PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 1 There are 3 basic phases or stages in a Design

project:
The professional practice course is a gateway to the • Design (Preparation)
environment in which Architects practice their profession. • Construction (Implementation)
This is the relevance of taking up this course, to make future • Post Construction
architects aware of the "real-life" implications of our profession. and each phase has also laws that govern/guide them.
• Design Standards and Codes protect the users of our
buildings and structures. 1. PREPARATION OF ARCHITECTURAL PLANS AND
• Design standards and Codes are also guidelines that DESIGNS
are tailor-made to the user's comfort. (Space/Architectural Plans, Sections, Elevations,
• Laws are used to control the fair practice of our Ceiling and Roof Plans, Architectural Interiors)
profession.
• Regulations to our profession are safety measures to
make sure that Architects are well equipped to practice
the profession.

PHILIPPINE REGULATORY BOARD OF

ARCHITECTURE (PRBoA)
• The 2006 – 2012 Professional Regulatory Board of
Architecture (PRBoA), which started with its first
member on 3 November 2006, was fully reconstituted
as of 30 March 2007 in full compliance with Republic
Act No. 9266 (The Architecture Act of 2004).
• The PRBoA is one of 46 Professional Regulatory 2. EXECUTION/ IMPLEMENTATION
Boards (PRBs) under the Professional Regulation (CONSTRUCTION) OF SUBDIVISION OR
Commission (PRC) BUILDING PLANS/ DESIGNS
• The PRBoA as an entity is under the administrative 3. POST-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES RELATIVE
control and supervision of the PRC. TO SUBDIVISION OR BUILDING PROJECTS
• Regulates the practice of architecture with PR.
• active in the areas of executive action relating to the
implementation and enforcement of Republic Act No.
9266 (otherwise known as the PH “Architecture Act of
2004″)
• regulates the practice of foreign architects (FA)
• administers the Licensure Examination for Architects
(LEA)

VALID AND SUBSISTING PHILIPPINE LAWS ON:

1. PHYSICAL PLANNING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT
(Master Development Planning, Subdivision Planning,
Site Planning, etc.)
VALID & SUBSISTING PHILIPPINE LAWS ON ALL PHASES
OR STAGES OF ACTIVITY Relative to Any SUBDIVISION or
BUILDING Project
• The Revised Penal Code (Act 3815) & its IRR;
• The New Civil Code (RA 386) and its IRR;
• Tax Laws;
• R.A. No. 7160 (The Local Government Code of 1991);
• The Various Environmental Laws;
• R.A. No. 8981 (The PRC Modernization Act of 2000 &
its IRR;
• the Pertinent Professional Regulatory Laws/ PRLs
(such as R.A. No. 9266 and its 2004 IRR)
• the applicable LGU Ordinances
PROJECT PHASES
RA 8981. PRC MODERNIZATION ACT Samples of the articles in this document that are
In fulfillment of its legal mandate, the PRC performs related to our practice, but not limited to:
two important functions, which are: • Article 1713. - By the contract for a piece of work the
• to conduct and administer licensure examinations to contractor binds himself to execute a piece of work for
aspiring professionals, and the employer, in consideration of a certain price or
• to regulate and supervise the practice of the compensation. The contractor may either employ only
professions exercised in partnership with the forty- his labor or skill or also furnish the material. (1588a)
three (43) Professional Regulatory Boards (PRBs) in (pertains to the contract that is agreed upon by the
the fields of health, business, education, social architect/contractor and the proprietor).
sciences, engineering, and technology. • Article 1714. - If the contractor agrees to produce the
work from material furnished by him, he shall deliver
Professional Regulation Commission: A three-person the thing produced to the employer and transfer
commission to be known as the Professional Regulation dominion over the thing. This contract shall be
Commission shall be attached to the Office of the President for governed by the following articles as well as by the
general direction and Coordination. pertinent provisions on the warranty of title and against
hidden defects and the payment of the price in a
The PRC Composition The commission shall be headed by contract of sale. (n) (pertains to the quality of work that
one is agreed upon by the architect/contractor and the
(1) full-time chairperson proprietor).
(2) full-time commissioners, all to be appointed by the • Article 1723. The engineer or architect who drew up
President for a term of seven (7) years without reappointment to the plans and specifications for a building is liable for
start from the time they assume office. damages if, within fifteen years from the completion of
the structure, the same should collapse by reason of a
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION (but not defect in those plans and specifications, or due to the
limited to) defects in the ground. The contractor is likewise
• To administer, implement and enforce the regulatory responsible for the damages if the edifice falls, within
policies of the national government. the same period, on account of defects in the
• To perform any and all acts, enter into contracts, make construction or the use of materials of inferior quality
such rules and regulations, and issue such orders and furnished by him, or due to any violation of the terms of
other administrative issuances, as may be necessary, the contract. If the engineer or architect supervises the
in the execution and implementation of its functions construction, he shall be solidarily liable to the
and the improvement of its services. contractor.
• To review, revise, and approve resolutions, embodying Acceptance of the building, after completion, does not
policies promulgated by the Professional Regulatory imply a waiver of any of the cause of action by reason
Boards of any defect mentioned in the preceding paragraph.
• To administer and conduct the licensure examinations The action must be brought within ten years following
of the various regulatory boards. the collapse of the building. (n)
• adopt measures to preserve the integrity and
inviolability of licensure examinations. RA 9266. THE ARCHITECTURE ACT OF 2004
• publish the list of successful examinees; provide An act providing for a more responsive and
schools, colleges, and universities, public and private, comprehensive regulation for the registration, licensing, and
offering courses for licensure examinations, practice of architecture, repealing for this purpose Republic Act
• and impose the penalty of suspension or prohibition No. 545, as amended, otherwise known as "an act to regulate
from taking licensure examinations to any examinee the practice of architecture in the Philippines," and for other
charged and found guilty of violating the rules and purposes.
regulations.
• Issue certificates of registration/professional license, Hundreds of professional architects are being
produced by the country every year, as the number of
RA 386. CIVIL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES professional architects is registered every year, and the
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 386: AN ACT TO ORDAIN AND government needs to monitor the regulation of the influx of
INSTITUTE THE CIVIL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES architects and other professions and thus the R.A. 545 was
The civil code of the Philippines is the basic law created in 1950. fast forward to 2004 where the updated
governing persons and family relations, property and property version, R.A. 9266 is created.
rights, ownership of modifications, the modes of acquiring
ownership, and the obligations and contracts.
 investigations, quality surveys, appraisals and
adjustments, architectural and operational
planning, site analysis and other predesign
services;
c. schematic design, design development, contract
documents and construction phases including
professional consultancies;
d. preparation of preliminary, technical, economic
and financial feasibility studies of plans, models
and project promotional services;
e. preparation of architectural plans, specifications,
bill of materials, cost estimates, general
ARTICLE 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS conditions and bidding documents;
(Terms to remember and their definitions) f. construction and project management, giving
• ARCHITECT – professionally qualified, registered, and general management, administration,
licensed, with a Certificate of Registration and supervision, coordination and responsible
Professional Identification (ID) Card issued by the direction or the planning, architectural designing,
Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture (the construction, reconstruction,
“Board”) and the Professional Regulation erection, enlargement or demolition, renovation,
Commission (the “Commission”). repair, orderly removal, remodeling, alteration,
• Architects are advocates of Sustainability, Welfare, preservation or restoration of buildings or
and Culture, in terms of Space, Form, and Historical structures or complex buildings, including all their
Context. components, sites and environs, intended
• FUNCTIONS OF THE ARCHITECT for private or public use;
1. ARCHITECT-OF-RECORD: directly and g. the planning, architectural lay-outing and
professionally responsible for the total design of utilization of spaces within and surrounding such
the project, and civil liability for buildings or structures, housing design and
the plans, specifications, and contract community architecture, architectural interiors
documents. and space planning , architectural detailing,
2. ARCHITECT-IN-CHARGE OF CONSTRUCTION: architectural lighting, acoustics, architectural lay-
directly and professionally responsible and liable outing of mechanical, electrical, electronic,
for the construction supervision. sanitary, plumbing, communications and other
3. CONSULTING ARCHITECT: With exceptional or utility systems, equipment and fixtures;
recognized expertise or specialization in any h. building programming, building administration,
branch of architecture. construction arbitration and architectural
conservation and restoration
GENERAL PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE: the act i. all works which relate to the scientific, aesthetic
of planning and architectural designing, structural and orderly coordination of all works and
conceptualization, specifying, supervising, and giving branches of the work, systems and processes
general administration and responsible direction to the necessary for the production of a complete
erection, enlargement, or alterations of buildings, and building or structure, whether for public or private
building environments and architectural design in use, in order to enhance and safeguard life, health
engineering structures or any part thereof. and property and the promotion and enrichment
of the quality of life, the architectural design of
SCOPE OF THE PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE: engineering structures or any part thereof; and
encompasses the provision of professional services in j. all other works, projects and activities which
connection with the site and physical planning and the require the professional competence of an
design, construction, enlargement, conservation, architect, including teaching
renovation, remodeling, restoration, or alteration of of architectural subjects and architectural
a building or group of buildings. computer-aided design.

