National Building Code of the Philippines: Chapter 1

National Building Code of the Philippines

• Presidential Decree No. 1096
• This document outlines regulations for the design, location, construction, and maintenance of buildings in the Philippines.

Chapter 1: General Provisions

• Section 101. Title: The code is officially known as the "National Building Code of the Philippines".
• Section 102. Declaration of Policy: The state aims to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare, considering sound environmental management.
• Section 103. Scope and Application: The code applies to the design, location, siting, construction, alteration, repair, conversion, use, occupancy, maintenance, moving, demolition and additions to both public and private buildings/structures.
• Section 104. General Building Requirements: All buildings must conform to safe construction principles that are suited to the intended use. They must have adequate environmental safeguards and be maintained safely, sanitarily, and in good working condition.
• Section 105. Site Requirements: The land or site must be sanitary, hygienic, and safe.
• Section 106. Definitions: Annex "A" provides meanings of words, terms, and phrases used in the code.

Chapter 2: Administration and Enforcement

• Section 201. Responsibility for Administration and Enforcement: The Secretary is responsible for administering and enforcing the code.
• Section 202. Technical Staff: The Secretary can appoint a professional staff within their department.
• Section 203. General Powers and Functions of the Secretary: The Secretary formulates policies, plans, standards, guidelines, issues rules and regulations, reviews and approves corrections to existing codes, and prescribes fees.
• Section 204. Professional and Technical Assistance: The Secretary can engage professional, technical, scientific, and other services from other national agencies.
• Section 205. Building Officials: The Building Official carries out the code's provisions and enforces orders/decisions. Officials appointed by others than the Secretary act until another is appointed.
• Section 206. Qualifications of Building Officials: Building Officials must be Filipino citizens with good moral character, registered architects or civil engineers, and have at least two years of membership in a professional organization and five years of professional experience in building design and construction.
• Section 207. Duties of a Building Official: Officials enforce the code's provisions, implement rules/regulations, and issue building permits. They can inspect buildings/premises.
• Section 208. Fees: Building Officials keep records of all fees and charges collected, with 80% of the fees collected belonging to the General Fund of the province, city, or municipality, and 20% going to the operating expenses of the office.
• Section 209. Exemption: Public buildings and traditional indigenous family dwellings are exempted from some code provisions.
• Section 210. Use of Income from Fees: The Secretary determines how net income from fees will be used.
• Section 211. Implementing Rules and Regulations: The Secretary creates implementing rules and regulations along with standards and criteria for buildings/structures.
• Section 212. Administrative Fines: The Secretary can impose fines up to PHP 10,000 for violations.
• Section 213. Penal Provisions: Violations of the code result in fines, imprisonment, or both.
• Section 214. Dangerous and Ruinous Buildings or Structures: Dangerous buildings are those structurally unsafe or dangerous to human life.
• Section 215. Abatement of Dangerous Buildings: The Building Official orders the repair, vacation, or demolition of dangerous buildings.
• Section 216. Other Remedies: Existing laws' rights and remedies apply in addition to those in this code.

Chapter 3: Permits and Inspection

• Section 301. Building Permits: No construction can happen without a building permit from the Building Official.
• Section 302. Application for Permits: Applications for permits must include a description of the work, certified copy of the Title Certificate (TCT) for the property, a description of the intended use, and an estimated project cost. If the applicant is not the registered owner, a copy of the lease agreement must also be submitted with the application.
• Section 303. Processing of Building Permits: Permits are processed under the Building Official's and their technical staff's supervision.
• Section 304. Issuance of Building Permits: Building permits, if in accordance with the code's requirements, are issued within 15 days of fee payment.
• Section 305. Validity of Building Permits: Permits expire if construction is not started within one year of issuance.
• Section 306. Non-Issuance, Suspension, or Revocation of Building Permits: Permits can be withheld, suspended, or revoked for errors, inaccurate information, and non-compliance.
• Section 307. Appeal: Applicants can appeal decisions related to permit suspension within 15 days. Decisions are rendered within 15 days of receiving the appeal request.
• Section 308. Inspection and Supervision of Work: The building owner is tasked with engaging a licensed architect or civil engineer to oversee construction work.
• Section 309. Certificate of Occupancy: Construction can't be used unless the Building Official issues a certificate of occupancy within 30 days. This certificate must be displayed.

Chapter 4: Types of Construction

• Section 401. Types of Construction: The code details different types of construction.
• Section 402. Changes in Types: Changes to construction types are only allowed under special circumstances where the new construction has a lower fire risk compared to existing construction.
• Section 403. Requirements on Types of Construction: The requirements cover fire resistive qualities, such as materials, and standards

Chapter 5: Requirements for Fire Zones

• Section 501. Fire Zones Defined: Defines fire zones where only certain building types are permitted.
• Section 502. Buildings Located in More Than One Fire Zone: If a building spans two or more fire zones, the more restrictive zone's rules apply.
• Section 504. Temporary Buildings: Temporary structures require special permits and complete removal after the permit's expiration date.
• Section 505. Center Lines of Streets: The center line of an adjacent street acts as the property line.
• Section 506. Restrictions on Existing Buildings: Restrictions are outlined based on demolition and modifications.
• Section 507. Designation of Fire Zones: This section outlines different types of fire zones, based on restrictions.

