CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 2

GENERAL PROVISIONS ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

SECTION 101. Title SECTION 201. Responsibility for

This Decree shall be known as the “National Administration and Enforcement
Building Code of the Philippines” and shall The administration and enforcement of the
hereinafter be referred to as the “Code”. provisions of this Code including the imposition of
penalties for administrative violations thereof is
SECTION 102. Declaration of Policy hereby vested in the Secretary of Public Works,
It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State Transportation and Communications, hereinafter
to safeguard life, health, property, and public referred to as the “Secretary”.
welfare, consistent with the principles of sound
environmental management and control; and to SECTION 202. Technical Staff
this end, make it the purpose of this Code to The Secretary is hereby authorized to constitute
provide for all buildings and structures, a and provide in his Department a professional staff
framework of minimum standards and composed of highly qualified architects,
requirements to regulate and control their engineers and technicians who possess
location, site, design, quality of materials, diversified and professional experience in the
construction, use, occupancy, and maintenance. field of building design and construction.

SECTION 103. Scope and Application SECTION 203. General Powers and Functions
(a) The provisions of this Code shall of the Secretary under this Code
apply to the design, location, siting, construction, For purposes of carrying out the provisions of this
alteration, repair, conversion, use, occupancy, Code, the Secretary shall exercise the following
maintenance, moving, demolition of, and addition general powers and functions:
to public and private buildings and structures, (1) Formulate policies, plans,
except traditional indigenous family dwellings as standards and guidelines on building
defined herein. design, construction, use, occupancy
(b) Buildings and/or structures and maintenance, in accordance with this
constructed before the approval of this Code shall Code.
not be affected thereby except when alterations, (2) Issue and promulgate rules
additions, conversions or repairs are to be made and regulations to implement the
therein in which case, this Code shall apply only provisions of this Code and ensure
to portions to be altered, added, converted or compliance with policies, plans,
repaired. standards, and guidelines formulated
under paragraph 1 of this Section.
SECTION 104. General Building Requirements (3) Evaluate, review, approve
(a) All buildings or structures as well as and/or take final action on changes
accessory facilities thereto shall conform in all and/or amendments to existing Referral
respects to the principles of safe construction and Codes as well as on the incorporation of
must be suited to the purpose for which they are other referral codes which are not yet
designed. expressly made part of this Code.
(b) Buildings or structures intended to be (4) Prescribe and fix the amount
used for the manufacture and/or production of of fees and other charges that the
any kind of article or product shall observe Building Official shall collect in
adequate environmental safeguards. connection with the performance of
(c) Buildings or structures and all parts regulatory functions.
thereof as well as all facilities found therein shall
be maintained in safe, sanitary and good working SECTION 204. Professional and Technical
condition. Assistance
The Secretary with the assistance of his technical
SECTION 105. Site Requirements staff shall provide such professional, technical,
The land or site upon which will be constructed scientific, and other services including testing
any building or structure, or any ancillary or laboratories and facilities as may be required to
auxiliary facility thereto, shall be sanitary, carry out the provisions of this Code; Provided
hygienic, or safe. In the case of sites or buildings that the Secretary may secure such services as
intended for use as human habitation or abode, he may deem necessary from other agencies of
the same shall be at a safe distance, as the National Government and may make
determined by competent authorities, from arrangement for the compensation of such
streams or bodies of water and/or sources of air services. He may also engage and compensate
considered to be polluted; from a volcano or within appropriations available therefore, the
volcanic site and/or any other building considered services of such number of consultants, experts,
to be a potential source of fire or explosion. and advisers on full or parttime basis, as may be
necessary, coming from the government or
SECTION 106. Definitions private businesses, entities or associations to
As used in this Code, the words, terms, and carry out the provisions of this Code.
phrases enumerated in Annex “A” hereof shall
have the meaning or definition, correspondingly SECTION 205. Building Officials
provided therein. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Building
Official shall be responsible for carrying out the
provisions of this Code in the field as well as the
enforcement of orders and decisions made
pursuant thereto. Due to the exigencies of the
service, the Secretary may designate incumbent
Public Works District Engineers, City Engineers, use of all net income realized by the office of the
and Municipal Engineers to act as Building Building Official from the collection of fees and
Officials in their respective areas of jurisdiction. charges not exceeding twenty percent thereof in
The designation made by the Secretary under accordance with Section 208. Such income may
this Section shall continue until regular positions be used to cover necessary operating expenses
of Building Official are provided or unless sooner including the purchase of equipment, supplies
terminated for causes provided by law or decree. and materials, traveling expenses, obligation
expenses and sheriff’s fees and payment of other
SECTION 206. Qualifications of Building prior years’ obligations not adequately funded,
Officials subject to existing budgetary and auditing rules
No person shall be appointed as a Building and regulations.
Official unless he possesses the following
qualifications: SECTION 211. Implementing Rules and
1. A Filipino citizen and of good moral character. Regulations
2. A duly registered architect or civil engineer. In the implementation of the provisions of this
3. A member of good standing of a duly Code, the Secretary shall formulate necessary
accredited organization of his profession for not rules and regulations and adopt design and
less than two years. construction standards and criteria for buildings
4. Has at least five years of diversified and and other structures. Such standards, rules and
professional experience in building design and regulations shall take effect after their publication
construction. once a week for three consecutive weeks in a
newspaper of general circulation.
SECTION 207. Duties of a Building Official
In his respective territorial jurisdiction, the SECTION 212. Administrative Fines
Building Official shall be primarily responsible for For the violation of any of the provisions of this
the enforcement of the provisions of this Code as Code or any of the rules or regulations issued
well as of the implementing rules and regulations thereunder, the Secretary is hereby empowered
issued therefor. He is the official charged with the to prescribe and impose fines not exceeding ten
duties of issuing building permits. In the thousand pesos.
performance of his duties, a Building Official may
enter any building or its premises at all SECTION 213. Penal Provisions
reasonable times to inspect and determine It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or
compliance with the requirements of this Code, corporation, to erect, construct, enlarge, alter,
and the terms and conditions provided for in the repair, move, improve, remove, convert,
building permit as issued. When any building demolish, equip, use, occupy, or maintain any
work is found to be contrary to the provisions of building or structure or cause the same to be
this Code, the Building Official may order the work done contrary to or in violation of any provision of
stopped and prescribe the terms and/or this Code. Any person, firm or corporation who
conditions when the work will be allowed to shall violate any of the provisions of this Code
resume. Likewise, the Building Official is and/or commit any act hereby declared to be
authorized to order the discontinuance of the unlawful shall upon conviction, be punished by a
occupancy or use of any building or structure, or fine of not more than twenty thousand pesos or
portion thereof found to be occupied or used by imprisonment of not more than two years or by
contrary to the provisions of this Code. both such fine and imprisonment: Provided, that
in the case of a corporation firm, partnership, or
SECTION 208. Fees association, the penalty shall be imposed upon its
Every Building Official shall keep a permanent officials responsible for such violation and in case
record and accurate account of all fees and other the guilty party is an alien, he shall immediately
charges fixed and authorized by the Secretary to be deported after payment of the fine and/or
be collected and received under this Code. service of his sentence.
Subject to existing budgetary, accounting and
auditing rules and regulations, the Building SECTION 214. Dangerous and Ruinous
Official is hereby authorized to retain not more Buildings or Structures
than twenty percent of his collection for the Dangerous buildings are those which are herein
operating expenses of his office. The remaining declared as such or are structurally unsafe or not
eighty percent shall be deposited with the city or provided with safe egress, or which constitute a
municipal treasurer and shall accrue to the fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human
General Fund of the province, city or municipality life, or which in relation to existing use, constitute
concerned. a hazard to safety or health or public welfare
because of inadequate maintenance,
SECTION 209. Exemption dilapidation, obsolescence, or abandonment; or
Public buildings and traditional indigenous family which otherwise contribute to the pollution of the
dwellings shall be exempt from payment of site or the community to an intolerable degree.
building permit fees. As used in this Code, the
term “traditional indigenous family dwelling” SECTION 215. Abatement of Dangerous
means a dwelling intended for the use and Buildings
occupancy by the family of the owner only and When any building or structure is found or
constructed of native materials such as bamboo, declared to be dangerous or ruinous, the Building
nipa, logs, or lumber, the total cost of which does Official shall order its repair, vacation or
not exceed fifteen thousand pesos. demolition depending upon the degree of danger
to life, health, or safety. This is without prejudice
SECTION 210. Use of Income from Fees to further action that may be taken under the
Any provision of law to the contrary provisions of Articles 482 and 694 to 707 of the
notwithstanding, the Secretary is hereby Civil Code of the Philippines.
authorized to prescribe the procedures for the
SECTION 216. Other Remedies of a building or structure whenever the plans and
The rights, actions and remedies provided in this specifications submitted together with the
Code shall be in addition to any and all other application do not cover the entire building or
rights of action and remedies that may be structure. Approved plans and specifications shall
available under existing laws. not be changed, modified or altered without the
approval of the Building Official and the work shall
be done strictly in accordance thereto.

