession.

- Design Standards and Codes protect the users of our buildings and
structures
- Design standards and Codes are also guidelines that are tailor-made - Execution/ Implementation (CONSTRUCTION) of SUBDIVISION or
to the users comfort BUILDING Plans/ Designs
- Laws are used to control the fair practice of our profession
- Regulations to our profession are safety measures to make sure that - POST-CONSTRUCTION Activities Relative to SUBDIVISION or
Architects are well equipped in practicing the profession BUILDING Projects

- Professional practice course is a gateway to the environment in which

Architects practice their profession

- These topics are relevant to my growth as a FUTURE ARCHITECT

An Overview of the Architectural Profession

- Valid & Subsisting Philippine Laws on ALL PHASES OR STAGES OF ACTIVITY
PHILIPPINE REGULATORY BOARD OF ARCHITECTURE Relative to Any SUBDIVISION or BUILDING Project

- The Revised Penal Code (Act 3815) & its IRR;

- The New Civil Code (RA 386) and its IRR;

- Tax Laws;

- R.A. No. 7160 (The Local Government Code of 1991);

- The Various Environmental Laws;

- The 2006 – 2012 Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture - R.A. No. 8981 (The PRC Modernization Act of 2000 & its IRR;
(PRBoA), which started with its first member on 3 November 2006,
was fully reconstituted as of 30 March 2007 in full compliance with - the Pertinent Professional Regulatory Laws/ PRLs
Republic Act No. 9266 (The Architecture Act of 2004).
- The PRBoA is one of 46 Professional Regulatory Boards (PRBs) under (such as R.A. No. 9266 and its 2004 IRR)
the Professional regulation commission (PRC)
- The PRBoA as an entity is under the administrative control and - the applicable LGU Ordinances
supervision of the PRC
- Regulates the practice of architecture with PR
- active in the areas of executive action relating to the implementation
and enforcement of Republic Act No. 9266 (otherwise known as the
PH “Architecture Act of 2004″)
- regulates the practice of foreign architects (FA)
- administers the Licensure Examination for Architects (LEA)
R.A. 8981 PRC Modernization Act R.A. 386: THE CIVIL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

TOPIC 03: R.A. 8981 PRC MODERNIZATION ACT REPUBLIC ACT NO. 386: AN ACT TO ORDAIN AND INSTITUTE THE CIVIL CODE
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION

The civil code of the Philippines is the basic law governing persons and family
relations, property and property rights, ownership of modifications, the modes of
acquiring ownership, and the obligations and contracts
R.A. 8981: PRC Modernization Act
samples of the articles in this Document that are related to our practice, but not
limited to: 
In fulfillment of its legal mandate, the PRC performs two important functions, which
are:  Article 1713. - By the contract for a piece of work the contractor binds
himself to execute a piece of work for the employer, in consideration of
1) to conduct and administer licensure examinations to aspiring professionals, and a certain price or compensation. The contractor may either employ
only his labor or skill or also furnish the material. (1588a)  (pertains to
2) to regulate and supervise the practice of the professions exercised in partnership the contract that is agreed upon by the architect/contractor and the
with the forty-three (43) Professional Regulatory Boards (PRBs) in the fields of proprietor) 
health, business, education, social sciences, engineering, and technology.
 Article 1714. - If the contractor agrees to produce the work from
material furnished by him, he shall deliver the thing produced to the
employer and transfer dominion over the thing. This contract shall be
- Professional Regulation Commission: A three-person commission to
governed by the following articles as well as by the pertinent
be known as the Professional Regulation Commission shall be
provisions on the warranty of title and against hidden defects and the
attached to the Office of the President for general direction and
payment of the price in a contract of sale. (n) (pertains to the quality of
Coordination.
work that is agreed upon by the architect/contractor and the
- The PRC Composition The commission shall be headed by one proprietor) 

(1) full-time chairperson

(2) full-time commissioners, all to be appointed by the President for a term of seven But the article that Architects need to be aware is this Article 1723
(7) years without reappointment to start from the time they assume office.

Powers and Functions of the Commission (but not limited to)

- To administer, implement and enforce the regulatory policies of the

national government

- To perform any and all acts, enter into contracts, make such rules and
regulations, and issue such orders and other administrative issuances,
as may be necessary, in the execution and implementation of its
functions and the improvement of its services;

- To review, revise, and approve resolutions, embodying policies

promulgated by the Professional Regulatory Boards

- To administer and conduct the licensure examinations of the various

regulatory boards Article 1723.  The engineer or architect who drew up the plans and specifications for
a building is liable for damages if, within fifteen years from the completion of the
structure, the same should collapse by reason of a defect in those plans and
- adopt measures to preserve the integrity and inviolability of licensure specifications, or due to the defects in the ground. The contractor is likewise
examinations; responsible for the damages if the edifice falls, within the same period, on account of
defects in the construction or the use of materials of inferior quality furnished by him,
- publish the list of successful examinees; provide schools, colleges, or due to any violation of the terms of the contract. If the engineer or architect
and universities, public and private, offering courses for licensure supervises the construction, he shall be solidarily liable to the contractor.
examinations,
Acceptance of the building, after completion, does not imply a waiver of any of the
cause of action by reason of any defect mentioned in the preceding paragraph.
- and impose the penalty of suspension or prohibition from taking
licensure examinations to any examinee charged and found guilty of
violating the rules and regulations The action must be brought within ten years following the collapse of the building. (n)

- Issue certificates of registration/professional license, What does this Article mean?

this article states that if a structure collapses due to errors in the design of the plans
and specifications of the design, The architect / Engineer who accounted for the
design of the project, shall be liable for those damages. 

HOWEVER, if the damages were caused by defects in the construction, the

contractor is liable. If there is an architect/engineer that supervises the construction,
the supervisor is also liable along with the contractor. 

R.A. 386: Civil Code of the Philippines

R.A. 9266: RULE I SCOPE OF THE PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE

R.A. 9266: THE ARCHITECTURE ACT OF 2004 - encompasses the provision of professional services in connection with
the site and physical planning and the design, construction,
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9266 enlargement, conservation, renovation, remodeling, restoration or
alteration of a building or group of buildings.
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A MORE RESPONSIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE
REGULATION FOR THE REGISTRATION, LICENSING, AND PRACTICE OF SERVICES MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
ARCHITECTURE, REPEALING FOR THIS PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 545, AS
AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "AN ACT TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE a) planning, architectural designing and structural conceptualization;
OF ARCHITECTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES," AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
b) consultation, consultancy, giving oral or written advice and directions,
Hundreds of professional architects are being produced by the country every year, as conferences, evaluations, investigations, quality surveys, appraisals and
the number of professional architects being registered every year, the government adjustments, architectural and operational planning, site analysis and other
needs to monitor the regulation of the influx of architects and other professions and predesign services;
thus the R.A. 545 was created in 1950. fast forward to to 2004 where the updated
version, R.A. 9266 is created. c) schematic design, design development, contract documents and construction
phases including professional consultancies;

d) preparation of preliminary, technical, economic and financial feasibility studies of

plans, models and project promotional services;

e) preparation of architectural plans, specifications, bill of materials, cost estimates,

general conditions and bidding documents;

f) construction and project management, giving general management, administration,

supervision, coordination and responsible direction or the planning, architectural
designing, construction, reconstruction, erection, enlargement or demolition,
renovation, repair, orderly removal, remodeling, alteration, preservation or restoration
of buildings or structures or complex buildings, including all their components, sites
and environs, intended for private or public use;

g) the planning, architectural lay-outing and utilization of spaces within and

surrounding such buildings or structures, housing design and community
Note: The contents of this discussion is only a summary of the aricles/Sections of the architecture, architectural interiors and space planning, architectural detailing,
Republic Act 9266 as to save time and to highlight the critical parts of the R.A. architectural lighting, acoustics, architectural lay-outing of mechanical, electrical,
electronic, sanitary, plumbing, communications and other utility systems, equipment
- ARTICLE I - and fixtures;
GENERAL PROVISIONS h) building programming, building administration, construction arbitration and
architectural conservation and restoration;
(Terms to remember and their definitions)
i) all works which relate to the scientific, aesthetic and orderly coordination of all
ARCHITECT works and branches of the work, systems and processes necessary for the
production of a complete building or structure, whether for public or private use, in
- professionally and academically qualified, registered and licensed
order to enhance and safeguard life, health and property and the promotion and
- with a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification (ID)
enrichment of the quality of life, the architectural design of engineering structures or
Card issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture (the
any part thereof; and
“Board”) and the Professional Regulation Commission (the
“Commission”) j) all other works, projects and activities which require the professional competence
of an architect, including teaching of architectural subjects and architectural
ARCHITECTS ARE ADVOCATES IN TERMS OF:
computer-aided design;
- Sustainability
ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTS
- Welfare
- Culture
means architectural drawings, specifications, and other outputs of an Architect
- Space
that only an Architect can sign and seal consisting, among others, of:
- Form
- Historical Context
 vicinity maps

 site development plans

FUNCTIONS OF THE ARCHITECT  architectural program

 Perspective drawings

 architectural floor plans
ARCHITECT OF RECORD
 elevations
- directly and professionally responsible for the total design of the  sections
project
- civil liability for the plans, specifications and contract documents  ceiling plans

 schedules
ARCHITECT-IN-CHARGE OF CONSTRUCTION
 detailed drawings
- directly and professionally responsible and liable for the construction  technical specifications
supervision
 cost estimates

CONSULTING ARCHITECT  and other instruments of service in any form;

- with exceptional or recognized expertise or specialization in any

branch of architecture ARCHITECTURAL PLANS

 means two (2)-dimensional representations reflecting a

proposed development/redevelopment of an enclosed/ semi-
GENERAL PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE enclosed or open area showing features or elements such as
columns, walls, partitions, ceiling, stairs, doors, windows,
the act of planning and architectural designing, structural conceptualization, floors, roof, room designations, door and window call-outs,
specifying, supervising and giving general administration and responsible direction to the architectural layout of equipment, furnishings, furniture and
the erection, enlargement or alterations of buildings and building environments and the like, specifications callouts, elevation references, drawing
architectural design in engineering structures or any part thereof; references and the like;
 the architectural plan is the representation of a lateral section
for a proposed building/ structure (running parallel to the
ground) and at a height of from 1.0 – 1.5 meters above the
finished floor;
 the term may also collectively refer to
other architectural designs such as cross/ longitudinal sections,
elevations, roof plan, reflected ceiling plan;
 detailed sections and elevations showing architectural interiors,
detailed architectural designs, door and window schedules,
other architectural finishing schedules and the like;
R.A. 9266: RULE III - On all architectural plans, drawings, specifications, and all other
contract documents prepared by or under his/her direct supervision.

