Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4342
House Bill No. 34

Introduced by: Rep. Josephine Y. Ramirez-Sato

EXPLANATORY NOTE

With the Philippines’ rapidly accelerating economic and physical
development, attended by urbanization and burgeoning population growth, it
becomes imperative to institutionalize an Architecture Code of the Philippines
(ACP) to embody updated, modern and advanced technical knowledge on the
physical planning, architectural design, construction, use, occupancy and
maintenance of buildings/ structures as well as their grounds and host sites;

While there is Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 1096, otherwise known as the
1977 NBCP, which is already more than a 36 years old, and an executive issuance in
the form of the 2000 Architecture Code of the Philippines (ACP), the same do not
anymore conform with the developmental goals and infrastructure program of the
Government and does not adequately provide for all the architectural and
technological requirements of buildings/ structures and their grounds/ sites, in
terms of currency of architectural planning, design and construction standards and
criteria.

In the creation of the ACP, it is the desire and policy of the Government to
avail of and harness the technical expertise, professional knowledge and skill sets of
duly-qualified men and women in both the public and private sectors, in order to
arrest the unmistakably and decidedly downward slide of the quality of the built
environment over the last six (6) decades.

The passage of this bill is earnestly sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4
House Bill No.

Introduced by: Rep. Josephine Y. Ramirez-Sato

AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE ARCHITECTURE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

ARTICLE I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Title, This Act shall be known as the "2019 Architecture Code of the
Philippines (ACP)" and shall hereinafter be referred to as the "Architecture Code of
the Philippines (ACP)’.

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State
to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare, consistent with the principles
of sustainable physical planning, architectural design, construction, use/ occupancy,
operation, maintenance and management/ administration, in line with sound
management practices for both the natural and built environments; to this end, the
Purpose of this Act must be to provide for all buildings/ structures and their
grounds/ sites, a framework of minimum architectural service standards and
requirements to regulate and manage the undertaking of architectural services in
relation to the location, siting, physical planning and architectural design, quality of
materials, construction, use/ occupancy, operation, maintenance and management/
administration of all types of building projects intended for human use and
habitation.

Section 3. Scope and Application.
(a) The provisions of this Act shall apply to the design, location, siting,
construction, alteration, repair, conversion, use/ occupancy,
maintenance, moving, demolition of, and addition to public and private

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buildings and structures, except traditional indigenous family dwellings
as defined herein.

(b) Building and/or structures constructed before the approval of P.D. No.
1096, otherwise known as the 1977 National Building Code of the
Philippines (NBCP) shall not be affected thereby, except when
alterations, additions, conversions or repairs are to be made therein in
which case, this Act shall apply only to portions to be altered, added,
converted or repaired.

(©) Major violations of P.D. No. 1096, as determined by the LGU Office of
the Building Official or the National Building Official or a competent
Court, must be immediately rectified to fully comply with said law. In
case of willful non-compliance or inability of the property and/or
building/ structure owner to fully comply with P.D. No. 1096, a system
prescribing annual fines/ penalties must be instituted by the responsible
Government agency and the same must be annotated in the applicable
title to the property/ building/ structure until full compliance with P.D.
No. 1096 is attained. The same procedure must apply in the case of the
implementation and enforcement of this Act.

Section 4. General Building and Grounds Requirements.
(a) All buildings or structures and their grounds/ sites, as well as accessory
facilities thereto, shall conform in all respects to the principles of the safe
construction and must be suited to the purpose for which they are
planned/ designed.

(b) All buildings or structures and their grounds/ sites, intended to be used
for the manufacture and/or production of any kind of article or product
shall observe adequate environmental safeguards consistent with valid
and subsisting laws on the natural and built environments.

(©) Buildings or structures and their grounds/ sites, and all parts thereof as
well as all facilities found therein shall be maintained in safe, sanitary
and good working condition.

Section 5. Site Requirements. The land or site upon which shall be constructed
any building or structure, or any ancillary or auxiliary facility thereto, shall be fully
compliant with applicable laws, sanitary, hygienic, secure and safe. In the case of
sites or buildings intended for use as human habitation or abode, the same shall be
at a safe distance, as determined by competent authorities, from bodies of moving/
still water and/or sources of pollution; from a volcano or volcanic site and/or any
other building/ structure considered to be a potential source of fire or explosion.

Section 6. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act, the words, terms, phrases,
acronyms and abbreviations enumerated hereafter shall have the meaning or
definition correspondingly provided therein.

1) AAP (Ancillary Architectural Permit) - a permit issued by the LGU
OBO after the review and approval of the PAD by the BRC.

2) ACP (Architecture Code of the Philippines) - shail refer solely to this
Act and its IRR and DRs.


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AD (Architectural Documents) - are State-regulated professional
documents relating to the physical planning, architectural design and
construction of a building and/or structure intended for human
habitation, as well as its grounds, that shall only be prepared, signed
and sealed by a RLA.

AMBF (Allowable Maximum Building Footprint) - the resultant area
established at grade level upon which the proposed building/
structure may be erected.

Accessoria or Shop House - A mixed-use building to be erected on a
commercial lot, with a Building Height Limit (BHL) of three (3) storeys
or ten meters (10.0 m), composed of a row of dwelling cum commercial
units entirely separated from one another by partly walls and with an
independent entrance for each dwelling unit. The shops must be at the
ground floor, the second floor as office or storage or living/ dining/
service spaces and the third floor for use only as sleeping and/or
living/dining spaces.

Accessory Building - A building subordinate to the main building on
the same lot and used for purposes customarily incidental to those of
the main building, such as but not limited to servants’ quarters, garage,
generator shed, pumphouse, laundry, etc.

Accredited Professional Organization (APO) - a non-governmental
organization (NGO) of State-regulated development professionals who
deal purely with the natural and built environments, duly accredited
by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Adaptive Reuse - the process of adapting used or old buildings/
structures for purposes other than those initially intended.

Aerodrome - a defined area on land or water (including any building,
installation or equipment) used either wholly or in part for the arrival,
departure and surface movement of aircraft (fixed wing and rotary).
Agricultural Building - A building designed and constructed to house
farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or other horticultural
products. This structure shall not be a place for human habitation nor a
place of employment where agricultural products are processed,
treated or packaged nor for use by the general public.

Air Right/s - the right to physically develop and subsequently benefit
or profit from the continued use of the air space above the road right-
of-way (RROW) or other rights-of-way (ROWS) or legal easements or
private/ public property outside or along such ROWS or easements,
subject to the payment of lease to the appropriate party for availing of
such rights. The upper limit of the air rights is the airways navigational
path such as the clearance limits of aerodrome and flight patterns.
Airport (or Airfield) - a defined area on land or water that is used for
aircraft operations and for the handling/ management of the
transported passengers and cargo/ freight.

Airside - the portion of the airport (or airfield) that extends from the
apron to the four sides of the runway strip.

Alignments - are the surface areas/ spaces traversed by a NATIONAL
RROW, similar ROWs, legal easements or similar public spaces, which

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form part of the public domain and are therefore disallowed sites for
non-mobile billboards.

Alley - Any space or access-way dedicated or deeded to the public or
for public use (part of the public domain) as a dedicated passageway
mainly for pedestrians, with a width of not more than three meters (3.0
m). If the alley is made larger to attain a clear width of between 3.001 m
and 5.999 m, motorized vehicles can be allowed access/ use but not for
extended parking at any point within the alley (for a period of more
than 2 hours).