CHAPTER 3 SECTION 305. Validity of Building Permits

The issuance of a building permit shall not be
PERMITS AND INSPECTION construed as an approval or authorization to the
permittee to disregard or violate any of the
SECTION 301. Building Permits provisions of this Code. Whenever the issuance
No person, firm or corporation, including any of a permit is based on approved plans and
agency or instrumentality of the government shall specifications which are subsequently found
erect, construct, alter, repair, move, convert or defective, the Building Official is not precluded
demolish any building or structure or cause the from requiring permittee to affect the necessary
same to be done without first obtaining a building corrections in said plans and specifications or
permit therefor from the Building Official assigned from preventing or ordering the stoppage of any
in the place where the subject building is located or all building operations being carried on
or the building work is to be done. thereunder which are in violation of this Code. A
building permit issued under the provisions of this
SECTION 302. Application for Permits Code shall expire and become null and void if the
In order to obtain a building permit, the applicant building or work authorized therein is not
shall file an application therefor in writing and on commenced within a period of one year from the
the prescribed form from the Office of the Building date of such permit, or if the building or work so
Official. Every application shall provide at least authorized is suspended or abandoned at any
the following information: time after it has been commenced, for a period of
(1) A description of the work to 120 days.
be covered by the permit applied for.
(2) Certified true copy of the TCT SECTION 306. Non-Issuance, Suspension or
covering the lot on which the proposed Revocation of Building Permits
work is to be done. If the applicant is not The Building Official may order or cause the non-
the registered owner, in addition to the issuance, suspension or revocation of building
TCT, a copy of the contract of lease shall permits on any or all the following reasons or
be submitted. grounds:
(3) The use or occupancy for (a) Errors found in the plans and
which the proposal work is intended. specifications.
(4) Estimated cost of the (b) Incorrect or inaccurate data or
proposed work. To be submitted together information supplied.
with such application are at least five sets (c) Non-compliance with the provisions of
of corresponding plans and this Code or of any rule or regulation. Notice of
specifications prepared, signed and non-issuance, suspension or revocation of
sealed by a duly registered mechanical building permits shall always be made in writing,
engineer in case of mechanical plans, stating the reason or grounds therefor.
and by a registered electrical engineer in
case of electrical plans, except in those SECTION 307. Appeal
cases exempted or not required by the Within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of
Building Official under this Code. advice of the non-issuance, suspension or
revocation of permits, the applicant/permittee
SECTION 303. Processing of Building Permits may file an appeal with the Secretary who shall
The processing of building permits shall be under render his decision within fifteen days from date
the overall administrative control and supervision of receipt of notice of appeal. The decision of the
of the Building Official and his technical staff of Secretary shall be final subject only to review by
qualified professionals. In processing an the Office of the President.
application for a building permit, the Building
Official shall see to it that the applicant satisfies SECTION 308. Inspection and Supervision of
and conforms with approved standard Work
requirements on zoning and land use, lines and The owner of the building who is issued or
grades, structural design, sanitary and sewerage, granted a building permit under this Code shall
environmental health, electrical and mechanical engage the services of a duly licensed architect
safety as well as with other rules and regulations or civil engineer to undertake the full-time
promulgated in accordance with the provisions of inspection and supervision of the construction
this Code. work. Such architect or civil engineer may or may
not be the same architect or civil engineer who is
SECTION 304. Issuance of Building Permits responsible for the design of the building. It is
When satisfied that the work described in an understood however that in either case, the
application for building permit and the plans and designing architect or civil engineer is not
specifications submitted therewith, conform to the precluded from conducting inspection of the
requirements of this Code and other pertinent construction work to check and determine
rules and regulations, the Building Official shall, compliance with the plans and specifications of
within fifteen days from payment of the required the building as submitted. There shall be kept at
fees by the applicant, issue the building permit the jobsite at all times a logbook wherein the
applied for. The Building Official may issue a actual progress of construction including tests
permit for the construction of only a part or portion conducted, weather conditions and other
pertinent data are to be recorded. Upon and permanent partitions shall be of
completion of the construction, the said licensed incombustible fire-resistive construction.
architect or civil engineer shall submit the
logbook, duly signed and sealed, to the Building SECTION 402. Changes in Types
Official. He shall also prepare and submit a No change shall be made in the type of
Certificate of Completion of the project stating construction of any building which would place
that the construction of building conforms to the the building in a different sub-type or type of
provisions of this Code as well as with the construction unless such building is made to
approved plans and specifications. comply with the requirements for such sub-type
of construction: Except, when the changes is
SECTION 309. Certificate of Occupancy approved by the Building Official upon showing
No building or structure shall be used or occupied that the new or proposed construction is less
and no change in the existing use or occupancy hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than the
classification of a building or structure or portion existing construction.
thereof shall be made until the Building Official
has issued a Certificate of Occupancy therefor as SECTION 403. Requirements on Type of
provided in this Code. A Certificate of Occupancy Construction
shall be issued by the Building Official within thirty Subject to the provisions of this Chapter, the
(30) days if after final inspection and submittal of Secretary shall prescribe standards for each type
a Certificate of Completion referred to in the of construction, and promulgate rules and
preceding Section, it is found that the building or regulations therefor, relating to structural
structure complies with the provisions of this framework, exterior walls and openings, interior
Code. The Certificate of Occupancy shall be walls and enclosures, floors, exits and stairs
posted or displayed in a conspicuous place on the construction, and roofs.
premises and shall not be removed except upon
order of the Building Official. The non-issuance,
suspension and revocation of Certificates of
Occupancy and the procedure for appeal CHAPTER 5
therefrom shall be governed in so far as
applicable, by the provisions of Section 306 and REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE ZONES
307 of this Code.
SECTION 501. Fire Zones Defined
Fire zones are areas within which only certain
types of buildings are permitted to be constructed
CHAPTER 4 based on their use or occupancy, type of
construction, and resistance to fire.
TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
SECTION 502. Buildings located in more than
SECTION 401. Types of Construction One Fire Zone
For purposes of this Code, all buildings proposed A building or structure which is located partly in
for construction shall be classified or identified one fire zone and partly in another shall be in the
according to the following types: more highly restrictive fire zone, when more than
(1) Type I – Type I buildings shall one-third of its total floor area is in such zone.
be of wood construction. The structural
elements may be any of the materials SECTION 503. Moved Building
permitted by this Code. Any building or structure moved within or into any
(2) Type II – Type II buildings fire zone shall be made to comply with all the
shall be of wood construction with requirements for buildings in that fire zone.
protective fire-resistant materials and
one-hour fire-resistive throughout: SECTION 504. Temporary Buildings
Except, that permanent non-bearing Temporary buildings such as reviewing stands
partitions may use fire-retardant treated and other miscellaneous structures conforming to
wood within the framing assembly. the requirements of this Code, and sheds,
(3) Type III – Type III buildings canopies and fences used for the protection of the
shall be of masonry and wood public around and in conjunction with
construction. Structural elements may be construction work, may be erected in the fire
any of the materials permitted by this zones by special permit from the Building Official
Code: Provided, that the building shall be for a limited period of time, and such buildings or
one-hour fire-resistive throughout. Exterior walls structures shall be completely removed upon the
shall be of incombustible fire-resistive expiration of the time limit stated in such permits.
construction.
(4) Type IV – Type IV buildings SECTION 505. Center Lines of Streets
shall be of steel, iron, concrete, or For the purpose of this Chapter, the center line of
masonry construction. Walls, ceilings, an adjoining street or alley may be considered an
and permanent partitions shall be of adjacent property line. Distances shall be
incombustible fire-resistive construction: measured at right angles to the street or alley.
Except, that permanent non-bearing
partitions of one-hour fire-resistive SECTION 506. Restrictions on Existing
construction may use fire-retardant Buildings
treated wood within the framing Existing buildings or structures in fire zones that
assembly. do not comply with the requirements for a new
(5) Type V – Type V buildings building erected therein shall not hereafter be
shall be fire-resistive. The structural enlarged, altered, remodeled, repaired or moved
elements shall be of steel, iron, concrete, except as follows:
or masonry construction. Walls, ceilings, (a) Such building is demolished.
 (b) Such building is to be moved outside CHAPTER 7
the limits of the more highly restrictive Fire Zone
to a zone where the building meets the minimum CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL
standards. REQUIREMENT
(c) Changes, alterations and repairs may OF ALL BUILDINGS BY USE OR OCCUPANCY
be made provided that in any 12-month period,
the value of the work does not exceed twenty SECTION 701. Occupancy Classified
percent of the value of the existing building, and (a) Buildings proposed for construction
provided that, such changes do not add additional shall be identified according to their use or the
combustible material, and do not, in the opinion character of its occupancy and shall be classified
of the Building Official, increase the fire hazard. as follows:
(d) Additions thereto are separated from (1) Group A – Residential
the existing building by fire walls, as set forth in Dwellings Group A Occupancies shall be
Sub-section 604 (b). dwellings.
(e) Damage from fire or earthquake, (2) Group B – Residentials,
typhoons or any fortuitous event may be repaired, Hotels and Apartments Group B
using the same kind of materials of which the Occupancies shall be multiple dwelling
building or structure was originally constructed, units including boarding or lodging
provided that, the cost of such repair shall not houses, hotels, apartment buildings, row
exceed twenty percent of the replacement cost of houses, convents, monasteries and other
the building or structure. similar building each of which
accommodates more than 10 persons.
SECTION 507. Designation of Fire Zones (3) Group C – Education and
The Secretary shall promulgate specific Recreation Group C Occupancies shall
restrictions for each type of Fire Zone. Cities and be buildings used for school or day-care
municipalities shall be divided into such Fire purposes, involving assemblage for
Zones in accordance with local, physical, and instruction, education, or recreation, and
spatial framework plans submitted by city or not classified in Group I or in Division 1
municipal planning and/or development bodies. and 2 or Group H Occupancies.
(4) Group D – Institutional Group
D Occupancies shall include:
Division 1 – Mental hospitals, mental sanitaria,
CHAPTER 6 jails, prisons, reformatories, and buildings where
personal liberties of inmates are similarly
FIRE-RESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS IN restrained.
CONSTRUCTION Division 2 – Nurseries for full-time care of children
under kindergarten age, hospitals, sanitaria,
SECTION 601. Fire-Resistive Rating defined nursing homes with non-ambulatory patients, and
Fire-resistive rating means the degree to which a similar buildings each accommodating more than
material can withstand fire as determined by five persons.
generally recognized and accepted testing Division 3 – Nursing homes for ambulatory
methods. patients, homes for children of kindergarten age
or over, each accommodating more than five
SECTION 602. Fire-Resistive Time Period persons: Provided, that
Rating Group D Occupancies shall not include buildings
Fire-resistive time period rating is the length of used only for private or family group dwelling
time a material can withstand being burned which purposes.
may be one-hour, two-hours, three-hours, four- (5) Group E – Business and
hours, etc. Mercantile Group E Occupancies shall
include:
SECTION 603. Fire-Resistive Standards Division 1 – Gasoline filling and service stations,
All materials of construction, and assemblies or storage garages and boat storage structures
combinations thereof shall be classified where no work is done except exchange of parts
according to their fire-retardant or flame-spread and maintenance requiring no open flame,
ratings as determined by general accepted welding, or the use of highly flammable liquids.
testing methods and/or by the Secretary. Division 2 – Wholesale and retail stores, office
buildings, drinking and dining establishments
SECTION 604. Fire-Resistive Regulations having an occupant load of less than one hundred
The Secretary shall prescribe standards and persons, printing plants, police and fire stations,
promulgate rules and regulations on the testing of factories and workshops using not highly
construction materials for flame-spread flammable or combustible materials and paint
characteristics, tests on fire damages, fire tests of stores without bulk handlings.
building construction and materials, door Division 3 – Aircraft hangars and open parking
assemblies and tinclad fire doors and window garages where no repair work is done except
assemblies, the installation of fire doors and exchange of parts and maintenance requiring no
windows and smoke and fire detectors for fire open flame, welding or the use of highly
protective signaling system, application and use flammable liquids.
of controlled interior finish, fire-resistive (6) Group F – Industrial Group F
protection for structural members, fire-resistive Occupancies shall include: ice plants,
walls and partitions, fire-resistive floor or roof power plants, pumping plants, cold
ceiling, fire-resistive assemblies for protection of storage, and creameries, factories and
openings and fire-retardant roof coverings. workshops using incombustible and non-
explosive materials, and storage and
sales rooms for incombustible and non-
explosive materials.
 (7) Group G – Storage and the requirement of the particular
HazardousGroups G Occupancies shall occupancy housed therein and.
include: (2) Where minor accessory uses
Division 1 – Storage and handling of hazardous do not occupy more than ten percent of
and highly flammable material. the area of any floor or a building, nor
Division 2 – Storage and handling of flammable more than ten percent of the basic area
materials, dry cleaning plants using flammable permitted in the occupancy
liquids; paint stores with bulk handling, paint requirements, in which case, the major
shops and spray-painting rooms. use of the building shall determine the
Division 3 – Woodworking establishments, occupancy classification.
planning mills and box factories, shops, factories
where loose combustible fibers or dust are (b) Forms of Occupancy Separation
manufactured, processed or generated; Occupancy separations shall be vertical or
warehouses where highly combustible materials horizontal or both, or when necessary, of such
is stored. other forms as may be required to afford a
Division 4 – Repair garages. complete separation between the various
Division 5 – Aircrafts repair hangars. occupancy divisions in the building.
(8) Group H – Assembly Other (c) Types of Occupancy Separation
Than Group IGroup H Occupancies shall Occupancy separation shall be classified as
include: “One-Hour Fire-Resistive”, “Two-Hour Fire-
Division 1 – Any assembly building with a stage Resistive”, “Three-Hour Fire-Resistive” and
and an occupant load of less than 1000 in the “Four-Hour Fire-Resistive.”
building. (1) A “One-Hour Fire-Resistive
Division 2 – Any assembly building without stage Occupancy Separation” shall be of not
and having an occupant load of 300 or more in less than one-hour fire-resistive
the building. construction. All openings in such
Division 3 – Any assembly building without a separation shall be protected by a fire
stage and having an occupant load of less than assembly having a one-hour fire-resistive
300 in the building. rating.
Division 4 – Stadia, reviewing stands, (2) A “Two-Hour Fire-Resistive
amusement park structures not included within Occupancy Separation” shall be of not
Group I or in Division 1, 2, and 3 of this Group. less than two-hour fire-resistive
(9) Group I – Assembly construction. All openings in such
Occupant Load 1000 or More Group I separation shall be protected by a fire
Occupancies shall be any assembly assembly having a two-hour fire-resistive
building with a stage and an occupant rating.
load of 1000 or more in the building. (3) A “Three-Hour Fire-Resistive
(10) Group J – Accessory Group Occupancy Separation” shall be of not
J Occupancies shall include: less than three-hour fire-resistive
Division 1 – Private garage, carports, sheds and construction. All openings in walls
agricultural buildings. forming such separation shall be
Division 2 – Fences over 1.80 meters high, tanks protected by a fire assembly having a
and towers. Other subgroupings or divisions three-hour fire-resistive rating. The total
within Groups A to J may be determined by the width of all openings in any three-hour
Secretary. Any other occupancy not mentioned fire-resistive occupancy separation wall
specifically in this Section, or about which there is in any one-storey shall not exceed 25
any question, shall be included in the Group percent of the length of the wall in that
which it most nearly resembles based on the storey and no single opening shall have
existing or proposed life and fire hazard. an area greater than 10.00 square
meters. All openings in floors forming a
SECTION 702. Change in Use “Three-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy
No change shall be made in the character of Separation” shall be protected by vertical
occupancy or use of any building which would enclosures extending above and below
place the building in a different division of the such openings. The walls of such vertical
same group of occupancy or in a different group enclosures shall be of not less than two-
of occupancies, unless such building is made to hour fire-resistive construction, and all
comply with the requirements of this Code for openings therein shall be protected by a
such division or group of occupancy. The fire assembly having a three-hour fire-
character of occupancy of existing buildings may resistive rating.
be changed subject to the approval of the Building (4) A “Four-Hour Fire-Resistive
Official and the building may be occupied for Occupancy Separation” shall have no
purposes set forth in other Groups: Provided the openings therein
new or proposed use is less hazardous, based on and shall be of not less than four-hour fire-
life and fire risk, than the existing use. resistive construction.

SECTION 703. Mixed Occupancy (d) Fire Rating for Occupancy Separation
(a) General Requirements Occupancy Separations shall be provided
When a building is of mixed occupancy or used between groups, subgroupings, or divisions of
for more than one occupancy, the whole building occupancies. The Secretary shall promulgate
shall be subject to the most restrictive rules and regulations for appropriate occupancy
requirement pertaining to any of the type of separations in buildings of mixed occupancy;
occupancy found therein except in the following: Provided, that, where any occupancy separation
(1) When a one-storey building is required, the minimum shall be a “One-Hour
houses more than one occupancy, each Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation”; and
portion of the building shall conform to where the occupancy separation is horizontal,
structural members supporting the separation construction as determined by the Secretary
shall be protected by an equivalent fire-resistive considering population density, building bulk,
construction. widths of streets and car parking requirements.
The height shall be measured from the highest
SECTION 704. Location on Property adjoining sidewalk or ground surface: Provided,
(a) General that the height measured from the lowest
No building shall be constructed unless it adjoins adjoining surface shall not exceed such
or has direct access to a public space, yard or maximum height by more than 3.00 meters:
street on at least one of its sides. For the purpose Except, that towers, spires, and steeples, erected
of this Section, the center line of an adjoining as part of a building and not used for habitation or
street or alley shall be considered an adjacent storage are limited as to height only by structural
property line. Eaves over required windows shall design if completely of incombustible materials,
not be less than 750 millimeters from the side and or may extend not to exceed 6.00 meters above
rear property lines. the height limits for each occupancy group if of
(b) Fire Resistance of Walls combustible materials.
Exterior walls shall have fire resistance and
opening protection in accordance with the SECTION 708. Minimum Requirements for
requirements set forth by the Secretary. Group A Dwellings
Projections beyond the exterior wall shall not (a) Dwelling Location and Lot Occupancy
exceed beyond a point one-third the distance The dwelling shall occupy not more than ninety
from an assumed vertical plane located where the percent of a corner lot and eighty percent of an
fire-resistive protection of openings is first inside lot, and subject to the provisions on
required to the location on property whichever is Easements of Light and View of the Civil Code of
the least restrictive. Distance shall be measured Philippines shall be at least 2 meters from the
at right angles from the property line. When property line.
openings in exterior walls are required to be (b) Light and Ventilation
protected due to distance from property line, the Every dwelling shall be so constructed and
sum of the areas of such openings in any storey arranged as to provide adequate light and
shall not exceed 50 percent of the total area of ventilation as provided under Section 805 to
the wall in that storey. Section 811, of this Code.
(c) Buildings on Same Property and (c) Sanitation
Buildings Containing Courts Every dwelling shall be provided with at least one
For the purpose of determining the required wall sanitary toilet and adequate washing and
and opening protection, buildings on the same drainage facilities.
property and court walls shall be assumed to (d) Foundation
have a property line between them. When a new Footings shall be of sufficient size and strength to
building is to be erected on the same property support the load of the dwelling and shall be at
with an existing building, the assumed property least 250 millimeters thick and 600 millimeters
line 0020 from the existing building shall be the below the surface of the ground.
distance to the property line for each occupancy (e) Post
as set forth by the Secretary: Provided, that two The dimensions of wooden posts shall be those
or more buildings on the same property may be found in Table 708-A: Dimensions of Wooden
considered as one building if the aggregate area Posts (Annex B-1). Each post shall be anchored
of such building is within the limits of allowable to such footing by straps and bolts of adequate
floor areas for a single building, and when the size.
buildings so considered, house different (f) Floor
occupancies or are of different types of The live load of the first floor shall be at least 200
construction, the area shall be that allowed for the kilograms per square meter and for the second
most restrictive occupancy or construction. floor, at least 150 kilograms per square meter.
(g) Roof
SECTION 705. Allowable Floor Areas The wind load for roofs shall be at least 120
The allowable floor areas for one-storey building kilograms per square meter for vertical projection.
and buildings over one-storey shall not exceed (h) Stairs
the limits prescribed by the Secretary for each Stairs shall be at least 750 millimeters in clear
occupancy groups and/or types of construction. width, with a rise of 200 millimeters and a
For purposes of this Section, each portion of a minimum run of 200 millimeters.
building separated by one or more area (i) Entrance and Exit
separation walls may be considered a separate There shall be at least one entrance and another
building provided the area separation walls meet one for exit.
the requirements prescribed therefor by the (j) Electrical Requirements
Secretary. All electrical installation shall conform to the
requirements of the Philippine Electrical Code.
SECTION 706. Allowable Floor Area Increases (k) Mechanical Requirements
The floor areas hereinabove provided may be Mechanical systems and/or equipment
increased in certain specific instances and under installation shall be subject to the requirement of
appropriate conditions, based on the existence of the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Code.
public space, streets or yards extending along
and adjoining two or more sides of the building or SECTION 709. Requirements for Other Group
structure subject to the approval of the Building Occupancies
Official. Subject to the provisions of this Code, the
Secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations
SECTION 707. Maximum Height of Buildings for each of the other Group Occupancies
The maximum height and number of storeys of covering allowable construction, height, and area;
every building shall be dependent upon the location on property, exit facilities, light,
character of occupancy and the type of ventilation, and sanitation; enclosures of vertical
openings; fire extinguishing systems; and special storeys shall have an unobstructed typical head-
hazards. room clearance of not less than 2.10 meters
above the finished floor. Above stated rooms with
a natural ventilation shall have ceiling heights not
less than 2.70 meters.
CHAPTER 8 (b) Mezzanine floors shall have a clear
ceiling height not less than 1.80 meters above
LIGHT AND VENTILATION and below it.
SECTION
SECTION 806. Size and Dimension of Rooms
801. General Requirements of Light and Minimum sizes of rooms and their least horizontal
Ventilation dimensions shall be as follows:
(a) Subject to the provisions of the Civil 1. Rooms for Human Habitations – 6.00
Code of the Philippines on Easements of Light square meters with a least dimension of 2.00
and meters;
View, and to the provisions of this part of the 2. Kitchens – 3.0 square meters with a
Code, every building shall be designed, least dimension of 1.50 meters;
constructed, and equipped to provide adequate 3. Bath and toilet – 1.20 square meters
light and ventilation. with a least dimension of 0.90 meter.
(b) All buildings shall face a street or
public alley or a private street which has been SECTION 807. Air Space Requirements in
duly approved. Determining the Size of Rooms
(c) No building shall be altered nor Minimum air space shall be provided as follows:
arranged so as to reduce the size of any room or 1. School Rooms – 3.00 cubic meters
the relative area of windows to less than that with 1.00 square meter of floor area per person;
provided for buildings under this Code, or to 2. Workshops, Factories, and Offices –
create an additional room, unless such additional 12.00 cubic meters of air space per person;
room conforms to the requirements of this Code. 3. Habitable rooms – 14.00 cubic meters
(d) No building shall be enlarged so that of air space per person.
the dimensions of the required court or yard
would be less than that prescribed for such SECTION 808. Window Openings
building. Every room intended for any use, not provided
with artificial ventilation system as herein
SECTION 802. Measurement of Site specified in this Code, shall be provided with a
Occupancy window or windows with a total free area of
(a) The measurement of site occupancy openings and equal to at least ten percent of the
or lot occupancy shall be taken at the ground level floor area of room, and such window shall open
and shall be exclusive of courts, yards, and light directly to a court, yard, public street or alley, or
wells. open water courses.
(b) Courts, yards, and light wells shall be
measured clear of all projections from the walls SECTION 809. Vent Shafts
enclosing such wells or yards with the exception (a) Ventilation or vent shafts shall have a
of roof leaders, wall copings, sills, or steel fire horizontal cross-sectional area of not less than
escapes not exceeding 1.20 meters in width. 0.10 square meter for every meter of height of
shaft but in no case shall the area be less than
SECTION 803. Percentage of Site Occupancy 1.00 square meter. No vent shaft shall have its
(a) Minimum site occupancy shall be least dimension less than 600 millimeters.
governed by the use, type of construction, and (b) Skylights – Unless open to the outer
height of the building and the use, area, nature, air at the top for its full area, vent shaft shall be
and location of the site; and subject to the covered by a skylight having a net free area or
provisions of the local zoning requirements and in fixed louver openings equal to the maximum
accordance with the rules and regulations required shaft area.
promulgated by the Secretary. (c) Air ducts shall open to a street or court
by a horizontal duct or intake at a point below the
SECTION 804. Size and Dimensions of Courts lowest window opening. Such duct or intake shall
(a) Minimum size of courts and their least have a minimum unobstructed cross-sectional
dimensions shall be governed by the use, type of area of not less than 0.30 square meter with a
construction, and height of the building as minimum dimension of 300 millimeters. The
provided in the rules and regulations promulgated openings to the duct or intake shall be not less
by the Secretary, provided that the minimum than 300 millimeters above the bottom of the shaft
horizontal dimension of court shall be not less and the street surface or level of court, at the
than 2.00 meters. respective ends of the duct or intake.
(b) All inner courts shall be connected to
a street or yard, either by a passageway with a SECTION 810. Ventilation Skylights
minimum width of 1.20 meters or by a door Skylights shall have a glass area not less than
through a room or rooms. that required for the windows that are replaced.
They shall be equipped with movable sashes or
SECTION 805. Ceiling Heights louvers with an aggregate net free area not less
(a) Habitable rooms provided with than that required for openable parts in the
artificial ventilation shall have ceiling heights not window that are replaced or provided with
less than 2.40 meters measured from the floor to approved artificial ventilation of equivalent
the ceiling; Provided that for buildings of more effectiveness.
than one storey, the minimum ceiling height of the
first storey shall be 2.70 meters and that for the
second storey 2.40 meters and succeeding
SECTION 811. Artificial Ventilation shall be governed by existing laws relating to local
(a) Rooms or spaces housing industrial, waterworks system.
or heating equipment shall be provided with (e) The water piping installations inside
artificial means of ventilation to prevent excessive buildings and premises shall conform to the
accumulation of hot and/or polluted air. provisions of the National Plumbing Code of the
(b) Whenever artificial ventilation is Philippines.
required, the equipment shall be designed and
constructed to meet the following minimum SECTION 903. Wastewater Disposal System
requirements in air changes: (a) Sanitary sewage from buildings and
1. For rooms entirely above neutralized or pre-treated industrial wastewater
grade and used for office, clerical, or shall be discharged directly into the nearest street
administrative purposes, or as stores, sanitary sewer main of existing municipal or city
sales rooms, restaurants, markets, sanitary sewerage system in accordance with the
factories, workshops, or machinery criteria set by the Code on Sanitation and the
rooms, not less than three changes of air National Pollution Control Commission.
per hour shall be provided. (b) All buildings located in areas where
2. For rooms entirely above there are no available sanitary sewerage system
grade and used as bakeries, hotel or shall dispose their sewage “Imhoff” or septic tank
restaurant kitchens, laundries other than and subsurface absorption field.
accessory to dwellings, and boiler rooms (c) Sanitary and industrial plumbing
– not less than ten changes of air per installations inside buildings and premises shall
hour shall be provided. conform
3. For auditorium and other to the provisions of the National Plumbing Code.
rooms used for assembly purposes, with
seats or other accommodations – not SECTION 904. Storm Drainage System
less than 0.30 cubic meter of air per (a) Rainwater drainage shall not
minute shall be supplied for each person. discharge to the sanitary sewer system.
4. For wards and dormitories of (b) Adequate provisions shall be made to
institutional buildings – not less than 0.45 drain low areas in buildings and their premises.
cubic meter of air per minute shall be
supplied for each person SECTION 905. Pest and Vermin Control
accommodated. (a) All buildings with hollow and/or wood
5. For other rooms or spaces not construction shall be provided with rat proofing.
specifically covered under this Section of (b) Garbage bins and receptacles shall
the Code, applicable provisions of the be provided with ready means for cleaning and
Philippine Mechanical Engineering Code, with positive protection against entry of pest and
shall be followed. vermin.
(c) Dining rooms for public use without
artificial ventilation shall be properly screened.