SERVICES MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTS: means
TO: architectural drawings, specifications, and other
a. planning, architectural designing and structural outputs of an Architect that only an Architect can sign
conceptualization; and seal consisting, among others, of:
b. consultation, consultancy, giving oral or written a. vicinity maps
advice and directions, conferences, evaluations, b. site development plans
c. architectural program QUALIFICATIONS OF APPLICANT FOR
d. Perspective drawings EXAMINATION: Any person applying for examination
e. architectural floor plans shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board that:
f. elevations a. Filipino citizen or qualified foreigner
g. sections b. Good moral character
h. ceiling plans c. Holder of BS Architecture
i. schedules d. 2 years diversified experience (3,840 hours)
j. detailed drawings (DAE- Diversified Architectural Experience),
k. technical specifications Master’s Degree holder is credited 1 year
l. cost estimates e. Not convicted of any criminal offense
m. and other instruments of service in any form.
EXAMINATION SUBJECTS
ARCHITECTURAL PLANS DAY 1
• means two (2)-dimensional representations ▪ History and Theory of Architecture
reflecting a proposed development/ ▪ Principles of Planning and Architectural
redevelopment of an enclosed/ semi- Practice
enclosed or open area showing features or ▪ Structural Design
elements such as columns, walls, partitions, ▪ Building Materials, Architectural
ceiling, stairs, doors, windows, floors, roof, Specifications & Methods of
room designations, door and window call- Construction
outs, the architectural layout of equipment, ▪ Utilities
furnishings, furniture and the like, ▪ Urban Design and Architectural
specifications callouts, elevation references, Interiors
drawing references and the like; DAY 2
▪ Architectural Design and Site Planning
• the architectural plan is the representation of
a lateral section for a proposed building/ Examination Passing grade requirements:
structure (running parallel to the ground) and GWA of 70%, no grade lower than 50%
at a height of from 1.0 – 1.5 meters above the Results out in 30 days\
finished floor; Oath-taking required.
• the term may also collectively refer to
other architectural designs such as cross/ SEAL, ISSUANCE, AND USE OF SEAL
longitudinal sections, elevations, roof plans, A duly licensed architect shall affix the seal
reflected ceiling plans; prescribed by the Board bearing the:
• detailed sections and elevations showing a. Registrant’s name
architectural interiors, detailed architectural b. Registration number
designs, door and window schedules, other c. Title “Architect:
architectural finishing schedules, and the like. On all architectural plans, drawings,
specifications, and all other contract
ARTICLE 2: PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY documents prepared by or under his/her
BOARD OF ARCHITECTURE (PRBoA) direct supervision.
a. Architectural drawings
ARTICLE 3: EXAMINATION, REGISTRATION, AND
LICENSURE CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION: a certificate
" SEC. 12. Examination Required. – All applicants for bearing a registration number, issued to an individual,
registration for the practice of architecture shall be by the Professional Regulation Commission through
required to undergo a licensure examination to be the Board of Architecture, signifying that the individual
given by the Board in such places and dates as the has successfully passed the Licensure Examination
Commission may designate in accordance with the and is registered to practice his/her profession as an
provisions of Republic Act No. 8981. " Architect.

Article III mainly tackles the processes of acquiring a REFUSAL TO ISSUE CERTIFICATE OR
Professional License as an Architect such as the REGISTRATION AND PROFESSIONAL
Licensure Examinations, requirements, and process of IDENTIFICATION CARD
registration and Licensure. The Board of Examiners shall refuse to issue
or renew a Certificate of Registration and
Professional ID Card:
 A. To any person convicted by a court of o RECIPROCITY: the practice of exchanging
any criminal offense involving moral things with others for mutual benefit,
turpitude especially privileges granted by one country
B. To any person guilty of immoral or or organization to another.
dishonorable conduct A person who is not a citizen of the
C. To any person of unsound mind Philippines shall not be allowed to take the
licensure examination unless he/she can
The Board in the written statement shall state prove that his/her country admits Filipino
the period for the deferment of the registration citizens to practice the same profession
if the offense or act committed does not call without restriction or allows them to practice it
for an indefinite period and/or perpetual after passing the examination.
deprivation of the chance to register.
TEMPORARY SPECIAL PERMIT
SUSPENSION/ REVOCATION OF COR AND ID Foreign Architects/Consultants who want to practice
a. Signed contract documents not authored by Architecture or any activity related to the profession
him/her. shall fulfill these requirements to fully practice
b. Paid to secure Certificate of Registration architecture in our country.
c. Impersonated or practiced under a fictitious name. o Reciprocity requirements
d. Aided in the practice of a person not authorized to o Qualified to practice in own country.
practice. o Expertise and technology transfer
e. Undertaken services without a service agreement. o With Filipino counterpart
f. Violations of the Act and its IRR, Code of Ethical o DOLE and PRC permits
Conduct, and SPP
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER: refers to contracts or
ARTICLE 4: PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE arrangements involving the transfer of systematic
No person shall: knowledge for the manufacture of a product, the
a. practice architecture in this country, application of a process, or rendering of a service
b. or engage in preparing architectural plans, and including management contracts; and the transfer,
specifications. assignment, or licensing of all forms of intellectual
c. or preliminary data for the erection property rights.
d. or alteration of any building located within the
boundaries of this country, FILIPINO COUNTERPART: the local Philippine
e. or use the title “Architect”, architect, partnership or corporation that must work in
f. or display the word “Architect” together with association with a foreign architect, partnership, or
another word, corporation, on a project on Philippine soil.
g. or display or use any title, sign, card,
advertisement, PD 1096: NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE
h. or other device to indicate such a person's PHILIPPINES
practices.
i. or offers to practice architecture, RULE 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS
PURPOSE OF THE CODE: To provide a framework of
unless such a person is a licensed and registered minimum standards and requirements for all buildings
architect. to regulate their location, design, quality of materials,
construction, and use.
A FOREIGN ARCHITECT or ANY PERSON not
authorized to practice architecture in the Philippines, SCOPE OF APPLICATION: The National Building
who shall stay in the country and perform any of the Code (NBC) applies to the design, location, siting,
activities mentioned in Sections 3 and 4 of R.A. No. construction, alteration, repair, conversion, use,
9266, or any other activity analogous thereto, in occupancy, maintenance, moving, demolition of and
connection with the construction of any building/ addition to public and private buildings, except
structure/ edifice or land development project, shall be traditional dwellings and BP 220 projects.
deemed engaged in the unauthorized practice of
architecture, and shall, therefore, be criminally liable SECTION 101: TITLE
under R.A. No. 9266 and this “IRR of the Architecture These Rules shall be known and cited as
Act of 2004”. the “Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations
RECIPROCITY REQUIREMENTS
of the National Building Code of the Philippines (P.D. 2. Review, evaluate and take final action on
1096)” and shall be referred to as the “IRR”. various technical and legal problems forwarded to
the Office of the Secretary.
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE 1096 = NATIONAL 3. Conduct seminar/workshops on the Code, its IRR,
BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES and Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 (Accessibility Law).
4. Undertake such other duties and tasks as may be
SECTION 103: SCOPE AND APPLICATION assigned by the Secretary from time to time.
The scope of this IRR shall cover the following
disciplines: SECTION 203: GENERAL POWERS AND
a. Architectural FUNCTIONS OF THE SECRETARY
b. Civil/ Structural o Formulate policies, plans, standards and
c. Electrical guidelines on building design, construction,
d. Mechanical use, occupancy and maintenance, in
e. Sanitary and Plumbing accordance with the Code.
f. Electronics o Issue and promulgate additional rules and
regulations to implement the provisions of the
SECTION 106: DEFINITIONS Code and ensure compliance with policies
Addition- Any new construction which increases the and guidelines and to guide the actions of the
height and/or floor area of existing buildings/structures. Building Official in the performance of his
Building Official- the Executive Officer of the OBO duties and responsibilities.
appointed by the Secretary. o Exercise appellate jurisdiction over the
Building Permit- A document issued by the Building decisions and orders of the Building
Official (BO) to an owner/applicant to proceed with the Official. The order or
construction, installation, addition, alteration, decision of the Secretary shall be final and
renovation, conversion, repair, moving, demolition or executory subject only to review by the Office
other work activity. of the
Conversion- A change in the use or occupancy of President of the Republic.
buildings/structures or any portion/s thereof, which has o Evaluate, review, approve and/or take final
different requirements. action on changes and/or amendments to
Demolition- The systematic dismantling or destruction existing Referral Codes
of a building/ structure, in whole or in part. o Prescribe and impose the amount of fees and
Renovation- Any physical change made on other charges
buildings/structures to increase the value, quality, o Appoint a Building Official, in all Cities and
and/or to improve the aesthetic. Municipalities.

