RULE VII - CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF ALL

BUILDINGS BY USE OR OCCUPANCY

SECTION 701. Occupancy Classified

Section 701 of the building code provides a systematic classification of occupancies into
ten distinct groups, further subdivided into twenty-five divisions, each specifying the
permitted uses and occupancy characteristics of buildings and structures. In the context of a
recreational park, this classification system is of paramount importance as it guides the
planning, construction, and maintenance of various park facilities and structures. It ensures
that the park's infrastructure aligns with its intended purpose, safety standards, and regulatory
requirements. Understanding and applying this classification framework is vital for creating a
safe, functional, and enjoyable environment within the recreational park, encompassing
everything from residential and educational buildings to recreational amenities, ensuring the
well-being and satisfaction of park visitors.

Additionally, the comprehensive classification of occupancies provided in Section 701

offers crucial insights for the sustainable and efficient management of a recreational park. By
clearly delineating the purposes and usage requirements of different types of structures within
the park, it aids in optimizing resource allocation, maintenance scheduling, and emergency
response planning. For instance, knowing that certain buildings fall under Group C for
education and recreation, while others belong to Group E for business and mercantile, enables
park administrators to tailor their management strategies to suit the diverse needs of visitors.
Moreover, it supports long-term planning by helping officials identify potential areas for
expansion or renovation within the park, ensuring that it continues to meet the evolving
demands and expectations of the community it serves. In sum, the occupancies classification
outlined in Section 701 is an indispensable tool for the successful development and ongoing
operation of a recreational park.

1. There are 10 Groups of Occupancies sub-divided into 25 Divisions. The

accompanying matrix shows the Groupings and Divisions and the corresponding uses.
The final column indicates the Zoning Classification.

a. Buildings proposed for construction shall be identified according to their use or the
character of its occupancy and shall be classified as follows:

i. Group A – Residential Dwellings

Group A Occupancies shall include:

Division 1- Residential building/structure for exclusive use of single family

occupants including school or company staff housing; single
(nuclear) family dwellings; churches or similar places of worship;
church rectories; community facilities and social centers; parks,
playgrounds, pocket parks, parkways, promenades and play lots;
clubhouses and recreational uses such as golf courses, tennis courts,
basketball courts, swimming pools and similar uses operated by the
government
 or private individuals as membership organizations for the benefit
of their members, families, and guests and not operated primarily
for gain.

Division 2- Residential building for the exclusive use of non-leasing

occupants not exceeding 10 persons including single-attached or
duplex or townhouses, each privately-owned; school dormitories
(on campus); convents and monasteries; military or police
barracks/dormitories; pre-schools, elementary and high schools,
provided that they do not exceed 16 classrooms; outpatient clinics,
family planning clinics, lying-in clinics, diagnostics clinics, medical
and clinical laboratories; branch library and museums; steam/dry
cleaning outlets; party needs and accessories (leasing of tables and
chairs, etc.).

ii. Group B – Residentials, Hotels and Apartments

Group B Occupancies shall be multiple dwelling units including boarding or

lodging houses, hotels, apartment buildings, row houses, convents,
monasteries and other similar building each of which accommodates more
than 10 persons.

iii. Group C – Education and Recreation

Group C Occupancies shall be buildings used for school or day-care purposes,

involving assemblage for instruction, education, or recreation, and not
classified in Group I or in Division 1 and 2 or Group H Occupancies.
iv. Group D – Institutional

Group D Occupancies shall include:

Division 1 - Mental hospitals, mental sanitaria, jails, prisons, reformatories,

and buildings were personal liberties of inmates are similarly
restrained.