- architectural drawings
R.A. 9266: THE ARCHITECTURE ACT OF 2004
- vicinity maps
- ARTICLE II -
- site development plans
PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF ARCHITECTURE
- architectural program
(You can refer to MODULE 1: TOPIC 02 for the background and functions of the
PRBOA) - perspective drawings

- architectural floor plans

- ARTICLE III- - elevations

EXAMINATION, REGISTRATION, AND LICENSURE - sections

- ceiling plans

" SEC. 12. Examination Required. – All applicants for registration for the practice of - schedules
architecture shall be required to undergo a licensure examination to be given by the
Board in such places and dates as the Commission may designate in accordance - detailed drawings
with the provisions of Republic Act No. 8981 "
 technical specifications
Article III mainly tackles the processes of acquiring a Professional License as an  cost estimates
Architect such as the Licensure Examinations, requirements, and process of  other instruments of service in any form
registration and Licensure.
Certification of Registration

- a certificate bearing a registration number, issued to an individual, by

QUALIFICATIONS OF APPLICANTS FOR EXAMINATION the Professional Regulation Commission through the Board of
Architecture,
Any person applying for examination shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board - signifying that the individual has successfully passed the Licensure
that: Examination and is registered to practice his/her profession as
Architect
 Filipino citizen or qualified foreigner
Refusal to Issue Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card
 Good moral character The Board of Examiners shall refuse to issue or renew a Certificate of Registration
and Professional ID Card:
 Holder of BS Architecture
- To any person convicted by a court of any criminal offense involving
moral turpitude
 2 years diversified experience     (3,840 hours) (DAE- Diversified - To any person guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct
Architectural Experience) - To any person of unsound mind

     - Masters Degree holder is credited 1 year The Board in the written statement shall state the period for the deferment of
the registration if the offense or act committed does not call for indefinite
 Not convicted of any criminal offense period and/or perpetual deprivation of the chance to register.

  Suspension/Revocation of COR and ID

DAY 1 - Signed contract documents not authored by him/her

- Paid to secure Certificate of Registration
- Impersonated or practiced under a fictitious name
 History and Theory of Architecture
- Aided in the practice of a person not authorized to practice
- Undertaken services without a service agreement
 Principles of Planning and Architectural Practice - Violations of the Act and its IRR, Code of Ethical Conduct, and SPP

 Structural Design
R.A. 9266: RULE IV
 Building Materials, Architectural Specifications & Methods of
Construction R.A. 386: THE CIVIL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

 Utilities ARTICLE IV

PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE
 Urban Design and Architectural Interiors
No person shall  :
DAY 2

 Architectural Design and Site Planning  practice architecture in this country,

 or engage in preparing architectural plans, specifications
 
 or preliminary data for the erection
Examination Passing grade requirements  or alteration of any building located within the boundaries of
this country,
GWA of 70%, no grade lower than 50%  or use the title “Architect”,
Results out in 30 days\  or display the word “Architect” together with another word,
 or display or use any title, sign, card, advertisement,
Oath-taking required
 or other device to indicate such person practices
Seal, Issuance & Use of Seal  or offers to practice architecture,

A duly licensed architect shall affix the seal prescribed by the Board bearing the:
unless such person is a licensed and registered architect. 
- Registrant’s name
- Registration number A FOREIGN ARCHITECT or ANY PERSON not authorized to practice architecture in
- Title “Architect: the Philippines,

who shall stay in the country and perform any of the activities mentioned in Sections
3 and 4 of R.A. No. 9266, or any other activity analogous thereto, in connection with
the construction of any building/structure/edifice or land development project, shall
be deemed engaged in the unauthorized practice of architecture

and shall, therefore, be criminally liable under R.A. No. 9266 and this “IRR of the
Architecture Act of 2004”.
SECTION 201: Responsibility for Administration and Enforcement  

RECIPROCITY REQUIREMENTS: P.D. 1096 RULE I

P.D. 1096: NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

RULE - I: GENERAL PROVISIONS

PURPOSE OF THE CODE

▪ To provide a framework of minimum standards and requirements for all buildings in

order to regulate their location, design, quality of materials, construction, and use.
RECIPROCITY = the practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit,
especially privileges granted by one country or organization to another. SCOPE OF APPLICATION

  The National Building Code (NBC) applies to the design, location, siting,
construction, alteration, repair, conversion, use, occupancy, maintenance, moving,
A person who is not a citizen of the Philippines  shall not be allowed  to take the demolition of and addition to public and private buildings, except traditional dwellings
licensure examination unless he/she can prove that his/her country admits Filipino and BP 220 projects.
citizens to practice the same profession without restriction or allows them to practice
it after passing the examination.

TEMPORAL SPECIAL PERMIT  SECTION 101: Title

These Rules shall be known and cited as the “Revised Implementing Rules and
Regulations of the National Building Code of the Philippines (P.D. 1096)” and shall
be referred to as the “IRR”.

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE 1096 = NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

SECTION 103: Scope and Application

1. The scope of this IRR shall cover the following disciplines:

- ARCHITECTURAL
- CIVIL/ STRUCTURAL
- ELECTRICAL
- MECHANICAL
Foreign Architects/Counsultants that wants to practice Architecture or any activity - SANITARY AND PLUMBING
related to the profession shall fulfill these requirements to fully practice architecture - ELECTRONICS

in our country
This shall also apply to the design, location, siting, construction, alteration, repair, conversion, use, occupancy,
maintenance, moving, demolition of, and addition.

 Reciprocity requirements
 Qualified to practice in own country SECTION 106. Definitions
 Expertise and technology transfer
- ADDITION – Any new construction which increases the height and/or
 With Filipino counterpart floor area of existing buildings/structures.
 DOLE and PRC permits - BUILDING OFFICIAL – the Executive Officer of the OBO appointed by
the Secretary.
- BUILDING PERMIT – A document issued by the Building Official (BO)
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER  to an owner/applicant to proceed with the construction, installation,
addition, alteration, renovation, conversion, repair, moving, demolition
or other work activity
- CONVERSION – A change in the use or occupancy of
buildings/structures or any portion/s thereof, which has different
requirements.
- DEMOLITION - The systematic dismantling or destruction of a
building/ structure, in whole or in part
- RENOVATION – Any physical change made on buildings/structures to
increase the value, quality, and/or to improve the aesthetic.

 
P.D. 1096 RULE II
refers to contracts or arrangements involving the  transfer of systematic
knowledge for the manufacture of a product, the application of a process, or
rendering of a service including management contracts; and the transfer, assignment
or licensing of all forms of intellectual property rights. RULE - II : ADMINISTRATION AND  ENFORCEMENT

FILIPINO COUNTERPART  SECTION 201: Responsibility for Administration and Enforcement

The administration and enforcement of the provisions of the Code and this IRR,
including the imposition of penalties for administrative violations thereof, is hereby
vested in the Secretary.

SECRETARY = Head or Chief Executive Officer of DPWH.

DPWH = Department of Public Works and Highways

 
the local Philippine architect, partnership or corporation that must work in association
with a foreign architect, partnership or corporation, on a project on Philippine soil. SECTION 202: Technical Staff

The National Building Code Development Office (NBCDO)  shall serve as the

technical staff of the Secretary. The functions thereof are as follows:

1. Assist the Secretary in the administration and enforcement of the provisions of the

Code and its IRR.

2. Review, evaluate and take final action on various technical and legal

problems forwarded to the Office of the Secretary.

3. Conduct seminar/workshops on the Code, its IRR, and Batas Pambansa Blg. 344
(Accessibility Law).

4. Undertake such other duties and tasks as may be assigned by the Secretary from
time to time.
SECTION 203: General Powers and Functions of the Secretary other notable contents of RULE II

1. Formulate policies, plans, standards and guidelines on building FEES

design, construction, use, occupancy and maintenance, in accordance with the ▪ The DPWH Secretary prescribes the fees
Code. ▪ The Building Official collects the fees 

2. Issue and promulgate additional rules and regulations  to implement the provisions FEE EXEMPTIONS
of the Code and ensure compliance with policies and  guidelines and to guide the ▪ Public buildings
actions of the Building Official in the performance of his duties and responsibilities. ▪ Traditional family dwellings
▪ A dwelling intended for the use by one family and
3. Exercise appellate jurisdiction over the decisions and orders of the Building constructed of native materials (bamboo, nipa, logs,
Official. The order or lumber), the total cost of which does not exceed
decision of the Secretary shall be final and executory subject only to review by the PHP15,000.
Office of the
President of the Republic. PROHIBITED ACTS
▪ Proceeding with work without a permit
4. Evaluate, review, approve and/or take final action on changes and/or amendments ▪ Unauthorized deviations from the drawings during
to existing Referral Codes  construction
▪ Non-compliance with work stoppage order
5. Prescribe and impose the amount of fees  and other charges  ▪ Non-compliance with order to demolish

6. Appoint a Building Official, in all Cities and Municipalities.  Use of a building without securing a Certificate of
Occupancy
▪ Change in use without the corresponding
Certification of Change of Use
▪ Failure to post Cert. of Occupancy
SECTION 205: Building Officials
▪ Change in type of construction without permit

 the Building Official shall be responsible for carrying out the DANGEROUS BUILDINGS
provisions of the Code ▪ Structural hazard
▪ Fire hazard
▪ Unsafe electrical wiring
 shall continue to act as the Building Official until such time that
▪ Unsafe mechanical installation
the Secretary appoints the Building Official. ▪ Inadequate sanitation and health facilities
▪ Architectural deficiency
 Offices of the Building Officials already established, separate
and distinct from the office of the City/Municipal Engineers in OPTIONS FOR DANGEROUS BLDGS
cities ▪ Repair
▪ Vacation
SECTION 206: Qualifications of Building Officials ▪ Demolition

No person shall be appointed as Building Official unless he possesses the following

qualifications:
P.D. 1096 RULE III

1. A Filipino citizen and of good moral character.

2. A duly registered architect or civil engineer.
P.D. 1096 : NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
3. A member of good standing of a duly accredited organization of his profession for
not less than five (5) years endorsed or recommended by the accredited professional
organization. RULE - III: PERMITS AND INSPECTION
4. Has at least five (5) years of diversified and professional experience in building
design and SECTION 301: Building Permits
construction.
5. Has attended and successfully completed a seminar workshop on PD 1096 and its 1. No person shall engage in any construction and other related activities without first
IRR conducted by the DPWH. obtaining a building permit which will be approved and process and acquired by the
Building Official.

 SECTION 207: Duties of the Building Official

What is a building permit?
The Building Official shall have the following duties:
A written authorization granted by the Building Official to an applicant allowing him to
proceed with construction after plans, specifications and other pertinent documents
1. Be primarily responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of the Code and its have been found to be in conformity with the Code
IRR,.