RULE 2: ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT SECTION 205: BUILDING OFFICIALS

SECTION 201: RESPONSIBILITY FOR o The Building Official shall be responsible for
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT carrying out the provisions of the Code.
The administration and enforcement of the provisions o shall continue to act as the Building Official
of the Code and this IRR, including the imposition of until such time that the Secretary appoints
penalties for administrative violations thereof, is hereby the Building Official.
vested in the Secretary. o Offices of the Building Officials already
o SECRETARY = Head or Chief Executive established, separate and distinct from the
Officer of DPWH. office of the City/Municipal Engineers in
o DPWH = Department of Public Works and cities.
Highways
SECTION 206: QUALITIES OF THE BUILDING
SECTION 202: TECHNICAL STAFF OFFICIALS
The National Building Code Development Office No person shall be appointed as a Building Official
(NBCDO) shall serve as the technical staff of the unless he possesses the following qualifications:
Secretary. The functions thereof are as follows: a. A Filipino citizen and of good moral character.
1. Assist the Secretary in the administration b. A duly registered architect or civil engineer.
and enforcement of the provisions of the Code and its c. A member of good standing of a duly
IRR. accredited organization of his profession for
not less than five (5) years endorsed or
recommended by the accredited professional
organization.
 d. Has at least five (5) years of diversified and lumber), the total cost of which does not exceed
professional experience in building design and PHP15,000.
construction.
e. Has attended and completed a seminar PROHIBITED ACTS
workshop on PD 1096 and its IRR conducted ▪ Proceeding with work without a permit
by the DPWH. ▪ Unauthorized deviations from the drawings during
construction
SECTION 207: DUTIES OF THE BUILDING ▪ Non-compliance with work stoppage order
OFFICIALS ▪ Non-compliance with the order to demolish.
The Building Official shall have the following duties:
1. Be primarily responsible for the enforcement of Use of a building without securing a Certificate of
the provisions of the Code and its IRR, Occupancy
2. Have overall administrative control and/or ▪ Change in use without the corresponding
supervision over all works pertinent to Certification of Change of Use
buildings/structures in his area of ▪ Failure to post Cert. of Occupancy
responsibility and shall be charged with the ▪ Change in type of construction without permit.
processing of all permit applications and
certificates as well as the issuance of the same. DANGEROUS BUILDINGS
3. Ensure that all changes, modifications, and ▪ Structural hazard
alterations in the design plans during the ▪ Fire hazard
construction ▪ Unsafe electrical wiring
phase shall not start until the modified design ▪ Unsafe mechanical installation
plan has been evaluated and the necessary ▪ Inadequate sanitation and health facilities
amendatory permit issued. ▪ Architectural deficiency
4. Undertake annual inspections of all
buildings/structures and keep an up-to-date OPTIONS FOR DANGEROUS BLDGS
record of their status. ▪ Repair
5. Upon complaint or motu propio and after due ▪ Vacation
notice/s and hearing, initiate action towards: ▪ Demolition
a. non-issuance, suspension, revocation and/or
invalidation of a building permit or certificate of RULE 3: PERMITS AND INSPECTION
occupancy; SECTION 301: BUILDING PERMITS
b. Issuance of work stoppage order, or an order 1. No person, firm or corporation, including any
for discontinuance of the use or occupancy of the agency or instrumentality of the government shall
building/structure or portion thereof; construct, alter, repair, convert, use, occupy,
c. Declaration of a building/ structure as ruinous move, demolish and add any building/structure or
or dangerous, and/or any portion thereof or cause the same to be done,
d. The imposition of appropriate fines/penalties. without first obtaining a building permit therefor
6. Submit a quarterly situational report to the from the Building Official assigned in the place
Secretary through the NBCDO, on the status of all where the subject building/structure is located or
existing, ongoing, and proposed public as well as to be done. The prescribed application for building
private building/structure activities. (See permit form (NBC Form B-01) shall be used by all
Communication applicants.
7. Undertake such other duties and tasks as may be 2. Permits supplementary to a Building Permit shall
assigned by the Secretary from time to time. be applied for and issued by the Building Official.
These include Ancillary and Accessory Permits.
OTHER NOTABLE CONTENTS OF RULE 2
FEES BUILDING PERMIT- A written authorization granted
▪ The DPWH Secretary prescribes the fees by the Building Official to an applicant allowing him to
▪ The Building Official collects the fees. proceed with construction after plans, specifications,
and other pertinent documents are in conformity with
FEE EXEMPTIONS the Code.
▪ Public buildings
▪ Traditional family dwellings WHEN IS A PERMIT REQUIRED?
▪ A dwelling intended for the use by one family and 1. Before constructing, altering, repairing,
constructed of native materials (bamboo, nipa, logs, converting, moving, adding to, or demolishing a
building.
2. Permits supplementary to a Building Permit shall 1. Any person desiring to obtain a building permit and
be applied for and issued by the Building Official. any ancillary/accessory permit/s together with a
These include Ancillary and Accessory Permits. Building Permit shall file application/s therefor on
a. Ancillary Permits the prescribed application forms.
i. Architectural Permit • Architectural Documents
ii. Civil/Structural Permit Architectural Plans/ Drawings
iii. Electrical Permit a. Vicinity Map/ Location Map
iv. Mechanical Permit - commercial, industrial, and institutional
v. Sanitary Permit complex: 2km radius
vi. Plumbing Permit - residential buildings: .5 km radius
vii. Electronics Permit to any convenient scale showing prominent
landmarks or major thoroughfares for easy
EXEMPTION FROM BUILDING PERMITS reference.
A building permit shall not be required for the following b. other drawings relevant for building
minor constructions and repairs, provided these shall permit application (Details,Schedule of
not violate any provision of the Code and this IRR. Doors and Windows, Schedule of
a. Minor Constructions Finishes (please see P.D. 1096 on the
• Sheds, outhouses, greenhouses, children’s full list of drawings)
playhouses, aviaries, poultry houses and the
like, not exceeding 6.00 sq. meters in total area, SECTION 304: ISSUANCE OF PERMITS
provided they are completely detached from any ISSUANCE: If the submitted plans and other
other building and are intended only for the requirements conform to the standards of the code,
private use of the owner. and the fees were paid, The Building Official shall
• Addition of open terraces or patios resting within fifteen (15) days from payment, issue the
directly on the ground, not exceeding 20.00 sq. building permit applied for.
meters in total floor area, exclusively for the LIABILITY CLAUSE:
private use of the owner. a. Article 1723 of the Civil Code states that the
• Installation of window grilles. engineer or architect who drew up the plans and
• Garden pools for the habitation of water plants specifications is liable for 15 years
and/or aquarium fish not exceeding 500 from completion of the building should it collapse
millimeters in depth and exclusively for private due to defects in the plans or the ground.
use. b. In case the building collapses due to defects in
• Garden masonry walls other than party walls not construction or the use of inferior materials,
exceeding 1.20 meters in height, footpaths, the contractor, along with the construction
residential garden walks, and/or driveways. supervisor, shall be liable.
b. Repair Works
• Repair works not affecting or involving any SECTION 305: VALIDITY OF BUILDING PERMITS
structural member, such as the replacement of • The issuance of a building permit shall not be
deteriorated roofing sheets or tiles, gutters, construed as an approval or authorization to the
downspouts, fascia, ceilings, and/or sidings. permittee to disregard or violate any of the
• Repair and/or replacement of non-load-bearing provisions of the Code.
partition walls. • A building permit issued under the provisions of
• Repair and/or replacement of any interior the Code shall expire and become null and void
portion or a house not involving addition or if the building or work authorized therein is not
alteration. commenced within a period of one (1) year after
• Repair and/or replacement work of doors and the issuance of the building permit,
windows. • or is suspended or abandoned at any time after it
• Repair and/or replacement work of flooring. has been commenced for a period of one
• Repair of perimeter fence and walls. hundred twenty (120) days.
• Repair and/or replacement of plumbing fixtures,
RULE 4: TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
fittings, or piping, such as toilet bowls, sinks,
SECTION 401: TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
lavatories, urinals, bidets, pipes, faucets, and
all buildings proposed for construction shall be
valves for single detached dwellings and
classified according to the following types:
duplexes.