Division 2 - Nurseries for full-time care of children under kindergarten age,

hospitals, sanitaria, nursing homes with non-ambulatory patients,
and similar buildings each accommodating more than five persons.
Division 3 - Nursing homes for ambulatory patients, homes for children of
kindergarten age or over, each accommodating more than five
persons: Provided, that Group D Occupancies shall not include
buildings used only for private or family group dwelling purposes.

v. Group E - Business and Mercantile

Group E Occupancies shall include:

 Division 1- Gasoline filling and service stations, storage garages and boat
storage structures where no work is done except exchange of parts
and maintenance requiring no open flame, welding, or the use of
highly flammable liquids.

Division 2- Wholesale and retail stores, office buildings, drinking and dining
establishments having an occupant load of less than one hundred
persons, printing plants, police and fire stations, factories and
workshops using not highly flammable or combustible materials
and paint stores without bulk handlings.

Division 3- Aircraft hangars and open parking garages where no repair

work is done except exchange of parts and maintenance requiring
no open flame, welding or the use of highly flammable liquids.

vi. Group F - Industrial

Group F Occupancies shall include: ice plants, power plants, pumping plants,
cold storage, and creameries, factories and workshops using incombustible
and non-explosive materials, and storage and sales rooms for incombustible
and non-explosive materials.

vii. Group G - Storage and Hazardous

Groups G Occupancies shall include:

Division 1- Storage and handling of hazardous and highly flammable material.

Division 2- Storage and handling of flammable materials, dry cleaning plants

using flammable liquids; paint stores with bulk handling, paint
shops and spray painting rooms.
Division 3- Wood working establishments, planning mills and box factories,
shops, factories where loose combustible fibers or dust are
manufactured, processed or generated; warehouses where highly
combustible materials is stored.

Division 4- Repair garages.

Division 5- Aircraft repair hangars.

viii. Group H - Assembly Other Than Group I

Group H Occupancies shall include:

Division 1- Any assembly building with a stage and an occupant load of less
than 1000 in the building.
 Division 2- Any assembly building without stage and having an
occupant load of 300 or more in the building.

Division 3- Any assembly building without a stage and having an

occupant load of less than 300 in the building.
Division 4- Stadia, reviewing stands, amusement park structures not
included within Group I or in Division 1, 2, and 3 of this Group.

ix. Group I – Assembly Occupant Load 1000 or More

Group I Occupancies shall be any assembly building with a stage and an

occupant load of 1000 or more in the building.

x. Group J - Accessory

Group J Occupancies shall include:

Division 1- Agricultural structures.

Division 2- Private garages, carports, fences over 1.80 meters high, tanks,
swimming pools and towers.
 Table VII.1. Schedule of Principal, Accessory and Conditional Use/Occupancy of Building/Structure

Table VII.1, titled "Schedule of Principal, Accessory, and Conditional Use/Occupancy of Building/Structure," plays a pivotal role in the
comprehensive planning and development of a recreational park site. In the context of a recreational park, this table serves as a fundamental
tool for classifying and organizing the various types of buildings and structures that may be present within the park's boundaries. It outlines the
intended uses and occupancy of these structures, ensuring that they align with the park's purpose and objectives. Principal Use/Occupancy: This
category in the table outlines the primary purpose of buildings and structures within the park. It may include facilities such as sports complexes,
picnic pavilions, amphitheaters, visitor centers, and nature trails. Understanding the principal use of each structure is crucial for designing and
maintaining the park's core recreational activities. Accessory Use/Occupancy: Parks often contain additional facilities and amenities that
support the main recreational functions. These accessory structures could encompass restrooms, concessions stands, storage buildings, and
parking lots. By classifying these structures as accessory uses, park planners ensure that they complement and enhance the overall visitor
experience. Conditional Use/Occupancy: In some cases, a recreational park may accommodate temporary or conditional structures for special
events, seasonal activities, or unique programs. Table VII.1 provides a framework for identifying and managing these conditional uses, helping
park managers make informed decisions about their placement and duration.