Alteration - Any change, addition or modification in construction or
building occupancy.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) - refers to various modes of
dispute resolution under R.A. No. 9285 (ADR Act of 2004), which
includes arbitration, mediation and conciliation relating to
development, construction and consulting services/ practice of State-
regulated professions.

Amenity - A feature that increases attractiveness or value of building/
structure or its grounds/ site. This may include but are not limited to a
special space of a highly public nature but which require huge
investments in material and equipment such as an auditorium, an
infinity pool, a lush deck roof garden, a revolving restaurant, an
executive lounge, an entertainment area and similar upscale provisions
or spacious but expensive architectural design features such as.
oversized spaces, full automation including closed-circuit television
(CCTV), very tall ceilings, large insulated or light-sensitive windows,
glass floors, embedded luminaires on walls and floors, use of high-
grade finishing materials such as very expensive alloys such as.
titanium, furniture/ fixtures/ fittings/ equipment, large slabs of
natural granite, and the like.

Apartelle - building combining the features of an apartment and a
hotel

Apartment - A dwelling unit, flat or suite of two or more rooms,
designed and intended for, or occupied by one (1) family for living,
sleeping and cooking purposes; also refers to any building or portion
thereof, which is designed, built, rented, leased, let or hired out to be
occupied, or which is occupied as the home or residence of three or
more families living independently of each other and doing their own
cooking within such building.

Apartment, Serviced - is a type of furnished apartment available for
short-term or long-term stays, which provides amenities for daily use,
including cooking and dining provisions.

Appeal - an act of petitioning the review of a resolution or decision of
the LGU OBO or LBO, duly filed with the ONBO/ NBO or of the
review of a resolution or decision of the ONBO or NBO, duly filed with
the Office of the president of the Philippines, as provided for under
this Act.

Apron -a defined area on the airside of a land aerodrome, situated
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purposes of loading, unloading passengers and freight/ cargo, fueling,
parking and maintenance.

Arcade - Any horizontal portion of a building at the ground floor,
which may or may not integrate the sidewalk forming part of the road
right-of-way (RROW), bound by the building face on one side, roofed
to protect pedestrians against the elements and connected to other
arcades forming part of adjoining buildings/ structures.

Arcade Structure - Any multi-storey, cantilevered / end-supported and
enclosed or partially enclosed portion of a building situated directly
above the arcade.

Architect, Registered and Licensed (RLA) - a State-regulated
development and construction professional who is a holder of a
Certificate of Registration and of a license in the form of a professional
identification (ID) card, both duly issued by the Professional
Regulation Commission (PRC), and who can practice architecture on
Philippine soil in full accordance with R.A. No. 9266 (The Architecture
Act of 2004) or successor law/s, its IRR and derivative regulations
(refer also to Registered and Licensed Professionals/ RLPs).

Architect, Consulting - refers to the architect registered and licensed or
permitted by the State to practice architecture in the Philippines, who
is professionally and academically qualified and with exceptional or
recognized expertise or specialization in any branch of architecture,
specifically in the planning and design of buildings/ structures.
Architect, Foreign - a State-regulated development professional who is
a holder of a Special /Temporary Permit (STP) duly issued by the PRC
to allow a duly-qualified foreign national to practice the profession of
architecture in the Philippines on a limited basis and only with a
collaborating RLA, in full accordance with R.A. No. 9266, its IRR and
derivative regulations.

Architectonics - is the science part of architecture, unifying the
architectural, structural and utility plans/ designs of a building/
structure.

Architectural Documents - refer to architectural plans/ designs,
drawings, specifications and other outputs of a registered and licensed
Architect (RLA) that only a RLA can sign and seal consisting, among
others, of vicinity maps, site development plans, architectural program,
perspective drawings, architectural floor plans, elevations, sections,
ceiling plans, schedules, detailed drawings, technical specifications and
cost estimates, and other instruments of service in any form.
Architectural Plan - a two (2)-dimensional representation reflecting a
proposed development/ redevelopment of an enclosed/ semi-enclosed
or open area showing features or elements such as columns, walls,
partitions, ceiling, stairs, doors, windows, floors, roof, room
designations, door and window call-outs, the architectural layout of
equipment, furnishings, furniture and the like, specifications callouts,
elevation references, drawing references and the like; the architectural
plan is the representation of a lateral section for a building/ structure
(running parallel to the ground) and at a height of from 1.0 - 1.5 meters

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above the finished floor; the term may also collectively refer to other
architectural designs such as cross/ longitudinal sections, elevations,
roof plan, reflected ceiling plan; detailed sections and elevations
showing architectural interiors, detailed architectural designs, door
and window schedules, other architectural finishing schedules and the
like.

Assembly Building or Hall - A building or a portion of a building used
for the gathering of fifty (5) or more persons for activities such as
deliberations, workshops, entertainment, amusement or
transportation-related uses; also refers to a building housing drinking,
and/or dining establishment for one hundred (100) or more persons.
Audit - the detailed technical determination of existing conditions
relating to the preparation of construction plans/ designs for an
existing or proposed building/ structure:

33.1 Building Audit - audit of the architectonics of a building/
structure as undertaken by duly-qualified RLPs, which is
translated into as-built plans;

33.2. Space Planning Audit - audit of the spatial utilization of a
building/ structure, which must be undertaken by a RLA; and

33.3 Structural Audit - audit of the structural system of a building/
structure, which must be undertaken by a duly-qualified
RLCE;

Awning (or Hood) - A movable shelter supported entirely from the
exterior wall of a building and of a type which can be retracted, folded
or collapsed against the face of a supporting building/ structure.

BHL (Building Height Limit) - means the maximum height to be
allowed for a building/ structure based on their proposed

use/ occupancy. The BHL is generally measured from the established
grade line to the topmost portion of such a building/ structure,
inclusive of a non-mobile billboard mounted on top of such a
building/ structure. The BHL is generally determined after the
application of other development controls (DC) and certain other
parameters i.e. considerations of site conditions, view, etc. If
applicable, the BHL must be subject to clearance requirements of the
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) or of the concerned
military /security authorities. The BHL excludes the height of
permitted/ allowed projections above the roof of the
building/structure e.g. signage, mast, antenna, telecom tower, beacons
and the like.

BRC (Building Review Council) of the LGU which must review the
PAD prior to LGU OBO issuance of the AAP.

Backing - The surface or assembly to which veneer is attached.
Balcony - A portion of the seating space of an assembly space, the
lowest part of which is raised at least 1.20 meters above the level of the
main floor.