2. Have overall administrative control and/or supervision over all works pertinent to
buildings/structures in his area of responsibility  and shall be charged with the When is a Permit Required?
processing of all permit applications and certificates as well as the issuance of the
same. ▪ Before constructing, altering, repairing, converting, moving, adding to, demolishing
a building.
3. Ensure that all changes, modifications, and alterations in the design plans during
the construction 2. Permits supplementary to a Building Permit shall be applied for and issued by the
phase shall not start until the modified design plan  has been evaluated and the Building Official.
necessary amendatory permit issued.
These include Ancillary and the Accessory Permits.
4. Undertake annual inspections of all buildings/structures  and keep an up-to-date
record of their status. a. Ancillary Permits

5. Upon complaint or motu propio and after due notice/s and hearing,  initiate action i. Architectural Permit
towards:
ii. Civil/Structural Permit

    a. Non-issuance, suspension, revocation and/or invalidation of a building permit or iii. Electrical Permit
certificate of
         occupancy; iv. Mechanical Permit
    b. Issuance of work stoppage order, or an order for discontinuance of the use or
occupancy of the v. Sanitary Permit
         building/structure or portion thereof;
    c. Declaration of a building/structure as ruinous or dangerous; and/or vi. Plumbing Permit
    d. The imposition of appropriate fines/penalties.
vii. Electronics Permit
 

6. Submit a quarterly situational report to the Secretary  through the NBCDO, on the
status of all existing, on-going, and proposed public as well as private
building/structure activities. (See Communication

7. Undertake such other duties and tasks  as may be assigned by the Secretary from
time to time.

  Exemption From Building Permits

A building permit shall not be required for the following minor constructions and
repairs, provided these shall not violate any provision of the Code and this IRR.

a. Minor Constructions

i. Sheds, outhouses, greenhouses, children’s playhouses, aviaries, poultry houses

and the like, not exceeding 6.00 sq. meters in total area, provided they are
completely detached from any other building and are intended only for the private
use of the owner.

ii. Addition of open terraces or patios resting directly on the ground, not exceeding
20.00 sq. meters in total floor area, exclusively for the private use of the owner.

iii. Installation of window grilles.

iv. Garden pools for the habitation of water plants and/or aquarium fish not exceeding
500 millimeters in depth and exclusively for private use.
 
v. Garden masonry walls other than party walls not exceeding 1.20 meters in height,
footpaths, residential garden walks and/or driveways. iv. Floor Plans 

b. Repair Works

i. Repair works not affecting or involving any structural member, such as replacement
of deteriorated roofing sheets or tiles, gutters, downspouts, fascias, ceilings and/or
sidings.

ii. Repair and/or replacement of non load-bearing partition walls.

iii. Repair and/or replacement of any interior portion or a house not involving addition
or alteration.

iv. Repair and/or replacement work of doors and windows.

 
v. Repair and/or replacement work of flooring.

vi. Repair of perimeter fence and walls. v. Elevations, at least four 

vii. Repair and/or replacement of plumbing fixtures, fittings or pipings, such as toilet
bowls, sinks, lavatories, urinals, bidets, pipes, faucets, valves for single detached
dwellings and duplexes.

SECTION 302: Application for Permits

Any person desiring to obtain a building permit and any ancillary/accessory permit/s
together with a Building Permit shall file application/s therefor on the prescribed
application forms.

Architectural Documents  

Architectural Plans/Drawings vi. Sections, at least two (2)

i. Vicinity Map/Location Plan

- commercial, industrial, and institutional complex: 2km radius

- residential buildings .5 km radius

to any convenient scale showing prominent landmarks or major thoroughfares for

easy reference.

ii. Site Development Plan 

vii. Reflected ceiling plan showing: 

other drawings relevant for building permit application

  Details,Schedule of Doors and Windows, Schedule of Finishes  (please see P.D.

1096 on the full list of drawings)

iii. Perspective SECTION 304: Issuance of Permits

Issuance P.D. 1096: NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

If the submitted plans and other requirements conform to the standards of the code, RULE - V: REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE ZONES
and the fees were paid, The Building Official shall within fifteen  (15) days from
payment, issue the building permit applied for.  

  SECTION 501: Types of Construction

Liability Clause

Fire zones = are areas within which only certain types of buildings/structures are
 Article 1723 of the Civil Code states that the engineer or
permitted to be constructed based on their use or occupancy, type of construction,
architect who drew up the plans and specifications is liable
and resistance to fire.
for 15 years from completion of the building should it collapse
due to defects in the plans or the ground.
(you can also refer to section 507 for DESIGNATION OF FIRE ZONES)

 In case the building collapses due to defects in construction or The legislative body of the LGU may enact ordinances for the purpose of designating
the use of inferior materials, the contractor, along with the fire zones
construction supervisor, shall be liable.
based on the parameters and guidelines set forth in this Section.

SECTION 305: Validity of Building Permits

a. Non-Fire Restricted Zones:
 The issuance of a building permit shall not be construed as an
- without fire-resistivity measures, often located in the country sides or rural areas
approval or authorization to the permittee to disregard or violate
where commercial and industrial and other buildings are sparsely constructed,
any of the provisions of the Code.
- may be clustered in small groups like farm lands wherein dwellings are built of
 A building permit issued under the provisions of the Code shall indigenous materials such as bamboo, sawali, nipa, cogon, palm leaves and wood
expire and become null and void if the building or work up to Types I and II Construction as classified
authorized therein is not commenced within a period of one (1)
year after the issuance of the building permit,

 or is suspended or abandoned at any time after it has been b. Fire Restrictive Zones:
commenced for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days.
- fire-resistivity measures for exterior walls of at least two-hour fire resistivity.

- Usual locations in suburban areas are permitted to be built with at least one-hour
P.D 1096 RULE IV fire-resistivity

RULE - IV : TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

 all buildings proposed for construction shall be classified according to the following c. Highly Fire Restrictive Zones:
types:
- highly fire- resistive or non-combustible buildings/structures
1. Type I - shall be of wood construction. The structural elements may be any of the
- construction assemblies of no less than three to four-hour fire-resistive construction
materials permitted by the Code.
materials are used throughout, including exterior walls.

- Only Types IV and V Constructions are permitted in the areas

2. Type II - 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 with one-hour resistivity.
SECTION 502: Buildings Located in More Than One Fire Zone
3. Type III - shall be of masonry and wood construction . Structural elements may be
A building/structure which is located partly in one (1) fire zone and partly in another
any of the materials permitted by the Code provided, that the building shall be one-
shall be considered to be in the more highly restrictive fire zone, when more than one
hour fire-resistive throughout. Exterior walls shall be of incombustible fire-resistive
third (1/3) of its total floor area is located in such zone.
construction.

4. Type IV - shall be steel, iron, concrete, or masonry construction  and walls, ceiling P.D. 1096 RULE VI
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.
  P.D. 1096 : NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES 
5. Type V - shall be four-hour fire-resistive throughout and the structural elements
shall be of steel, iron, concrete, or masonry construction. RULE - VI : FIRE-RESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS IN CONSTRUCTION

notes: Fire-resistance SECTION 601: Fire- Resistive Rating Defined

rating Refers to the time in hours that a material or construction will withstand exposu
re to fire. Fire-resistive rating :  means the degree to which a material can withstand fire as
determined by generally recognized and accepted testing methods.

 SECTION 404: 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,  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, four- hours, etc.  

SECTION 603:   Fire-Resistive Standards

All materials of construction, and type of materials and assemblies or combinations

thereof shall conform to the following fire-resistive ratings:

P.D 1096 RULE V

SECTION 604: Fire- Resistive Regulations
The Secretary shall prescribe standards and promulgate rules and regulations on the shall include: ice plants, power plants, pumping plants, cold storage, and creameries,
testing of construction materials for flame-spread characteristics, tests on fire factories and workshops using incombustible and non-explosive materials, and
damages, fire tests of building construction and materials, storage and sales rooms for incombustible and non-explosive materials.

vii. Group G - Storage and Hazardous

P.D. 1096 RULE VII: Part 1 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
P.D. 1096 : NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES rooms.

RULE - VII : CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Division 3- Wood working establishments, planning mills and box factories, shops,
factories where loose combustible fibers or dust are manufactured, processed or
OF ALL BUILDINGS BY USE OR OCCUPANCY generated; warehouses where highly combustible materials is stored.

SECTION 701: Fire- Occupancy Classified Division 4- Repair garages.

1. There are 10 Groups of Occupancies sub-divided into 25 Divisions. The Division 5- Aircraft repair hangars.
accompanying matrix shows the Groupings and Divisions and the corresponding
uses. The final column indicates the Zoning Classification.

a. Buildings proposed for construction shall be identified according to their use or the viii. Group H - Assembly Other Than Group I
character of its occupancy and shall be classified as follows:
Division 1- Any assembly building with a stage and an occupant load of less than
i. Group A – Residential Dwellings 1000 in the building.

Division 1- Residential building/structure for exclusive use of single family occupants Division 2- Any assembly building without stage and having an occupant load of 300
including school or company staff housing; single (nuclear) family dwellings or more in the building.

- Single Family Dwelling Division 3- Any assembly building without a stage and having an occupant load of
- School Staff Housing less than 300 in the building.