Group C – Education and Recreation

Division C-1 1. Educational institutions
like schools, colleges,
universities, vocational,
institutions, seminaries,
convents, including
school auditoriums,
gymnasia, reviewing
stands, little theaters,
concert halls, opera
houses.
2. Seminar/workshop
facilities
3. Training centers/facilities
 4. Libraries, museums,
exhibition halls and art
galleries

General U S E Zoning Classification

Classificatio
n of
Use/Charact
er of
Occupancy
of
Building/
Structure

5. Civic centers,
clubhouses, lodges,
community centers.
6. Churches, mosque,

temples. shrines, chapels

and similar places of
worship
7. Civic or government
centers
Other types of government
buildings
Division C-2 1. Amusement halls and 1. Government centers GI (General Institutional) - a
parlors to house national, community to national level of
2. Massage and sauna regional or local institutional use or occupancy,
parlors offices in the area characterized mainly as a low- rise,
3. Health studios and 2. Colleges, universities, medium-rise or high-rise
reducing salons professional business building/structure for education- al,
4. Billiard halls, pool schools, vocational and training and related activities, e.g.,
rooms, bowling alleys trade schools, technical schools and related facilities and the
and golf clubhouses schools and other like.
5. Dancing schools, disco institutions of higher
pads, dance and learning
amusement halls 3. General hospitals,
8. Gymnasia, pelota medical centers,
courts and sports multi-purpose clinics
complex 4. Scientific, cultural and

academic centers and

research facilities
except nuclear,
radioactive, chemical
and biological warfare
facilities
5. Convention centers and
related facilities
6. Religious structures, e.g.,

church, seminary,
novitiates
7. Museums
8. Embassies/ consulate
Student housing, e.g.,
dormitories, boarding
house
SECTION 702. Change in Use

No change shall be made in the character of occupancy or use of any building which would
place the building in a different division of the same group of occupancy or in a different
group of occupancies, unless such building is made to comply with the requirements of the
Code for such division or group of occupancy. The character of occupancy of existing
buildings may be changed subject to the approval of the Building Official and the building
may be occupied for purposes set forth in other Groups: Provided the new or proposed use is
less hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than the existing use.

Section 702 of the building code addresses the critical aspect of "Change in Use" within the
context of constructing and managing a recreational park. It underscores the significance of
ensuring that any change in the character of occupancy or use of buildings within the park
adheres to the appropriate safety standards and regulations. This provision is particularly vital
for recreational parks as it safeguards the well-being of park visitors and the integrity of park
structures. Whether it involves repurposing an existing building or constructing a new one,
the code mandates that any alterations or changes in use must meet the safety criteria
specified for that division or group of occupancies, thereby guaranteeing that recreational
park facilities remain secure, functional, and compliant with the law as they evolve over time.

Section 703 of the building code addresses the crucial aspect of "Mixed Occupancy" within
the context of constructing and maintaining a recreational park. This section underscores the
significance of ensuring safety and compliance when a single building within the park serves
multiple occupancy types. It provides essential guidance on how to manage mixed
occupancies, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to the most restrictive safety
requirements among the various occupancies found within the building. In a recreational park
setting, where different structures may serve diverse purposes such as residential,
educational, or recreational, this provision is of paramount importance to guarantee the safety
of park visitors and the integrity of the park's infrastructure, ensuring that all structures meet
the highest safety standards, even when serving multiple functions or occupancies.

SECTION 703. Mixed Occupancy

Section 703 of the building code addresses the crucial aspect of "Mixed Occupancy"
within the context of constructing and maintaining a recreational park. This section
underscores the significance of ensuring safety and compliance when a single building within
the park serves multiple occupancy types. It provides essential guidance on how to manage
mixed occupancies, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to the most restrictive safety
requirements among the various occupancies found within the building. In a recreational park
setting, where different structures may serve diverse purposes such as residential,
educational, or recreational, this provision is of paramount importance to guarantee the safety
of park visitors and the integrity of the park's infrastructure, ensuring that all structures meet
the highest safety standards, even when serving multiple functions or occupancies.