SECTION 302: APPLICATION FOR PERMITS

 • Type I - shall be of wood construction. The Structural frames of Types II and III
structural elements may be any of the materials Construction shall have one-hour fire-
permitted by the Code. resistive rating, while those of Type IV shall
• Type II - shall be of wood construction with have two-hour fire-resistive rating and those
protective fire-resistant materials and one-hour of Type V shall have three hour fire-resistive
fire-resistive throughout, except, that permanent rating.
non-bearing partitions may use fire-retardant d. Exterior doors and windows shall have one
treated wood within the framing assembly with hour fire-resistive rating for all Types. 50
one-hour resistivity. 2. Interior Wall and Ceiling Finishes
• Type III - shall be of masonry and wood a. Finishes for interior walls and ceilings of
construction. Structural elements may be any of any building shall be classified according to
the materials permitted by the Code provided, their flame-spread characteristic using
that the building shall be one-hour fire-resistive generally accepted engineering standards.
throughout. Exterior walls shall be of The smoke density shall not be greater than
incombustible fire-resistive construction. that obtained from the burning of untreated
• Type IV - shall be steel, iron, concrete, or wood under similar conditions when tested in
masonry construction, and walls, ceiling, and accordance with the “Tunnel Test” in the way
permanent partitions shall be of incombustible intended for use. The products of combustion
fire-resistive construction, except, that shall be no more toxic than the burning of
permanent non-bearing partitions of one-hour untreated wood under similar conditions.
fire-resistive construction may use fire-retardant- These finishes include interior wainscoting,
treated wood within the framing assembly. paneling, or other finish applied structurally or
• Type V - shall be four-hour fire- for decoration, acoustical correction, frames
resistive throughout and the structural elements and trims of doors and windows, surface
shall be of steel, iron, concrete, or masonry insulation, or similar purposes.
construction. b. Requirements for flame-spread
notes: Fire-resistance rating refers to the time characteristics of finishes shall not apply to
in hours that a material or construction will withs frames and trim of doors and windows and to
tand exposure to fire. materials that are less than 1.00 millimeters in
thickness cemented to the surface of walls or
SECTION 402: CHANGES IN TYPES ceilings.
No change shall be made in the type of construction of c. Materials required to be flame-spread
any building which would place the building in a proofed shall be treated with a flame-
different sub-type or type of construction unless such retardant having a flame-spread of fifty (50) or
building is made to comply with the requirements for less as determined by the “Tunnel Test”.
such sub-type of construction: Except when the 3. Standards for materials used in structural
changes are approved by the Building Official upon framework, exterior walls and openings, floors, exits,
showing that the new or proposed construction is less stairs & and roofs shall be governed by the pertinent
hazardous, provision of the Fire Code of the Philippines.