Chapter 6: Fire-Resistive Requirements in Construction

• Section 601. Fire-Resistive Rating Defined: Defines fire-resistive ratings.
• Section 602. Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating: Details the length of time a material can withstand a fire.
• Section 603. Fire-Resistive Standards: Explains the classification of materials based on their fire-resistant/spread characteristics.
• Section 604. Fire-Resistive Regulations: The Secretary sets standards and regulations concerning fire safety.

Chapter 7: Classification and General Requirement of All Buildings by Use of Occupancy

• Section 701. Occupancy Classified: The classification of buildings based on their occupancy types (residential, commercial, etc.).
• Section 702. Change in Use: Any change in a building's use requires adherence to the most stringent regulations.
• Section 703. Mixed Occupancy: Describes requirements for buildings with mixed occupancies.
• Section 704. Location on Property: Rules covering building location, exterior walls' fire resistance, and buildings on the same property.
• Section 705. Allowable Floor Areas: Calculates and cross-references allowable floor areas against volume limitations for new structures.
• Section 706. Allowable Floor Area Increases: Certain circumstances might allow floor space increases.
• Section 707. Maximum Height of Buildings: Outlines rules for the maximum height of buildings, based on their use or occupancy.
• Section 708. Minimum Requirements for Group A Dwellings: Provides specific guidelines for constructions falling into different group occupancies, particularly for residential constructions.
• Section 709. Requirements for Other Group Occupancies: Sets guidelines for broader classes of buildings besides residential.

Chapter 8: Light and Ventilation

• Section 801. General Requirements: The Civil Code of the Philippines and related provisions on easements for light and view guide adequate light and ventilation requirements.
• Section 802. Measurement of Site Occupancy: Measurements consider the ground level (yards, courts, and light wells). Specific exemptions and exclusions are mentioned.
• Section 803. Percentage of Site Occupancy: Minimum site occupancy must adhere to local zoning.
• Section 804. Size and Dimensions of Courts: Minimum horizontal dimensions and connectivity to street or yard are mandated for interior courts.
• Section 805. Ceiling Heights: Ceiling heights detailed based on ventilation methods and location.
• **Section 806. Size and Dimension of Rooms:**Minimum sizes and dimensions are defined for various types of rooms.
• Section 807. Air Space Requirements: Minimum air space per person in various building types (e.g. schools) is defined.
• Section 808. Window Openings: Windows are required for spaces with minimal ventilation. The free area of openings should equate to 10% of the floor area.
• Section 810. Ventilation, Skylights: Rules covering the requirements for skylights with sufficient glass areas and movable sashes/louvers.
• Section 811. Artificial Ventilation: Requirements concerning artificial ventilation in buildings with industrial and heating equipment, including minimum air changes per hour for various purposes.

Chapter 9: Sanitation

• Section 901. General Requirements: This section refers to Book II of the Civil Code of the Philippines regarding Property, Ownership, and modification. Focuses on protecting inhabitants' health and nearby areas from health hazards.

• Section 902. Water Supply System: Water supply requirements stem from existing municipal/city waterworks, and meet the most up-to-date national drinking water standards. Design, construction, and operation of wells and independent water systems are also outlined.

• Section 903. Wastewater Disposal System: Wastewater disposal systems connect to the nearest municipal sewer mains. For areas lacking main sewer systems, an Imhoff tank or septic systems are required.

• Section 904. Storm Drainage System: Rainwater drainage must not enter the sanitary sewer system. Buildings must have adequate provisions for draining low areas.

• Section 905. Pest and Vermin Control: Includes protection against rodents and vermin, along with screening requirements in dining areas.

• Section 906. Noise Pollution Control: Industrial establishments require positive noise abatement devices, adhering to Department of Labor and National Pollution Control Commission's standards.

• Section 907. Pipe Materials: All pipes must conform to the Standard Specifications of the Philippine Standard Council

Chapter 10: Building Projections Over Public Streets

• Section 1001. General Requirements: Buildings and structures cannot extend beyond the property line, with exceptions in the code document.
• Section 1002. Projections into Alleys or Streets: Rules for projections into alleys/streets, including footings and foundations, and specifying that the top must be no more than 500 mm below grade.
• Section 1003. Projection of Balconies and Appendages Over Streets: Provides dimensions for balconies and projections over streets and alleys, based on street width, considering the applicable rules.
• Section 1004. Arcades: Defines rules for the widths and heights of arcades, emphasizing uniform standards throughout the block and the minimum height being 3 meters above street grade.
• Section 1005. Canopies (Marquees): Covers standards for canopies and their horizontal/vertical clearances. Must be constructed of incombustible materials and must not obstruct existing systems.
• Section 1006. Movable Awnings or Hoods: Details rules for movable awnings/hoods regarding horizontal and vertical clearances, highlighting that they can't block required exits.
• Section 1007. Doors, Windows, and the Like: Exterior doors/windows can't project beyond the property line beyond 2.40 meters from the ground surface except those designated as fire exits.
• Section 1008. Corner Buildings with Chaflans: Covers specifications for corner buildings/solid fences and their truncated corners