Division 2- Residential building for the exclusive use of non-leasing occupants not Division 4- Stadia, reviewing stands, amusement park structures not included within
exceeding 10 persons including single-attached or duplex or townhouses, each Group I or in Division 1, 2, and 3 of this Group.
privately-owned;

- SIngle Attached House

- Duplex House ix. Group I – Assembly Occupant Load 1000 or More

ii. Group B – Residentials, Hotels and Apartments shall be any assembly building with a stage and an occupant load of 1000 or more in
the building.
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
x. Group J - Accessory
- Boarding House
- Apartment Division 1- Agricultural structures.

iii. Group C – Education and Recreation Division 2- Private garages, carports, fences over 1.80 meters high, tanks, swimming
pools and towers.
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 Division 3- Stages, platforms, pelota, tennis, badminton or basketball courts, tombs,
2 or Group H Occupancies. mausoleums, niches, aviaries, aquariums, zoo structures, banks and record vaults
other subgroupings or divisions within Groups A to J may be determined by the
- Day Care Center Secretary.
- School Building in the philippines

iv. Group D – Institutional

P.D. 1096 : NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
Division 1 - Mental hospitals, mental sanitaria, jails, prisons, reformatories, and
buildings were personal liberties of inmates are similarly restrained. RULE - VII : CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
OF ALL BUILDINGS BY USE OR OCCUPANCY
- Lungsod Dilangan Health center
- New Bilibid prison SECTION 702: Change in Use 

Division 2 - Nurseries for full-time care of children under kindergarten age, hospitals,
sanitaria, nursing homes with non-ambulatory patients, and similar buildings each
 No change shall be made in the character of occupancy or use
of any building which would place
accommodating more than five persons.
the building in a different division of the same group of
- Nursery Facilities
occupancy or in a different group of occupancies,
- Non- Ambulatory Health care Facility

Division 3 - Nursing homes for ambulatory patients, homes for children of  unless such building is made to comply with the requirements
kindergarten age or over, each accommodating more than five persons: Provided, of the Code for such division or group of occupancy.
that Group D Occupancies shall not include buildings used only for private or family
group dwelling purposes.  The character of occupancy of existing buildings may be
changed subject to the approval of the Building Official and the
v. Group E - Business and Mercantile building may be occupied for purposes set forth in other
Groups:
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.  Provided the new or proposed use is less hazardous, based on
life and fire risk, than the existing use.
Division 2- Wholesale and retail stores, office buildings, drinking and dining
establishments having an occupant load of less than one hundred persons, printing  SECTION 703: Mixed Occupancy
plants, police and fire stations, factories and workshops using not highly flammable
or combustible materials and paint stores without bulk handlings. 1. General Requirements
          When a building is of mixed occupancy or used for more than one occupancy,
Division 3- Aircraft hangars and open parking garages where no repair work is done 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:
except exchange of parts and maintenance requiring no open flame, welding or the
use of highly flammable liquids.
a. 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;

b. Where minor accessory uses do not occupy more than 10% of the area  of any
floor or a building, nor more than 10% of the basic area permitted  in the occupancy
vi. Group F - Industrial requirements, in which case, the major use of the building shall determine the
occupancy classification.
 

2. Forms of Occupancy Separation

 Occupancy separations shall be vertical or horizontal or both, 

 when necessary, of such other forms as may be required to

afford a complete separation between the various occupancy
divisions in the building.

3. 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.”

a. A “One-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation” shall be of not less than one-

hour fireresistive  construction. All openings in such separation shall be protected by
a fire-assembly having a one-hour fire-resistive rating.  

4. Building Footprint and Firewall Requirements

b. A “Two-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation” shall be of not less than two- a. The following rules shall be observed in the determination of the Allowable
hour fireresistive  construction. All openings in such separation shall be protected by Maximum Building Footprint (AMBF) for buildings and related habitable structures.
a fire assembly having a two-hour fire-resistive rating.
If the stated rules are compared with (1) Rule VIII Table VIII.1.- Reference Table on
  Percentage of Site Occupancy and Maximum Allowable Construction Area (MACA);
(2) Rule VIII Tables VIII.2. and VIII.3. (setbacks, yards and courts); or (3) with the
c.  A “Three-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation” shall be of not less applicable stipulations under this Rule and with the applicable stipulations of the Fire
than three-hour  fireresistive construction. Code, the more stringent but applicable regulation out of the aforementioned rules
should be observed;

 All openings in walls forming such separation shall be protected b. If without a firewall, the footprint of a proposed building/structure shall be
by a fire assembly having a three hour fire-resistive rating. measured horizontally
from the property line to the outermost faces of the exterior walls of the
building/structure; Provided, that the distance measured from the property line shall
 The total width of all openings in any threehour fire-resistive
conform with the applicable stipulations of this Rule and Rule VIII; The resultant area
occupancy separation wall in any one-storey shall not exceed
established at grade level upon which the proposed building/structure may stand
25% of the length of the wall in that storey and no single
shall be the AMBF;
opening shall have an area greater than 10.00 sq. meters.
c. Footprint Based on Firewall Provisions
 All openings in floors forming a “Three-Hour Fire-Resistive
Occupancy Separation” shall be protected by vertical If with a firewall on one (1) side, the footprint of a proposed building/structure shall be
enclosures extending above and below such openings. The measured horizontally from the property line with a firewall to the outermost faces of
walls of such  vertical enclosures shall be of not less than two- the opposite exterior walls of the building/structure; Provided, that the applicable
hour fire-resistive construction, and all openings therein shall stipulations of the Fire Code are strictly followed;
be protected by a fire assembly having a three-hour fire-
resistive rating.

  SECTION 704: Location on Property 

d. A “Four-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation”  shall have no RIGHT OF WAY 

openings therein and shall be of not  less than four-hour fire-resistive construction.

   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
4. Fire Rating for Occupancy Separation sides.

 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;

 where any occupancy separation is required, the minimum

shall be a “One-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation”; 

SECTION 704: Location on Property 

1. General

a. No building shall be constructed unless it adjoins or has direct access to a public EAVES OVER WINDOWS
space, yard or street on at least one of  its sides.

 Eaves over required windows shall not be less than 750

millimeters from the side and rear property lines.

 
 
b. For the purpose of this Section, the centerline of an adjoining street or alley shall
be considered an adjacent property line.

c. Eaves over required windows shall not be less than 750 millimeters from the side
and rear property lines.

 FIREWALLS
 ▪ Maximum height: 8 storeys
 A fireproof barrier used to prevent the spread of fire between or
▪ Option B: One side + Rear
through buildings
▪ Maximum 65% of side and 50% of rear
 Why are firewalls important? Because when they are built, the ▪ Total should not exceed 60% of lot perimeter
building or part of the building extends into the setbacks. ▪ Maximum height: 8 storeys for side, 14m for rear

ALLOWABLE FIREWALLS

R1 - no firewalls allowed, However, an abutment up to 3.20m high is OK for carports

provided that above 1.50m, the abutment shall be constructed of perforated concrete
blocks.

R2 - Maximum 80% of the length of side property line.  

FIREWALLS FOR: Commercial, institutional, and industrial:

▪ Firewalls allowed on the ff. conditions:
▪ Provide sprinkler system
▪ Install fire-retardant or fire-suppression devices
▪ Maximum 70% of lot perimeter
▪ RROW setbacks are complied with

P.D. 1096 RULE VII: Part 4

SECTION 705: Allowable Floor Areas  

TOTAL GROSS FLOOR AREA  (TGFA)

▪ Total gross floor area

▪ The total floor space inside the building
R3 - Two configurations are allowed: ▪ Keyword: inside/enclosed
▪ Option A: Two sides ▪ Includes services/parking (unlike GFA)
▪ Maximum 85% of each side
▪ Total should not exceed 65% of lot perimeter  
▪ Two storeys high only
▪ Option B: One side + Rear ALLOWABLE MAX. TGFA
▪ 90% of side or rear (up to 100% for rear if only 4m) ▪ Table VII.1 ; Allowable Maximum Total Gross Floor Area (TGFA) Based on the
▪ Total should not exceed 50% of lot perimeter allowed Percentage of Site Occupancy  (PSO) of the Total Lot Area (TLA)
▪ Two storeys high for side, 3.20m high for rear

R4 - Two sides
▪ Maximum 85% of each side
▪ Total should not exceed 50% of lot perimeter
▪ Maximum height: three storeys

▪ Format: Number of floors x footprint

▪ Depends on the ff.:
          - Lot type
          - Zoning
         - Use of firewalls

R5 - Two sides
▪ Option A: Two sides SECTION 706: Maximum Height of Buildings
▪ Maximum 75% of each side
▪ Total should not exceed 50% of lot perimeter BUILDING HEIGHT LIMIT (BHL)
 The maximum height and number of storeys of a proposed building shall be PARKING REQUIREMENTS
dependent upon: 

 the character of use or occupancy 

 the type of construction
 end-user population density  Hotels
 light and ventiolation      ▪ If highly urbanized, 1 slot
Churches
for every 3 rooms
 width of RROW      ▪ If not, 1 slot for every 7
     ▪ For every 50sqm. of
congregation area, provide:
 land use plan and zoning  rooms
     ▪ 1 car slot
     ▪ 2 tourist bus parking slots
 geological      ▪ 1 jeepney slot
     ▪ 1 loading slot for articulated
 hydrological truck

 meteoritical
 topographical  Public hospital
Public universities      ▪ 1 car slot for every 25 beds
    ▪ 1 car slot for every 5      ▪ 1 loading space for 2
 
classrooms jeepney/shuttle slots
    ▪ 1 loading space for 2      ▪ 1 slot for articulated truck
How is Building Height Measured? jeepney or shuttle slots      ▪ 1 slot for standard truck for
    ▪ 1 school bus for every 200 every 5,000sqm gross floor area
 From established grade line to the topmost portion of the students      ▪ Add truck maneuvering space
building outside RROW

 Excludes allowed projections above the roof, like- SIgnages -

Masts
- Antenna/ Telecom Tower

Establishing the Grade line

 Grade line = highest adjoining sidewalk or natural grade line

 But if grade is sloping:

          - if less than 3 meters diff., take highest grade

          - If more than 3 meters diff., take the average

Establishing the Top of the Building  ▪ Given in Table VII.4 on p.100

▪ Based on occupancy and lot/floor areas
▪ If roof is flat, top = rooftop
▪ If roof is sloping, top = middle of roof height

Height Limit Projections

Towers, spires and steeples

▪ If made of combustible materials, 6.0m above BHL
▪ If made of incombustible materials, limited only by structural design

OFF-SITE PARKING LOTS

▪ If a multi-floor parking garage is located within a 200-meter radius of the building,
20% of the required parking provisions may be served the multi-floor parking garage.