SECTION 403. REQUIREMENTS ON TYPE OF RULE 5: REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE ZONES

CONSTRUCTION SECTION 501: FIRE ZONES DEFINED
The following standards are prescribed: Fire zones are areas within which only certain types of
1. Fire Resistive Requirements buildings/structures are permitted to be constructed
a. Exterior bearing and non-bearing walls of based on their use or occupancy, type of construction,
Types II and III Constructions shall have one and resistance to fire.
hour fire-resistive rating, while those of Types
IV and V shall have four-hour fire-resistive (you can also refer to section 507 for DESIGNATION
rating. OF FIRE ZONES)
b. Interior bearing walls, permanent partitions, The legislative body of the LGU may enact ordinances
floors, and roofs of Types II, III and IV for the purpose of designating fire zones
Construction shall have one-hour fire- based on the parameters and guidelines set forth in
resistive rating while those of Type V shall this Section.
have threehour fire-resistive rating for bearing
walls and one-hour fire-resistive rating for a. Non-Fire Restricted Zones: without fire-resistivity
vertical openings, floors and roofs. c. measures, often located in the countryside or rural
areas where commercial and industrial and other
buildings are sparsely constructed, may be clustered in SECTION 506. RESTRICTIONS ON EXISTING
small groups like farmlands wherein dwellings are built BUILDINGS
of indigenous materials such as bamboo, sawali, nipa, 1. Existing buildings or structures in fire zones that do
cogon, palm leaves and wood up to Types I and II not comply with the requirements for a new building
Construction as classified erected therein shall not hereafter be enlarged, altered,
b. Fire Restrictive Zones: fire-resistivity measures for remodeled, repaired or moved except as follows:
exterior walls of at least two-hour fire resistivity. Usual a. Such building is entirely demolished;
locations in suburban areas are permitted to be built b. Such building is to be moved outside the limits of the
with at least one-hour fire-resistivity. more highly restrictive Fire Zone to a zone where the
c. Highly Fire Restrictive Zones: highly fire-resistive building meets the minimum standards; 52
or non-combustible buildings/structures construction c. Changes, alterations and repairs may be made
assemblies of no less than three to four-hour fire- provided that in any 12- month period, the value of the
resistive construction materials are used throughout, work does not exceed 20% of the value of the existing
including exterior walls. Only Types IV and V building, and provided that, such changes do not add
Constructions are permitted in the areas. additional combustible material, and do not, in the
opinion of the Building Official, increase the fire hazard;
SECTION 502: BUILDINGS LOCATED IN MORE d. Additions thereto are separated from the existing
THAN ONE FIRE ZONE building by fire walls, as set forth in Section 506 (b);
A building/structure that is located partly in one (1) fire e. Damage from fire or earthquake, typhoons or any
zone and partly in another shall be considered to be fortuitous event may be repaired, using the same kind
in the more highly restrictive fire zone when more of materials of which the building or structure was
than one-third (1/3) of its total floor area is located in originally constructed, provided that, the cost of such
such zone. repair shall not exceed 20% of the replacement cost of
the building or structure.
SECTION 503. MOVED BUILDINGS
1. Any building/structure moved within or into any fire SECTION 507. DESIGNATION OF FIRE ZONES
zone shall be made to comply with all the requirements The legislative body of the LGU may enact
for buildings/structures in that fire zone. ordinances for the purpose of designating fire zones
2. This shall also apply to pre-engineered or based on the parameters and guidelines set forth in
prefabricated buildings/structures that may be this Section.
dismantled and re-assembled. 1. Designation of Fire Zones is purposely for
management, prevention, control and suppression of
SECTION 504. TEMPORARY BUILDINGS/ conflagration that may occur in population centers. The
STRUCTURES designation of fire zones is as follows:
1. Temporary buildings such as reviewing stands and a. Non-Fire Restricted Zones: These are
other miscellaneous structures conforming to the areas where siting of buildings/structures are
requirements of the Code, and sheds, canopies and permitted without fire-resistivity measures,
fences used for the protection of the public around and often located in the country sides or rural
in conjunction with construction work, may be erected areas where commercial and industrial and
in the fire zones by special permit from the Building other buildings are sparsely constructed, or
Official for a limited period of time, and such buildings may be clustered in small groups like farm
or structures shall be completely removed upon the lands wherein dwellings are built of
expiration of the time limit stated in such permits. indigenous materials such as bamboo,
2. Erection of temporary buildings/structures to be sawali, nipa, cogon, palm leaves and wood up
located in restrictive and highly restrictive zones and to Types I and II Construction as classified in
which do not conform with the type of construction Section 401 of the Code.
allowed or permitted within such zones may be allowed b. Fire Restrictive Zones: Areas wherein
by the Building Official for a given period of time siting of buildings/structures are permitted
provided that, fire protective/preventive measures and within prescribed fire-resistivity measures for
fire suppression facilities are adequate. exterior walls of at least two-hour fire
resistivity. Usual locations in suburban areas
SECTION 505. CENTER LINES OF STREETS are permitted to be built with at least one-hour
The center line of adjoining street or alley may be fire-resistivity throughout as Types II, III to IV
considered an adjacent property line. Distances shall Constructions as prescribed in Section 401 of
be measured at right angles to the street or alley. the Code.
c. Highly Fire Restrictive Zones: Areas
wherein highly fire- resistive or non-
 combustible buildings/structures and/or SECTION 701: OCCUPANCY CLASSIFIED
construction assemblies of no less than three 1. There are 10 Groups of Occupancies sub-divided
to four-hour fire-resistive construction into 25 Divisions. The accompanying matrix shows
materials are used throughout, including the Groupings and Divisions and the
exterior walls. Only Types IV and V corresponding uses. The final column indicates
Constructions are permitted in the areas. the Zoning Classification.
a. Buildings proposed for construction shall be
RULE 6: FIRE-RESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS IN identified according to their use or the character of
CONSTRUCTION its occupancy and shall be classified as follows:
SECTION 601: FIRE- RESISTIVE RATING DEFINED i. Group A – Residential Dwellings- Group
Fire-resistive rating means the degree to which a A Occupancies shall include:
material can withstand fire as determined by ▪ Division 1- Residential
generally recognized and accepted testing methods. building/structure for exclusive use of
single family occupants including school
SECTION 602: FIRE-RESISTIVE TIME PERIOD or company staff housing; single
RATING (nuclear) family dwellings; churches or
Fire-resistive time period rating is the length of similar places of worship; church
time a material can withstand being burned which rectories; community facilities and
may be one- hour, two- hours, four- hours, etc. social centers; parks, playgrounds,
pocket parks, parkways, promenades
SECTION 603: FIRE-RESISTIVE STANDARDS and play lots; clubhouses and
All materials of construction, and type of materials and recreational uses such as golf courses,
assemblies or combinations thereof shall tennis courts, basketball courts,
conform to the following fire-resistive ratings: 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
SECTION 604: FIRE-RESISTIVE REGULATIONS classrooms; outpatient clinics, family
The Secretary shall prescribe standards and planning clinics, lying-in clinics,
promulgate rules and regulations on the testing of diagnostics clinics, medical and clinical
construction materials for flame-spread characteristics, laboratories; branch library and
tests on fire damages, fire tests of building construction museums; steam/dry cleaning outlets;
and materials, door assemblies and tinclad fire doors party needs and accessories (leasing of
and window assemblies, the installation of fire doors tables and chairs, etc.).
and windows and smoke and fire detectors for fire ii. Group B – Residentials, Hotels and
protective signaling system, application and use of Apartments- Group B Occupancies shall be
controlled interior finish, fire-resistive protection for multiple dwelling units including boarding or
structural members, fireresistive walls and partitions, lodging houses, hotels, apartment buildings,
fire-resistive floor or roof ceiling, fire-resistive row houses, convents, monasteries and
assemblies for protection of openings and fire- other similar building each of which
retardant roof coverings. accommodates more than 10 persons.
iii. Group C – Education and Recreation-
RULE 7: CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL Group C Occupancies shall be buildings
REQUIREMENTS OF ALL BUILDINGS BY USE OR used for school or day-care purposes,
OCCUPANCY involving assemblage for instruction,
education, or recreation, and not classified in vii. Group G - Storage and Hazardous-
Group I or in Division 1 and 2 or Group H Groups G Occupancies shall include:
Occupancies. ▪ Division 1- Storage and handling of
iv. Group D – Institutional- Group D hazardous and highly flammable
Occupancies shall include: material.
▪ Division 1 - Mental hospitals, mental ▪ Division 2- Storage and handling of
sanitaria, jails, prisons, reformatories, flammable materials, dry cleaning
and buildings were personal liberties plants using flammable liquids; paint
of inmates are similarly restrained. stores with bulk handling, paint
▪ Division 2 - Nurseries for full-time shops and spray painting rooms.
care of children under kindergarten ▪ Division 3- Wood working
age, hospitals, sanitaria, nursing establishments, planning mills and
homes with non-ambulatory patients, box factories, shops, factories where
and similar buildings each loose combustible fibers or dust are
accommodating more than five manufactured, processed or
persons. 55 generated; warehouses where
▪ Division 3 - Nursing homes for highly combustible materials is
ambulatory patients, homes for stored.
children of kindergarten age or over, ▪ Division 4- Repair garages.
each accommodating more than five ▪ Division 5- Aircraft repair hangars.
persons: Provided, that Group D viii. Group H - Assembly Other Than Group
Occupancies shall not include I- Group H Occupancies shall include:
buildings used only for private or ▪ Division 1- Any assembly building
family group dwelling purposes. with a stage and an occupant load of
v. Group E - Business and Mercantile- less than 1000 in the building.
Group E Occupancies shall include: ▪ Division 2- Any assembly building
▪ Division 1- Gasoline filling and without a stage and having an
service stations, storage garages and occupant load of 300 or more in the
boat storage structures where no building.
work is done except exchange of ▪ Division 3- Any assembly building
parts and maintenance requiring no without a stage and having an
open flame, welding, or the use of occupant load of less than 300 in the
highly flammable liquids. building. 56
▪ Division 2- Wholesale and retail ▪ Division 4- Stadia, reviewing
stores, office buildings, drinking and stands, and amusement park
dining establishments having an structures not included within Group
occupant load of less than one I or in Division 1, 2, and 3 of this
hundred persons, printing plants, Group.
police and fire stations, factories and ix. Group I – Assembly Occupant Load
workshops using not highly 1000 or More- Group I Occupancies shall be
flammable or combustible materials any assembly building with a stage and an
and paint stores without bulk occupant load of 1000 or more in the building.
handlings. x. Group J – Accessory- Group J
▪ Division 3- Aircraft hangars and open Occupancies shall include:
parking garages where no repair work ▪ Division 1- Agricultural structures.
is done except exchange of parts and ▪ Division 2- Private garages,
maintenance requiring no open carports, fences over 1.80 meters
flame, welding or the use of highly high, tanks, swimming pools and
flammable liquids. towers.
vi. Group F – Industrial- Group F ▪ Division 3- Stages, platforms,
Occupancies shall include: ice plants, pelota, tennis, badminton or
power plants, pumping plants, cold basketball courts, tombs,
storage, and creameries, factories, and mausoleums, niches, aviaries,
workshops using incombustible and non- aquariums, zoo structures, banks
explosive materials, and storage and and record vaults Other
sales rooms for incombustible and non- subgroupings or divisions within
explosive materials. Groups A to J may be determined by
 the Secretary. Any other occupancy such separation shall be protected by a fire
not mentioned specifically in this assembly having a two-hour fire-resistive
Section, or about which there is any rating.
question, shall be included in the c. A “Three-Hour Fire-Resistive
Group which it most nearly Occupancy Separation” shall be of not less
resembles based on the existing or than three-hour fireresistive construction. All
proposed life and fire hazard. openings in walls forming such separation
shall be protected by a fire assembly having
SECTION 702: CHANGES IN USE a three-hour fire-resistive rating. The total
No change shall be made in the character of width of all openings in any threehour fire-
occupancy or use of any building which would place resistive occupancy separation wall in any
the building in a different division of the same group of one-story shall not exceed 25% of the length
occupancy or a different group of occupancies unless of the wall in that story and no single opening
such building is made to comply with the requirements shall have an area greater than 10.00 sq.
of the Code for such division or group of occupancy. meters. All openings in floors forming a
The character of occupancy of existing buildings may “Three-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy
be changed subject to the approval of the Building Separation” shall be protected by vertical
Official and the building may be occupied for purposes enclosures extending above and below such
outlined in other Groups: Provided the new or openings. The walls of such vertical
proposed use is less hazardous, based on life and fire enclosures shall be of not less than two-hour
risk, than the existing use. fire-resistive construction, and all openings
therein shall be protected by a fire assembly
SECTION 703. MIXED OCCUPANCY having a three-hour fire-resistive rating.
1. General Requirements- When a building is of d. A “Four-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy
mixed occupancy or used for more than one Separation” shall have no openings therein
occupancy, the whole building shall be subject to the and shall be of not less than four-hour fire-
most restrictive requirement about any of the types of resistive construction. 22
occupancy found therein except in the following: 4. Fire Rating for Occupancy Separation-
a. When a one-story building houses more Occupancy Separations shall be provided between
than one occupancy, each portion of the groups, subgroupings, or divisions of occupancies.
building shall conform to the requirement of The Secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations
the particular occupancy housed therein and. for appropriate occupancy separations in buildings of
b. Where minor accessory uses do not mixed occupancy; Provided, that, where any
occupy more than 10% of the area of any floor occupancy separation is required, the minimum shall
or a building, nor more than 10% of the basic be a “One-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy
area permitted in the occupancy Separation”; and where the occupancy separation is
requirements, in which case, the major use of horizontal, structural members supporting the
the building shall determine the occupancy separation shall be protected by an equivalent fire-
classification. resistive construction.
2. Forms of Occupancy Separation- Occupancy
separations shall be vertical or horizontal or both, or SECTION 704: LOCATION ON PROPERTY
when necessary, of such other forms as may be 1. General
required to afford a complete separation between the a. No building shall be constructed unless it
various occupancy divisions in the building. adjoins or has direct access to a public space,
3. Types of Occupancy Separation- Occupancy yard or street on at least one of its sides.
separation shall be classified as “One-Hour Fire- b. For the purpose of this Section, the centerline
Resistive”, “Two-Hour Fire-Resistive”, “Three-Hour of an adjoining street or alley shall be considered
Fire-Resistive” and “Four-Hour Fire-Resistive.” an adjacent property line.
a. A “One-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy c. Eaves over required windows shall not be less
Separation” shall be of not less than one- than 750 millimeters from the side and rear
hour fireresistive construction. All openings in property lines
such separation shall be protected by a fire-
assembly having a one-hour fire-resistive 2. Fire resistance of Walls
rating. Exterior walls shall have fire resistance and
b. A “Two-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy opening protection in accordance with the
Separation” shall be of not less than two- requirements set forth by the Secretary.
hour fireresistive construction. All openings in Projections beyond the exterior wall shall not
 exceed beyond a point onethird the distance from If with a firewall on one (1) side, the footprint
an assumed vertical plane located where the fire- of a proposed building/structure shall be
resistive protection of openings is first required to measured horizontally from the property line
the location on the property whichever is the least with a firewall to the outermost faces of the
restrictive. Distance shall be measured at right opposite exterior walls of the
angles from the property line. When openings in building/structure; Provided, that the
exterior walls are required to be protected due to applicable stipulations of
distance from the property line, the sum of the the Fire Code are strictly followed.
areas of such openings in any storey shall not
exceed 50% of the total area of the wall in that RIGHT OF WAY- No building shall be constructed
story. unless it adjoins or has direct access to a public space,
3. Buildings on Same Property and Buildings yard, or street on at least one of its sides.
Containing Courts
To determine the required wall and opening EAVES OVER WINDOWS- Eaves over required
protection, buildings on the same property and windows shall not be less than 750 millimeters from the
court walls shall be assumed to have a property side and rear property lines.
line between them. When a new building is to be
erected on the same property as an existing FIREWALLS- fireproof barrier used to prevent the
building, the assumed property line from the spread of fire between or through buildings.
existing building shall be the distance to the
property line for each occupancy as set forth by Why are firewalls important? Because when they are
the Secretary; Provided, that two or more buildings built, the building or part of the building extends into the
on the same property may be considered as one setbacks.
building if the aggregate area of such building is
within the limits of allowable floor areas for a single ALLOWABLE FIREWALLS
building, and when the buildings so considered, R1 - no firewalls allowed, However, an abutment up to
house different occupancies or are of different 3.20m high is OK for carports provided that above
types of construction, the area shall be that 1.50m, the abutment shall be constructed of
allowed for the most restrictive occupancy or perforated concrete blocks.
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 R2 - Maximum 80% of the length of side property line.
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;
c. Footprint Based on Firewall Provisions
R3 - Two configurations are allowed: FIREWALLS FOR: Commercial, institutional, and
▪ Option A: industrial:
Two sides ▪ Firewalls allowed on the ff. conditions:
Maximum 85% of each side ▪ Provide sprinkler system
Total should not exceed 65% of lot perimeter ▪ Install fire-retardant or fire-suppression devices
Two storeys high only ▪ Maximum 70% of lot perimeter
▪ Option B: ▪ RROW setbacks are complied with.
One side + Rear
90% of side or rear (up to 100% for rear if only SECTION 705: ALLOWABLE FLOOR AREAS
4m) TOTAL GROSS FLOOR AREA (TGFA)
Total should not exceed 50% of lot perimeter ▪ Total gross floor area
Two storeys high for side, 3.20m high for rear ▪ The total floor space inside the building
▪ Keyword: inside/enclosed
▪ Includes services/parking (unlike GFA)