Furthermore, the concept of "Mixed Occupancy" outlined in Section 703 is particularly

relevant to a recreational park due to the varied and multifunctional nature of such
sites. Recreational parks often feature a diverse array of facilities, including residential
lodges, educational buildings, recreational amenities, and more. This diversity makes it
essential to adhere to strict occupancy separation standards to ensure the safety of park
visitors and staff. For instance, if a single building in the park serves both residential and
educational purposes, this section necessitates that the structure complies with the most
stringent safety requirements applicable to either use. This ensures that, even in a mixed-use
environment, every portion of the building meets the highest safety standards, guaranteeing
the protection of individuals and property within the recreational park. In essence, Section
703 serves as a vital guideline for harmonizing the diverse functions within a recreational
park, promoting safety, and safeguarding the park's overall integrity.

1. General Requirements

When a building is of mixed occupancy or used for more than one occupancy, the whole
building shall be subject to the most restrictive requirement pertaining to any of the type of
occupancy found therein except in the following:

a. When a one-storey building houses more than one occupancy, each portion of the
building shall conform to the requirement of the particular occupancy housed therein and;

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

2. Forms of Occupancy Separation

Occupancy separations shall be vertical or horizontal or both, or when necessary, of such

other forms as may be required to afford a complete separation between the various
occupancy divisions in the building.

3. Types of Occupancy Separation

Occupancy separation shall be classified as “One-Hour Fire-Resistive”, “Two-Hour Fire-

Resistive”, “Three-Hour Fire-Resistive” and “Four-Hour Fire-Resistive.”

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

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

b. A “Two-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation” shall be of not less than two-

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

c. A “Three-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation” shall be of not less than three-

hour fire- resistive construction. All openings in walls forming such separation shall be
protected by a fire assembly having a three-hour fire-resistive rating. The total width of all
openings in any three- hour fire-resistive occupancy separation wall in any
one-storey shall not exceed 25% of the length of the wall in that storey and no single opening
shall have an area greater than 10.00 sq. meters. All openings in floors forming a “Three-
Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation” shall be protected by vertical enclosures
extending above and below such openings. The walls of such vertical enclosures shall be of
not less than two-hour fire-resistive construction, and all openings therein shall be protected
by a fire assembly having a three-hour fire- resistive rating.

d. A “Four-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation” shall have no openings therein

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

4. Fire Rating for Occupancy Separation

Occupancy Separations shall be provided between groups, subgroupings, or divisions of

occupancies. The Secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations for appropriate occupancy
separations in buildings of mixed occupancy; Provided, that, where any occupancy separation
is required, the minimum shall be a “One-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation”; and
where the occupancy separation is horizontal, structural members supporting the separation
shall be protected by an equivalent fire-resistive construction.

SECTION 704. Location on Property

1. General

a. No building shall be constructed unless it adjoins or has direct access to a public

space, yard or street on at least one of its sides.

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

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

2. Fire Resistance of Walls

Exterior walls shall have fire resistance and opening protection in accordance with the
requirements set forth by the Secretary. Projections beyond the exterior wall shall not exceed
beyond a point one- third the distance from an assumed vertical plane located where the fire-
resistive protection of openings is first required to the location on property whichever is the
least restrictive. Distance shall be measured at right angles from the property line. When
openings in exterior walls are required to be protected due to distance from property line, the
sum of the areas of such openings in any storey shall not exceed 50% of the total area of the
wall in that storey.

3. Buildings on Same Property and Buildings Containing Courts

For the purpose of determining the required wall and opening protection, buildings on the
same property and court walls shall be assumed to have a property line between them. When
a new building is to be erected on the same property with an existing building, the assumed
property line from the existing building shall be the distance to the property line for each
occupancy as set forth by the Secretary; Provided, that two
or more buildings on the same property may be considered as one building if the aggregate
area of such building is within the limits of allowable floor areas for a single building, and
when the buildings so considered, house different occupancies or are of different types of
construction, the area shall be that allowed for the most restrictive occupancy or construction.