OFF-SITE PARKING LOTS

Reserved or leased parking slots may also serve the parking requirements if:
     ▪ The slots are in a permanent parking building and not in a vacant parking lot.
     ▪ The said parking building is:
     ▪ Not more than 100m away, if residential
     ▪ Not more than 200m away, if commercial

BHL based on  RROW- Based Limitations  

▪ The RROW width also dictates the BHL:
▪ 6-7m RROW: 3.0 storeys or 9.0m MANEUVERING SPACE
▪ 4-5m RROW: 2.5 storeys or 7.5m      ▪ Using the RROW as a maneuvering space is not allowed
▪ 0-3m RROW: 2.0 storeys or 6.0m      ▪ To prevent this, direct access of parking/loading/utility slots to the RROW shall
▪ Only exceptions: PUD be disallowed

 
TRAFFIC-GENERATING BUILDINGS STAIRS
     ▪ Example: shopping malls ▪ Minimum width: 750mm
     ▪ The distance between such buildings and major road intersections is regulated ▪ Maximum riser: 200mm
     ▪ The building ingress and the intersection shall be at least 50m apart (measured ▪ Minimum tread: 200mm
between the two nearest curbs)         Note: These riser/tread dimensions do not match the general dimensions
prescribed in Rule 12

  ENTRANCE + EXIT
▪ At least one entrance, and another one for exit
FRONT YARDS AS PARKING
▪ Not allowed for the following: SECTION 709: Requirements for Other Group Occupancies
▪ R2 Maximum
▪ R3 Maximum Subject to the provisions of the Code, the Secretary shall promulgate rules and
▪ GI regulations for each of the other Group Occupancies covering: allowable
▪ C1, C2 and C3 construction, height, and area; location on property, exit facilities, light and
▪ 50% of front yard may be used as parking for R2 Basic and R3 Basic ventilation, sanitation; enclosures of vertical openings; fire extinguishing systems;
and special hazards.
SECTION 708: Minimum Requirements for Group A Dwellings
 DEVELOPMENTAL CONTROLS 
LIGHT AND VENTILATION
TERMS DEFINED
▪ TLA = Total lot area
 Every dwelling shall be provided with adequate light and ▪ PSO = Percentage of site occupancy
ventilation. (see Rule VIII)           - The part of the lot occupied by the building (A.K.A. building footprint
expressed in %)
▪ TOSL = Total open space within lot
             - The part of the lot NOT occupied by the building
*TLA = PSO + TOSL
SANITATION
▪ At least one sanitary toilet and adequate washing and draining facilities ▪ USA = Unpaved surface area
          - The portion of the open space that is unpaved
  ▪ ISA = Impervious surface area
          - The portion of the open space that is paved
FOUNDATION ▪ Since “open space” = TOSL,
▪Footings should be at least 250mm thick *TOSL = USA + ISA
▪ At least 600mm below the surface of the ground
▪ MACA = MACA stands for Maximum Allowable Construction Area
         - PSO + ISA

         - Hence, TLA = MACA + USA

    

▪ AMBF = Allowable max. building footprint

     - Footprint expressed in square meters

▪ GFA = Gross floor area

     - Total enclosed floor area (including balconies)
     - Excludes the following enclosed areas:
             Parking, services, utilities
         Vertical penetrations in parking floors if not used for residential or
commercial purposes
             Balconies exceeding 10sqm, uncovered areas, fire escape structures, etc.

▪  TGFA = Total gross floor area

 
     - Includes all enclosed floor areas, no exceptions
STRUCTURAL LOADS
▪ AMVB = Allowable max. volume of building
▪ First floor live load: 200kg/sqm
▪ Second floor live load: 150kg/sqm
▪ Wind load for roofs: 120kg/sqm (vertical) ▪ OFB = Outer faces of the building

  ▪ FLAR = Floor and lot area ratio

BUILDING BULK  RULE - VIII : LIGHT AND VENTILATION

▪ A volume quantity PUSRPOSE 

▪ In the simplest sense,
▪ Building bulk = Footprint x Height Every building shall be designed, constructed, and Equipped to provide adequate
▪ However, the Code prescribes several different methods for determining this light and ventilation.
quantity
VARIABLES
 

METHOD 1: AMBF PROJECTION  Setbacks

▪ Determine the AMBF
▪ Determine the BHL (in meters)  Site occupancy
▪ AMBF x BHL = Building bulk
 Room sizes
METHOD 2: FLAR
▪ FLAR : Floor to lot area ratio
▪ Total floor area / lot area  Ceiling heights
▪ For example, a FLAR designation of 1.50 means that a lot measuring 100sqm may
accommodate a building whose total floor area is 150sqm.
▪ In a way, FLAR tells us how many lots can fit inside the building.
 Window sizes

 Courts

MEASUREMENT OF SITE OCCUPANCY 

Taken at ground level and exclusive of courts, yards, and light wells.

METHOD 2: FLAR
▪ Building bulk = Footprint x Height
▪ To get footprint:
LOT TYPES
▪ FLAR x TLA = Total floor area
▪ Total floor area/Number of storeys = Footprint  The Code defines seven lot types
▪ Hence, building bulk is equal to:
▪ [(FLAR x TLA)/number of storeys] x BHL ▪ Inside lot
▪ Interior lot
  ▪ Corner lot
▪ Through lot
METHOD 3: AMVB ▪ Corner through lot
1. AMBF x BHL = initial AMVB (“prism”) ▪ Corner through lot abutting 3 or more streets
2. Superimpose the angular plane originating from ▪ End lot
the RROW onto the “prism”
▪ Angular plane: a plane originating from the RROW that establishes the outer limit
for walls and building projections.
3. Use the angular plane to reduce the volume of
the prism. This is the AMVB.

OTHER FORMULAS
▪ PSO = AMBF / TLA
▪ GFA = TLA x FLAR
▪ TGFA = GFA + Non-GFA
 MINIMUM CEILING HEIGHTS

ARTIFICIALLY VENTILATED NATURALLY VENTILATED

GROUND FLOOR 2.70 2.70

SECOND FLOOR 2.40 2.70

SUCCEEDING FLOORS 2.10 2.70

MEZZANINES 1.80 2.70

MINIMUM ROOM SIZES

YARD VERSUS SETBACK

MINIMUM AREA MINIMUM DIMENSION
▪ Yard: the required open space left between the outermost face of the building and
the property lines
▪ Setback: the width of the yard ROOM FOR HUMAN
6.00 SQM 2.00 SQM
HABITATION

KITCHEN 3.00 SQM 1.50 SQM

TOILET & BATH 1.20 SQM 0.90 SQM

R.A. 9514: THE NATIONAL FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

COURTS
 R.A. 9514 THE FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES 
▪ Minimum dimension: 2.00m
▪ Hence, minimum area: 4.00sqm R.A. 9514 FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
▪ All inner courts shall be connected to a street or yard by a passageway at least
1.20m wide   Purpose of the Code

JOINING OF COURTS
 A fire code is a set of requirements for all buildings in an area,
▪ Minimum dimension may be reduced to 1.50m in cluster living units with adjacent may it be Residential, commercial, and industrial building
courts types. 
▪ Minimum area per court: 3.00sqm  These regulations are there to insure the safety of all
▪ Separation wall: 2.00m high maximum occupants of the building at all time
 Fire suppression, proper fire safety storage, emergency
  preparedness, the way hazardous and combustible materials
are handled, the conduct of the business that may pose fire
hazards, and the design, operation and maintenance of the
building all fall under the umbrella of fire safety codes.

RULE I: INTERPRETATION

“It is the policy of the State to ensure public safety, promote economic development
through the prevention and suppression of all kinds of destructive fires , and promote
the professionalization of the Fire Service as a profession. Towards this end, the
State shall enforce all laws, rules and regulations to ensure adherence to standard
fire prevention and safety measures, and promote accountability in the fire protection
and prevention service.”

- PUBLIC SAFETY
- DAMAGES CAUSED BY DESTRUCTIVE FIRES
- FIRE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS 

RULE II: COVERAGE

This IRR shall cover the following:

A. All persons, either natural or juridical;
B. All buildings, facilities or structures and their premises,  erected or constructed
before and after the effectivity hereof;
C. Design and installation of mechanical, electronics and electrical systems relative
to fire protection;
D. Manufacturing, storage, handling and/or use , and transportation of explosives
and/ or combustible/flammable liquids and gases, toxic and other hazardous
materials and operations, and their wastes;
E. Fire safety planning, design, construction, repair, maintenance, rehabilitation and
demolition;
F. Fire protective and warning equipment or systems;
G. All land transportation vehicles and equipment,  ships or vessels docked at piers
or wharves or anchored in seaports; and
H. Petroleum industry installations.

RULE III: DEFINITION OF TERMS

Automatic Fire Suppression System (AFSS). An integrated system of underground or

overhead piping connected to a source of extinguishing agent or medium,
Building Administrator. Any person who is authorized to act as an agent or D. Recommend to the C/MFM the filing of appropriate charges against the violator  of
representative of the owner of the building RA 9514 and its RIRR;
E. Testify in any judicial and quasi-judicial bodies on matters  relating to RA 9514 and
City/Municipal Fire Marshal (C/MFM). The duly designated head of the City or its RIRR and/or in account of his/her duties and functions as Chief, FSES/U when
Municipal Fire Station including those designated as “Officer-in-Charge” or in “Acting” needed; and
capacity. F. Perform such other functions mentioned under RA 9514 and its RIRR.

Damper. A device used in heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts to ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF FIRE SAFETY MEASURES 
prevent the spread of fire or smoke inside the ductwork. It automatically closes upon
detection of heat and smoke. They can be opened or closed from a remote fire A. Inspection of all buildings, structures, facilities and premises,
command station if required. B. Fire safety inspection shall be conducted as a prerequisite to grants of permits
and/or licenses 
Exit. That portion of means of egress that is separated from all other spaces of a C. The C/MFM having jurisdiction shall review, evaluate and assess plans,
building or structure by construction, location, or equipment as required to provide a
protected way of travel to the exit discharge

Exit Access. That portion of means of egress that leads to an exit.

RULE 10: FIRE SAFETY MEASURES  
Exit Discharge. That portion of a means of egress between the termination of an exit
and a public way. CHAPTER 1. COVERAGE

Fire Alarm. Any visual or audible signal produced by a device or system to warn the This Rule covers the fire safety measures for buildings, structures and
occupants of the building or firefighting elements of the presence or danger of fire. facilities, hazardous materials and wastes, hazardous operations and processes ,
and miscellaneous hazardous premises and/or conditions that by its very nature or
Fire Alerting System. A fire alarm system activated by the presence of fire, where the relation to life, property and environment pose threat or danger.
signal is transmitted to designated locations instead of sounding a general alarm.
DIVISION 2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Fire Lane. The portion of a roadway or public way that should be kept open and
unobstructed at all times for the expedient conduct of firefighting operations.
A. Every building or structure, new or old, designed for human occupancy shall be
Fire Trap. A building unsafe in case of fire because it will burn easily or because it provided with exits The design of exits and other fire safety construction shall be
lacks adequate exits or fire escapes. such that reliance for safety of life in case of fire or other emergencies will not
depend solely on any single fire safety construction. 
Hose Box. A box or cabinet where fire hoses, valves and other equipment are stored
and arranged for firefighting. B. Every building or structure shall be designed, constructed, equipped, maintained
and operated to avoid danger to lives and ensure safety of its occupants from fire,
smoke, vapor and fumes, during the period of escape from the building or structure.
RULE 8: FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS
C. Every building or structure shall be provided with exits of kind, number, location
 FIRE SAFETY INSPECTOR: REQUIREMENTS
and capacity appropriate to the individual building or structure
SECTION 8.1.1.1 FIRE SAFETY INSPECTORS
D. Every exit of buildings or structures shall be arranged and maintained to provide
free and unobstructed egress from all parts thereof at all times. No lock or fastening
A. Uniformed Personnel device that would prevent escape from the inside of any building
1. Shall be licensed Engineer (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Sanitary and
Electronics) with at least one (1) year in the BFP service; or
E. Every exit shall be clearly visible. The route to the exit shall be conspicuously
2. Shall be architect with at least one (1) year in the BFP service; or
marked in such to a place of safety outside is unmistakable. 
3. Shall be graduate of any baccalaureate degree course with at least three (3) years
in the BFP service.
F. All means of egress shall be provided with adequate and reliable illumination.