ALLOWABLE MAX, TGFA

• See Table VII.1; Allowable Maximum Total
Gross Floor Area (TGFA) Based on the allowed
Percentage of Site Occupancy (PSO) of the
Total Lot Area (TLA)
• Format: Number of floors x footprint
• Depends on the ff.:
- Lot type
R4 - Two sides - Zoning
▪ Maximum 85% of each side - Use of firewalls.
▪ Total should not exceed 50% of lot perimeter
▪ Maximum height: three storeys SECTION 706: MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF BUILDINGS
BUILDING HEIGHT LIMIT (BHL)
The maximum height and number of storeys of a
proposed building shall be dependent upon:
• the character of use or occupancy
• the type of construction
• end-user population density
• light and ventiolation
• width of RROW
R5 - Two sides • land use plan and zoning
▪ Option A: Two sides • geological
Maximum 75% of each side • hydrological
Total should not exceed 50% of lot perimeter • meteoritical
Maximum height: 8 storeys • topographical
▪ Option B: One side + Rear •
Maximum 65% of side and 50% of rear HOW IS BUILDING HEIGHT MEASURED?
Total should not exceed 60% of lot perimeter • From established grade line to the topmost
Maximum height: 8 storeys for side, 14m for portion of the building
rear • Excludes allowed projections above the roof,
like- SIgnages - Masts
- Antenna/ Telecom Tower
•
ESTABLISHING THE GRADE LINE
Grade line = highest adjoining sidewalk or natural
grade line
But if grade is sloping:
- if less than 3 meters diff., take highest grade
- If more than 3 meters diff., take the average

ESTABLISHING THE TOP OF THE BUILDING

▪ If roof is flat, top = rooftop
▪ If roof is sloping, top = middle of roof height

HEIGHT LIMIT PROJECTIONS

Towers, spires and steeples
▪ If made of combustible materials, 6.0m above BHL
▪ If made of incombustible materials, limited only by
structural design.

BHL BASED ON RROW- BASED LIMITATIONS

▪ The RROW width also dictates the BHL:
▪ 6-7m RROW: 3.0 storeys or 9.0m
▪ 4-5m RROW: 2.5 storeys or 7.5m
▪ 0-3m RROW: 2.0 storeys or 6.0m
▪ Only exceptions: PUD