Chapter 11: Protection of Pedestrians During Construction or Demolition

• Section 1101. General Requirements: Rules regarding using public spaces for construction activities, and protection of pedestrians during such work.
• Section 1102. Storage in Public Property: Prohibits parking or storage that blocks or impedes access to fire hydrants, emergency boxes, or utility items.
• Section 1103. Mixing Mortar on Public Property: Mixing materials such as mortar/concrete is prohibited on public streets.
• Section 1104. Protection of Utilities: Public and private utilities must be protected from damage, disruption to their operations, or interference from construction.
• Section 1105. Walkway: Requirements on temporary walkways during construction, including width and load-bearing capacity.
• Section 1106. Pedestrian Protection: Covers pedestrian safety protections during construction (street side railings, fences), minimum height, and usage materials and requirements.
• Section 1107. Maintenance and Removal of Protective Devices: Protective devices need to be maintained and removed after the building's construction or demolition.
• Section 1108. Demolition: Guidelines and prerequisite for demolition work.

Chapter 12: General Design and Construction Requirements

• Section 1201. General Requirements: All structural design guidelines that are not covered by other chapters must comply with the National Structural Code of Buildings.

• Section 1202. Excavation, Foundations, and Retaining Walls: Covers excavation and fill construction, retaining walls, and footing requirements.

• Section 1203. Veneer: Prescribes non-structural facings of materials for aesthetic/protective purposes.

• Section 1204. Enclosure of Vertical Openings: Specifies the enclosure requirements for different types of vertical openings (e.g. shafts, ducts) based on construction types.

• Section 1205. Floor Construction: Details the acceptable materials/construction methods for floors, ensuring the framework's structural integrity.

• Section 1206. Roof Construction and Covering: Coverage for the roofing materials and roof trusses.

• Section 1207. Stairs, Exits, and Occupant Loads: Outlines occupant loads, exit requirements, and structural/design elements for stairs.

• Section 1208. Skylights: Covers the safety requirements for skylights, considering angles, spacing, and materials.

• Section 1209. Bays, Porches, and Balconies: Prescribes construction requirements for bay/oriel windows and exterior balconies, linking them to the main roof and construction type.

• Section 1210. Penthouses and Roof Structures: Details rules on the height, area, allowed uses, and construction of penthouses and other roof-related structures

• Section 1211. Chimneys, Fireplaces, and Barbecues: Defines construction requirements for chimneys, fireplaces, and barbecues, emphasizing appropriate materials, locations and sizes.

  • Section 1212. Fire-Extinguishing Systems: Addresses the installation of fire-extinguishing systems, such as sprinklers and standpipes, in various building parts & functions.
  • Section 1213. Stages and Platforms: Sets specific requirements for the construction of stages and platforms within buildings.

• Section 1214. Motion Picture Projection Rooms: Establishes regulations regarding construction and safety for motion picture projection rooms.

Chapters 13-19

• Chapter 13 Electrical and Mechanical Regulations: These chapters specify separate regulations for electrical and mechanical installations, detailing compliance with relevant codes and standards enforced by mechanical/electrical Boards.
• Chapter 14 Photographic and X-Ray Films: Regulations concern the safe storage and handling of photographic and X-ray films. This includes requirements for storage facilities and fire safety measures.
• Chapter 15 Pre-Fabricated Construction: The guidelines concern the construction and assembly of pre-fabricated sections, including special tests to determine component strength and installation procedures.
• Chapter 16 Plastics: The chapter specifies acceptable characteristics for plastics, installation, and glazing requirements.
• Chapter 17 Sheet Metal Paint Spray Booths: Outlines the necessary construction, materials, and fire protection requirements for booths.
• Chapter 18 Glass and Glazing: This chapter contains rules about the use of exterior glazing in buildings, covering requirements related to dimensional tolerance, load-bearing capacity related to wind, and details about glazing elements such as louvers.
• Chapter 19 The Use of Computers: The chapter details provisions for using computer programs, highlighting procedures for documentation.
• Chapter 20 Signs: The chapter outlines general requirements and expectations for sign construction.

Chapter 21: Transitory and Final Provisions

• Section 2101. Existing Building and Structure: Addresses pre-existing buildings and structures, identifying them by referencing regulations prior to the current ordinance.
• Section 2102. Interim Rules and Regulations: Outlines interim rules for any current or future building regulations.
• Section 2103. Separability Clause: Specifies that if any part of the code is found to be invalid, the other parts remain unaffected.
• Section 2104. Repealing Clause: This section defines all previously enacted laws, decrees, executive orders, etc. as repealed, amended, or modified in line with the presented document.
• Section 2105. Effectivity: Sets the effective date (February 19th, 1977) of the decree and defines where the decree was enacted (Manila).

Explore the essential provisions of Chapter 1 of the National Building Code of the Philippines. This chapter outlines the fundamental policies, scope, and building requirements aimed at ensuring safety, health, and environmental management in construction. Ideal for students and professionals in architecture and engineering.