CHAPTER 9 SECTION 906. Noise Pollution Control

Industrial establishments shall be provided with
SANITATION SECTION positive noise abatement devices to tone down
the noise level of equipment and machineries to
901. General Requirements acceptable limits set down by the Department of
Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Civil Labor and the National Pollution Control
Code of the Philippines on Property, Ownership, Commission.
and its Modification, all buildings hereafter
erected, altered, remodeled, relocated or SECTION 907. Pipe Materials
repaired for human habitation shall be provided All pipe materials to be used in buildings shall
with adequate and potable water supply, conform to the Standard Specifications of the
plumbing installation, and suitable wastewater Philippine Standard Council.
treatment or disposal system, storm water
drainage, pest and vermin control, noise
abatement device, and such other measures
required for the protection and promotion of CHAPTER 10
health of persons occupying the premises and
others living nearby. BUILDING PROJECTION OVER PUBLIC
STREETS
SECTION 902. Water Supply System
(a) Whenever available, the potable SECTION 1001. General Requirements
water requirements for a building used for human (a) No part of any building or structure or
habitation shall be supplied from existing any of its appendages shall project beyond the
municipal or city waterworks system. property line of the building site, except as
(b) The quality of drinking water from provided in this Code.
meteoric, surface, or underground sources shall (b) The projection of any structure or
conform to the criteria set in the latest approved appendage over a public property shall be the
National Standards for Drinking Water. distance measured horizontally from the property
(c) The design, construction, and line to the uttermost point of the projection.
operation of deep wells for the abstraction of
groundwater shall be subject to the provisions of SECTION 1002. Projection into Alleys or
the Water Code of the Philippines. Streets
(d) The design, construction and (a) No part of any structure or its
operation of independent waterworks systems appendage shall project into any alley or street,
private housing subdivisions or industrial estates
national road or public highway except as than 2.40 meters. Collapsible awnings shall be so
provided in this Code. designated that they shall not block a required
(b) Footings located at least 2.40 meters exit when collapsed or folded.
below grade along national roads or public
highway may project not more than 300 SECTION 1007. Doors, Windows, and the like
millimeters beyond the property line. Doors, windows, and the like less than 2.40
(c) Foundations may be permitted to meters above the pavement or groundline shall
encroach into public sidewalk areas to a width not not, when fully opened or upon opening, project
exceeding 500 millimeters; provided, that the top beyond the property line except fire exit doors.
of the said foundations is not less than 600
millimeters below the established grade; and SECTION 1008. Corner Buildings with
provided further, that said projection does not Chaflans
obstruct any existing utility such as power, (a) Every corner building or solid fence on
communication, gas, water, or sewer lines, a public street or alley less than 3.60 meters in
unless the owner concerned shall pay the width shall be truncated at the corner. The face of
corresponding entities for the rerouting of the the triangle so formed shall be at right angles to
parts of the affected utilities. the bisector of the angle of the intersection of the
street lines; provided, that in no case, the
SECTION 1003. Projection of Balconies and Secretary shall determine the size and form of the
Appendages Over Streets chaflan.
(a) The extent of any projection over an (b) If the building is arcaded, no chaflan
alley or street shall be uniform within a block and is required notwithstanding the width of the public
shall conform to the limitations set forth in Table street or alley, less than 12.00 meters.
1003-A; Projection of Balconies and Appendages
(Annex B-2).
(b) The clearance between the
established grade of the street and/or sidewalk
and the lowest under surface of any part of the CHAPTER 11
balcony shall not be less than 3.00 meters.
PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS DURING
SECTION 1004. Arcades CONSTRUCTION OR DEMOLITION
(a) Whenever required by existing
building and zoning regulations, arcades shall be SECTION 1101. General Requirements
constructed on sidewalks of streets. The width of (a) No person shall use or occupy a
the arcade and its height shall be uniform street, alley or public sidewalk for the
throughout the street provided, that in no case, performance of work covered by a building permit
shall an arcade be less than 3.00 meters above except in accordance with the provisions of this
the established sidewalk grade. Chapter.
(b) No person shall perform any work on
SECTION 1005. Canopies (Marquees) any building or structure adjacent to a public way
(a) Definition: A canopy or marquee is a in general use for pedestrian travel, unless the
permanent roofed structure above a door pedestrians are protected as specified in this
attached to and supported by the building and Chapter.
projecting over a wall or sidewalk. This includes (c) Any material or structure temporarily
any object or decoration attached thereto. occupying public property, including fence,
(b) Projection and Clearance. The canopies, and walkways, shall be adequately
horizontal clearance between the outermost edge lighted, between sunset and sunrise.
of the marquee and the curb line shall be not less
than 300 millimeters. The vertical clearance SECTION 1102. Storage in Public Property
between the pavement or ground line and the Materials and equipment necessary for work to
undersurface of any part the marquee shall not be be done under a permit when placed or stored on
less than 3.00 meters. public property shall not obstruct free and
(c) Construction. A marquee shall be convenient approach to and use of any fire
constructed of incombustible material or hydrant, fire or police alarm box, utility box, catch
materials of not less than two-hours fire-resistive basin, or manhole and shall not interfere with any
construction. It shall be provided with necessary drainage of any street or alley gutter.
drainage facility.
(d) Location. Every marquee shall be so SECTION 1103. Mixing Mortar on Public
located as not to interfere with the operation of Property
any exterior standpipe connection or to obstruct The mixing of mortar, concrete, or similar
the clear passage from stairway exits from the materials on public streets shall not be allowed.
building or the installation or maintenance of
electroliers. SECTION 1104. Protection of Utilities
All public or private utilities above or below the
SECTION 1006. Movable Awnings or Hoods ground shall be protected from any damage by
(a) Definition. An awning is a movable any work being done under the permit. The
shelter supported entirely from an exterior wall of protection shall be maintained while such work is
a building and of a type which can be retracted, being done and shall not obstruct the normal
folded, or collapsed against the face of a functioning of any such utility.
supporting building.
(b) Clearance. The horizontal clearance SECTION 1105. Walkway
between the awning and the curb line shall not be (a) When the Building Official authorizes
less than 300 millimeters. The vertical clearance a sidewalk to be fenced or closed, or in case there
between the undermost surface of the awning is no sidewalk in front of the building site during
and the pavement or ground line shall be not less construction or demolition, a temporary walkway
of not less than 1.20 meters wide shall be structural design of all buildings and other
provided. structures not provided for in this Chapter shall
(b) The walkway shall be capable of conform with the provisions of the National
supporting a uniform live load of 650 kilograms Structural Code of Buildings, as adopted and
per square meter. A durable wearing surface promulgated by the Board of Civil Engineering
shall be provided throughout the construction pursuant to Republic Act Number 544, as
period. amended, otherwise known as the “Civil
Engineering Law”.
SECTION 1106. Pedestrian Protection
(a) Protection Required. Pedestrian SECTION 1202. Excavation, Foundation, and
traffic shall be protected by a railing on the street Retaining Walls
side when the walkway extends into the roadway, (a) Subject to the provisions of Articles
by a railing when adjacent to excavations, and by 684 to 686 of the Civil Code of the Philippines on
such as set forth in Table 1106-A: Type of lateral and subjacent support, the design and
Protection Required for Pedestrians (Annex B-2). quality of materials used structurally in
(b) Railings. Adequate railings when excavation, footings, and in foundations shall
required shall be built substantially strong and conform to accepted engineering practice.
should be at least 1.00 meter in height. (b) Excavation and Fills
(c) Fences. Fences shall be built of an (1) Excavation or fills for
approved material, not less than 2.40 meters in buildings or structures shall be so
height above grade and be placed on the side of constructed or protected that they do not
the walkway nearest to the building site. Fences endanger life or property.
shall enclose entirely the building site. Openings (2) Whenever the depth of
in such fences shall be provided with doors which excavation for any construction is such
shall be kept closed at all times. that the lateral and subjacent support of
(d) Canopies. The protective canopy the adjoining property or existing
shall have a clear height of 2.40 meters above the structure thereon would be affected in a
railway, and shall be structurally safe. Every manner that the stability or safety of the
canopy shall have a solid fence built along its same is endangered, the person
entire length on the construction side. If materials undertaking or causing the excavation to
are stored or work is done on top of the canopy, be undertaken shall be responsible for
the edge along the street shall be protected by a the expense of underpinning or
tight curb board not less than 300 millimeters high extending the foundation or footings of
and a railing not less than 1.00-meter high shall the aforementioned property or structure.
be provided. The entire structure shall be (3) Excavation and other similar
designed to carry the loads imposed upon it: disturbances made on public property
Provided, that the live load shall be not less than shall, unless otherwise excluded by the
600 kilograms per square meter. Building Official, be restored immediately
to its former condition within 48 hours
SECTION 1107. Maintenance and Removal of from the start of such excavation and
Protective Devices disturbances by whosoever caused such
(a) Maintenance. All protective devices excavation or disturbance.
shall be properly maintained in place and kept in (c) Footings, Foundations, and Retaining
good order for the entire length of time Walls
pedestrians may be endangered. (1) Footings and foundations
(b) Removal. Every protective fence or shall be of the appropriate type, of
canopy shall be removed within 30 days after adequate size, and capacity in order to
such protection is no longer required as safely sustain the superimposed loads
determined by the Building Official. under seismic or any condition of
external forces that may affect the safety
SECTION 1108. Demolition or stability of the structure. It shall be the
(a) The work of demolishing any building responsibility of the architect and/or
shall not be commenced until all the necessary engineer to adopt the type and design of
pedestrian protective structures are in place. the same in accordance with the
(b) The Building Official may require the standards set forth by the Secretary.
permittee to submit plans, specifications and (2) Whenever or wherever there
complete schedule of demolition. When so exist in the site of the construction an
required, no work shall be done until such plans, abrupt change in the ground levels or
specifications and schedule are approved by the level of the foundation such that
Building Official. instability of the soil could result,
retaining walls shall be provided and
such shall be of adequate design and
type of construction as prescribed by the
CHAPTER 12 Secretary.

GENERAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SECTION 1203. Veneer

REQUIREMENTS (a) Definition. Veneer is a nonstructural
facing of brick, concrete, tile, metal, plastic, glass,
SECTION 1201. General Requirements or other similar approved materials attached to a
Buildings proposed for construction shall comply backing or structural components of the building
with all the regulations and specifications herein for the purpose of ornamentation, protection, or
set forth governing quality, characteristics and enclosure that may be adhered, integrated, or
properties of materials, methods of design and anchored either on the interior or exterior of the
construction, type of occupancy and building or structure.
classification. All other matters relative to the
 (b) Design Requirements. The design of shaft enclosure walls. Air ducts in Group A
all veneer shall comply with the following: Occupancies need not be enclosed in a shaft if
(1) Veneer shall support no load conforming to the mechanical provisions of this
other than its own weight and the Code.
vertical dead load of veneer
immediately above. SECTION 1205. Floor Construction
(2) Surfaces to which veneer is (a) Floors shall be of such materials and
attached shall be designed to support the construction as specified under Chapter 5 Fire
additional vertical and lateral loads Zones and Fire-Resistive Standards and under
imposed by the veneer. Chapter 6 – Types of Construction.
(3) Consideration shall be given (b) All floors shall be so framed and
to differential movements of the supports secured into the framework and supporting walls
including those caused by temperature as to form an integral part of the whole building.
changes, shrinkage, creep, and (c) The types of floor construction used
deflection. shall provide means to keep the beam and girders
(4) Adhered veneer and its from lateral buckling.
backing shall be designed to have a bond
to the supporting elements sufficient to SECTION 1206. Roof Construction and
withstand shearing stresses due to their Covering
weights including seismic effects on the
total assemblage. (a) Roof Covering. Roof covering for all buildings
(5) Anchored veneer and its shall be either fire-retardant or ordinary,
attachment shall be designed to resist depending upon the fire-resistive requirements of
horizontal forces equal to twice the the particular type of construction. The use of
weight of the veneer. combustible roof insulation shall be permitted in
(6) Anchors supports and ties all types of construction provided it is covered
shall be non-combustible and corrosion with approved roof covering applied directly
resistant. thereto.