PARKING REQUIREMENTS

• Given in Table VII.4 on p.100

• d Based on occupancy and lot/floor areas
OFF-SITE PARKING LOTS ▪ Second floor live load: 150kg/sqm
▪ If a multi-floor parking garage is located within a ▪ Wind load for roofs: 120kg/sqm (vertical)
200-meter radius of the building, 20% of the required
parking provisions may be served the multi-floor STAIRS
parking garage. ▪ Minimum width: 750mm
▪ Maximum riser: 200mm
OFF-SITE PARKING LOTS ▪ Minimum tread: 200mm
Reserved or leased parking slots may also serve the Note: These riser/tread dimensions do not match
parking requirements if: the general dimensions prescribed in Rule 12
▪ The slots are in a permanent parking building
and not in a vacant parking lot. ENTRANCE + EXIT
▪ The said parking building is: ▪ At least one entrance, and another one for exit
▪ Not more than 100m away, if residential
▪ Not more than 200m away, if commercial SECTION 709: REQUIREMENTS FOR OTHER
GROUP OCCUPANCIES
MANEUVERING SPACE Subject to the provisions of the Code, the
▪ Using the RROW as a maneuvering space is not Secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations for
allowed each of the other Group Occupancies covering:
▪ To prevent this, direct access of allowable construction, height, and area; location on
parking/loading/utility slots to the RROW shall be property, exit facilities, light and ventilation, sanitation;
disallowed. enclosures of vertical openings; fire extinguishing
systems; and special hazards.
TRAFFIC-GENERATING BUILDINGS
▪ Example: shopping malls DEVELOPMENTAL CONTROLS
▪ The distance between such buildings and major TERMS DEFINED
road intersections is regulated ▪ TLA = Total lot area
▪ The building ingress and the intersection shall be ▪ PSO = Percentage of site occupancy
at least 50m apart (measured between the two - The part of the lot occupied by the building
nearest curbs). (A.K.A. building footprint expressed in %)
▪ TOSL = Total open space within lot
FRONT YARDS AS PARKING - The part of the lot NOT occupied by the
▪ Not allowed for the following: building
▪ R2 Maximum *TLA = PSO + TOSL
▪ R3 Maximum
▪ GI ▪ USA = Unpaved surface area
▪ C1, C2 and C3 - The portion of the open space that is unpaved
▪ 50% of front yard may be used as parking for R2 ▪ ISA = Impervious surface area
Basic and R3 Basic - The portion of the open space that is paved
▪ Since “open space” = TOSL,
SECTION 708: MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR *TOSL = USA + ISA
GROUP A DWELLINGS ▪ MACA = MACA stands for Maximum Allowable
LIGHT AND VENTILATION Construction Area
Every dwelling shall be provided with adequate light - PSO + ISA
and ventilation. (see Rule VIII) - Hence, TLA = MACA + USA

SANITATION BUILDING BULK

▪ At least one sanitary toilet and adequate washing ▪ A volume quantity
and draining facilities ▪ In the simplest sense,
▪ Building bulk = Footprint x Height
FOUNDATION ▪ However, the Code prescribes several different
▪Footings should be at least 250mm thick methods for determining this quantity
▪ At least 600mm below the surface of the ground
METHOD 1: AMBF PROJECTION
STRUCTURAL LOADS ▪ Determine the AMBF
▪ First floor live load: 200kg/sqm ▪ Determine the BHL (in meters)
▪ AMBF x BHL = Building bulk
METHOD 2: FLAR MEASUREMENT OF SITE OCCUPANCY
▪ FLAR : Floor to lot area ratio Refer to TABLE VIII.1 Reference Table of Maximum
▪ Total floor area / lot area Allowable PSO, Maximum Allowable ISA, the MACA,
▪ For example, a FLAR designation of 1.50 means the Minimum USA and the TOSL by Type of Land
that a lot measuring 100sqm may accommodate a Use Zoning per lot
building whose total floor area is 150sqm.
▪ In a way, FLAR tells us how many lots can fit inside LOT TYPES
the building.

METHOD 2: FLAR
▪ Building bulk = Footprint x Height
▪ To get footprint:
▪ FLAR x TLA = Total floor area
▪ Total floor area/Number of storeys = Footprint
▪ Hence, building bulk is equal to:
▪ [(FLAR x TLA)/number of storeys] x BHL

METHOD 3: AMVB
1. AMBF x BHL = initial AMVB (“prism”)
2. Superimpose the angular plane originating from
the RROW onto the “prism”
▪ Angular plane: a plane originating from the RROW
that establishes the outer limit for walls and building
projections.
3. Use the angular plane to reduce the volume of
the prism. This is the AMVB.

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

RULE 8: LIGHT AND VENTILATION

PURPOSE: Every building shall be designed,
constructed, and Equipped to provide adequate light
and ventilation.

VARIABLES
• Setbacks
• Site occupancy
• Room sizes
• Ceiling heights
• Window sizes
• Courts
YARD VERSUS SETBACK
▪ Yard: the required open space left between the
outermost face of the building and the property lines
▪ Setback: the width of the yard

COURTS
▪ Minimum dimension: 2.00m
▪ Hence, minimum area: 4.00sqm
▪ All inner courts shall be connected to a street or
yard by a passageway at least 1.20m wide
 JOINING OF COURTS Fire suppression, proper fire safety storage,
▪ Minimum dimension may be reduced to 1.50m in emergency preparedness, the way hazardous and
cluster living units with adjacent courts combustible materials are handled, the conduct of the
▪ Minimum area per court: 3.00sqm business that may pose fire hazards, and the design,
▪ Separation wall: 2.00m high maximum operation and maintenance of the building all fall under
the umbrella of fire safety codes.

RULE 1: INTERPRETATION
“It is the policy of the State to ensure public safety,
promote economic development through
the prevention and suppression of all kinds of
destructive fires, and promote the professionalization
of the Fire Service as a profession. Towards this end,
the State shall enforce all laws, rules and regulations
to ensure adherence to standard fire prevention and
safety measures, and promote accountability in the fire
protection and prevention service.”

RULE 2: COVERAGE
This IRR shall cover the following:
A. All persons, either natural or juridical;
B. All buildings, facilities or structures and their
premises, erected or constructed before and after the
effectivity hereof;
C. Design and installation of mechanical, electronics
and electrical systems relative to fire protection;
D. Manufacturing, storage, handling and/or use, and
transportation of explosives and/ or
combustible/flammable liquids and gases, toxic and
other hazardous materials and operations, and their
wastes;
E. Fire safety planning, design, construction, repair,
maintenance, rehabilitation and demolition;
F. Fire protective and warning equipment or systems;
G. All land transportation vehicles and
equipment, ships or vessels docked at piers or
MINIMUM CEILING HEIGHTS wharves or anchored in seaports; and
H. Petroleum industry installations.

RULE 3: DEFINITION OF TERMS

Automatic Fire Suppression System (AFSS). An
integrated system of underground or overhead piping
connected to a source of extinguishing agent or
MINIMUM ROOM SIZES medium,
Building Administrator. Any person who is
authorized to act as an agent or representative of the
owner of the building
City/Municipal Fire Marshal (C/MFM). The duly
designated head of the City or Municipal Fire Station
RA9514: FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES including those designated as “Officer-in-Charge” or in
“Acting” capacity.
PURPOSE OF THE CODE: A fire code is a set of
Damper. A device used in heating, ventilating and air
requirements for all buildings in an area, may it be
conditioning (HVAC) ducts to prevent the spread of fire
Residential, commercial, and industrial building types.
or smoke inside the ductwork. It automatically closes
These regulations are there to insure the
upon detection of heat and smoke. They can be
safety of all occupants of the building at all time.
opened or closed from a remote fire command station
if required.
Exit. That portion of means of egress that is separated
from all other spaces of a building or structure by DIVISION 1. RESPONSIBILITIES OF DESIGNATED
construction, location, or equipment as required to FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS
provide a protected way of travel to the exit discharge SECTION 8.2.1.1 FIRE SAFETY INSPECTORS
That portion of means of egress that leads to an Exit The following shall be the main duties and
Access. exit. responsibilities of Fire Safety Inspectors:
Exit Discharge. That portion of a means of egress A. Inspect any building, structure or facility
between the termination of an exit and a public way. B. Assess compliance with the fire safety
Fire Alarm. Any visual or audible signal produced by a requirements,
device or system to warn the occupants of the building C. Testify in any judicial and quasi-judicial bodies
or firefighting elements of the presence or danger of D. Conduct fire safety lectures, seminars/workshop
fire. and drills; and
Fire Alerting System. A fire alarm system activated by E. Prepare necessary documents and maintain files
the presence of fire, where the signal is transmitted to and/or records.
designated locations instead of sounding a general
alarm. SECTION 8.2.1.2 PLAN EVALUATORS
Fire Lane. The portion of a roadway or public way that The following shall be the main duties and
should be kept open and unobstructed at all times for responsibilities of Plan Evaluators:
the expedient conduct of firefighting operations. A. Review and evaluate building plans and
Fire Trap. A building unsafe in case of fire because it specifications including fire protection system
will burn easily or because it lacks adequate exits or B. Conduct site verification and inspection
fire escapes.
Hose Box. A box or cabinet where fire hoses, valves SECTION 8.2.1.3 CHIEF, FIRE SAFETY
and other equipment are stored and arranged for ENFORCEMENT SECTION/UNIT (FSES/U)
firefighting. The following shall be the main duties and
responsibilities of the Chief, FSES/U:
RULE 8: FIRE SAFETY ENFORCES A. Review and evaluate reports submitted by the Fire
FIRE SAFETY INSPECTOR: REQUIREMENTS Safety Enforcers and recommend approval to the
SECTION 8.1.1.1 FIRE SAFETY INSPECTORS concerned C/MFM having jurisdiction;
A. Uniformed Personnel B. Assist the C/MFM having jurisdiction in
1. Shall be licensed Engineer (Civil, Electrical, implementing fire safety measures and education
Mechanical, Chemical, Sanitary and Electronics) with programs;
at least one (1) year in the BFP service; or C. Supervise/monitor the activities of the fire safety
2. Shall be architect with at least one (1) year in the inspectors to ensure that inspection is conducted in
BFP service; or accordance with the standards and existing rules and
3. Shall be graduate of any baccalaureate degree regulations;
course with at least three (3) years in the BFP service. D. Recommend to the C/MFM the filing of appropriate
B. Non-Uniformed Personnel charges against the violator of RA 9514 and its RIRR;
Appointed as Engineers with at least one (1) year in the E. Testify in any judicial and quasi-judicial bodies on
BFP service. matters relating to RA 9514 and its RIRR and/or in
C. Must have undergone and completed prescribed account of his/her duties and functions as Chief,
training on fire safety enforcement and other relevant FSES/U when needed; and
fire safety training. F. Perform such other functions mentioned under RA
9514 and its RIRR.
SECTION 8.1.1.2 PLAN EVALUATORS
A. Must be licensed Architect or Engineer; and ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTARATION OF FIRE
B. Shall have undergone and completed prescribed SAFETY MEASURES
training A. Inspection of all buildings, structures, facilities
C. In cases where there is no licensed engineer or and premises.
architect in a specific jurisdiction, a graduate of any B. Fire safety inspection shall be conducted as a
baccalaureate degree with relevant fire safety and prerequisite to grants of permits and/or licenses
building plan evaluation training shall be designated as C. The C/MFM having jurisdiction shall review,
plan evaluator. evaluate and assess plans,

FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS: RESPONSIBILITIES RULE 10: FIRE SAFETY MEASURES

FUNCTIONS OF FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS CHAPTER 1: COVERAGE
This Rule covers the fire safety measures for 2. Educational occupancies include all buildings or
buildings, structures and facilities, hazardous portions thereof used for the gathering of group of
materials and wastes, hazardous operations and six (6) or more persons for purposes of instruction.
processes, and miscellaneous hazardous premises Examples: Schools; Universities; Colleges;
and/or conditions that by its very nature or relation to Academies; Nursery schools; Kindergartens; and
life, property and environment pose threat or danger. Child Day Care facilities.
3. Health Care facilities are those used for purpose
DIVISION 2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS of medical or other treatment or care of persons
A. Every building or structure, new or old, designed for where such occupants are mostly incapable of self
human occupancy shall be provided with exits The preservation because of age, physical or mental
design of exits and other fire safety construction shall disability, or because of security measures not
be such that reliance for safety of life in case of fire or under the occupants’ control.
other emergencies will not depend solely on any single Examples: hospitals; nursing homes; birth
fire safety construction. centers; and residential custodial care centers
B. Every building or structure shall be designed, such as nurseries, homes for the aged and the
constructed, equipped, maintained and operated to like.
avoid danger to lives and ensure safety of its 4. Detention and Correctional
occupants from fire, smoke, vapor and fumes, during buildings are those used to house one or more
the period of escape from the building or structure. persons under varied degrees of restraint or
C. Every building or structure shall be provided with security where such occupants are mostly
exits of kind, number, location and capacity appropriate incapable of self-preservation because of security
to the individual building or structure measures not under the occupants’ control.
D. Every exit of buildings or structures shall be
arranged and maintained to provide free and SECTION 10.2.5.1 APPLICATION
unobstructed egress from all parts thereof at all times. A. Means of egress for both new and existing buildings
No lock or fastening device that would prevent escape shall comply with this
from the inside of any building Division except as may be modified for individual
E. Every exit shall be clearly visible. The route to the occupancies by
exit shall be conspicuously marked in such to a place Divisions 8 through 17 of this Chapter.
of safety outside is unmistakable. B. Any change, alteration or addition that would reduce
F. All means of egress shall be provided with adequate the means of
and reliable illumination. egress below the requirements for new buildings is
G. Fire alarm systems or devices shall be provided in prohibited.
every building or structure of such size,
arrangement, or occupancy, to provide adequate DEFINITIONS
warning to occupants. MEANS OF EGRESS- is a continuous and
unobstructed route of exit from one point in a building,
DIVISION 2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS structure, or facility to a public way.
DIVISION 3. CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANCY
A. A building or structure, or portion of buildings or
structure, shall be classified as follows:
1. Assembly occupancies include all buildings or
portions of buildings used for gathering together of
fifty (50) or more persons for such purposes as GENERAL PROVISIONS
deliberation, worship, entertainment, eating, PERMISSIBLE EXIT COMPONENTS - An Exit shall
drinking, amusement, awaiting transportation, or consist of the approved components that are
similar uses. described, regulated ad limited as to use.
DOORS
STAIRS, SMOKEPROOF ENCLOSURES
OUTSIDE STAIRS
HORIZONTAL EXITS
RAMPS
EXIT PASSAGEWAY
FIRE ESCAPE STAIRS, FIRE ESCAPE LADDERS
AND SLIDES ESCAPES
Exit components shall be constructed as an integral
part of the building or shall be permanently affixed
thereto.

MEANS OF EGRESS consists of THREE (3)

separate distinct parts:

CONSTRUCTION AND COMPARTMENTATION

Appropriate provision of P.D. 1096 and its I.R.R (NBC)
shall be used to determine the requirements for the
construction classifications.

PROTECTIVE ENCLOSURE OF EXITS - The

construction of the separation shall meet the following
requirements:
 NO EXIT ENCLOSURE shall be used for any purpose
other than for MEANS OF EGRESS

Where the building or facility includes additions or

connected structures of different construction types,
the rating and classification of the structure shall be as
follows:
The width of any means of egress shall not be less
1. Two-hour (2hr) fore resistance rating or greater, if than NINE HUNDRED FIFTEEN MILLIMETERS
vertically-aligned fire barrier wall exists between the (915mm)
portions of the building
2. The least fire-resistive type of construction of the
connected portions, if no such separation is provided

ANY OPENING in the separation wall/construction

shall be protected by an APPROVED SELF-CLOSING
FIRE RESISITIVE DOOR.

The number of means of Egress from any balcony,

mezzanine, storey, or portion thereof shall not be less
than TWO(2),

NUMBER OF MEANS OF EGRESS

When the occupant load for any storey or portion
thereof is MORE THAN FIVE HUNDRED (500) but
not more than ONE THOUSAND (1000), The means
of egress shall not be less than THREE(3); in excess
thereof, the means of egress shall not be less than
FOUR(4)
 Interlocking or scissor stairs shall be considered only
as a SINGLE EXIT for new buildings

ARRANGEMENT OF EXITS
When TWO(2) exits or exit access doors are required,
they shall be located at a distance from one
another NOT LESS THAN ONE_HALF (1/2) of the
length of the maximum over-all diagonal dimension of
the building or area to be served, measured in a
straight line between the nearest edge of the exit doors
or exit access doors. MEASUREMENT OF TRAVEL DISTANCE TO EXIT
In buildings protected throughout by an approved The travel distance to an exit shall be measured on the
supervised automatic sprinkler system, the minimum floor or other walking surface along the center line of
separation distance between TWO exits or exits the natural path of travel, Starting from the most remote
access doors measured in accordance with paragraph point subject to occupancy, curving around any corner
b hereof shall NOT BE LESS THAN ONE THIRD or construction with a 30 cm clearance therefrom and
(1/3) the length of the maximum overall diagonal ending at the center of the doorway or other point at
dimension of the building or are ato be served. which the exit begins. where measurement includes
stairs, it shall be taken in the place of the tread nosing.

DEAD END LIMITS DIVISION 5: MEANS OF EGRESS

Means of egress shall be so arranged that there ACCESS TO EXITS
are NO DEAD-END POCKETS, hallways, corridors, A door from a room to an exit or to a way of exit
passage ways or courts whose depth exceeds the access shall be of the side-hinged, swinging type. It
limits specified in individual occupancies by division 8 shall swing with exit travel
through 17