4. Building Footprint and Firewall Requirements

a. The following rules shall be observed in the determination of the Allowable

Maximum Building Footprint (AMBF) for buildings and related habitable structures. If the
stated rules are compared with (1) Rule VIII Table VIII.1.- Reference Table on Percentage of
Site Occupancy and Maximum Allowable Construction Area (MACA);
(2) Rule VIII Tables VIII.2. and VIII.3. (setbacks, yards and courts); or (3) with the
applicable stipulations under this Rule and with the applicable stipulations of the Fire Code,
the more stringent but applicable regulation out of the aforementioned rules should be
observed;

b. If without a firewall, the footprint of a proposed building/structure shall be measured

horizontally from the property line to the outermost faces of the exterior walls of the
building/structure; Provided, that the distance measured from the property line shall conform
with the applicable stipulations of this Rule and Rule VIII; The resultant area established at
grade level upon which the proposed building/structure may stand shall be the AMBF;

a. Footprint Based on Firewall Provisions

i. If with a firewall on one (1) side, the footprint of a proposed building/structure shall
be measured horizontally from the property line with a firewall to the outermost faces of the
opposite exterior walls of the building/structure; Provided, that the applicable stipulations of
the Fire Code are strictly followed;

ii. If with a firewall on two (2) sides or on one (1) side and the rear property line, the
footprint of a proposed building/structure shall be measured horizontally from the opposing
property lines in case of a firewall on two (2) sides or from the rear property line with a
firewall to the outermost faces of the opposite exterior walls of the building/structure;
provided, that the applicable stipulations of the Fire Code are strictly followed;

iii. Absolutely no firewalls are allowed for a low density residential (R-1) uses or
occupancies; an abutment of up to 3.20 meters from established grade level may however be
permitted but solely for the purpose of supporting a carport roof; provided further that such
abutment shall be constructed of perforated or decorative concrete blocks above 1.50 meters
measured vertically from the established grade level; such an abutment shall not be longer
than 7.00 meters or 50% of the side property line in total length, whichever is shorter.
iv. For medium density residential (R-2) uses or occupancies, a firewall can be erected on
a maximum of 80% of the total length of a side property line; provided that only one (1) side
property line is used for a firewall in the case of a R-2 structure; and provided further that the
applicable stipulations of the Fire Code are strictly followed;

v. For high-density residential (R-3) uses or occupancies, two (2) types of firewall
construction may be permitted:

(a) For a R-3 use or occupancy with a firewall on two (2) sides, a firewall can be
erected

RULE VIII - LIGHT AND VENTILATION

Rule VIII, focused on "Light and Ventilation," plays a pivotal role in the development
and operation of a recreational park. This rule outlines essential standards and requirements
for ensuring adequate natural light and proper ventilation within buildings and structures
within the park's premises. In the context of a recreational park, where a variety of facilities,
including visitor centers, restrooms, and educational buildings, are essential components,
adherence to these regulations is critical. Proper light and ventilation not only enhance the
comfort and safety of park visitors but also contribute to energy efficiency and the overall
functionality of the park's infrastructure. Therefore, Rule VIII serves as a fundamental
guideline for creating a pleasant, healthy, and sustainable environment within the recreational
park, aligning with the park's mission to provide an enjoyable and safe experience for all
visitors.

SECTION 801. General Requirements of Light and Ventilation

1. Subject to the provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines on Easements of Light
and View, and to the specific provisions of the Code, every building shall be designed,
constructed, and equipped to provide adequate light and ventilation. (Refer to Guidelines on
Easements, View Corridors/Sight Lines and Basements at the end of this Rule)

2. All buildings shall face a street or public alley or a private street which has been
duly approved.
(Refer to Guidelines on Streets/RROW and Sidewalks at the end of this Rule)

3. No building shall be altered nor arranged so as to reduce the size of any room or the
relative area of windows to less than that provided for buildings under this Rule, or to create
an additional room, unless such additional room conforms to the requirements of this Rule.