SECTION 1204. Enclosure of Vertical (b) Roof Trusses. All roofs shall be so framed and
Openings tied into the framework and supporting walls so
(a) General. Vertical openings shall be as to form an integral part of the whole building.
enclosed depending upon the fire-resistive Roof trusses shall have all joints well fitted and
requirements of a particular type of construction shall have all tension members well tightened
as set forth in this Code. before any load is placed in the truss. Diagonal
(b) Elevator Enclosures. Walls and and sway bracing shall be used to brace all roof
partitions enclosing elevators and escalators trusses. The allowable working stresses of
shall be of not less than the fire-resistive materials in trusses shall conform to this Code.
construction required under the Types of Camber shall be provided to prevent sagging.
Construction. Enclosing walls of elevator shafts
may consist of wire glass set in metal frames on (c) Attics.
the entrance side only. Elevator shafts extending (1) Access. An attic access
through more than two storeys shall be equipped opening shall be provided in the ceiling of
with an approved means of adequate ventilations the top floor of buildings with a
to and through the main roof of the building: combustible ceiling or roof construction.
Provided, that in those buildings housing Groups The opening shall be located in a corridor
F and G Occupancies equipped with automatic or hallway of buildings of three or more
fire-extinguishing systems throughout, storeys in height, and readily accessible
enclosures shall not be required for escalators: in buildings of any height. An opening
Provided, further that the top of the escalator shall not be less than 600 millimeters
opening at each storey shall be provided with a square or 600 millimeters in diameter.
draft curtain. Such draft curtain shall enclose the The minimum clear headroom of 800
perimeter of the unenclosed opening and shall millimeters shall be provided above the
extend from the ceiling downward at least 300 access opening. For ladder
millimeters on all sides. Automatic sprinklers shall requirements, refer to the Philippine
be provided around the perimeter of the opening Mechanical Engineering code.
and within 600 millimeters of the draft curtain. The (2) Area Separation. Enclosed
distance between the sprinkles shall not exceed attic spaces of combustible construction
1.80 meters center-to-center. shall be divided into horizontal areas not
(c) Other Vertical Openings. All shafts, exceeding 250 square meters by fire-
ducts, chutes, and other vertical openings not resistive partitions extending from the
covered in paragraph (b) above shall have ceiling to the roof. Except, that where the
enclosing walls conforming to the requirements entire attic is equipped with approved
specified under the type of construction of the automatic fire-extinguishing system, the
building in which they are located. In other than attic space may be divided into areas not
Group A Occupancies rubbish and linen chutes to exceed 750 square meters. Openings
shall terminate in rooms separated from the in the partitions shall be protected by self-
remainder of the building by a One-Hour Fire- closing doors.
Resistive Occupancy Separation. Openings into (3) Draft Stops. Regardless of
the chutes shall not be located in required exit the type of construction, draft stops shall
corridors or stairways. be installed in trusses roofs, between
(d) Air Ducts. Air ducts passing through a roof and bottom chords or trusses, in all
floor shall be enclosed in a shaft. The shaft shall buildings exceeding 2000 square meters.
be as required in this Code for vertical openings. Draft stops shall be constructed as for
Dampers shall be installed where ducts pierce the attic area separations.
 (4) Ventilation. Enclosed attics least two stairways to an adjacent floor.
including rafter spaces formed where Every storey or portion thereof, having an
ceilings are applied direct to the occupant load of 500 to 999 shall have at
underside or roof rafters, shall be least three exits. Every storey or portion
provided with adequate ventilation thereof having an occupant load of 1000
protected against the entrance of rain. or more shall have at least four (4) exits.
(d) Roof Drainage System The number of exits required from any
(1) Roof Drains. Roof drains storey of a building shall be determined
shall be installed at low points of the roof by using the occupant loads of floors
and shall be adequate in size to which exit through the level under
discharge all tributary waters. consideration as follows: 50 percent of
(2) Overflow Drains and the occupant load in the first adjacent
Scuppers. Where roof drains are storey above (and the first adjacent
required, adequate overflow drains shall storey below, when a storey below exits
be provided. through the level under consideration)
(3) Concealed Piping. Roof and 25 percent of the occupant load in
drains and overflow drains, when the storey immediately beyond the first
concealed within the construction of the adjacent storey. The maximum number
building, shall be installed in accordance of exits required for any storey shall be
with the provisions of the National maintained until egress is provided from
Plumbing Code. the structures. For purposes of this
(4) Over Public Property. Roof Section basement or cellars and
drainage water from a building shall not occupied roofs shall be provided with
be permitted to flow over public property, exits as required for storeys. Floors
except for Group A and J Occupancies. above the second storey, basements and
(e) Flashing. Flashing and cellars used for other than service of the
counterflashing shall be provided at the building shall have not less than two
juncture of the roof and vertical surfaces. exits.
(2) Width. The total width of exits
SECTION 1207. Stairs, Exits, and Occupant in meters shall not be less than the total
Loads occupant load served divided by 165.
(a) General. The construction of stairs and exits Such width of exits shall be divided
shall conform to the occupant load requirements approximately equally among the
of buildings, reviewing stands, bleachers, and separate exits. The total exit width
grandstands. required from any storey of a building
(1) Determination of Occupant shall be determined by using the
Loads. The occupant load permitted in occupant load of that storey plus the
any building or portion thereof shall be percentage of the occupant loads of
determined by dividing the floor area floors which exits through the level under
assigned to that use by the unit area consideration as follows: fifty (50)
allowed per occupant as determined by percent of the occupant load in the first
the Secretary. adjacent storey above (and the first
(2) Exit Requirements. Exist adjacent storey below when a storey
requirements of a building or portion below exits through the level under
thereof used for different purposes shall consideration) and twenty five percent of
be determined by the occupant load the occupant load in the storey
which gives the largest number of immediately beyond the first adjacent
persons. No obstruction shall be placed storey. The maximum exit width from any
in the required width of an exit except storey of a building shall be maintained.
projections permitted by this Code. (3) Arrangement of Exits. If only
(3) Posting of Room Capacity. two exits are required they shall be
Any room having an occupant load of placed a distance apart to not less than
more than 50 where fixed seats are not one-fifth of the perimeter of the area
installed, and which is used for served measured in a straight line
classroom, assembly, or similar purpose between exits. Where three or more exits
shall have the capacity of the room are required they shall be arranged a
posted in a conspicuous place near the reasonable distance apart so that if one
main exit from the room. becomes blocked, the others will be
(4) Changes in Elevation. Except available.
in Group A Occupancies, changes in (4) Distance to Exists. No point in
floor elevations of less than 300 a building without a sprinkler system shall
millimeters along any exit serving a be more than 45.00 meters from an
tributary occupant load of 10 or more exterior exit door, a horizontal exit, exit
shall be by means of ramps: passageway, or an enclosed stairway,
(b) Exits measured along the line of travel. In a
(1) Number of Exits. Every building equipped with a complete
building or usable portion thereof shall automatic fire extinguishing system the
have at lease one exit. In all occupancies, distance from exits may be increased to
floors above the first storey having an 60.00 meters.
occupant load of more than 10 shall not (c) Doors. The provisions herein shall apply to
have less than two exits. Each every exit door serving an area having an
mezzanine floor used for other than occupant load of more than 10 or serving
storage purposes, if greater in area than hazardous rooms or areas.
185 square meters or more than 18.00 (1) Swing. Exit door shall swing
meters in any dimension, shall have at in the direction of exit travel when serving
any hazardous areas or when serving an hardware or at least one conforming exit
occupant load of 50 or more. Double door is located adjacent to each revolving
acting doors shall not be used as exits doors installed in a building and the
serving a tributary occupant load of more revolving door shall not be considered to
than 100; nor shall they be used as a part provide nay exit width.
of fire assembly, nor equipped with panic (d) Corridors and Exterior Exit Balconies. The
hardware. A double acting door shall be provisions herein shall apply to every corridor and
provided with a view panel of not less exterior exit balcony serving as a required exit for
than 1,300 square centimeters. an occupant load of more than ten.
(2) Type of Lock or Latch. Exit (1) Width. Every corridor or exit
door shall be openable from the inside balcony shall not be less than 1.10
without the use of a key or any special meters in width.
knowledge or effort: Except, that this (2) Projections. The required
requirement shall not apply to exterior width of corridors and exterior exit
exit doors in a group E or F Occupancy if balconies shall be unobstructed. Except,
there is a conspicuous, readily visible that trim handrails, and doors when fully
and durable sign on or adjacent to the opened shall not reduce the required
door, stating that the door is to remain width by more than 200 millimeters.
unlocked during business hours. The Doors in any position shall not reduce the
locking device must be of a type that will required width of the corridor by more
readily be distinguishable as locked. than one-half.
Flush bolts or surface bolts are (3) Access to Exits. When more
prohibited. than one exit is required, they shall be so
(3) Width and Height. Every arranged to allow going to either direction
required exit doorway shall be of a size from any point in the corridor or exterior
as to permit the installation of a door not exit balcony to a separate exit, except for
less than 900 millimeters in width and not dead ends permitted by this Code.
less than 2.00 meters in height. When (4) Dead Ends. Corridors and
installed in exit doorways, exit doors shall exterior exit balconies with dead ends are
be capable of opening at least 90 permitted when the dead end does not
degrees and shall be so mounted that the exceed 6.00 meters in length.
clear width of the exit way is not less than (5) Construction. Walls and
700 millimeters. In computing the ceilings of corridors shall not be less than
required exit width, the net dimension of one-hour fire-resistive construction.
the exit way shall be used. Provided, that this requirement shall not
(4) Door Leaf Width. No leaf of apply to exterior exit balconies, railings,
an exit door shall exceed 1.20 meters in and corridors of one-storey building
width. housing a Group E and F Occupancy
(5) Special Doors. Revolving, occupied by one tenant only and which
sliding, and overhead doors shall not be serves an occupant load of 30 or less, nor
used as required exits. to corridors, formed by temporary
(6) Egress from Door. Every partitions. Exterior exit balconies shall
required exit door shall give immediate not project into an area where protected
access to an approved means of egress openings are required.
from the building. (6) Openings. Where corridor
(7) Change in Floor Level at wall are required to be one-hour fire-
Doors. Regardless of the occupant load resistive construction, every interior door
there shall be a floor or landing on each opening shall be protected as set forth in
side of an exit door. The floor or landing generally recognized and accepted
shall be leveled with, or not more than 50 requirements for dual purpose fire exit
millimeters lower than the threshold of doors. Other interior openings except
the doorway: Except, that in Group A and ventilation louvers equipped with
B Occupancies, a door may open on the approved automatic fire shutters shall be
top step of a flight of stairs or an exterior 7 millimeters thick fixed wire glass set in
landing provided the door does not swing steel frames. The total area of all
over the top step or exterior landing and openings other than doors, in any portion
the landing is not more than 200 of an interior corridor wall shall not
millimeters below the floor level. exceed twenty-five percent of the area of
(8) Door Identification. Glass the corridor wall of the room being
doors shall conform to the requirements separated from the corridor.
in Section 1805. Other exit doors shall be (e) Stairways. Except stairs or ladders used only
so marked that they are readily to access equipment, every stairway serving any
distinguishable from the adjacent building or portion thereof shall conform to the
construction. following requirements:
(9) Additional Doors. When (1) Width. Stairways serving an
additional doors are provided for egress occupant load of more than 50 shall not
purposes, they shall conform to all be less than 1.10 meters. Stairways
provisions in the following cases: serving an occupant load of 50 or less
Approved revolving doors having leaves may be 900 millimeters wide. Private
which will collapse under opposing stairways serving an occupant load of
pressures may be used in exit situations; less than 10 may be 750 millimeters. Trim
provided; that such doors have a and handrails shall not reduce the
minimum width of 2.00 meters or they are required width by more than 100
not used in occupancies where exits are millimeters.
required to be equipped with panic
 (2) Rise and Run. The rise of serving a building over two storeys in
every step in a stairway shall not exceed height shall be protected by a self-closing
200 millimeters and the run shall not be fire assembly having a three-fourths hour
less than 250 millimeters. The maximum fire-resistive rating: Except, that
variations in the height of risers and the openings may be unprotected when two
width of treads in any one flight shall be separated exterior stairways serve an
5 millimeters: Except, in case of private exterior exit balcony.
stairways serving an occupant load of (10a) Stairways Construction - Interior.
less than 10, the rise may be 200 Interior stairways shall be constructed as
millimeters and the run may be 250 specified in this Code. Where there is
millimeters, except as provided in sub- enclosed usable space under the stairs
paragraph (3) below. the walls and soffits of the enclosed
(3) Winding Stairways. In Group space shall be protected on the enclosed
A Occupancy and in private stairways in side as required for one-hour fire
Group B Occupancies, winders may be resistive construction.
used if the required width of run is (10b) Stairway Construction -
provided at a point not more than 300 Exterior. Exterior stairways shall be of
millimeters from the side of the stairway incombustible material: Except, that on
where the treads are narrower but in no Type III buildings which do not exceed
case shall any width of run be less than two storeys in height, which are located
150 millimeters at any point. in less fire-restrictive Fire Zones, as well
(4) Circular Stairways. Circular as on Type I buildings which may be of
stairs may be used as an exit provided wood not less than 50 millimeters in
the minimum width of run is not less than nominal thickness. Exterior stairs shall be
250 millimeters. All treads in any one protected as required for exterior walls
flight between landings shall have due to location on property as specified
identical dimensions within a 5-millimeter in this Code. Exterior stairways shall not
tolerance. project into an area where openings are
(5) Landings. Every landing shall required to be protected. Where there is
have a dimension measured in the enclosed usable space under stairs, the
direction of travel equal to the width of the walls and soffits of the enclosed space
stairway. Such dimension need not shall be protected on the enclosed side
exceed 1.20 meters when the stairs has as required for one-hour fire-resistive
a straight run. Landings when provided construction.
shall not be reduced in width by more (11) Stairway to Roof. In every
than 100 millimeters by a door when fully building four or more storeys in height,
open. one stairway shall extend to the roof
(6) Basement Stairways. Where unless the roof has C slope greater than
a basement stairway and a stairway to an 1 in 3.
upper storey terminate in the same exit (12) Headroom. Every required
enclosure, an approved barrier shall be stairway shall have a headroom
provided to prevent persons from clearance of not less than 2.00 meters.
continuing on to the basements. Such clearance shall be established by
Directional exit signs shall be provided as measuring vertically from a plane parallel
specified in this Code. and tangent to the stairway tread nosing
(7) Distance Between Landings. to the soffit above all points.
There shall be not more than 3.60 meters (f) Ramps.
vertical distance between landings. A ramp conforming to the provisions of this Code
(8) Handrails. Stairways shall may be used as an exit. The width of ramps shall
have handrails on each side and every be as required for corridors.
stairway required to be more than 3.00
meters in width shall be provided with not (g) Horizontal Exit.
less than one intermediate handrail for If conforming to the provisions of this Code, a
each 3.00 meters of required width. horizontal exit may be considered as the required
Intermediate handrails shall be spaced exit. All openings in a separation wall shall be
approximately equal within the entire protected by a fire assembly having a fire-
width of the stairway. Handrails shall be resistive rating of not less than one hour. A
placed not less than 800 millimeters nor horizontal exit shall not lead into a floor area
more than 900 millimeters above the having a capacity for an occupant load not less
nosing of treads, and ends of handrails than the occupant load served by such exit. The
shall be returned or shall terminate in capacity shall be determined by allowing 0.30
newel posts or safety terminals: Except, square meter of net floor area per ambulatory
in the following cases: Stairways 1.10 occupant and 1.90 square meters per non-
meters or less in width and stairways ambulatory occupant. The dispersal area into
serving one individual dwelling unit in which the horizontal exit leads shall be provided
Group A or B Occupancies may have one with exits as required by this Code.
handrail, except that such stairway, open
on one or both, sides shall have handrails (h) Exit Enclosure.
provided on the open side or sides: or Every interior stairway, ramp, or escalator shall
stairways having less than four risers be enclosed as specified in this Code: Except,
need not have handrails. that in other than Group D Occupancies, an
(9) Exterior Stairway Protection. enclosure will not be required for stairway, ramp,
All openings in the exterior wall below or or escalator serving only one adjacent floor and
within 3.00 meters, measured not connected with corridors or stairways serving
horizontally, of an exterior exit stairway
other floors. Stairs in Group A Occupancies need (j) Exit Outlets, Courts, and Passageways
not be enclosed. Every exit shall discharge into a public way, exit
(1) Enclosure walls shall not be court, or exit passageway. Every exit court shall
less than two-hour fire-resistive discharge into a public way or an exit
construction. There shall be no openings passageway. Passageways shall be without
into exit enclosures except exit doorways openings other than required exits and shall have
and openings in exterior walls. All exit walls, floors, and ceilings of the same period of
doors in an exit enclosure shall be fire-resistance as the walls, floors and ceilings of
appropriately protected. the building but shall not be less than one-hour
(2) Stairway and ramp fire-resistive construction.
enclosures shall include landings and (1) Width. Every exit court and
parts of floors connecting stairway flights exit passageways shall be at least as
and shall include a corridor on the ground wide as the required total width of the
floor leading from the stairway to the tributary exits, such required width being
exterior of the building. Enclosed based on the occupant load served. The
corridors or passageways are not required width of exit courts or exit
required for unenclosed stairways. passageways shall be unobstructed
(3) A stairway in an exit except as permitted in corridors. At any
enclosure shall not continue below the point where the width of an exit court is
grade level exit unless an reduced from any cause, the reduction in
approved barrier is provided at the ground floor width shall be affected gradually by a
level to prevent persons from accidentally guardrail at least 900 millimeters in
continuing into the basement. height. The guardrail shall make an angle
(4) There shall be no enclosed of not more than 30 degrees with the axis
usable space under stairways in an exit of the exit court.
enclosure, nor shall the open space (2) Slope. The slope of exit
under such stairways be used for any courts shall not exceed 1 in 10. The slope
purpose. of exit passageway shall not exceed 1 in
8.
(i) Smokeproof Enclosures (3) Number of Exits. Every exit
A smokeproof enclosure shall consist of a court shall be provided with exits as
vestibule and a continuous stairway enclosed required in this Code.
from the highest point to the lowest point by walls (4) Openings. All openings into
of two-hour fire-resistive construction. In buildings an exit court less than 3.00 meters wide
five storeys or more in height, one of the required shall be protected by fire assemblies
exits shall be a smokeproof enclosure. having not less than three-fourth hour
(1) Stairs in smokeproof fire-resistive rating. Except, that
enclosures shall be of incombustible openings more than 3.00 meters above
construction. the floor of the exit court may be
(2) There shall be no openings in unprotected.
smokeproof enclosures, except exit
doorways and openings in exterior walls. (k) Exit Signs and Illuminations
There shall be no openings directly into Exits shall be illuminated at any time the building
the interior of the building. Access shall is occupied with lights having an intensity of not
be through a vestibule with one wall at less than 10.7 lux at floor level: Except, that for
least fifty percent open to the exterior and Group A Occupancies, the exit illumination shall
having an exit door from the interior of the be provided with separate circuits or separated
building and an exit door leading to the sources of power (but not necessarily separate
smokeproof enclosure. In lieu of a from exit signs when these are required for exit
vestibule, access may be by way of an sign illumination)
open exterior balcony of incombustible
materials. (l) Aisles
(3) The opening from the building Every portion or every building in which are
to the vestibule or balcony shall be installed seats, tables, merchandise, equipment,
protected with a self-closing fire or similar materials shall be provided with aisles
assembly having one-hour fire-resistive leading to an exit.
rating. The opening from the vestibule or (1) Width. Every aisle shall be
balcony to the stair tower shall be not less than 800 millimeters wide if
protected by a self-closing fire assembly serving only one side, and not less than
having a one-hour fire-resistive rating. 1 meter wide if serving both sides. Such
(4) A smokeproof enclosure shall minimum width shall be measured at the
exit into a public way or into an exit point farthest from an exit, cross aisle, or
passageway leading to a public way. The foyer and shall be increased by 30
exit passageway shall be without other millimeters for every meter in length
openings and shall have walls, floors, towards the exit, cross aisle or foyer. Side
and ceilings of two-hour fire-resistance. aisles shall not be less than 1.10 meters
(5) A stairway in a smokeproof in width.
enclosure shall not continue below the (2) Exit Distance. In areas
grade level exit unless an approved occupied by seats and in Groups H and I
barrier is provided at a ground floor level Occupancies without seats, the line of
to prevent persons from accidentally travel to an exit door by an aisle shall be
walking into the basement. not more than 45.00 meters. With
standard spacing, as specified in this
Code, aisles shall be so located that
 there will be not more than seven seats 600 millimeters for seats without
between the wall and an aisle and not backrests in open air stands; 750
more than fourteen seats between aisles. millimeters for seats with backrests; and
The number of seats between aisles may 850 millimeters for chair seating. There
be increased to 30 where exits doors are shall be a space of not less than 300
provided along each side aisle of the row millimeters between the back of each
of seats at the rate of one pair of exit seat and the front of the seat immediately
doors for every five rows of seats, behind it.
provided further that the distance (3.2) Rise Between Rows. The
between seats back to back is at least maximum rise from one row of seats to
one meter. Such exit doors shall provide the next shall not exceed 400 millimeters.
a minimum clear width of 1.70 meters. (3.3) Seating Capacity. For
(3) Cross aisles. Aisles shall determining the seating capacity of a
terminate in a cross aisle, foyer, or exit. stand, the width of any seat shall not be
The width of the cross aisle shall be not less than 450 millimeters nor more than
less than the sum of the required width of 480 millimeters.
the widest aisle plus fifty percent of the (3.4) Number of Seats Between
total required width of the remaining aisle Aisles. The number of seats between any
leading thereto. In Groups C, H and E seat and an aisle shall not be greater
Occupancies, aisles shall not be than 15 for open air stands with seats
provided a dead end greater than 6.00 without backrests, a far open air stands
meters in length. with seats having backrests and seats
(4) Vomitories. Vomitories without backrests within buildings and 6
connecting the foyer or main exit with the for seats with backrests in buildings.
cross aisles shall have a total width not (4) Aisles
less than the sum of the required width of (4.1) Aisles Required. Aisles
the widest aisles leading thereto plus fifty shall be provided in all stands; Except,
percent of the total required width of the that aisles may be omitted when all the
remaining aisles leading thereto. following conditions exist: Seats are
(5) Slope. The slope portion of without backrests; the rise from row to
aisles shall not exceed a fall of 1 in 8. row does not exceed 300 millimeters per
row; the number of rows does not exceed
(m) Seats 11 in height; the top seating board is not
(1) Seat Spacing. With standard over 3.00 meters above grade; and the
seating, the spacing of rows of seats from first seating board is not more than 500
back-to back shall be not less than 840 millimeters above grade.
millimeters. With continental seating, the (4.2) Obstructions. No
spacing of rows of unoccupied seats obstruction shall be placed in the
shall provide a clear width measured required width of any aisle or exit way.
horizontally, as follows: 450 millimeters (4.3) Stairs Required. When an
clear for rows of 18 seats or less; 500 aisle is elevated more than 200
millimeters clear for rows of 35 seats or millimeters above grade, the aisle shall
less; 525 millimeters clear for rows of 45 be provided with a stairway or ramp
seats or less; and 550 millimeters clear whose width is not less than the width of