Balcony Exit, Exterior - A landing or porch projecting from the wall of
a building, and which serves as a required means of egress. The long,
size shall be at least fifty percent (50%) open, and the open area above


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the guardrail shall be so distributed as to prevent the accumulation of
smoke or toxic gases.
Barangay - the basic government unit distinct from the LGU.
Basement Level - A portion of a building which may be partly below
and/ or partly above grade, but so located such that the vertical
distance from grade to the floor is less than the vertical distance from
grade to ceiling.
Bay or Panel - One of the intervals or spaces into which the building
facade is vertically divided by its columns, buttresses or division walls.
Beam - one of the principal horizontal supporting members of a
building/ structure that is made of timber, metal, reinforced concrete
or stone.
Billboard, Non-Mobile - means an attention-getting device consisting,
of a support structure, a display or message area, a lighting system and
related components. The term also refers to all types of identification,
description, illustration, images, pictures, display or device which is
affixed to or represented directly or indirectly upon a portion of a
building/ structure, support structure or land and which directs
attention to a product, place, activity, person, institution, business, idea
or belief. The term shall be generic and shall collectively refer to but
not be limited to multi-media or tri-vision billboards, neon or other
illuminated signs, painted signs and the like. A billboard positioned at
a fixed location, usually along a national road right-of-way (RROW),
where it can be readily and continuously viewed by the passing public.
The following are the key types of billboards that may be erected at the
defined regulated areas under this Act:
Billboard Unit (BU) - shall refer to one (1.0) display with a total surface
area of anywhere between seven point five square meters (7.5 sqm)
minimum to twenty eight square meters (28.0 sqm, at a total panel
height of 4.0 meters by a length of 7 meters, including border and trim
but excluding supports) maximum for existing/ proposed NATIONAL
urban RROWs/ROWs and anywhere between twenty eight point 1
square meters (28.1 sqm,) minimum to fifty six square meters (56.0
sqm) maximum to at a total panel height of 6.0 meters by a length of
9.33 meters, including border and trim but excluding supports)
maximum for existing/ proposed national rural RROWs/ROWs
Billboard Unit, Minimum - refers to one (1.0) display with a maximum
total surface area of seven point five square meters (7.50 sqm), a
multiple of the 225.0 sqm Maximum Billboard Unit. It shall have a least
dimension of one meter (1.0 m).
Billboard Unit, Maximum - refers to one (1.0) display with a maximum
total surface area of two hundred twenty five square meters (225.0
mM)
Block - a basic building unit, usually for use in masonry construction.
48.1 Concrete Block - A hollow or solid concrete masonry unit
made from portland cement and suitable aggregates such as
sand, gravel, crushed stone, bituminous or anthracite cinders,


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burned clay, pumice, volcanic scoria, cooled or expanded blast
furnace slags.

48.2 Concrete Hollow Block (CHB) - A hollow concrete masonry
unit (CMU, reference definition) made from portland cement
and suitable aggregates such as sand, fine crushed stone and
the like.

48.3 Glass Block - A sealed fire-rated glass unit used for firewall
construction and which allows filtered natural light to enter
the building interior.

Buildable Area - The remaining space in a lot after deducting the
mandated minimum open spaces.

Building - Any structure built for the support, shelter or enclosure of
persons (for the purpose of human habitation), animals, chattels or
property of any kind.

Building Bulk - a volume quantity that is generally determined by the
application of the Floor-Lot Area Ratio (FLAR), vertically projecting
the Allowable Maximum Building Footprint (AMBF), establishing the
Outermost Faces of Building (OFB) and quantifying the Allowable
Maximum Volume of Building (AMVB). The building bulk may be
ultimately governed by the width of the RROW and other applicable
provisions for light and ventilation (including incremental setbacks as
a result of satisfying natural light and ventilation requirements for
RROW and front yards.

Building, Dangerous and Ruinous - A building/ structure declared by
a Local Building Official or by the National Building Official as being,
structurally unsafe or not provided with safe egress, or which
constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life, or
which in relation to existing use, constitute a hazard to safety or health
or public welfare because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation,
obsolescence, or abandonment; or which otherwise contribute to the
pollution of the host site or the community to an intolerable degree.
Building Administrator - a person who/ which ensures the proper
usage of all utilities of the building/ structure and who checks and
monitors the physical condition, general upkeep and cleanliness of the
building/ structure, its surroundings and its facilities.

Building Code of the Philippines, National (NBCP) - shall refer to P.D.
No. 1096 of 1977 and its 2004 Revised IRR and DRs (reference supplied
definitions of IRR and DR).

Building Envelope - is the physical separator between the interior and
the exterior environments of a building.

Building Height - The vertical distance from the established grade
elevation to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof or to the top of
the parapet if the flat roof is provided with a parapet, or to the average
height of the highest gable or a pitch or hip roof. In case of sloping
ground, the average ground level of the buildable area shall be
considered the established grade elevation.

Building Length - The general lineal dimensions of a building, usually
measured along the direction of the bearing wall for girders.



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Building Official (BO) - a duly appointed public official who is a
natural person primarily tasked under this Act to implement and
enforce the law on the planning and design of buildings and their
grounds/ sites.

Local Building Official (LBO) - refers to a natural person who is a State-
registered and licensed professional (RLP), primarily tasked with the
implementation and enforcement of this Act, in conjunction with valid
and subsisting laws on construction, development and professional
practices relating to buildings/ structures, sites and grounds. The
position of LBO is an appointive position where the appointment is
made by the National Building Official (NBO). The LBO is a distinct
natural person tasked with oversight functions over public and private
vertical infrastructure and must not be held in a simultaneous or acting
capacity by any serving or appointed City or Municipal Engineer
(CME) of any LGU, who in turn is tasked with oversight functions over
public and private horizontal infrastructure.

National Building Official (NBO) - refers to a natural person who is
primarily tasked with the implementation and enforcement of this Act,
in conjunction with valid and subsisting laws on construction,
development and professional practices relating to buildings/
structures, sites and grounds. The position of NBO is an appointive
position where the appointment is made by the National Building
Official (NBO) by the President of the Philippines. The NBO in turn
shall have the sole power to appoint all the Local Building Officials
(LBOs) for all LGUs.

Building Width - The shortest lineal dimensions of a building, usually
measured along the direction of the floor, beams or joists.

CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines) - the State entity
created and tasked by law to exercise oversight functions in the
selection, planning, design, administration, operation and maintenance
of airports, heliports and all aircraft entering or operating within
Philippine territory.

CCH - clear ceiling height (reference Height, Clear)

CIAC (Construction Industry Arbitration Commission) - a quasi-
judicial agency under the Construction Industry Authority of the
Philippines (CIAP) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),
primarily tasked with the resolution of construction disputes through
modes of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mandated under R.A.
No. 9285 (The ADR Act of 2004). Disputes submitted for CIAC
resolution are generally resolved within a six (6.0)-month period, after
which such resolution may be elevated for review by the Court of
‘Appeals (CA).

CLUP/ CLWUP - Comprehensive Land Use Plan/ Comprehensive
Land and Water Use Plan - an LGU-wide short- through medium-term
development plan based on the data contained in the LGU
Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), and which is the primary
basis for the LGU Zoning Ordinance (ZO),

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CMU (concrete masonry unit) - a basic masonry building block, more
commonly referred to as concrete hollow block (CHB).

Canopy (or Marquee) - a permanent roofed structure above a door,
attached to and supported by the building/ structure and projecting
cover a wall or the sidewalk portion of the RROW/ street, including any
object or decoration attached thereto. It is an architectural projection
that is lawfully permitted above a portion of the public domain.
Carriageway (or Roadway) - the portion or component of the RROW
‘on which land-based transportation conveyances such as motor
vehicles are allowed to pass or park. For RRROWS, the term may be
“Railway” and for national WROWs, the applicable term may be
“Waterway” or “Vessel-way.

Carrying Capacity - the maximum demand or load that may be placed
ona machine, resource or system for extended periods under normal
or specified conditions.

Cavity - a confined hollow area in a building where structural and
utility elements are usually found, and which is usually architecturally
treated or finished on all its sides which are visible.

70.1 Ceiling Cavity - the space or volume that exists between the
topmost portion of a finished ceiling line at a lower floor of a
building/ structure and the bottom of the floor of an upper
floor of the same building/ structure, usually reckoned from
the soffit of a suspended slab and/ or bottom of beam
supporting such an upper floor.