4. No building shall be enlarged so that the dimensions of the required court or yard
would be less than what is prescribed for such building lot.
SECTION 802. Measurement of Site Occupancy

1. The measurement of site occupancy or lot occupancy shall be taken at the ground
level and shall be exclusive of courts, yards, and light wells.

2. Courts, yards, and light wells shall be measured clear of all projections from the
walls enclosing such wells or yards with the exception of roof leaders, wall copings, sills,
or steel fire escapes not exceeding 1.20 meters in width.

SECTION 803. Percentage of Site Occupancy

1. The measurement of the percentage (%) of site occupancy (or lot occupancy) shall be
taken at the ground level and shall be exclusive of courts, yards and light wells. Courts,
yards, and light wells shall be measured clear of all projections from the walls enclosing
such wells or yards with the exception of roof leaders, wall copings, sills, or steel fire
escapes not exceeding 1.20 meters in width.

2. In case of proposed additional construction on a lot on which another

building/structure already stands, the Percentage of Site Occupancy (PSO) arising out of
such existing buildings/structures must be included in the computation of the PSO for the
Total Lot Area (TLA). In case of discrepancy between the specified Maximum Allowable
PSO and the other light and ventilation provisions under this Rule, the resulting lesser
building/structure footprint or gross floor area at the ground floor (or at grade level) must
prevail.

3. Maximum site occupancy shall be governed by use, type of construction, and height
of the building and the use, area, nature and location of the site; and subject to the
provisions of the local zoning requirements and in accordance with the following types of
open spaces:

a. Public open spaces – streets, alleys, easements of sea/lakeshores, rivers, creeks,

esteros, railroad tracks, parks/plazas, playgrounds, and the like.

b. Total Open Spaces within Lot (TOSL) – courts, yards, gardens, light wells,
uncovered driveways, access roads and parking spaces consisting of two (2) types:

i. Paved or tiled (hardscaped areas); sub-classification of open space shall fall under
Maximum Allowable Impervious Surface Areas (ISA) within the Total Lot Area (TLA); and

ii. Unpaved areas within the lot that are with exposed soil and planted (softscaped),
i.e., the Unpaved Surface Areas (USA); this sub-classification is the true open space.

The following Table illustrates the manner in determining the Maximum Allowable
Percentage of Site Occupancy (PSO), Maximum Allowable Impervious Surface Area (ISA),
Maximum Allowable Construction Area (MACA), Minimum Unpaved Surface Area (USA),
and the Total Open Space within Lot (TOSL) with reference to Type of Land Use Zoning per
Lot
Table VIII.1. Reference Table of Maximum Allowable PSO, Maximum Allowable ISA, the MACA, the Minimum USA and
the TOSL by Type of Land Use Zoning per Lot

This table provides specific guidelines and regulations related to land use zoning and occupancy for various types of
structures and facilities within the park. In the context of a recreational park, where the efficient utilization of land is essential for
preserving natural beauty and providing diverse amenities, Table VIII.1 is indispensable. It ensures that land within the park is
allocated and utilized optimally, balancing the need for infrastructure and recreational spaces while adhering to zoning regulations
and promoting a sustainable and functional environment within the recreational park.