B. Non-Uniformed Personnel G. Fire alarm systems or devices shall be provided in every building or structure of
Appointed as Engineers with at least one (1) year in the BFP service. such size,
C. Must have undergone and completed prescribed training on fire safety arrangement, or occupancy, to provide adequate warning to occupants.
enforcement and other relevant fire safety training.
DIVISION 2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
 
DIVISION 3. CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANCY
SECTION 8.1.1.2 PLAN EVALUATORS A. A building or structure, or portion of buildings or structure, shall be classified as
follows: 
A. Must be licensed Architect or Engineer; and
B. Shall have undergone and completed prescribed training  1. Assembly
C. In cases where there is no licensed engineer or architect in a specific jurisdiction, Assembly occupancies include all buildings or portions of buildings used for
a graduate of any baccalaureate degree with relevant fire safety and building plan gathering together of fifty (50) or more persons for such purposes as deliberation,
evaluation training shall be designated as plan evaluator. worship, entertainment, eating, drinking, amusement, awaiting transportation, or
similar uses.
FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS: RESPONSIBILITIES
Examples:
FUNCTIONS OF FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS
1. theaters;
DIVISION 1. RESPONSIBILITIES OF DESIGNATED FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS 2. assembly halls;
3. auditorium;
SECTION 8.2.1.1 FIRE SAFETY INSPECTORS 4. exhibition halls;
The following shall be the main duties and responsibilities of Fire Safety Inspectors: 5. museum;
6. restaurants;
A. Inspect any building, structure or facility 7. drinking establishments;
8. places of worship;
9. classrooms of 50 persons and over capacity;
B. Assess compliance with the fire safety requirements,
C. Testify in any judicial and quasi-judicial bodies 10. libraries;
11. internet shops of over 50 persons capacity;
D. Conduct fire safety lectures, seminars/workshop and drills ; and
E. Prepare necessary documents  and maintain files and/or records. 12. dance halls;
13. club rooms;
14. skating rinks;
 
15. gymnasiums;
16. cockpit arenas;
SECTION 8.2.1.2 PLAN EVALUATORS 17. bowling facilities;
The following shall be the main duties and responsibilities of Plan Evaluators: 18. pool rooms;
19. armories;
A. Review and evaluate building plans and specifications including fire protection 20. passenger stations and terminals of air, surface, underground, and marine public
system  transportation facilities;
B. Conduct site verification and inspection 21. Recreational facilities;
22. piers;
23.court-rooms;
24.conference rooms; and
SECTION 8.2.1.3 CHIEF, FIRE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT SECTION/UNIT 25. mortuary chapels or funeral homes.
(FSES/U)
The following shall be the main duties and responsibilities of the Chief, FSES/U:

A. Review and evaluate reports submitted by the Fire Safety Enforcers  and 2. Educational
recommend approval to the concerned C/MFM having jurisdiction; Educational occupancies include all buildings or portions thereof used for the
B. Assist the C/MFM having jurisdiction in implementing fire safety measures and gathering of group of six (6) or more persons for purposes of instruction.
education programs;
C. Supervise/monitor the activities of the fire safety inspectors  to ensure that Examples:
inspection is conducted in accordance with the standards and existing rules and 1. Schools;
regulations; 2. Universities;
3. Colleges;
4. Academies;
5. Nursery schools; PROTECTIVE ENCLOSURE OF EXITS - The construction of the separation shall
6. Kindergartens; and meet the following requirements:
7. Child Day Care facilities.

3. Health Care
Health care facilities are those used for purposes of medical or other treatment or
care of persons where such occupants are mostly incapable of self preservation
because of age, physical or mental disability, or because of security measures not
under the occupants’ control.

Examples:
1. hospitals;
2. nursing homes;
3. birth centers; and
4. residential custodial care centers such as nurseries, homes for the aged and the
like.

4. Detention and Correctional

Detention and correctional buildings are those used to house one or more persons
under varied degrees of restraint or security where such occupants are mostly
incapable of self-preservation because of security measures not under the
occupants’ control.

RULE 10: FIRE SAFETY MEASURES

CHAPTER 1. COVERAGE

SECTION 10.2.5.1 APPLICATION

A. Means of egress for both new and existing buildings shall comply with this

Division except as may be modified for individual occupancies by

Divisions 8 through 17 of this Chapter.

B. Any change, alteration or addition that would reduce the means of

Construction and Compartmentation
egress below the requirements for new buildings is prohibited.
Appropriate provision of P.D. 1096 and its I.R.R (NBC) shall be used to determine
Definition the requirements for the construction classifications

Means of Egress - is a CONTINUOS and UNOBSTRUCTED route of EXIT from one

point in a building, structure or facility to a PUBLIC WAY.

GENERAL PROVISIONS:

PERMISSIBLE EXIT COMPONENTS - An Exit shall consist of the approved

components that are described, regulated ad limited as to use.
Where the building or facility includes additions or connected structures of different
- DOORS construction types, the rating and classification of the structure shall be as follows:
- STAIRS, SMOKEPROOF ENCLOSURES
- OUTSIDE STAIRS
- HORIZONTAL EXITS
- RAMPS 1. Two-hour (2hr) fore resistance rating or greater, if vertically-aligned fire barrier wall
- EXIT PASSAGEWAY exists between the portions of the building
- FIRE ESCAPE STAIRS, FIRE ESCAPE LADDERS AND SLIDES
ESCAPES

Exit components shall be constructed as an integral part of the building or shall be 2. The least fire-resistive type of construction of the connected portions, if no such
permanently affixed thereto. separation is provided

MEANS OF EGRESS consists of THREE (3) separate distinct parts:

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Any Opening in the separation wall/construction shall be protected by an

APPROVED SELF-CLOSING FIRE RESISITIVE DOOR.
No exit enclosure shall be used for any purpose other than for MEANS OF EGRESS
Dead End Limits

Means of egress shall be so arranged that there are NO DEAD-END POCKETS,

hallways, corridors, passage ways or courts whose depth exceeds the limits
specified in individual occupancies by division 8 through 17

The width of any means of egress shall not be less than NINE HUNDRED FIFTEEN
Interlocking or scissor stairs shall be considered only as a SINGLE EXIT for new
MILLIMETERS (915mm)
buildings

The number of means of Egress from any balcony, mezzanine, storey, or portion
thereof shall not be less than TWO(2),

NUMBER OF MEANS OF EGRESS

When the occupant load for any storey or portion thereof is MORE THAN FIVE Measurement of Travel Distance to Exit
HUNDRED (500) but not more than ONE THOUSAND (1000), The means of egress
shall not be less than THREE(3); in excess thereof, the means of egress shall not be The travel distance to an exit shall be measured on the floor or other walking surface
less than FOUR(4) along the center line of the natural path of travel, Starting from the most remote point
subject to occupancy, curving around any corner or construction with a 30 cm
clearance therefrom and ending at the center of the doorway or other point at which
the exit begins. where measurement includes stairs, it shall be taken in the place of
the tread nosing.

 Access to Exits

Arrangement of Exits A door from a room to an exit or to a way of exit access shall be of the side-hinged,
swinging type. It shall swing with exit travel
When TWO(2) exits or exit access doors are required, they shall be located at a
distance from one another NOT LESS THAN ONE_HALF (1/2) of the length of the
maximum over-all diagonal dimension of the building or area to be served, measured
in a straight line between the nearest edge of the exit doors or exit access doors.

In buildings protected throughout by an approved supervised automatic sprinkler

system, the minimum separation distance between TWO exits or exits access doors
measured in accordance with paragraph b hereof shall NOT BE LESS THAN ONE
THIRD (1/3) the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building or
are to be served.
Discharge from Exits

All exits shall terminate directly at a public way or at an exit discharge. Yards, courts,
open space, or other portions of the exit discharge shall be of required width and size Locks, Latches, Alarm Devices
to provide all occupants with a safe access to a public way
A latch or other fastening device on a door shall be provided with a knob, handle,
Stairs and other exits shall be so arranged as to make clear the direction of egress to panic bar, or other simple type releasing device. The method of operation of which is
the egress. Exit stairs that continue beyond the floor of discharge shall be interrupted obvious, even in darkness
at the floor of discharge by partitions, doors, or other effective means.

Swing and Force to Open

During its swing, any door in a means of egress shall leave not less than 1/2 of the
required width of an aisle, corridor, passageway, or landing unobstructed and shall
Headroom not project more than 178mm into the required width of an aisle, corridor,
passageway, or landing, when fully open. 
The minimum headroom shall not be less than two meters (2m) nor any projection
from the ceiling be less than two (2m) from the floor.

Doors

Any DOOR in a means of egress shall be of the side hinged or pivoted-swinging Door Width

type. 
Width and Floor Level
 
Door Openings in means of egress shall not be less 71 cm in clear width. When a
Doors required to be of the side hinged or pivoted swinging type shall swing in the pair of doors is provided, not less than one of the doors shall provide at least 71cm
direction of egress travel where serving a room or area with an occupant load of 50 clear width opening.
or more persons. 
No single door in a doorway shall exceed 122cm in width. 

Swing and Force to open DIVISION 5 - MEANS OF EGRESS

Doors shall not open directly onto a stair without a landing. The landing shall have a
width not less than the width of the door
 Any permanently installed stair outside of the building being served is acceptable as
a means of egress under the same condition 

Smoke proof Enclosures

A smokeproof enclosure shall be enclosed from the highest point to the lowest point
by barriers having 2-hour fire resistance ratings, where a vestibule is used, it shall be
within the 2-hour rated enclosure and shall be considered part of the smokeproof
enclosure

Discharge

Every smokeproof enclosure shall discharge into a public way, into a yard or court
having direct access to a public way, or into an exit passageway. Such exit
passageways shall be without openings, other than the entrance to the smokeproof
enclosure and the door to the outside yard, court or public way. The exit passageway
shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a 2-hour fire resistance
rating. 

B.P. 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW

Outside Stairs
BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW   - The comfortable reach of persons  confined to wheelchairs is from
0.70 - 1.20m  above the floor and not less than .40m from room
BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW corners

An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings,

Institutions,
Establishments and Public Utilities to Install Facilities and Other Devices

PURPOSE

" No group of people shall be deprived of full participation and enjoyment of the
environment or be made unequal with the rest due to any disability. "

-
 provide for minimum requirements and standards to make
building s, facilities and utilities for public use accessible to
disabled persons.