for rows of 46 seats or more. the aisle.
(2) Width. The width of any seat (4.4) Dead End. No vertical aisle
shall be not less than 450 millimeters. shall have a dead end more than 16 rows
(n) Reviewing Stands, Grandstands, and in depth regardless of the number of exits
Bleachers required.
(1) Height of Stands. Stands (4.5) Width. Aisles shall have a
made of combustible framing minimum width of 1.10 meters.
shall be limited to 11 rows or 2.70 (5) Stairs and Ramps The
meters in height. requirements in this Code shall apply to
(2) Design Requirements. The all stairs and ramps except for portions
minimum unit live load for that pass through the seating area.
reviewing stands, grandstands, (5.1) Stair Rise and Run. The
and bleachers shall be 500 maximum rise of treads shall not exceed
kilograms per square meter of 200 millimeters and the minimum width of
horizontal projection for the the run shall be 280 millimeters. The
structure as a whole. Seat and maximum variation in the width of treads
footboards shall be 180 in any one flight shall not be more than 5
kilograms per linear meter. The millimeters and the maximum variation in
sway force, applied to seats, one height of two adjacent rises shall not
shall be 35 kilograms per linear exceed 5 millimeters.
meter parallel to the seats and 15 (5.2) Ramp Slope. The slope of a
kilograms per linear meter ramp shall not exceed 1 in 8. Ramps shall
perpendicular to the seats. Sway be roughened or shall be of approved
forces need not be applied nonslip material.
simultaneously with other lateral (5.3) Handrails. A ramp with a
forces. slope exceeding 1 in 10 shall have
(3) Spacing of Seats handrails. Stairs for stands shall have
(3.1) Row Spacing. The handrails. Handrails shall conform to the
minimum spacing of rows of seats requirements of this Code.
measured from back-to back shall be:
 (6) Guardrails (8.5) Four Exits Required. Four
(6.1) Guardrails shall be required exits shall be required when a stand or
in all locations where the top of a seat section of a stand accommodates more
plank is more than 1.20 meters above the than 1000 occupants: Except, that for an
grade and at the front of stands elevated open-air stand with seats without
more than 600 millimeters above grade. backrest four exits need not be provided
Where only sections of stands are used, unless there are accommodations for
guardrails shall be provided as required more than 3000 occupants.
in this Code. (8.6) Width. The total width of
(6.2) Railings shall be 1.10 exits in meters shall not be less than the
meters above the rear of a seat plank or total occupant load served divided by
1.10 meters above the rear of the steps 165: Except, that for open air stands with
in an aisle when the guardrail is parallel seats without backrest the total width of
and adjacent to the aisle: Except, that the exits in meters shall be not less than the
height may be reduced to 900 millimeters total occupant load served divided by 500
for guardrails located in front of the when exiting by stairs and divided by 650
grandstand. when exiting by ramps or horizontally.
(6.3) A midrail shall be placed When both horizontal and stair exits are
adjacent to any seat to limit the open used, the total width of exits shall be
distance above the top of any part of a determined by using both figures as
seat to 250 millimeters where the seat is applicable. No exit shall be less than 1.10
at the extreme end or at the extreme rear meters in width. Exits shall be located at
of the bleachers or grandstand. The a reasonable distance apart. When only
intervening space shall have one two exits are provided, they shall be
additional rail midway in the opening: spaced not less than one-fifth of the
Except, that railings may be omitted perimeter apart.
when stands are placed directly against (9) Securing of Chairs Chairs
a wall or fence giving equivalent and benches used on raised stands shall
protection; stairs and ramps shall be be secured to the platforms upon which
provided with guardrails. Handrails at the they are placed: Except, that when less
front of stands and adjacent to an aisle than 25 chairs are used upon a single
shall be designed to resist a load of 75 raised platform the fastening of seats to
kilograms per linear meter applied at the the platform may be omitted. When more
top rail. Other handrails shall be than 500 loose chairs are used in
designed to resist a load of 40 kilograms connection with athletic events, chairs
per linear meter. shall be fastened together in groups of
(7) Foot Boards Footboards shall not less than three, and shall be tied or
be provided for all rows of seats above staked to the ground.
the third row or beginning at such point (10) Safe Dispersal Area Each
where the seating plank is more than 600 safe dispersal area shall have at least
millimeters above grade. two exits. If more than 6000 persons are
(8) Exits to be accommodated within such an
(8.1) Distance to Exit. The line of area, there shall be a minimum of three
travel to an exit shall not be more than exits, and for more than 9000 persons
45.00 meters. For stands with seats there shall be a minimum of four exits.
without backseats this distance may be The aggregate clear width of exits from a
measured by direct line from a seat to the safe dispersal area shall be determined
exit from the stand. on the basis of not less than one exit unit
(8.2) Aisle Used as Exit. An aisle of 600 millimeters for each 500 persons
may be considered as only one exit to be accommodated and no exit shall be
unless it is continuous at both ends to a less than 1.10 meters in width, a
legal building exit or to a safe dispersal reasonable distance apart but shall be
area. spaced not less than one-fifth of the
(8.3) Two Exits Required. A perimeter of the area apart from each
stand with the first seating board not other.
more than 500 millimeters above grade (o) Special Hazards
of floor may be considered to have two (1) Boiler Rooms. Except in
exits when the bottom of the stand is Group A Occupancies, every boiler room
open at both ends. Every stand or section and every room containing an incinerator
of a stand within a building shall have at or liquefied petroleum gas or liquid fuel-
least two means of egress when the fired equipment shall be provided with at
stand accommodates more than 50 least two means of egress, one of which
persons. Every open-air stand having may be a ladder. All interior openings
seats without backrests shall have at shall be protected as provided for in this
least two means of egress when the Code.
stand accommodates more than 300 (2) Cellulose Nitrate Handling.
persons. Film laboratories, projection rooms, and
(8.4) Three Exits Required. nitro-cellulose processing rooms shall
Three exits shall be required for stands have not less than two exits.
within a building when there are more
than 300 occupants within a stand and for SECTION 1208. Skylights
open air stands with seats without (a) All skylights shall be constructed with
backrests where a stand or section of a metal frames except those for Groups A and J
stand accommodates more than 1000 Occupancies. Frames of skylights shall be
occupants. designed to carry loads required for roofs. All
skylights, the glass of which is set at an angle of which run to the roof and in all other cases shall
less than 45 degrees from the horizontal, if not extend more than 3.60 meters in height with
located above the first storey, shall be set at least the roof.
100 millimeters above the roof. Curbs on which (b) Area
the skylights rest shall be constructed of The aggregate area of all penthouses and other
incombustible materials except for Types I or II roof structures shall not exceed one third of the
Construction. area of the supporting roof.
(b) Spacing between supports in one (c) Prohibited Uses
direction for flat wired glass in skylights shall not No penthouse, bulkhead, or any other similar
exceed 625 millimeters. Corrugated wired glass projection above the roof shall be used for
may have supports 1.50 meters apart in the purposes other than shelter of mechanical
direction of the corrugation. All glass in skylights equipment or shelter of vertical shaft openings in
shall be wired glass: Except, that skylights over the roof. A penthouse or bulkhead used for
vertical shafts extending through two or more purposes other than that allowed by this Section
storeys shall be glazed with plain glass as shall conform to the requirements of this Code for
specified in this Code: Provided, that wired glass an additional storey.
may be used in ventilation equal to not less than (d) Construction
one-eight the cross-sectional area of the shaft but Roof structures shall be constructed with walls,
never less than 1.20 meters provided at the top of floors, and roof as required for the main portion of
such shaft. Any glass not wired glass shall be the building except in the following cases:
protected above and below with a screen (1) On Types III and IV
constructed of wire not smaller than 2.5 constructions, the exterior walls and
millimeters in diameter with a mesh not larger roofs of penthouses which are 1.50
than 25 millimeters. The screen shall be meters or more from an adjacent
substantially supported below the glass. property line may be of one-hour fire-
(c) Skylights installed for the use of resistive incombustible construction.
photographers may be constructed of metal (2) Walls not less than 1.50
frames and plate glass without wire netting. meters from an exterior wall of a Type IV
(d) Ordinary glass may be used in the construction may be of one-hour fire-
roof and skylights for greenhouses, Provided, that resistive incombustible construction. The
height of the greenhouses at the ridge does not above restrictions shall not prohibit the
exceed 6.00 meters above the grade. The use of placing of wood flagpoles or similar
wood in the frames of skylights will be permitted structures on the roof of any building.
in greenhouses outside of highly restrictive Fire (e) Towers and Spires
Zones if the height of the skylight does not exceed Towers and spires when enclosed shall have
6.00 meters above the grade, but in other cases exterior walls as required for the building to which
metal frames and metal sash bars shall be used. they are attached. Towers not enclosed and
(e) Glass used for the transmission of which extend more than 20.00 meters above the
light, if placed in floors or sidewalks, shall be grade shall have their framework constructed of
supported by metal or reinforced concrete iron, steel, or reinforced concrete. No tower or
frames, and such glass shall not be less than 12.5 spire shall occupy more than one-fourth of the
millimeters in thickness. Any such glass over 100 street frontage of any building to which it is
square centimeters in area shall have wire mesh. attached and in no case shall the base area
embedded in the same or shall be provided with exceed 150 square meters unless it conforms
a wire screen underneath as specified for entirely to the type of construction requirements
skylights in this Code. All portions of the floor of the building to which it is attached and is limited
lights or sidewalk lights shall be of the same in height as a main part of the building. If the area
strength as required for floor or sidewalk of the tower and spire exceeds 10.00 square
construction, except in cases where the floor is meters on any horizontal cross section, its
surrounded by a railing not less 1.10 meters in supporting frames shall extend directly to the
height, in which case the construction shall be ground. The roof covering of the spires shall be
calculated for not less than roof loads. as required for the main room of the rest of the
structure. Skeleton towers used as radio masts,
SECTION 1209. Bays, Porches, and Balconies neon signs, or advertisement frames and placed
(a) Walls and floors in bay and oriel on the roof of any building shall be constructed
windows shall conform to the construction entirely of incombustible materials when more
allowed for exterior walls and floors of the type of than 7.50 meters in height and shall be directly
construction of the building to which they are supported on an incombustible framework to the
attached. The roof covering of a bay or oriel ground. No such skeleton towers shall be
window shall conform to the requirements of the supported on roofs of combustible framings. They
roofing of the main roof. Exterior balconies shall be designed to withstand a wind load from
attached to or supported by wall required to be of any direction in addition to any other loads.
masonry, shall have brackets or beams
constructed of incombustible materials. Railings SECTION 1211. Chimneys, Fireplaces, and
shall be provided for balconies, landings, or Barbecues
porches which are more than 750 millimeters (a) Chimneys
above grade. (1) Structural Design. Chimneys
shall be designed, anchored, supported,
SECTION 1210. Penthouses and Roof reinforced, constructed, and installed in
Structures accordance with generally accepted
(a) Height principles of engineering. Every chimney
No penthouse or other projection above the roof shall be capable of producing a draft at
in structures of other than Type V construction the appliance not less than that required
shall exceed 8.40 meters above the roof when for the safe operation of the appliance
used as an enclosure for tanks or for elevators connected thereto. No chimney shall
support any structural load other than its meter, the walls shall not be less than
own weight unless it is designed to act as 100 millimeters of firebrick except that
a supporting member. Chimneys in a higher than 9.00 meters above the roof of
wood-framed building shall be anchored the combustion chamber, common brick
laterally at the ceiling line and at each alone 200 millimeters in thickness may
floor line which is more than 1.80 meters be used.
above grade, except when entirely within (2.6) Masonry Chimneys for
the framework or when designed to be Commercial and Industrial Type
free standing. Incinerators. Masonry chimneys for
(2) Walls. Every masonry commercial and industrial type
chimney shall have walls of masonry incinerators of a size designed for not
units, bricks, stones, listed masonry more than 110 kilograms of refuse per
chimney units, reinforced concrete or hour and having a horizontal grate area
equivalent solid thickness of hollow not exceeding 0.50 square meter shall
masonry and lined with suitable liners in have walls of solid masonry or reinforced
accordance with the following concrete not less than 100 millimeters
requirements: thick with lining of not less than 100
(2.1) Masonry Chimneys for millimeters of firebrick, which lining shall
Residential Type Appliances. Masonry extend for not less than 12.00 meters
chimneys shall be constructed of above the roof of the combustion
masonry units or reinforced concrete with chamber. If the design capacity of grate
walls not less than 100 millimeters thick; area of such an incinerator exceeds 110
or of rubble stone masonry not less than kilograms per hour and 0.80 square
300 millimeters thick. The chimney liner meter respectively, walls shall not be less
shall be in accordance with this Code. than 200 millimeters thick, lined with not
(2.2) Masonry Chimneys for Low less than 100 millimeters of firebrick
Heat Appliances. Masonry chimneys extending the full height of the chimney.
shall be constructed of masonry units or (3) Linings. Fire clay chimney
reinforced concrete with walls not less lining shall not be less than 15 millimeters
than 200 millimeters thick: Except, that thick. The lining shall extend from 200
rubble stone masonry shall be not less millimeters below the lowest inlet or, in
than 300 millimeters thick. The chimney the case of fireplace, from the throat of
liner shall be in accordance with this the fireplace to a point above enclosing
Code. masonry walls. Fire clay chimney linings
(2.3) Masonry Chimneys for shall be installed ahead of the
Medium-Heat Appliances. Masonry construction of the chimney as it is
chimneys for medium-heat appliances carried up, carefully bedded one on the
shall be constructed of solid masonry other in fire clay mortar, with close-fitting
units of reinforced concrete not less than joints left smooth on the inside. Firebrick
200 millimeters thick, Except, that stone not less than 500 millimeters thick may
masonry shall be not less than 300 be used in place of fire clay chimney.
millimeters thick and, in addition shall be (4) Area. No chimney
lined with not less than 100 millimeters of passageway shall be smaller in area than
firebrick laid in a solid bed of fire clay the vent connection of the appliance
mortar with solidly filled head, bed, and attached thereto.
wall joints, starting not less than 600 (5) Height. Every masonry
millimeters below the chimney connector chimney shall extend at least 600
entrance. Chimneys extending 7.50 millimeters above the part of the roof
meters or less above the chimney through which it passes and at least 600
connector shall be lined to the top. millimeters above the highest elevation of
(2.4) Masonry Chimneys for any part of a building within 3.00 meters
High-Heat Appliances. Masonry to the chimney.
chimneys for high heat appliances shall (6) Corbeling. No masonry
be constructed with double walls of solid chimney shall be corbeled from a wall
masonry units or reinforced concrete not more than 150 millimeters nor shall a
less than 200 millimeters in thickness, masonry chimney be corbelled from a
with an air space of not less than 50 wall which is less than 300 millimeters in
millimeters between walls. The inside of thickness unless it projects equally on
the interior walls shall be of firebrick not each side of the wall. In the second
less than 100 millimeters in thickness laid storey of a two-storey building of Group
in a solid bed of fire clay mortar with A Occupancy, corbeling of masonry
solidly filled head, bed, and wall joints. chimneys on the exterior of the enclosing
(2.5) Masonry Chimneys for walls may equal the wall thickness. In
incinerators installed in Multi-Storey every case the corbeling shall not exceed
Buildings (Apartment-Type Incinerators). 25 millimeters projection for each course
Chimneys for incinerators installed in of brick.
multi-storey. buildings using the chimney (7) Change in size or Shape. No
passageway as a refuse chute where the change in the size or shape of a masonry
horizontal grate area of combustion chimney shall be made within a distance
chamber does not exceed 0.80 square of 150 millimeters above or below the
meter shall have walls of solid masonry roof joints or rafters where the chimney
or reinforced concrete, not less than 100 passes through the roof.
millimeters thick with a chimney lining as (8) Separation. When more than
specified in this Code. If the grate area of one passageway is contained in the
such an incinerator exceeds 0.80 square, same chimney, masonry separation at
 least 100 millimeters thick bonded into structure. Combustible materials shall
the masonry wall of the chimney shall be not be placed within 150 millimeters of
provided to separate passageways. the fireplace opening. No such
(9) Inlets. Every inlet to any combustible material within 300
masonry chimney shall enter the side millimeters of the fireplace opening shall
thereof and shall be of not less than 3 project more than 3 millimeters for each
millimeters thick metal or 16 millimeters 25 millimeters clearance from such
refractory material. opening. No part of metal hoods used as
(10) Clearance. Combustible part of a fireplace, barbecue or heating
materials shall not be placed within 50 stoves shall be less than 400 millimeters
millimeters of smoke chamber or from combustible material. This
masonry chimney walls when built within clearance may be reduced to the
a structure, or within 25 millimeters when minimum requirements set forth in this
the chimney is built entirely outside the Code.
structure. (7) Area of Flues, Throats, and
(11) Termination. An incinerator Dampers. The net cross-sectional area of
chimney shall terminate in a substantially the flue and of the throat between the
constructed spark arrester having a firebox and the smoke chamber of a
mesh not exceeding 20 millimeters. fireplace shall not be less than the
(12) Cleanouts. Cleanout requirements to be set forth by the
openings shall be provided at the base of Secretary. Where dampers are used,
every masonry chimney. they shall be of not less than No. 12
gauge metal. When fully opened, damper
(b) Fireplaces and Barbecues opening shall be not less than ninety
Fireplaces, barbecues, smoke chambers, and percent of the required flue area. When
fireplace chimneys shall be of solid masonry or fully open, damper blades shall not
reinforced concrete and shall conform to the extend beyond the line of the inner face
minimum requirements specified in this Code. of the flue.
(1) Fireplace Walls. Walls of (8) Lintel – Masonry over the
fireplaces shall not be less than 200 fireplace opening shall be supported by a
millimeters in thickness. Walls of non-combustible lintel.
fireboxes shall not be less than 250 (9) Hearth – Every fireplace shall
millimeters in thickness: Except, that be provided with a brick, concrete, stone,
where a lining of firebrick is used, such or other approved non-combustible
walls shall not be less than 200 hearth slab at least 300 millimeters wider
millimeters in thickness. The firebox shall on each side then the fireplace opening
not be less than 500 millimeters in depth. and projecting at least 450 millimeters
The maximum thickness of joints in therefrom. This slab shall not be less than
firebrick shall be 10 millimeters. 100 millimeters thick and shall be
(2) Hoods. Metal hoods used as supported by a noncombustible material
part of a fireplace or barbecue shall be or reinforced to carry its own weight and
not less than No. 18 gauge copper, all imposed loads.
galvanized iron, or other equivalent
corrosion-resistant ferrous metal with all SECTION 1212. Fire-Extinguishing Systems
seams and connections of smokeproof (a) Fire-Extinguishing Systems – Where
unsoldered construction. The hoods shall required, standard automatic fire-extinguishing
be sloped at an angle of 45 degrees or systems shall be installed in the following places,
les from the vertical and shall extend and in the manner provided in this Code.
horizontally at least 150 millimeters (1) In every storey, basement, or
beyond the limits of the firebox. Metal cellar with an area of 200 square meters
hoods shall be kept a minimum of 400 or more which is used for habitation,
millimeters from combustible materials. recreation, dining, study, or work, and
(3) Circulators. Approved metal which has an occupant load of more than
heat circulators may be installed in 20.
fireplaces. (2) In all dressing rooms,
(4) Smoke Chamber. Front and rehearsal rooms, workshops or factories,
side walls shall not be less than 200 and other rooms with an occupant load of
millimeters in thickness. Smoke chamber more than 10 or assembly halls under
back walls shall not be less than 150 Group H and I occupancies with
millimeters in thickness. occupant load of more than 500, and if
(5) Fireplace Chimneys. Walls of the next doors of said rooms are more
chimneys without flue lining shall not be than 30.00 meters from the nearest safe
less than 200 millimeters in thickness. fire dispersal area of the building or
Walls of chimneys with flue lining shall opening to an exit court or street.
not be less than 100 millimeters in (3) In all rooms used for storage
thickness and shall be constructed in or handling of photographic x-ray
accordance with the requirements of this nitrocellulose films and other
Code. inflammable articles.
(6) Clearance to Combustible (b) Dry Standpipes – Every building four
Materials. Combustible materials shall or more storeys in height shall be equipped with
not be placed within 50 millimeters of one or more dry standpipes.
fireplace, smoke chamber, or chimney (1) Construction and Tests – Dry
walls when built entirely within a standpipes shall be of wrought iron or
structure, or within 25 millimeters when galvanized steel and together with fittings
the chimney is built entirely outside the and connections shall be of sufficient
 strength to withstand 20 kilograms per E Occupancy over 1800 square meters in area
square centimeter of water pressure shall be equipped with one or more interior wet
when ready for service, without leaking at standpipes extending from the cellar or basement
the joints, valves, or fittings. Tests shall into the topmost storey: Provided, that Group H
be conducted by the owner or the buildings having no stage and having a seating
building contractor in the presence of a capacity of less than 500 need not be equipped
representative of the Building Official with interior wet standpipes.
whenever deemed necessary for the (1) Construction – Interior wet
purpose of certification of its proper standpipes shall be constructed of the
function. same materials as those required for dry
(2) Size – Dry standpipes shall standpipes.
be of such size as to be capable of (2) Size
delivering 900 liters or water per minute (2.1) Interior wet standpipes
from each of any three outlets shall have an internal diameter sufficient
simultaneously under the pressure to deliver 190 liters of water per minute
created by one fire engine or pumper under 2.0 kilograms per square
based on the standard equipment centimeter pressure at the hose
available. connections. Buildings of Group H and I
(3) Number Required – Every Occupancy shall have wet standpipes
building four or more storeys in height systems capable of delivering the
where the area of any floor above the required quantity and pressure from any
third floor is 950 square meters or less, two outlets simultaneously; for all other
shall be equipped with at least one dry occupancies only one outlet need be
standpipe and an additional standpipe figured to be opened at one time. In no
shall be installed for each additional 950 case shall the internal diameter of a wet
square meters or fraction thereof. standpipe be less than 50 millimeters,
(4) Location – Standpipes shall except when the standpipe is attached to
be located within enclosed stairway an automatic fire-extinguishing system.
landings or near such stairways as (2.2) Any approved formula
possible or immediately inside of an which determine pipe sizes on a pressure
exterior wall and within 300 millimeters of drop basis may be used to determine
an opening in a stairway enclosure of the pipe size for wet standpipe systems. The
balcony or vestibule of a smokeproof Building Official may require discharge
tower or an outside exit stairway. capacity and pressure tests on
(5) Siamese Connections – completed wet standpipe systems.
Subject to the provisions of (3) Number required – The
subparagraph (2) all 100 millimeters dry number of wet standpipes when required
standpipes shall be equipped with a two- in this Code shall be so determined that
way Siamese fire department all portions of the building are within 6.00
connection. All 125 millimeters dry meters of a nozzle attached to a hose
standpipes shall be equipped with a 23.00 meters in length.
three-way Siamese fire department (4) Location – In Group H and I
connection and 150 millimeters dry Occupancies, outlets shall be located as
standpipes shall be equipped with a four- follows: one on each side of the stage,
way Siamese fire department one at the rear of the auditorium, and one
connections. All Siamese inlet at the rear of the balcony. Where
connections shall be located on a street- occupant loads are less than 500 the
front of the building and not less than 300 above requirements may be waived:
millimeters nor more than 1.20 meters Provided, that portable fire-extinguishers
above the grade and shall be equipped of appropriate capacity and type are
with a clapper-checks and substantial installed within easy access from the said
plugs. All Siamese inlet connections shall locations. In Group B, C, D, E, F and G
be recessed in the wall or otherwise Occupancies, the location of all interior
substantially protected. wet standpipes shall be in accordance
(6) Outlets – All dry standpipes with the requirement for dry standpipes:
shall extend from the ground floor to and Provided, that at least one standpipe is
over the roof and shall be equipped with installed to cover not more than 650
a 63 millimeters outlet nor more than 1.20 square meters.
meters above the floor level at each (5) Outlets. All interior wet
storey. All dry standpipes shall be standpipes shall be equipped with a 38-
equipped with a two-way 63 millimeters millimeter valve in each storey, including