Structure Use or Maximum

Occupancy (or Duly-Approved Zoning b Maximum Allowable ISAc Minimum USA TOSL d (ISA +
Land Use)a Allowable PSO (Paved Open (Unpaved Open USA)
Spaces)
c,d Spaces)
Commercial 2 (Com- 75 e 20 5 25
2) 85 f 10 5 15
Commercial 3 (Com- 80 e 15 5 20
3) 90 f 5 5 10
Industrial Industrial 1 (Ind-1) 70 e 20 10 30
80 f 10 10 20
Industrial 2 (Ind-2) 70 e 15 15 30
80 f 5 15 20
Industrial 3 (Ind-3) 70 e 15 15 30
80 f 5 15 20
Institutional 50 e 20 30 50
- 60 f 20 20 40
Cultural 60 e 20 20 40
- 70 f 20 10 30
 Utility/Trans- 50 e 40 10 50
portation/ Services - 60 f 30 10 40
Sidewalks/ 22.22 11.11
Arcades at (of total width of (of total width of 33.33
RROW - - RROW as Paved RROW as (of total width of
portion of Unpaved portion of RROW)
sidewalk)
sidewalk)
Parks and Open
Recreational Spaces - 20 30 50 80

Planned Unit PUD at a reclamation area

close to an operating
Development (PUD) airport 70 15 15 30

PUD at a reclamation 70 15 15 30
area
PUD at a coastal area 70 15 15 30
PUD at an inland area
close to an 70 10 20 30
operating airport
PUD at an inland area
70 10 20 30
Cemetery - 85 10 5 15

Notes:
a) per duly-approved City/ Municipal Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP)
b) per duly-approved City/Municipal Zoning Ordinance (ZO) and its IRR
c) PSO + ISA = MACA (Maximum Allowable Construction Area)
d) PSO + TOSL = TLA (Total Lot Area).
e) without firewall
f) with firewall
4. Minimum Requirements for Total Open Spaces within Lot (TOSL)

a. Total Open Spaces within Lot (TOSL) are portions of the Total Lot Area (TLA) not
occupied by the Maximum Allowable PSO. The TOSL may consist of either the Maximum
Allowable ISA (hardscaped areas) or the USA (exposed and planted/softscaped soil) or may
also be the combination of both types of open spaces. (Figure VIII.1.)

b. Group A buildings or Residential 1 (R-1) uses/occupancies shall follow the

minimum yard standards in Table VIII.2. to comply with the TOSL requirement.

c. Abutments for Basic Uses/Occupancies forming part of new developments shall be

basically similar to the restrictions prescribed for firewalls under Rule VII, to wit:

i. Absolutely no abutments are allowed at any property line for any R-1 lot
type/location.

ii. Abutments shall be allowed on only one (1) side for any R-2 lot type/location. There
shall be no firewalls/abutments on the front and rear property lines for any R-2 lot type/
location.

iii. Abutments shall be allowed on two (2) sides only or on one (1) side and the
rear property line/ boundary for any R-3 lot type/location. There shall be no abutments on
the front property line for any R-3 lot type/location.

iv. Abutments shall be allowed on two (2) sides only for any R-4 lot type/location. There
shall be no firewalls/abutments on the front and rear property line for any R-4 lot
type/location.

v. Abutments shall be allowed on two (2) sides only or on one (1) side and the rear
property line/boundary for any R-5 lot type/location. There shall be no abutments on the
front property line for any R-5 lot type/location.

vi. Abutments shall be allowed on two (2) sides only or on one (1) side and the rear
property line/boundary for any C-3 lot type/location. There shall be no abutments on the
front property line for any C-3 lot type/location.

d. Lot Type/Location

Only seven (7) types of lots and their respective locations are described under this Rule.
(Figures VIII.2. through VIII.8.)

e. Variance

When the lots as described in Figures VIII.2. through VIII.8. are too narrow or too shallow
such that the public open space, e.g., RROW, alley or the like on which they
abut can adequately supply light and ventilation to every room therein subject to the
requirements on window opening, the requirements on the minimum Total Open Space
within Lot (TOSL) above may be waived (Figures VIII.9. through VIII.11.), provided
however, that for lots abutting on only one (1) public open space, the depth of the open
space to be provided shall not be more than 8.00 meters; and for those lots abutting two (2)
or more public open spaces, the depth of the open space to be provided shall not be more
than 12.00 meters.