70.2. Roof Cavity - the space or volume that exists between the
topmost portion of a finished ceiling line at a topmost floor of
a building/ structure and the bottom of the roof support of the
same building/ structure, usually reckoned from the rafter or
truss bottom chord supporting the roof of the same building/
structure.

Cellar - The portion of a building between floor and ceiling, which is
wholly or partly below natural/ finished grade and so located that the
vertical distance from grade line to the floor below is equal to or
greater than the vertical distance from grade to ceiling.
Civil Liability - liability of the Architect, Engineer or Constructor
pertaining to the design and execution of a project, as primarily
defined under Article 1723 of the Civil Code and related articles.
Civil Works - Construction projects, such as highways, bridges, flood
control structures, dams and the like, that are financed by public funds
and constructed by a Government for the benefit or use of the general
ublic.
Cladding, ‘Architectural - is a protective, insulated or aesthetic fixed
layer added to the exterior walls of a building/ structure.
Climate Change - a significant and lasting change in the statistical
distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to
millions of years. It may be a change in average weather conditions or
the distribution of events around that average e.g. more or fewer
extreme weather events. Climate change may be limited to a specific

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region/'s in the Philippines or its western or easter seaboard, or may
occur across the entire country, the Pacific Basin or the South China
Sea.

Column - a vertical element, usually a slender shaft, that provides
structural support for a building/ structure by carrying axial loads in
compression.

Complaint - a statement by any person alleging violations of this Act or
its predecessors’ laws, the pertinent IRRs and DRs, duly filed with the
LGU OBO or the ONBO.

Concrete - a composite construction material, composed of cement
(commonly Portland cement) and other cementitious materials such as
fly ash and slag cement, aggregate (generally a coarse aggregate made
of gravel or crushed rocks such as limestone, or granite, plus a fine
aggregate such as sand), water and chemical admixtures.

Concrete, Ferro - refers only to concrete that is reinforced with iron or
steel.

Concrete, Reinforced - is concrete in which reinforcement bars
(“rebars"), reinforcement grids, plates or fibers have been incorporated
to strengthen the concrete in tension. In most cases, reinforced concrete
uses steel rebars that have been inserted to add strength. Other
materials used to reinforce concrete can be organic and inorganic fibers
as well as composites in different forms. Concrete is strong in
compression, but weak in tension, thus adding reinforcement increases
the strength in tension. In addition, the failure strain of concrete in
tension is so low that the reinforcement has to hold the cracked
sections together. For a strong, ductile and durable construction the
reinforcement shall have the following properties: 1) high strength; 2)
high tensile strain; 3) good bond to the concrete; 4) thermal
compatibility; and 5) durability in the concrete environment.
Condominium - a building or complex in which units of property, such
as dwelling units, are owned by individuals and where the common.
parts of the property, such as the grounds and the building/ structure
itself, are owned jointly by the dwelling unit owners.

Construction - the manner in which a building/ structure is built or
put together.

Constructor (formerly called the Contractor) - the entity who is
lawfully registered and licensed under law (specifically under R.A. No.
4566), and who/ which physically undertakes the execution and
delivery of a construction work, particularly of a building, structure or
portions thereof.

Construction Arbitration - a mode of Alternative Dispute Resolution
(ADR) as defined under R.A. No. 9285 and E.O. No. 1008 employed to
resolved construction-related disputes, including professionals nd
consulting services relating to the planning, design, management,
operation, maintenance and administration of a building/ structure.
Contract Documents - documents that comprise part of a contract e.g.
in a construction contract, the owner-contractor agreement, conditions
of the contract (general, supplementary, and other conditions), plans

12


86)

87)

88)

89)

90)

91)

and/or drawings, specifications, all addenda, modifications, and
changes thereto, together with any other items stipulated as being
specifically included.

Construction Manager - the person who has been designated by the
building/ structure Owner to provide special management services
during the construction phase of such a building/ structure.

Content - the message and image components of a display which may
be advertising, commercial, directional or general public information
in intent.

Coping - The material or units used to form a cap of finish on top of a
wall, pier or pilaster.

Corrosion-resistant - The non-ferrous metal, or any metal having an
unbroken surface of non-ferrous metal, or steel with not less than ten
percent (10%) chromium or with less than twenty percent (20%)
copper.

Corrosion-resistant Material - Materials that are inherently rust-
resistant or materials to which an approved rust-resistive coating has
been applied either before or after forming or fabrication.

Cost - the amount of funds required to undertake, complete and
deliver a building project to its Owner.

91.1 Building Cost - the direct and indirect costs of constructing the
structural and utility systems as well as the architectural
works required for the exterior and interior of a building/
structure; this cost, presented in the form of an estimate, shall
be the only cost to be submitted to the LGU OBO for
evaluation:

91.1.1 Direct Cost - the cost of labor and materials required to
complete the construction and delivery of a building/
structure; and

91.1.2 Indirect Cost - the other costs required to complete the
construction and delivery of a building/ structure that
are not covered by the Direct Cost; this cost may
include the cost of permits, the Constructors profit and
like expenses;

91.2 Other Costs - the other costs relating to the development, use
or operation of a building/ structure; these costs are not to be
submitted to the LGU OBO for evaluation:

91.2.1 Development Cost - the other costs required for the
construction, finishing and delivery of a building/
structure that are not covered by the Project Cost; this
cost may include the cost of money/ interests,
marketing expenses such as publication and brokers (in
case of a condominium or subdivision development),
miscellaneous costs incurred by the Owner or
Developer, and like expenses;

91.2.2 Operating and Maintenance Cost - the cost of
operating and maintaining a building/ structure for

13


active use/ occupancy; this cost is not covered by any

of the other costs under this definition; and
91.2.3 Project Cost - the direct and indirect costs of

constructing, finishing and delivering a building/
structure, to include its fitout (furniture/ fixtures/
fittings/ equipment), to cover all professional fees
required for the pre-feasibility/ feasibility study,
environmental and other required pre-design studies,
space and site planning, design, management and
construction supervision activities, the costs of all
pertinent permits/ fines/ penalties/ delays relating to
the project implementation and delivery and the
acquisition cost of the site on which the building shall
be erected; the Project Cost must cover all vertical and
horizontal works for a building/ structure and its site/
grounds.

92) Course - A continuous horizontal layer of masonry units.

93) Court - An occupied space between building lines and lot lines other
than a yard that is free, open and unobstructed by appendages from
the ground upward.

94) cu.m. (cubic meter) - a basic international unit of volume measurement
with all four (4) sides and attendant projected height of such an area all
measuring one meter (1.0 m) long/ tall.

95) Curb and Gutter - the portion of the RROW that connects the sidewalk
and the carriageway / roadway. The curb is the edge of the sidewalk
while the gutter is where storm water passes on its way toa drain.

96) Curtain Wall - see Wall, Curtain.

97) DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) - line
agency of the State primarily tasked with the monitoring,
implementation and enforcement of valid and subsisting laws on the
natural and built environments.

98) DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) - line agency of
the State primarily tasked with the monitoring, implementation and
enforcement of valid and subsisting laws pertaining to the local
governance, particularly in the case of the LGUs of cities and
municipalities nationwide.