outlet above the roof. All outlets shall be the basement or cellar of the building,
equipped with gate valves. and located not less than 300 millimeters
(7) Signs – An iron or bronze sign nor more than 1.20 meters above the
with raised letters at least 25 millimeters floor.
high shall be rigidly attached to the (6) Threads. All those threads
building adjacent to all Siamese used in connection with the installation of
connections and such signs shall read: such standpipes, including valves and
“CONNECTION TO DRY STANDPIPE”. reducing fittings shall be uniform with that
prescribed by the Secretary.
(c) Wet Standpipes – Every Group H and (7) Water Supply. All interior wet
I Occupancy of any height, and every Group C standpipes shall be connected to a street
Occupancy of two more storeys in height, and main not less than 100 millimeters in
every Group B, D, E, F and G Occupancy of three diameter, or when the water pressure is
or more storeys in height and every Group G and insufficient, to a water tank of sufficient
 size as provided in subparagraph (8). on the top thereof, so as to be flushed.
When more than one interior wet The lid shall have the words “FOR FIRE
standpipe is required in the building, such DEPARTMENT ONLY, DO NOT COVER
standpipe shall be connected at their UP” cast on the top thereof. The lid shall
bases or at their tops by pipes of equal be installed in such a manner as to permit
size. its removal readily from the inlet.
(8) Pressure and Gravity Tanks – (2) Location. Basement pipe
Tanks shall have a capacity sufficient to inlets shall be strategically located and
furnish at least 1,500 liters per minute for kept readily accessible at all times to the
a period of not less than 10 minutes. Fire Department.
Such tanks shall be located so as to (e) Approval – All fire-extinguishing
provide not less than 2 kilograms per systems, including automatic sprinklers, wet and
square centimeter pressure at the dry standpipes, automatic chemical
topmost base outlet for its entire supply. extinguishers, basement pipe inlets, and the
Discharge pipes from pressure tanks appurtenances thereto shall meet the approval of
shall extend 50 millimeters into and the Fire Department as to installation and location
above the bottom of such tanks. All tanks and shall be subject to such periodic tests as it
shall be tested in place after installation may require.
and proved tight at a hydrostatic pressure
fifty percent in excess of the working SECTION 1213. Stages and Platform
pressure required. Where such tanks are (a) Stage Ventilators – There shall be one
used for domestic purposes the supply or more ventilators constructed of metal or other
pipe for such purposes shall be located incombustible material near the center and above
at or above the center line of such tanks. the highest part of any working stage raised
Incombustible supports shall be provided above the stage roof and having a total ventilation
for all such supply tanks and not less than area equal to at least five percent of the floor area
a 900 millimeters clearance shall be withinthe stage walls. The entire equipment shall
maintained over the top and under the conform to the following requirements:
bottom of all pressure tanks. (1) Opening Action – Ventilators
(9) Fire pumps. Fire pumps shall shall open by spring action or force of
have a capacity of not less than 1,000 gravity sufficient to overcome the effects
liters per minute with a pressure not less of neglect, rust, dirt, or expansion by heat
than 2 kilograms per square centimeter or warping of the framework.
at the topmost hose outlet. The source of (2) Glass – Glass, if used in
supply for such pump shall be a street ventilators, must be protected against
water main of not less than 100 falling on the stage. A wire screen, if used
millimeters diameter or a well or cistern under the glass, must be so placed that if
containing a one-hour supply. Such clogged it cannot reduce the required
pumps shall be supplied with an ventilating area or interfere with the
adequate source of power and shall be operating mechanism or obstruct the
automatic in operation. distribution of water from the automatic
(10) Hose and Hose Reels – fire extinguishing systems.
Each hose outlet of all interior wet (3) Design – Ventilators,
standpipes shall be supplied with a hose penthouses, and supporting framework
not less than 38 millimeters in diameter. shall be designed in accordance with this
Such hose shall be equipped with a Code.
suitable brass or bronze nozzle and shall (4) Spring Actuation – Springs,
be not over 23.00 meters in length. An when employed to actuate ventilator
approved standard form of wall hose reel doors, shall be capable of maintaining full
or rack shall be provided for the hose and required tension indefinitely. Springs
shall be located so as to make the hose shall not be stressed more than fifty
readily accessible at all times and shall percent of their rated capacity and shall
be recessed in the walls or protected by not be located directly in the air stream,
suitable cabinets. nor exposed to elements.
(5) Location of Fusible Links – A
(d) Basement Pipe Inlets – Basement fusible link shall be placed in the cable
pipe inlets shall be installed in the first floor of control system on the underside of the
every store, warehouse, or factory where there ventilator at or above the roof line or as
are cellars or basements under same: Except, approved by the Building Official and
where in such cellars or basements there is shall be so located as not to be affected
installed a fire-extinguishing system as specified by the operation of fire-extinguishing
in this Code or where such cellars or basements systems.
are used for banking purposes, safe deposit (6) Control – Remote, manual or
vaults, or similar uses. electrical control shall provide for both
(1) Material – All basement pipe opening and closing of the ventilator
inlets shall be of cast iron, steel, brass, or doors for periodic testing and shall be
bronze with lids of cast brass or bronze located at a point on the stage
and shall consist of a sleeve not less than designated by the Building Official. When
200 millimeters in diameter through the remote control of ventilator is electrical,
floor extending to and flush with the power failure shall not affect its instant
ceiling below and with a top flange, operation in the event of fire. Hand
recessed with an inside shoulder, to winches may be employed to facilitate
receive the lid and flush with the finished operation of manually controlled
floor surface. The lid shall be a solid ventilators.
casting and shall have a ring lift recessed
 (b) Gridirons – (g) Stage Exits – At least one exit not less
(1) Gridirons fly galleries, and than 900 millimeters wide shall be provided from
pin-rails shall be constructed of each side of the stage opening directly or by
incombustible materials and fire means of a passageway not less than 900
protection of steel and iron may be millimeters in width to a street or exit court. An
omitted. Gridirons and fly galleries shall exit stair not less than 750 millimeters wide shall
be designed to support a live load of not be provided for egress from each fly gallery. Each
less than 367 kilograms per square tier of dressing rooms shall be provided with at
meter. Each loft block well shall be least two means of egress each not less than 750
designed to support 373 kilograms per millimeters wide and all such stairs shall be
linear meter and the head block well shall constructed in accordance with the requirement
be designed to support the aggregate specified in this Code. The stairs required in this
weight of all the loft block wells served. Sub-section need not be enclosed.
The head block well must be provided
with an adequate strongback or lateral SECTION 1214. Motion Picture Projection
brace to offset torque. Rooms
(2) The main counterweight (a) General Requirements – The
sheave beam shall be designed to provisions of this Section shall apply only where
support a horizontal and vertical ribbon type motion picture films in excess of 22-
uniformly distributed live load sufficient to millimeter width and electric projection equipment
accommodate the weight imposed by the are used. Every motion picture machine using
total number of loft blocks in the gridiron. ribbon type film in excess of 22-millimeter width
The sheave blocks shall be designed to and electric arc projections equipment, together
accommodate the maximum load for the with all electrical devices, rheostats, machines,
loft or head blocks served with a safety and all such films present in any Group C, I, or H
factor of five. Occupancy, shall be enclosed in a projection
room large enough to permit the operator to walk
(c) Rooms Accessory to Stage – In a freely on either side and back of the machine.
building having a stage, the dressing room (b) Construction – Every projection room
sections, workshops, and storerooms shall be shall be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive
located on the stage side of the proscenium wall construction throughout and the walls and ceiling
and shall be separated from each other and from shall be finished with incombustible materials.
the stage by not less than a One-Hour Fire- The ceiling shall be not less than 2.40 meters
Resistive Occupancy Separation. from the finished floor. The room shall have a
(d) Proscenium Walls – A stage shall be floor area of not less than 7.00 square meters and
completely separated from the auditorium by a 3.50 square meters for each additional machine.
proscenium wall of not less than two-hour (c) Exit – Every projection room shall
incombustible construction. The proscenium wall have at least two doorways separated by not less
shall extend not less than 1.20 meters above the than one-third the perimeter of the room, each at
roof over the auditorium. Proscenium walls may least 750 millimeters wide and 2.00 meters high.
have, in addition to the main proscenium All entrances to a projection room shall be
openings, one opening at the orchestra pit level protected by a self-closing fire assembly having a
and not more than two openings at the stage floor three fourths hour fire-resistive rating. Such doors
level, each of which shall be not more than 2.00 shall open outward and lead to proper exits as
square meters in area. All openings in the required in this Code and shall not be equipped
proscenium wall of stage shall be protected by a with any latch. The maximum width of such door
fire assembly having a one and one-half-hour fire- shall be 750 millimeters.
resistive rating. The proscenium opening, which (d) Ports and Openings – Ports in
shall be the main opening for viewing projection room walls shall be of three kinds:
performances, shall be provided with a self- projection ports; observation ports; and
closing fire-resistive curtain as specified in this combination ports used for both observation and
Code. for stereopticon, spot or floodlight machines.
(e) Stage Floor – The type of construction (1) Ports Required – There shall
for stage floors shall depend upon the be provided for each motion picture
requirements based on the type of Occupancy projector not more than one projection
and the corresponding fire-resistive port, which shall be limited in area to 750
requirements. All parts of the stage floor shall be square centimeters, and not more than
designed to support not less than 620 kilograms one observation port, which shall be
per square meters. Openings through stage limited in area to 1,300 square
floors shall be equipped with tight-fitting trap centimeters. There shall be not more
doors of wood of not less than 50 millimeters than three combination ports, each of
nominal thickness. which shall not exceed 750 millimeters by
(f) Platforms – The type of construction 600 millimeters. Each port opening shall
for platforms shall depend upon the requirements be completely covered with a pane of
based on the Type of Occupancy and glass: Except, that when acetate safety
corresponding fire-resistive requirements. film is used, projection ports may be
Enclosed platforms shall be provided with one or increased in size to an area not to exceed
more ventilators conforming to the requirements 4,500 square centimeters.
of stage ventilators: Except, that the total area (2) Shutters – Each port and
shall be equal to five percent of the area of the every other opening in projection room
platform. When more than one ventilator is walls, including, any fresh-air inlets but
provided, they shall be so spaced as to provide excluding exit doors and exhaust ducts,
proper exhaust ventilation. Ventilators shall not shall be provided with a shutter of not
be required for enclosed platforms having a floor less than 2.4 millimeters thick sheet
area of 45.00 square meters or less. metal or its equivalent large enough to
 overlap at least 25 millimeters on all sides CHAPTER 13
of such openings. Shutters shall be
arranged to slide without binding in ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL
guides constructed of material equal to REGULATIONS
the shutters in strength and fire-
resistance. Each shutter shall be SECTION 1301. Electrical Regulations
equipped with a 74 fusible link, which All electrical systems, equipment and installation
when fused by heat will cause closure of mentioned in this Code shall conform to the
the shutter by gravity. Shutters of a size provisions of the Philippine Electrical Code, as
greater than 1,300 square centimeters adopted by the Board of Electrical Engineering
shall be equipped with a counterbalance. pursuant to Republic Act No. 184 otherwise
There shall also be a fusible link located known as the Electrical Engineering Law.
over the upper magazine of each
projector, which upon operating, will SECTION 1302. Mechanical Regulations
close all the shutters. In addition, there All mechanical systems, equipment and
shall be provided suitable means for installations mentioned in this Code shall conform
manually closing all shutters to the provisions of the Philippine Mechanical
simultaneously from any projector head Engineering code, as adopted by the Board of
and from a point within the projection Mechanical Engineering pursuant to
room near each exit door. Shutters on Commonwealth Act No. 294 as amended,
openings not in use shall be kept closed: otherwise known as the Mechanical Engineering
Except, that shutters may be omitted Law.
when only acetate safety film is used.
(e) Ventilation –
(1) Inlet – A fresh-air inlet from
the exterior of the building not less than CHAPTER 14
900 square centimeters and protected
with wire netting, shall be installed within PHOTOGRAPHIC AND X-RAY FILMS
50 millimeters of the floor in every
projection room, the source of which shall SECTION 1401. Storage and Handling
be remote from other outside vents or (a) Storage rooms of unexposed
flues. photographic and x-ray films shall be provided
(2) Outlets – Ventilation shall be with automatic fire extinguishing systems in the
provided by one or more mechanical following cases:
exhaust systems which shall draw air (1) When unexposed films in
from each arc lamp housing to out-doors generally accepted safety shipping
either directly or through an containers exceed the aggregate of
incombustible flue used for no other 14.00 cubic meters.
purpose. Exhaust capacity shall not be (2) Where shelving used for
less than 0.50 cubic meter nor more than storage of individual packages not in said
1.40 cubic meter per minute for each arc shipping containers exceeds 1.40 cubic
lamp plus 5.60 cubic meters for the room meters in capacity; and
itself. Systems shall be controlled from (3) Storage is not in generally
within the enclosure and shall have pilot accepted safety shipping containers in
lights to indicate operation. The exhaust any section not exceeding 14.00 cubic
systems serving the projection room may meters.
be extended to cover rooms associated
therewith such as rewind rooms. No (b) Film negatives in storage or in
dampers shall be installed in such process of handling shall be kept in heavy Manila
exhaust systems. Ventilation of these envelopes, not exceeding 12 films to an
rooms shall not be connected in any way envelope. Expanding envelopes shall not be
with ventilating or air-conditioning used.
systems serving other portions of the (c) Film negatives shall be kept in
building. Exhaust ducts shall be of properly insulated vented cabinets, vented
incombustible material and shall either storage vaults or outside storage houses. Not
be kept 25 millimeters from combustible more than 110 kilograms shall be stored in any
material or covered with 10 millimeters of single cabinet. Where the film stored exceeds
incombustible heat-insulating material. 450 kilograms, it shall be in vented storage vaults
or in a detached structure or roof vault. Door
(f) Regulation of Equipment – All shelves, openings in vaults shall be of four-hour fire-
fixtures, and fixed equipment in a projection room resistive construction and shall be kept closed
shall be constructed of incombustible materials. except when in use.
All films not in actual use shall be stored in metal (d) Only incandescent electric light shall
cabinets having individual compartments for reels be permitted; protected with substantial wire
or shall be in generally accepted shipping guards or vapor proof globes or both. Portable
containers. No solder shall be used in the lights on extension cords are prohibited.
construction of such cabinets. Conspicuous “NO SMOKING” signs shall be
posted.
SECTION 1215. Lathing, Plastering, and (e) No films shall be stored within 600
Installation of Wall Boards millimeters of steam pipes, chimneys, or other
The installation of lath, plaster and gypsum wall sources of heat.
board shall conform to the fire-resistive rating (f) There shall be first aid provisions of
requirements and the type of construction of types using water or water solutions. Discarded
building. films shall be stored and handled in the same
manner as other films until removed from the SECTION 1602. Installation
premises. (a) Structural Requirements – All plastic
materials shall be of adequate strength and
SECTION 1402. Classes of Film Exempted durability to withstand the prescribed design
(a) The provisions of this Section do not loads. Sufficient and substantial technical data
apply to the following: film for amateur shall be submitted to establish stresses,
photographic use in original packages of “roll” maximum unsupported spans, and such other
and “film pack” films in quantities of less than 1.40 information as may be deemed necessary for the
cubic meters; safety film; dental X-ray film; various thicknesses and forms used.
establishments manufacturing photographic films (b) Fastenings – Fastenings shall be
and their storage incidental thereto and films adequate to withstand design loads and internal
stored or being used in standard motion picture and external stresses required of the assembly.
booths. Proper allowances of plastic materials in
(b) Safety photographic X-ray film may conjunction with other materials with which it is
be identified by the marking on the edge of the assembled or integrated shall be provided.
film.
SECTION 1603. Glazing of Openings
SECTION 1403. Fire Extinguishing System (a) Doors, sashes and framed openings
Unless otherwise provided in this Code, all fire in exterior walls of all buildings except Types IV
extinguishing systems when so required shall be and V Constructions may be glazed or equipped
of a type, specifications, and methods of with approved plastics: Provided, that:
installation as prescribed in accordance with the (1) The wall in which such
requirements of the Secretary. glazing is installed is so located that
openings are not required to be fire-
protected.
(2) Except for Type I
CHAPTER 15 Construction, the location, size, and
spacing of such glazed openings do not
PRE-FABRICATED CONSTRUCTION exceed the values set forth by the
Secretary.
SECTION 1501. Prefabricated Assembly (3) Plastics used in glazed
(a) Prefabricated assembly is a structural openings for Type II Construction shall
unit, the integral parts of which have been built up be materials appropriate for use
or assembled prior to incorporation in the according to flame-spread characteristics
building. and the location, size, and spacing of the
(b) The Secretary shall prescribe special openings do not exceed the values set
tests to determine the structural adequacy, forth by the Secretary.
durability, soundness, weather and fire resistance
of prefabricated assemblies. SECTION 1604. Skylights
(c) Every device or system to connect (a) General – Approved plastics may be
prefabricated assemblies shall be capable of used in skylights installed on roofs of Types I, II
developing the strength of the different members or III constructions and all buildings in these
as an integral structure. Except, in the case of categories shall be equipped with an approved
members forming part of a structural frame as automatic fire extinguishing system in Groups A,
specified in this Code. Anchorages and B, C, E, F, J, H-3 and H-4 Occupancies: Except,
connections between members and the that:
supporting elements of the structure or walls shall (1) Approved plastics may be
be capable of withstanding all probable external used in any type of construction or
and internal forces or other conditions for a occupancy as a fire venting system when
structurally adequate construction. In structural approved by the Building Official.
design, proper allowances shall be made for any (2) Plastics may be used in
material to be displaced or removed for the approved skylights in Type II one-hour
installation of pipes, conduits, or other equipment. fire-resistive construction which are
(d) Placement of prefabricated located 300 millimeters or more above
assemblies shall be inspected to determine the lower flange of the ceiling. The walls
compliance with this Code. of the skylight well shall be no less fire-
resistive than the adjacent ceiling.
(3) Where a fire-resistive ceiling
is not required in one-storey buildings,
CHAPTER 16 approved plastics may be used in
skylights.
PLASTICS
(b) Installation Requirements
SECTION 1601. Approved Plastics (1) Except in Group A
Approved plastic materials shall be those which Occupancies, no skylight shall be
have a flame-spread rating of 225 or less and a installed within 3.00 meters of a property
smoke density not greater than that obtained from line.
the burning of untreated wood under similar (2) The edges of dome-type
conditions when tested in accordance with skylights shall be properly flashed.
generally accepted engineering practices. The (3) Plastic skylights shall be
products of combustion shall be no more toxic separated from each other by at least
than the burning of untreated wood under similar 2.50 meters laterally and 3.00 meters
conditions. along the slope of the roof.
 (c) Allowable areas – The area of SECTION 1608. Exterior Veneer
individual plastic skylights shall not exceed 10.00 (a) General
square meters. The total aggregate area of Exterior veneer may be of approved plastic
plastics used in skylights, monitors, and sawtooth materials, and shall conform to the provisions of
glazing shall not exceed twenty percent of the this Section.
floor area of the room or occupancy sheltered. (b) Height
(d) Curb Requirements – Plastic skylights Plastic veneer shall not be attached to any
in roofs having a slope of less than 1 in 3 shall exterior wall above the first storey: Provided, that
have a 100 millimeters high curb. The curb may plastic veneer may be attached to exterior walls
be omitted where a wire screen not smaller than above the first storey of buildings located outside
No. 12 U.S. gauge with a mesh not larger than of highly restrictive Fire Zones: Provided, further
25-millimeters is provided immediately below the that the height of veneer is not in excess of 10.00
skylight. The screen shall be substantially meters above the adjacent grade of elevation.
mounted below the skylight. (c) Area
Sections of plastic veneer shall not exceed 15.00
SECTION 1605. Light-Transmitting Panels in square meters in area, Except, that in less
Monitors and Sawtooth Roofs restrictive Fire Zones, the area may be increased
(a) General – Where a fire-resistive rating by fifty percent.
is not required for the roof structure, and in all (d) Separation
buildings provided with an approved automatic Sections of plastic veneer shall be separated by
fire-extinguishing system, approved plastics may a minimum of 1.20 meters vertically and 600
be used with or without sash as the light- millimeters horizontally.
transmitting medium in monitors and sawtooth;
Except, that plastics used in monitors or sawtooth SECTION 1609. Awnings and Canopies
roofs of Type II Construction shall be of materials (a) Plastic materials appropriate for use
appropriate to be used according to flame-spread according to Flame Spread characteristics may
characteristics. be utilized in awnings and canopies, provided
(b) Allowable Areas – The area of such awnings and canopies are constructed in
individual plastic glazing used in monitors and accordance with provisions governing projections
sawtooth glazing shall not exceed 15.00 square and appendages as specified in this Code.
meters. The total aggregate area of plastics used (b) Approved plastics may be used in
in skylights, monitors, and sawtooth glazing shall awnings where untreated canvass is permitted.
not exceed twenty percent of the floor area of the (c) Approved plastics may be used in lieu
room or occupancy sheltered. of plain glass in green houses in less restrictive
(c) Area Separation – The area of such Fire Zones.
plastic panels shall be separated from each other
by a section of incombustible material or by a
section of the roofing material of the structure not
less than 1.50 meters in length. The lower edge CHAPTER 17
of the plastic material shall be at least 150
millimeters above the surface of the adjoining roof SHEET METAL PAINT SPRAY BOOTHS
surface.
SECTION 1701. Sheet Metal Paint Spray
SECTION 1606. Plastic Light Diffusers in Booths
Ceilings (a) General
(a) General – Ceiling light diffusers Paint spray booths shall be constructed of steel
having an area greater than ten percent of any of not less than No. 18 U.S. gauge in thickness
10.00 square meters of room area shall be of and shall be designed in accordance with this
approved plastics conforming to the requirements Code.
specified in this Code. (b) Area
(b) Installation – Plastic light diffusers The area of a paint spray booth shall not exceed
shall be installed in such a manner that they will 150 square meters nor ten percent of the basic
not readily become detached when subjected to area permitted for the major use of the building
room temperature of 80C for 15 minutes, Except, according to its Occupancy Group.
for plastic light diffusers which are installed in the (c) Floor Construction
first floor area of Group C Occupancies having The floor shall be constructed of incombustible
egress directly to the exterior of the building; and material.
plastic light diffusers which are located between (d) Interior Surface
an approved automatic Fire-extinguishing system Paint spray booths shall be designed to permit the
and the area to be protected other than public free passage of exhaust air from all parts of the
corridors for Group A, B, C, D, E, G, H, and I interior and all interior surfaces shall be smooth
Occupancies if tests required by the Secretary and continuous without outstanding edges.
have established that such installation will not
interfere with the efficient operation of such SECTION 1702. Fire Protection
automatic fire-extinguishing systems. Every spray booth having an open front elevation
larger than 1.00 square meter and which is not
SECTION 1607. Partitions equipped with doors, shall have a fire curtain or
Where partitions are not required to be of fire- metal deflector not less than 100 millimeters deep
resistive or incombustible construction, approved installed at the upper outer edge of the booth
plastics conforming to the requirements specified opening.
in this Code may be used.
SECTION 1703. Light for wind and earthquake drift. For glass not firmly
Paint spray booths shall be illuminated through supported on all four edges and design shall be
hammered wire or heat-treated glass panels. The submitted for approval of the Building Official.
glass panels shall be located in such a manner as Glass supports shall be considered firm when
to reduce the hazard of ignition caused by paint deflection of the support at design load does not
spray deposit. exceed 1/175 of the span.