SCOPE
- The comfortable clearance for knee and leg space under tables for
wheelchair users is .70m.
 Public and Private buildings and related structures for Public
- Counter height shall be placed at a level comfortable to disabled
Use
persons reach
 Streets and highways and public utilities
 Public Transport terminals  BASIC PHYSICAL PLANNING REQUIREMENTS

  No group of people shall be deprived of full participation and enjoyment of the

environment or be made unequal with the rest due to any disability. In order to
APPLICATION achieve this goal adopted by the United Nations, certain basic principles shall be
applied:
Public and Private buildings and related structures for Public Use
 ACCESSIBILITY - The built environment shall be designed so
     No Permit for the construction, repair or renovation of public and private buildings that it shall be accessible to all people, This means that no
and related structures for public use, whether owned or leased, shall be granted or
criteria shall impede the use of facilities by either that
issued, unless the owner thereof shall have provided in the places and specifications
handicapped or non-disabled citizens
submitted for approval barrier- free facilities and accessibility features as provided in
these rules and in accordance with the following criteria  REACHABILITY -   Provisions shall be adapted and introduced
to the physicvall environment so that as many places or
 CATEGORIES OF DISABLED PERSONS buildings as possible can be reached by all. 
 USABILITY  -  Built environments shall be designed so that all
This Dictates the varied measures to be adopted in order to create as accessible persons, whether they be disabled or not, may use and enjoy
environment for the handicapped. Disabled persons under these rules may be it. 
classified into those who have: 
 ORIENTATION -Finding a person's way outside and inside a
building or open space shall be made easy for everyone. 
 Confinement to wheelchairs  SAFETY -  Designing for safety ensures that people shall be
 Requiring the use of braces, crutches, artificial supports able to move about with less hazards to life and health 

 impaired hearing or sight

 WORKABILITY AND EFFICIENCY  -  The built environment
shall be designed to allow the disabled citizens to participate
 Condition of ageing  and continue development goals
 Acquired congenital mental impairments

  ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES AND FACILITIES

The provision of adequate space for wheelchair maneuvering generally insure Architectural Facilities and Features
adequate space for disabled persons equipped with other technical aids or
accompanied by assistants
 Stairs
 
 Walkways
The following anthropometric data shall serve as guides for design  Corridors
 Doors and Entrances
- The length of wheelchairs varies from 1.10m - 1.30 m   Washrooms and Toilets
- width of wheelchairs  is from .60m - .75 m 
- A circle of 1.50m in Diameter is a suitable guide in the planning of  Lifts/Elevators
wheelchair turning spaces  Ramps
 Parking Areas
 Switches, Controls and Buzzers
 Handrails
 Thresholds
 Floor Finishes 
 Drinking Fountains
 Public Telephones
 Seating Accommodations
-

SPECIAL TYPE FACILITIES STANDARDS 

 1. AUDITORIUMS, ASSEMBLY HALLS. THEATERS AND
RELATED FACILITIES:

a.  Seating for the disabled shall be accessible from the main lobby to primary
entrances, together with related toilet facilities.

b.  In all assembly places where seating accommodation is provided, there shall be
spaces for the disabled persons as provided.

c.  When the seating capacity exceeds 500, an additional wheelchair seating space

Seating Capacity Wheelchair Seating Space

4 - 50 2

51 - 300 4

301 - 500 6

shall be provided for each total seating capacity increase of 100 seats

d.  Readily removable seats maybe installed in these spaces when such spaces are
not required to accommodate wheelchair users. 

INDIVIDUALS LIABLE FOR ANY VIOLATION OF THE ACT 

1. FOR BUILDINGS/ESTABLIHSMENTS/STRUCTURE

 Owner or operator of the building

 Establishment or structure Contractor
 Architect
 Engineer
 Building Official  3. WALKWAYS AND PASSAGEWAYS
3.1 Walkways should be kept as level as possible and provided with slip-resistant
 Other public official in charge with issuance of permit 
material.

3.2 Whenever and wherever possible, walkways should have a gradient no more

than 1:20 or 5%.
A. OUTSIDE AND AROUND BUILDINGS
3.3 Walkways should have a maximum cross gradient of 1:100.
1. DROPPED CURBS
1.1 Changes in level walkways should be by a dropped curb. 3.4 Walkways should have a minimum width of 1.20 meters.

1.2 Dropped curbs should be provided at pedestrian crossings and at the end of 3.5 If possible, gratings should never be located along walkways. When occurring
walkways of a private street or access road. along walkways, grating openings should have a maximum dimension of 13 mm x 13
mm and shall not project more than 6.5 mm above the level of the walkway.
1.3 Dropped curbs at crossings have a width corresponding to the width of the
crossing; otherwise, the minimum width is 0.90 m. 3.6 Walkways should have a continuing surface without abrupt pitches in angle or
interruptions by cracks or breaks creating edges above 6.50 mm.
1.4 Dropped curbs shall be ramped towards adjoining curbs with a gradient not more
than 1:12. ILLUSTRATIONS FOR MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1.5 Dropped curbs shall be sloped towards the road with a maximum cross gradient 3. WALKWAYS AND PASSAGEWAYS
of 1:20 to prevent water from collecting at the walkway.
3.1 Walkways should be kept as level as possible and provided with slip-resistant
1.6 The lowest point of a dropped curb should not exceed 25 mm from the road or material.
gutter
3.2 Whenever and wherever possible, walkways should have a gradient no more
than 1:20 or 5%.

3.3 Walkways should have a maximum cross gradient of 1:100.

3.4 Walkways should have a minimum width of 1.20 meters.

3.5 If possible, gratings should never be located along walkways. When occurring
along walkways, grating openings should have a maximum dimension of 13 mm x 13
mm and shall not project more than 6.5 mm above the level of the walkway.

3.6 Walkways should have a continuing surface without abrupt pitches in angle or

interruptions by cracks or breaks creating edges above 6.50 mm.

2. CURB CUT-OUTS
2.1 Curb cut-outs should only be allowed when it will not obstruct a walkway or in
any way lessen the width of a walkway.

2.2 The minimum width of a curb cut-out should be 0.90 M.

2.3 Curb cut-outs should have a gradient not more than 1:12.

 5. OPEN SPACES
5.1 Where open spaces are provided, the blind can become particularly disoriented.
Therefore, it is extremely helpful if any walkway or paths can be given defined edges
either by the use of planters with dwarf walls, or a grass verge, or similar, which
provides a texture different from the path.

3.7 In lengthy or busy walkways, spaces should be provided at some point along the
route so that a wheelchair may pass another or turn around. These spaces should
have a minimum dimension of 1.50 m and should be spaced at a maximum distance
of 12:00 m between stops.

3.8 To guide the blind, walkways should as much as possible follow straightforward
routes with right angle turns.

3.9 Where planting is provided adjacent to the walkway, regular maintenance is

essential to ensure branches of trees or shrubs do not overhang walkways or paths,
as not only do these present a particular danger to the blind, but they also reduce the
effective footways width available to pedestrians generally.

3.10 Walkway headroom should not be less than 2.0 m and preferably higher.

3.11 Passageways for the disabled should not be obstructed by street furniture,

bollards, sign posts or columns along the defined route, as they can be hazardous.

6. SIGNAGES
6.1 Directional and informational sign should be located at points conveniently seen
even by a person on a wheelchair and those with visual impairments;

6.2 Signs should be kept simple and easy to understand; signages should be made
of contrasting colors and contrasting gray matter to make detection and reading
easy;

7. CROSSINGS
7.1 In order to reduce the exposure time to vehicular traffic, all at grade crossing
should

7.1.1 Be as near perpendicular to the carriageway as possible.

7.1.2 Be located at the narrowest, most convenient part of the carriageway.

7.1.3 Have central refuges of at least 1.5 m in depth and preferably 2 m, provided as

a midcrossing shelter, where the width of carriageway to be crossed exceeds 10 m.

4. HANDRAILS 7.2 All crossings should be located close if not contiguous with the normal pedestrian
4.1 Handrails should be installed at both sides of ramps and stairs and at the outer desire line.
edges of dropped curbs. Handrails at dropped curbs should not be installed beyond
the width of any crossing so as not to obstruct pedestrian flow.

4.2 Handrails shall be installed at 0.90 m and 0.70 m above steps or ramps.

Handrails for protection at great heights may be installed at 1.0 m to 1.06 m.

4.3 A 0.30 m long extension of the handrail should be provided at the start and end
of ramps and stairs.

4.4 Handrails that require full grip should have a dimension of 30 mm to 50 mm.

4.5 Handrails attached to walls should have a clearance no less than 50 mm from

the wall. Handrails on ledges should have a clearance not less than 40 mm.

7.3 Provide tactile blocks in the immediate vicinity of crossings as an aid to the blind.
The tactile surface has to be sufficiently high enough to be felt through the sole of the
shoe but low enough not to cause pedestrian to trip, or to effect the mobility of
wheelchair users. See details of recommended pairing slabs below.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF TACTILE PAVINGS

Tiles with Parallel Blister Lines

Lozenge-shaped Tactile Tiles
Tiles with embossed flat-topped blisters in a square pattern are used to indicate that
there is a road crossing. These tiles warn the blind people that they are approaching the edge of an on-street
transit line (e.g. a tram line).

Titles with Offset Blisters

These tiles indicate that there is a train platform ahead. If one is not careful, she
might fall into the ditch. Such tiles can be used to indicate a sudden level change.
B. PARKING

1. PARKING AREAS
1.1 Parking spaces for the disabled should allow enough space for a person to
transfer to a wheelchair from a vehicle;

1.2 Accessible parking spaces should be located as close as possible to building

entrances or to accessible entrances;

1.3 Whenever and wherever possible, accessible parking spaces should be

perpendicular or to an angle to the road or circulation aisles;

1.4 Accessible parking slots should have a minimum width of 3.70 m.;

1.5 A walkway from accessible spaces of 1.20 m. clear width shall be provided
between the front ends of parked cars;
Titles with Across Stripes
1.6 Provide dropped curbs or curb cut-outs to the parking level where access
walkways are raised;
Placement of these tiles show that there are stairs or some other hurdle ahead. Be
careful. These tiles are also called corduroy hazard warning tiles. 1.7 Pavement markings, signs or other means shall be provided to delineate parking
spaces for the handicapped;

1.8 Parking spaces for the disabled should never be located at ramped or sloping
areas

Tiles with Along Stripes

These tiles indicate that it is safe to keep going ahead. The path has no hurdles and
it’s safe.

C. INSIDE BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

1. ENTRANCES
1.1 Entrances should be accessible from arrival and departure points to the interior
lobby

A combination of both across and along

stripes is often use when there are two types of path laid together. One of these
paths would be for pedestrians whereas the other side would be, for example, bikes.
In such cases, tiles are laid along the bike path and across the pedestrian path.