99) DoLE (Department of Labor and Employment) - line agency of the
State primarily tasked with the monitoring, implementation and
enforcement of valid and subsisting laws pertaining to labor practices
nationwide, including those relating to construction and development

100) DoTC (Department of Transportation and Communication) - line
infrastructure agency of the State primarily tasked with the
monitoring, implementation and enforcement of valid and subsisting
laws pertaining to the conceptualization, project development,
planning, design, implementation, management, administration,
operation, maintenance, monitoring, inspection, regulation and
documents review and approval for all fixed horizontal and vertical

14


infrastructure relating to transportation and communications and to all
mobile assets relating to transportation.

101) DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) - line
infrastructure agency of the State primarily tasked with the
monitoring, implementation and enforcement of valid and subsisting
laws pertaining to the conceptualization, project development,
planning, design, implementation, management, administration,
operation, maintenance, monitoring, inspection, regulation and
documents review and approval for all fixed horizontal and vertical
infrastructure. The agency is the one currently tasked with the
implementation and enforcement of the existing National Building
Code of the Philippines (NBCP).

102) DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) - line agency of the State
tasked with the monitoring, implementation and enforcement of laws
governing commerce, business and investments and with the
regulation of the construction industry.

103) DR (derivative regulations) - executive issuances by the national and
local Governments which detail the implementing rules and
regulations (IRs) of valid and subsisting laws, thus completing the
stream of State and local regulations, and which may take the form of,
but not be limited to Executive Orders (EOs), Administrative Orders
(AOs), Department Orders (DOs), Memorandum Circulars (MCs),
Letters of Instruction (LOIs), Presidential Proclamations (PPs),
Guidelines, Standards, Manuals of Procedure, and the like, whereby
the pertinent special or general law shall be the primary legal basis for
such issuances; DRs must be published and be fully supportive of this
Act and its IRR (reference IRR definition) and of other laws that are
valid and subsisting.

104) Decision - the resolution of a complaint or petition by the LGU OBO
and/or LBO (if lodged with said office/ person) and by the ONBO
and/or NBO (if lodged with said office/ person).

105) Developer - the entity who is lawfully registered and licensed under
law, and who/ which physically undertakes the conceptualization,
planning/ design, marketing, sale, execution, delivery to buyers,
management, operation, maintenance and administration of a project,
particularly those involving both horizontal and vertical works such as
civil works, subdivisions or buildings/ structures or portions thereof.

106) Development - the acts of a Developer relating to assessing, planning,
designing, managing, constructing/ finishing and delivering a
building/ structure, including its site/ grounds and its fitout
(furniture/ fixtures/ fittings/ equipment, as applicable) to the
intended user/ occupant/ beneficiary, and the subsequent acts relating
to the administration, operation and maintenance of such a building/
structure by its lawful Owner/s.

107) Development Controls (DCs) - the body of State and local laws and the
pertinent executive issuances that altogether limit the building bulk for
any building/ structure on a given project site. These include this Act,

15


planning and environmental laws, development and construction laws,

and their respective IRRs and DRs.

108) Dispersal Area, Safe - An area which will accommodate a number of

persons equal to the total capacity of the stand and building/ structure

it serves, in such a manner that no person within the area need be
closer than fifteen meters (15.0 m) from the stand or building/

structure. Dispersal areas shall be based upon the area of not less than

0.28 square meter (sqm) per person.

109) Display - the material or device mounted on the non-mobile billboard

support structure together with its content/ message. A display
surface area in excess of one square meter (1.0 sqm), with a least
dimension of one meter (1.0 m), shall be considered part of a non-

mobile billboard.

110) Documents - are reproduced or reproducible ouputs by RLPs
prepared, signed and dry-sealed for various purposes related to the
planning, design, construction and delivery of a building/ structure,

viz:

110.1

110.2

110.3

110.4

110.5

Allied Design Documents - outputs by RLIDs, RLLAs, etc.,
particularly those relating to the grounds/ site of a building/
structure;

Architectural Documents - outputs by RLAs, particularly those
relating to the exterior and interior of a building/ structure and
its grounds/ site development;

Contract Documents - outputs by RLPs, particularly those
relating to the procurement and contracting work relating toa
building/ structure and its grounds/ site;

Engineering Documents - outputs by RLPs who are Design
Engineers, particularly those relating to the civil/ structural,
electrical, electronics, sanitary, plumbing and related
engineering works for building/ structure and its grounds/ site;
and

Permit Documents - outputs by RLPs, particularly those relating
to the building/ ancillary / auxiliary/ accessory permit
applications relating to a building/ structure and its grounds/
site, as submitted for the review/ approval of the LGU OBO, in
full compliance with this Act.

111) Drawing - documentary representation of objects or forms ona surface
such as paper, chiefly made through the use of lines.

112) Dwelling - Any building or any portion thereof which is not an
apartment, lodging house or a hotel as defined in this Act, which must
contain one or two dwelling units or guest rooms, that are used,
intended or designed to be built, used, rented, leased, let or hired out
to be occupied, or which are occupied for living purposes.

113) Dwelling, Indigenous Family - A dwelling intended for the use and
occupancy only by the family of the owner. It is one constructed of


native materials such as bamboo, nipa, logs or lumber, the total cost of
which does not exceed one hundred thousand pesos.

114) Dwelling, Multiple - A building used as a home or residence of three or
more families living independently of each other, where a family may
‘occupy one or more rooms forming a unit.

115) Dwelling, Single Family - A detached building designated for, or
occupied exclusively by one nuclear family (legal spouses and
children) or by family members related up to the fourth degree of
consanguinity or affinity.

116) Dwelling Unit - One or more habitable rooms which are occupied or
which are intended or designated to be occupied by related or
unrelated persons, with facilities for living, sleeping, dining and food
preparation.

117) Easement, Mandated Legal -a public open space mandated under law
that must be absolutely free of all forms of physical obstructions that
can negatively affect natural light and ventilation within such a space
or that can impede access to or the full recreational use of such a space
by the general public. Legal easements also refer to the public area that
may lie between the legally usable portions of a private/public
property and natural or built bodies of water or waterways.

118) Egress - the act of going out of a building/ structure; emergence

119) Elevator - an enclosed platform or an enclosure raised and lowered ina
vertical shaft to transport people or freight

120) Emergency Egress - a path or opening dedicated for letting people out
ofa building/ structure during times of emergency; an exit.

121) Engineer - a State-regulated development and construction,
professional who is a holder of a Certificate of Registration and of a
license in the form of a professional identification (ID) card, both duly
issued by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and who can
practice agricultural, civil, electrical, electronics, mechanical, plumbing
and sanitary engineering on Philippine soil, in full accordance with the
pertinent Professional Regulatory Law (PRL) or successor laws, its IRR
and derivative regulations/ DRs (refer also to Registered and Licensed
Professionals/ RLPs).

122) Environment, Built - refers to the man-made surroundings that provide
the setting for human activity, ranging in scale from personal shelter
and buildings/ structures to neighborhoods, communities, towns or
cities that often include their supporting infrastructure, such as water
supply or energy networks.

123) Environment, Natural - The aggregate of the natural external
surroundings and conditions, in contrast to the built environment.

124) Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) - a document issued by
the DENR Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and which is a
prerequisite document to the filing of Permit Documents for a
building/ structure with the LGU OBO.

125) Environmental Planner, Registered and Licensed (RLEnP) - is a State-
regulated development professional who is a holder of a Certificate of
Registration or of a Special/Temporary Permit to Practice the

7


profession of environmental planning in the Philippines and of a
license in the form of a professional identification (ID) card duly issued
by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in full accordance
with P.D. 1308 or its successor law/s, its IRR and derivative
regulations (DRs). Refer also to Registered and Licensed Professionals
(RLPs).