SECTION 1704. Ventilation SECTION 1804. Louvered Windows

(a) General Regular plate, sheet, or patterned glass in
Mechanical ventilation shall be provided direct to jalousies and louvered windows shall not be
the exterior of the building. The mechanical thinner than 5.6 millimeters minimal and not
exhaust system shall be designed to move the air longer than 1.20 meters. Exposed glass edges
through any portion of the paint spray area at the shall be smooth.
rate of not less than 30.00 lineal meters per
minute. The blades of exhaust fans shall be SECTION 1805. Impact
constructed of non-ferrous material and shall be Frameless glass doors, glass in doors, fixed glass
mounted in such a manner as to prevent contact panels, and similar glazed openings which may
with the exhaust duct. The motor shall not be be subject to accidental human impact shall
mounted in the spray booth, or the duct system conform with the requirements set forth by the
and belts shall be enclosed where they enter the Secretary on impact loads of glass: Except in the
booth or duct system. following cases:
(b) Exhaust Ducts (1) Bathtub and shower
Exhaust ducts shall be constructed of steel enclosures shall be constructed from
having a thickness not less than the values set by approved shatter-resistant materials,
the Secretary. The discharge point for ducts in a such as: wire-reinforced glass not less
paint spray booth shall be not less than 2.00 than 5.6 millimeters thick; fully tempered
meters from adjoining combustible construction glass not less than 4.8 millimeters thick;
nor less than 8.00 meters from adjoining exterior or laminated safety glass not less than
wall openings: Except, that the discharge point for 6.4 millimeters thick.
exhaust ducts is not regulated in a water wash (2) Glass lights located not less
spray booth. than 450 millimeters above the adjacent
finished floor or walking surface.
(3) Glass lights when the least
dimension is not greater than 450
CHAPTER 18 millimeters.
(4) Glass lights 1.50 square
GLASS AND GLAZING meters or less in area.

SECTION 1801. General Requirements

(a) This Chapter shall apply to exterior
glass and glazing in all Occupancies except CHAPTER 19
Groups A, B, and J Occupancies not over three
storeys in height, and to interior and exterior glass THE USE OF COMPUTERS
and glazing in all occupancies subject to human
impact as specified in this Code. SECTION 1901. General Rule
(b) Standards for materials shall conform The use of computers for all or any part of the
to the provisions set by the Secretary on glass design of buildings under this Code is permitted
dimensional tolerances, breaking stress levels, provided that all programs to be used are
and design safety factors. documented.
(c) Each light shall bear the
manufacturer’s label designating the type and SECTION 1902. Program Documentation
thickness of glass. Each light with special Documenting a program under this Code consists
performance characteristics such as laminated, of filing with the Building Official a reference to a
heat strengthened, fully tempered, or insulated, publication or publications accessible to him
shall bear the manufacturer’s identification where the detailed description of the program or
showing the special characteristics and thickness a brief statement of the theoretical background of
by etching or other permanent identification that the program including a description of the
shall be visible after the glass is glazed. algorithms used are found.

SECTION 1802. Area Limitation SECTION 1903. Submission of Computer-

Exterior glass and glazing shall be capable of Generated Computations
safely withstanding the load due to wind A copy of the output sheets for computer-
pressures for various height zones above ground generated computations shall be submitted as a
acting inward or outward. The area of individual part of the design computations. The out sheets
lights shall not be more than the maximum shall be accompanied by a certification of a
allowable area of glass according to the wind designer and/or consultant that the output sheets
load. multiplied by the appropriate adjustment are the results obtained through the use of
factor. documented programs. The certification should
include the identification of the specific program
SECTION 1803. Glazing used for each portion of the computer-generated
Glass firmly supported on all four edges shall be computations being submitted.
glazed with minimum laps and edge clearances
in accordance with Section 1801 paragraph (b),
Provided, that glass edge clearance in fixed
openings shall be not less than what is required
CHAPTER 20 (c) Obstruction of Openings. No sign
shall obstruct any opening to such an extent that
SIGNS light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that
required by this Code. Signs erected within 1.50
SECTION 2001. General Requirements meters of an exterior wall in which there are
(a) No sign or signboard shall be erected openings within the area of the sign shall be
in such a manner as to confuse or obstruct the constructed of incombustible material or
view or interpretation of any official traffic sign, approved plastics.
signal, or device. (d) Projection over Alleys. No sign or sign
(b) No sign or signboard shall be structure shall project into any public alley below
constructed as to unduly obstruct the natural view a height of 3.00 meters above established
of the landscape, distract, or obstruct the view of sidewalk grade, nor project more than 300
the public as to constitute a traffic hazard, or millimeters where the sign structure is located
otherwise defile, debase or offend aesthetic and 3.00 meters to 4.5 meters above established
cultural values and traditions. sidewalk grade. The sign or sign structure must
not project more than 1.00 meter into the public
SECTION 2002. Maintenance alley where the sign or sign structure is located
All signs, together with all of their supports, more than 4.50 meters above established
braces, guys, and anchors, shall be kept in repair sidewalk grade.
and in proper state of preservation. The display of
all signs shall be kept neatly painted and secured SECTION 2006. Lighting
at all times. Signs shall be illuminated only by electrical
means in accordance with the Philippine
SECTION 2003. Design and Construction Electrical Code.
Sign structures shall be designed and
constructed to resist all forces in accordance with
the National Structural Code for Buildings. For
signs on buildings, the dead lateral loads shall be CHAPTER 21
transmitted through the structural frame of the
building to the ground in such a manner as not to TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS
overstress any of the elements of the building.
The weight of earth superimposed over footings SECTION 2101. Existing Building and
may be used in determining the dead load Structures
resisting moment. Such earth shall be carefully All buildings or structures constructed under R.A.
placed and thoroughly compacted. 6541 or existing city or municipal building codes
or ordinances, if legally done in accordance
SECTION 2004. Supports and Anchorages therewith, shall be respected subject to such
(a) General. The supports and limitations established in this Code. However,
anchorages of all signs or sign structures shall be alterations, additions, conversions and/or repairs
placed in or upon private property and shall be to be made in such buildings or structures shall
constructed conformity with the requirements of be subject to the provisions of this Code.
this Code.
(b) Materials. Materials for construction SECTION 2102. Interim Rules and Regulations
of signs or sign structures shall be of the quality Interim rules and regulations on buildings
and grade as specified in this Code. promulgated by the Secretary before the adoption
(c) Restrictions on Combustible Materials of this Code pursuant to existing laws or decrees
All signs or sign structures erected in highly shall continue to have binding force and effect,
restrictive Fire Zones shall have structural when not in conflict with the provisions of this
members of incombustible materials. Ground Code.
signs may be constructed of any material meeting
the requirements of this Code. Combination SECTION 2103. Separability Clause
signs, roof signs, wall signs, projecting signs, and If any provision of this Decree or the application
signs on marquees shall be constructed of thereof is to any person or circumstance declared
incombustible materials. No combustible material unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, the
other than approved plastics shall be used in the same shall not affect the validity of the other
construction of electric signs. provisions.
(d) Non-structural Trim – Non-structural
trim and portable display surfaces may be of SECTION 2104. Repealing Clause
wood, metal, approved plastics, or any All laws, decrees, provisions of charters,
combination thereof. executive orders, ordinances, rules and
(e) Display Surfaces – Display surfaces regulations or parts thereof contrary to or
in all types of signs may be made of metal, glass, inconsistent with the provisions of this Decree are
or approved plastics. hereby repealed, amended, or modified
accordingly.
SECTION 2005. Projections and Clearances
(a) Clearances from High Voltage Power SECTION 2105. Effectivity
Lines – Clearances of signs from high voltage This Decree shall take effect upon its
power lines shall be in accordance with the promulgation. Done in the City of Manila, this 19th
Philippine Electrical Code. day of February, in the year of our Lord, nineteen
(b) Clearances from Fire Escapes, Exits, hundred and seventy-seven.
or Standpipes – No signs or sign structures shall
be erected in such a manner than any portion of
its surface or supports will interfere in any way
with the free use of any fire escape, exit, or
standpipe.