1.2 One (1) entrance level should be provided where elevators are accessible;

1.3 In case entrances are not on the same level of the site arrival grade, ramps
should be provided as access to the entrance level;
 2.8 Any ramp with a rise greater than 0.20 m. and leads down towards an area
where vehicular traffic is possible, should have a railing across the full width of its
lower end, not less than 1.80 meters from the foot of the ramp;

3. DOORS
3.1 All doors shall have a minimum clear width of 0.80 m;

3.2 Clear openings shall be measured between the surface of the fully open door at
the hinge and the door jamb at the stop;

3.3 Doors should be operable by a pressure or force not more than 4.0 kg; the
closing device pressure an interior door shall not exceed 1 kg.;

3.4 A minimum clear level space of 1.50 m x 1.50 m shall be provided before and
extending beyond a door;

EXCEPTION: where a door shall open onto but not into a corridor, the required clear,
level space on the corridor side of the door may be a minimum of 1.20 m. corridor
width;

3.5 Protection should be provided from doors that swing into corridors;

1.4 Entrances with vestibules shall be provided a level area with at least a 1.80 m.
depth and a 1.50 m. width;

2. RAMPS
2.2 Changes in level require a ramp except when served by a dropped curb, an
elevator or other mechanical device;

2.2 Ramps shall have a minimum clear width of 1.20 m;

2.3 The maximum gradient shall be 1:12;

2.4 The length of a ramp should not exceed 6:00 m. if the gradient is 1:12; longer
ramps whose gradient is 1:12 shall be provided with landings not less than 1.50 m.;

2.5 A level area not less than 1.80 m. should be provided at the top and bottom of
any ramp

3.6 Outswinging doors should be provided at storage rooms, closets and accessible

2.6 Handrails will be provided on both sides of the ramp at 0.70 m. and 0.90 m. from restroom stalls;
the ramp level;
3.7 Latching or non-latching hardware should not require wrist action or fine finger
manipulation;

3.8 Doorknobs and other hardware should be located between 0.82 m. and 1.06 m.
above then floor; 0.90 is preferred;

3.9 Vertical pull handles, centered at 1.06 m. above the floor, are preferred to
horizontal pull bars for swing doors or doors with locking devices;

3.10 Doors along major circulation routes should be provided with kick plates made
of durable materials at a height of 0.30 m. to 0.40 m;

2.7 Ramps shall be equipped with curbs on both sides with a minimum height of 0.10
m.

4. THRESHOLDS
4.1 Thresholds shall be kept to a minimum; whenever necessary, thresholds and
sliding door tracks shall have a maximum height of 25 mm and preferably ramped;
7. CORRIDORS

7.1 Corridors shall have minimum clear width of 1.20 m.; waiting areas and other
facilities or spaces shall not obstruct the minimum clearance requirement;

7.2 Recesses or turnabout spaces should be provided for wheelchairs to turn around

or to enable another wheelchair to pass; these spaces shall have a minimum area of
1.50 m x 1.50 m. and shall be spaced at a maximum of 12.00 m.;

7.3 Turnabout spaces should also be provided at or within 3.50 m. of every dead

end;

10. ELEVATORS
10.1 Accessible elevators should be located not more than 30.00 m. from the
entrance and should be easy to locate with the aid of signs;

8. WASHROOMS & TOILETS

8.1. Accessible public washrooms and toilets shall permit easy passage of a
wheelchair and allow the occupant to enter a stall, close the door and transfer to the
water closet from either a frontal or lateral position;

8.2 Accessible water closet stalls shall have a minimum area of 1.70 x 1.80 mts. One
movable grab bar and one fixed to the adjacent wall shall be installed at the
accessible water closet stall for lateral mounting; fixed grab bars on both sides of the
wall shall be installed for stalls for frontal mounting;

8.3 A turning space of 2.25 sq.m. with a minimum dimension of 1.50 m. for
wheelchair shall be provided for water closet stalls for lateral mounting;

10.2 Accessible elevators shall have a minimum dimension of 1.10 m. x 1.40 m.;

10.3 Control panels and emergency system of accessible elevators shall be within

reach of a seated person; centerline heights for the topmost buttons shall be
between 0.90 m to 1.20 m from the floor;

10.4 Button controls shall be provided with braille signs to indicate floor level; at each
floor, at the door frames of elevator doors, braille-type signs shall be placed so that
blind persons can be able to discern what floor the elevator car has stopped and
from what level they are embarking from; for installation heights, see Section 6.6,
Signages;

9. STAIRS
9.1 Tread surfaces should be a slip-resistant material; nosings may be provided with
slip-resistant strips to further minimize slipping:

9.2 Slanted nosings are preferred to projecting nosings so as not to pose difficulty for
people using crutches or braces whose feet have a tendency to get caught in the
recessed space or projecting nosings. For the same reason, open stringers should
be avoided.

9.3 The leading edge of each step on both runner and riser should be marked with a
paint or non-skid material that has a color and gray value which is in high contrast to
the gray value of the rest of the stairs; markings of this sort would be helpful to the
visually impaired as well as to the fully sighted person;
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 1 Article I- General Provisions

PRBoA- Philippine Regulatory Board of Architecture • General Practice

- Regulate the practice of architecture with PR • Scope of Practice

- Regulates the practice of Foreign Architects • Architectural Practice

- Administers LEA • Architectural Plans

- Architects are advocates of sustainability, welfare, and culture in terms of space,

form,and historical consent
PRB- Professional Regulatory Boards
- Functions of architect
PRC- Professional Regulation Commission
o Architect of Record (AOR)- plans, specifications, and contract
- (1) Chairperson, (2) Commissionaires
o Architect in Charge on Construction (AICC)- Construction
- President (7 years)
o Consulting Architect- specialization

LEA- Licensure Examination for Architects

Article II- Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture

Article III- Examination, Registration, & Licensure

Philippine Planning and Development
• Qualification
PD 957- The Subdivision & Condominium Buyers’ Protective Decree
• Seal, issuance, and use of seal
BP 220- Economic & Socialized Housing Projects
• Refusal
PD 1308- Law Regulating The Environmental Planning Profession In The Philippines
• Examination Subjects
RA 9266- The Architecture Act of 2004
• Certification of Registration
HLURB- Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board
• Suspension/ revocation of COR and ID
PRBoEP- Professional Regulatory Board of Environmental Planning

Article IV- Practice of Architecture

Preparation Law
• Reciprocity Requirements
RA9266
• Temporary Special Permit

• Technology Transfer
PD 1096- National Building Code of the Philippines
• Filipino Counterpart
RA 9514- Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008

BP 344- An Act To Enhance The Mobility Of Disabled Persons By Requiring Certain

Buildings, RA 545- An Act To Regulate The Practice Of Architecture In The Philippines

Institutions, Establishments And Public Utilities To Install Facilities And Other Devices Project Phases:

Post Construction Laws Design (Preparation) > Construction (Implementation) > Post Construction

PD 1096 RA 8981- PRC Modernization Ac

RA 9285- Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2004 - Administer Licensure Examination

EO 1008- Construction Industry Arbitration Law - Regulates and supervise the practice of professionals

- Partnered with 43 PRBs

Laws on all Phases: - Sec.12 Examination required

Act 3815- Revised Penal Code

RA 386- Civil Code of the Philippines PD 1096- NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Tax Laws RULE I- GENERAL PROVISIONS

RA 7160- Local Government Code of 1991 NBC applies to design, location, siting, construction, alteration, repair, conversion,
use, occupancy, maintenance, moving, demolition, public-private buildings, except
BP 220.

Various Environmental Laws SECTION 101: TITLE

RA 8981- The PRC Modernization Act of 2000 SECTION 103: SCOPE & APPLICATION

Pertinent Professional Regulatory Laws/ PRLs ➢ Architectural

Applicable LGU Ordinances ➢ Civil/ Structural

RA 386- Civil Code of the Philippines
➢ Electrical
Article 1713- contract agreed by the architect/ contractor/ and client
➢ Mechanical
Article 1714- quality of work by the architect/ contractor/ and client
➢ Sanitary / Plumbing
Article 1723- Liability
➢ Electronics
RA 9266- The Architecture Act of 2004
SECTION 106: DEFINITIONS a.) Non-Fire Restricted Zones- Commercial and industrial

Addition- New construction which increase - Rural and country side

Building Official- Executive officer of OBO appointed by the secretary - Clustered in small groups

Building Permit- Issued by BO - Bamboo, sawali, nipa, cogon, palm, wood (TYPE I and II)

Conversion- Change in Use

Demolition- Destruction b.) Fire Restrictive Zones- 2hr Resistive

Renovation- Physical change > increase quality - Suburban with at least 1hr resistivity

RULE II- ADMINISTRATION & ENCFORCEMENT c.) Highly Fire Resistive Zones- Not Less than 3-4hr

SECTION 201: - Only IV and V construction

Secretary- Head/ Chief Executive Officer of DPWH

DPWH- Department of Public Works and Highways RULE VI- FIRE RESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS IN CONSTRUCTION

SECTION 601: FIRE RESISTIVE RATING

SECTION 202: TECHNICAL STAFF - Degree material can withstand fire

SECTION 203: GENERAL POWERS AND FUNCTION OF SECRETARY

1.) Formulate plans, policies, standards, and guidelines SECTION 602: FIRE RESISTIVE TIME PERIOD RATING

2.) Issue and promulgate additional rules and regulations - Length time

3.) Exercise appellate jurisdiction over the decisions and orders of the BO

4.) Evaluate, renew, approve RULE VII- CLASSIFICATIONAND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF ALL

5.) Prescribe and impose fees BUILDINGS BY USE OR OCCUPANCY

6.) Appoint BO RULE VIII- LIGHT AND VENTILATION

SECTION 205: BO

SECTION 206: QUALIFICATION OF BO

➢ Member of accredited organization not less than 5 years

➢ 5 years of diverse experience

RULE III- PERMITS AND INSPECTION

SECTION 301: BUILDING PERMITS

- Allows proceed construction

SECTION 304: ISSUANCE OF PERITS

- Paid within 15 days

- Liability of 15 years (contractor and AICC)

SECTION 305: VALIDITY OF BP

- 1 Year

- Suspended / abandoned in 120 days

RULE IV- TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

TYPE I- Wood

TYPE II- Wood with protective fire-resistant mats

TYPE III- Masonry and wood

TYPE IV- Steel, iron, concrete, or masonry

TYPE V- 4hr fire resistive

RULE V- REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE ZONES

Fire Zone- Based on occupancy and resist fire

LGU- Enact ordinance of designing fire zone