126) Equipment - fixed assets other than land or building that are used in an
operation or activity.

126.1 Capital Equipment - are equipment that shall form part of a
building/ structure at completion of construction and delivery;
these are usually the equipment for vertical and diagonal
conveyances, major electrical, electronic and mechanical devices
and the like.

126.2 General Equipment - all other equipment not classified as
Capital Equipment.

127) Escalator - a moving stairway consisting of steps attached to a
continuously circulating belt.

128) Esplanade - a long, open, level area, usually next to a river or large
body of water, which may be landscaped, and where people may walk
and where wheeled manual and motorized conveyances (bicycles, cars,
etc.) may pass alongside the walk. Esplanades are often on sea fronts,
and allow walking whatever the state of the tide, without having to
walk on the beach.

129) Estimate - a calculation that approximates the amount, extent,
magnitude, position, or value of the construction work for a building/
structure, its contents and/or its grounds/ site.

130) Exit - A continuous and unobstructed means of egress to a public way,
and shall include intervening doors, doorways, corridors, exterior exit
balconies, ramps, stairways, smokeproof enclosures, horizontal exits,
exit passageways, exit courts, and yards. An exit shall be deemed to be
that point which open directly into a safe dispersal area or public way.
All measurement are to be made to that point when determining the
permissible distance of the travel.

131) Exit Courts - A yard or court providing egress to a public way for one
or more required exits.

132) Exit, Horizontal - A means of passage from one building into another
building occupied by the same tenant through a separation wall having,
a minimum fire resistance of one-hour.

133) Exit Passageway - An enclosed means of egress connecting a required
exit or exit court with a public way.

134) Expansion - construction work that calls for the horizontal and/or
vertical enlargement of an existing building/ structure.

135) Extreme/ Extraordinary Events (EE) - natural or man-caused events
that cause widespread destruction to property and/or loss of life; these
include earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, very strong,


typhoons, heavy flooding, extensive fire (urban/ grass/ forest), war,
invasion, pestilence, epidemics and the like.

136) FAR (Floor Area Ratio) - same as FLAR (Floor to Lot Area Ratio).

137) FCP (Fire Code of the Philippines) - R.A. No. 9514 and its latest IRR
and DRs, a referral code of this Act.

138) FLAR (Floor to Lot Area Ratio) - a development control (DC) that
limits the designated right over the Gross Floor Area (GFA) that can be
lawfully generated/ developed for a given total lot area (TLA).

139) Facade - the principal face of a building/ structure oriented towards
the main access-way/ RROW.

140) Facility - a building/ structure provision to serve a particular function
and to make movements in and out of a building/ structure faster but
also comfortable for the user/ occupant e.g. covered parking and
driveways, loading ramps/ platforms, freight/ service elevators,
paved walks under a canopy of shade or ornamental trees, graphics
and way-finding devices, adequate lighting for all envisoned tasks and
for general safety and security, and the like.

141) Facing - Any masonry material, forming an integral part of a wall that
is used as a finished surface (as differentiated from veneer).

142) Fenestration - the design and placement of windows in a building; an
‘opening in the surface of a structure, as in a membrane.

143) Fire Code of the Philippines (FCP) - shall refer to R.A. No. 9514 of 2008
and its latest IRR. The term may also refer to P.D. No. 1185 which was
repealed by R.A. No. 9514 (2008 FCP).

144) Fire Exit - is a special exit for emergencies such as a fire: the combined
use of regular and special exits allows for faster evacuation of a
building/ structure, while it also provides an alternative if the route to
the regular exit is blocked by fire.

145) Fire Integrity - the quality that prevents fire on one side of the
building/ structure from being transmitted to the opposite side within
a designated period.

146) Fire Lane - Passageways or access roads that allow fire apparatuses to
pass through. For a building/ structure, the term shall refer to the
corridor leading to the fire/ emergency exit.

147) Fire Marshal - the LGU official tasked with the implementation and
enforcement of the Fire Code of the Philippines within the LGU
jurisdiction.

148) Fire Rating - the duration for which a passive fire protection system
can withstand a standard fire resistance test.

149) Fire Stop - An incombustible, horizontal or vertical barrier, as of brick
across a hollow wall or across an open room, to stop the spread of fire.

150) Fire Zone - An area of a building that has been designated by the
NBCP as being subject to a relatively high fire risk.

151) Firebrick - A refractory brick.

152) Fireclay - A finely ground clay used as a plasticizer for masonry
mortars but varies widely in physical properties.

19


153) Fireplace - A hearth and fire chamber or similarly prepared space in
which a fire may be made and which is built in conjunction with a
chimney.

154) Firewall - means a reinforced masonry or reinforced concrete separator
with the appropriate fire-resistive rating and which shall be positioned
between buildings/ structures to maintain the fire integrity of each
building/ structure. Firewalls that are erected along and/or above
property lines utilize a substantial portion of the maximum
development potential of a property and shall therefore have no
openings except for the permitted vent wells specified under the 1977
National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP) and its
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). Firewalls are not
envisioned as a mounting surface for billboards and other types of
display under the NBCP and its IRR as such billboards/ displays also
constitute a fire and safety hazard to an adjoining property. It is also
defined as a wall which subdivides a building so as to resist the spread
of fire, measured vertically from the foundation and extending
continuously through all storeys to, or above the roof, and terminating
at one (1.0) m above the roof.

155) Firewall, Setback for Tall - a special setback for tall firewalls to allow
for maintenance and the proper drainage of the tall firewall’s vertical
surface.

156) Firewall, Tall - a firewall that is more than four meters (4.0 m) above
the natural grade line (NGL), thereby requiring additional horizontal
reinforcements.

157) Firewall Trench - a drainage canal for tall firewalls, positioned between
the property line and the firewall, and usually four to six hundred (400
- 600) mm in width at its minimum.

158) First Floor - The floor which is immediately above the ground floor
(reference definition), whereby the remaining upper floors shall be
numbered in regular succession (counting upward).

159) Fitout - the series of coordinated activities that range from the
procurement, delivery, on-site installation, testing and
operationalization of furniture, fixtures, fittings, equipment and related
provisions in a building/ structure before or after its delivery.

60) Fitting - generally refers to furnishings or fixtures; specifically refers to
connectors or devices forming part of the utility systems in a building/
structure.

161) Fixture - generally refers to furnishings or fixtures; specifically refers te
connectors or devices forming part of the utility systems in a building/
structure.

162) Flood - the overflow of an expanse of water that submerges land; a
temporary covering by water of land not normally covered by water;
flooding may be due to excessive rain, storms and other extreme events
such as tsunamis, massive surface water flows, non-percolation of
land, inflow of the tide and/or river or lake overflows or dam/ dike/
polder/ levee breaks (whereby the result is that previously contained
water escapes its usual boundaries/ containment structures).

20


163) Floodwater Mark, High - the highest recorded level of floodwater over
a minimum thirty to fifty (30 - 50) year flood cycle, which must be used
as the basis for establishing the first floor elevation of structures.

164) Floor Area - The area included within the enveloping exterior walls of
a building or portion thereof, exclusive of vent shafts and courts. The
floor area of a building or portion thereof not provided with
enveloping exterior walls shall be the usable area under the horizontal
projection of the roof or floor above

165) Floor Plate - the total gross floor area (TGFA) occupied by floors above
the ground or first floor.

166) Footing - That portion of the foundation of a building/ structure which
spreads and transmits loads directly to the soil or the pile.

167) Force Majeure (and Acts of God) - an extraordinary event or
circumstance beyond the control of the entities involved in
construction work, such as a war, strike, riot, crime, or an event
described by the legal term Act of God (such as typhoons, flooding,
earthquake, volcanic eruption, etc.), that prevents entities from
fulfilling their obligations under a construction contract.

168) Foundation - All the portions of the building or structure below the
footing; or the earth upon which the building/ structure rests.

169) Furniture - the movable articles in a room or an establishment that
make it fit for living or working.

170) GFA (Gross Floor Area) - the total floor space within the perimeter of
the permanent external building walls (inclusive of main and auxiliary
buildings) such as office areas, residential areas, corridors, lobbies and
mezzanine level/s. The GFA shall also include building projections
which may serve as floors or platforms that are directly connected to/
integrated with areas within the building/ structure e.g, balconies. The
GEA specifically excludes the following:

170.1 Covered areas used for parking and driveways, services and
utilities;

170.2. Vertical penetrations in parking floors where no residential or
office units are present; and

170.3. Uncovered areas for helipads, air-conditioning cooling towers or
air-conditioning condensing unit (ACCU) balconies, overhead
water tanks, roof decks, laundry areas and cages, wading or
swimming pools, whirlpools or jacuzzis, terraces, gardens,
courts or plazas, balconies exceeding ten (10.0) sqm, fire escape
structures and the like.

171) Garage - A building or portion thereof in which a motor vehicle
containing gasoline, distillate or other volatile, flammable liquid in its
tank, is stored, repaired or kept.

172) Garage, Commercial - A garage where automobiles and other motor
vehicle are housed, cared for, equipped, repaired or kept for
remuneration, hire or sale.

a


173) Garage, Private - A building or portion of a building in which only
motor vehicles used by the tenants of the building or a complex of
buildings are stored or kept. These are usually facilities forming part of
office and condominium buildings.

174) Girder - A horizontal structural piece which supports the end of the
floor beams or joists or walls over openings.

175) Glazing - glass set or made to be set in frames;

176) Grade (Adjacent Ground Elevation) - The lowest point of elevation of
the finished surface of the ground between the exterior wall of a
building and a point 1.50 meters (m) distant from said wall, or the
lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of the ground between
the exterior wall of a building and a property line if it is less than 1.50
m distant from sidewall. In case walls are parallel to and within 1.50 m
of a public sidewalk, alley or other public way, the grade shall be the
elevation of the sidewalk, alley or public way.

177) Green Architecture - Architecture in which the plan/ design exceeds
the NBCP planning/ design standards and which is focused on
making a building energy-efficient, so as to reduce its energy
consumption, water consumption reduction, solid and liquid waste
generation, operating and maintenance costs and environmental
impact.

178) Green Building - a building that is sustainably planned, designed,
used/ occupied, managed and maintained. The passive design features
of a Green Building require it to use less energy resources while
maintaining a comfortable lifestyle for its occupants. Its active design
features imply the use of equipment that run on renewable resources
such as wind turbines, solar panels, and the like, that help conserve
natural and non-renewable resources. The key principles of Green
Buildings revolve around its site and surroundings, energy/ water/
material efficiency, indoor air quality, waste reduction and low
operating/ maintenance costs.

179) Ground Floor - the floor which is immediately above the level of the
sidewalk or adjoining ground or with the nearest finished grade,
whereby the other floors above, beginning with first floor (reference
definition), shall be designated by successive floor numbers (counting
upward). If the natural or finished grade is well below the level of the
adjoining sidewalk, there may be more than one ground floor for the
building ie. upper ground floor, lower ground floor, etc.

180) Grounds - the immediate surroundings of a building/ structure
defined by the building lines and the property lines.

181) Guest Room - any room or rooms for use, or intended for use by a
guest for sleeping purposes. Every nine point three (9.3) square meters
(6qm) of gross floor area (GFA) in a dormitory building shall be
considered a guest room.

182) Habitable Room - any room meeting the requirements of this Act for
sleeping, living, dining and/or food preparation purposes, excluding
such enclosed spaces as closets, pantries, toilet and bath, service rooms,

22


connecting corridors, laundries, unfinished attics, storage, space

cellars, utility rooms and similar spaces.

183) Habitation, Human - the normal activities relating to daily living by
mankind, which encompass acts relating to sleeping, food preparation,
eating/ dining, laundry, cleaning, general work, study, travel, health
care, wellness, personal care and hygiene, social interaction,
entertainment, rest, recreation, convalescence, worship, dispute
settlement, production, business and commerce, banking, construction,
development, services, correctional facilities, safety and security,
farming, waste management, governance and the like.

184) Hallway - a corridor or common passageway used by all occupants
within a building.

185) Hallway, Stair - a hallway which includes the stairs, stair landings, and
those portions of the common halls through which it is necessary to
pass in going between the entrance floor and a room.

186) Hardware - metal goods and utensils such as locks, handles, tools, and
cutlery.

187) Height, Clear
187.1 Clear Ceiling Height (CCH) - the unobstructed height of a floor

or a room reckoned as the vertical distance measured at right
angle from the finished floor line (FFL) up to the finished ceiling
line (FCL).

187.2 Clear Height of Balconies - measured from the highest point of
the sidewalk grade to the underside of the balcony floor joists. If
these joists are sealed, this clear height is measured to the
underside of the sealing material.

188) Height, Floor to Floor (FFH) - the clear distance measured at right
angle from the finished floor line (FFL) at a certain floor up to the FFL
above or below such FFL.

189) Height, Floor to Floor (FFH) - the clear distance measured at right
angle from the finished floor line (FFL) at a certain floor up to the FFL
above or below such FFL.

190) Helipad - the launch and landing area of a heliport, usually mounted
on top of a tall building/ structure or on open ground.

191) Heliport - an area of land or water or a structural surface which is
used, or intended for use, for the landing and take off of helicopters
and any appurtenant areas which are used, or intended for use, for
heliport buildings and related/ support facilities.

192) Helistop - A development similar to a heliport except that no refueling,
maintenance repairs, or storage of helicopters is permitted.

193) Horizontal Works - are construction works dealing mainly with
horizontal infrastructure such as the development/ redevelopment/
demolition/ removal, repair/ retrofit, maintenance, etc. of road rights-
of-way (RROWS)/ streets, bridges, embankment/ shore/ coastal
protection systems, drainage and flood control systems, sewerage and
wastewater systems, water supply systems, water treatment systems,
solid waste management systems, underground utility systems, traffic

23


safety and management systems, landscaping, land development
including subdivision access systems, general civil works, informal
settlements, and the like, but specifically excluding vertical works.

194) Hotel - A building or a part thereof with rooms occupied or intended
to be occupied for hire as temporary abode of persons, with no
provision for cooking in any of the individual suites or rooms.
Common facilities/ services shall include recreation/ entertainment
areas, public dining and a general kitchen.

195) Hotel, Apartment - An apartment building which may furnish dining
room service and other services for the exclusive use of its tenants.

196) House - a building that provides spaces for rest and general to
controlled habitation activities.

196.1. Boarding House - A house with five or more sleeping rooms
where the boarders are provided with lodging, and meals for a
fixed sum paid periodically in accordance with an arrangement

196.2 Lodging House - Any building or portion thereof, containing
not more than five guest rooms which are used by not more
than five guests where rent is paid in money, goods, labor or
otherwise.

196.3 Pension House - A family-run establishment, often guest
houses, which offer accommodation services to their guests, and
which allows the guests to freely interact with the local
populace.

196.4 Shop House - (see Accessori).

197) ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) - the United Nations
(UN) entity that periodically issues the Standards and Recommended
Practices (SARP) for the selection, planning and design of airports and
heliports.

198) Illegal Building/ Structure - any horizontal or vertical structure that is
developed or constructed, occupied, used, operated and maintained
without the requisite permits from the LGU OBO to build, occupy,
operate and maintain such a building/ structure.

199) IRR - The implementing rules and regulations of this Act, which may
or may not include its guidelines, standards, manual/s of procedure
(MoP) and derivative regulations (DRs).

200) Incombustible - As applied to building construction materials, a
material which, in the form it is used, is either one of the following:
200.1. Material having an structural base of incombustible material as

defined in Item (2), above, with a surfacing material not over
three point two (3.2) mm thick which has a flame-spread rating
of fifty (50) or less.

200.2. The term “incombustible" does not apply to surface finish
materials. Material required to be incombustible for reduced
clearance to flues, heating appliances or other materials shall
refer to material conforming to the provisions of this Act. No
material shall be classed as incombustible if it is subject to

24


increase in combustibility or flame-spread rating beyond the
limits herein established, through the effects of age, moisture, or
other atmospheric conditions.

201) Incombustible Material - When referred to as structural material,
means brick, stone, terracotta, concrete, iron, steel, sheet, metal or tiles,
used either singly or in combination with like materials.

202) Incombustible Roofing - A covering of not less than two thicknesses of
roofing felt and a good coat of tar and gravel or tin, corrugated iron or
other approved fire-resisting material with a standing seam of lap joint.

203) incombustible Stud Partition - A partition plastered on both sides upon
metal lath or wire cloth for the full height of the partition, and fire-
topped between the studs with incombustible material twenty
centimeters (20.0 cm) above the floor and at the ceiling.

204) Informal Settlement - a building/ structure or a group of dwellings on
a public or private property that have been illegally constructed,
occupied, operated and maintained without permits from the LGU
OBO and without any form of permission from the Owner of the
property.

205) Informal Settler - an individual natural person who resides in an.
illegally constructed, occupied, operated and maintained building or
dwelling that is sited within an informal settlement.

206) Ingress - a means or place of entering.

207) Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) -

207.1 Ownership of the Building/ Structure Plans and Designs - shall
refer to proprietary rights to an architectural, engineering and
allied design output such as plans, designs and other documents
by a person/ juridical entity who commissions the State-
registered and licensed professional (RLP) and whose
ownership of such outputs by such RLPs shall only be confined
to the use of the architectural, engineering and allied design
documents for executing/ implementing the work described
therein for one (1) or the original project; ownership shall not
apply to the use of a part of or of the entire architectural,
engineering and allied design documents to repetitions or to
subsequent projects.

207.2. Copyright Over the Building/ Structure Plans and Designs (or
Copyright Ownership) - shall refer to the intellectual
proprietary rights retained by a State-registered and licensed
Architect (RLA), engineer or allied design professional over the
respective architectural, engineering and allied design
documents/ work that such State- registered and licensed
professionals (RLPs) prepare, unless there is written stipulation
to the contrary. Copyright in a work of architecture by RLAs
shall include the right to control the erection of any building/
structure which reproduces the whole or a substantial part of
the architectural work either in its original form or in any form
recognizably derived from the original. However, the copyright

25


in any such work shall not include the right to control the
reconstruction or rehabilitation in the same style as the original
of a building to which the copyright relates.

208) Interiors, Architectural - the detailed planning and design of the
indoor/ enclosed areas of any building/ structure, including retrofit or
renovation work for such a building, and which shall cover all
architectural and utility aspects, including the architectural Jay-outing
of all building engineering systems found therein.

209) Intersections - are common surface areas or spaces shared by two (2) or
more RROWs, similar ROWs or legal easements or a mix of such public
spaces, which form part of the public domain and are therefore
disallowed sites for non-mobile billboards.

210) Jurisprudence - Philippine Supreme Court decisions that form part of
the law of the land.

211) Kg (kilogram) - a basic international unit of weight.

212) LBO (Local Building Official) - reference Building Official, Local.

213) Land Use - the exploitation of land for agricultural, industrial,
residential, recreational or other purposes.

214) LGU - Local Government Unit as defined under R. A. No. 7160,
otherwise known as the 1990 Local Government Code of the
Philippines or its successor law/s.

215) LGU OBO (Office of the Building Official) - an office forming part of
the local government unit (LGU) but which is under the direct
supervision and administrative control of the National Building
Official (NBO), and whose primarily role shall be the full
implementation and enforcement of this Revised National Building
Code of the Philippines (RNBCP) and its various referral codes (RC) at
the LGU level, as well as the various laws that concern the natural and
built environments, site and property developments, building and
grounds construction and the various professional regulatory laws
(PRLs).

216) Landscape Architect - a State-regulated development professional who
is a holder of a Cert ite of Registration and of a license in the form of
a professional identification (ID) card, both duly issued by the
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and who can practice
architecture on Philippine soil in full accordance with the pertinent
PRL or successor law/s, its IRR and derivative regulations.

217) Landside - the portion of the airport (or airfield) that extends from the
terminal building to the main RROW/ street level access system.

218) Law - a rule of conduct or action prescribed or formally recognized as
binding and to be implemented and enforced by the State or through a
controlling authority under such law.

218.1 Building Laws - refer to this Act as the primary law and to other
similar or special laws enacted by the State or by LGUs as
secondary or derivative laws, all of which must deal solely with
the development, construction, management and use/

26


occupancy of buildings and structures as well as of their
immediate sites, grounds, settings and environs.

218.2. Environmental Laws - refer to a body of laws pertaining to the
management of the entire universe of natural and built
environments within Philippine territory.

218.3 Physical Planning Laws - refer to a body of laws pertaining to
the development, management and use of portions of the
natural and built environments for public benefit or private
enjoyment/ profit,

218.4 Professional Regulatory Laws (PRLs) - refer toa body of laws
Pertaining to the practice of State-regulated professions that deal
with the development, management and use of portions of the
natural and built environments,

218.5 B.P. (Batas Pambansa) - a law approved from 1979 through 1986.

218.6 P.D. (Presidential Decree) - a law promulgated from 1972
through 1979,

218.7 R.A. (Republic Act) - a law approved from 1986 up to the
present time and from 1946 through 1972,

219) Level - the portion of a building or structure which does not qualify as
a regular floor, mainly due to a lower ceiling height or the lack of fall
enclosures.

220) Level - the portion of a building or structure which does not qualify as
a regular floor, mainly due to a lower ceiling height or the lack of full
enclosures.

220.1 Attic - Any portion of a building situated wholly or partly
within a roof cavity, so designed, arranged or built for use in
business, as storage or for habitation

2202 Basement - If the finished floor level directly above a basement,
cellar or unused underfloor space is less than three meters (3.0
m) above it, such a basement, cellar or unused underfloor space
shall be considered as a level (as differentiated from a storey)

2203 Deck/ Deck Roof - a suspended slab or metal or composite roof
which may be partly enclosed or fully open to the elements and
which may host a variety of activities.

220.4 Mezzanine - If the finished floor level directly above a
mezzanine is less than two meters (2.0m) above it, space shall
be considered as a level (as differentiated from a storey),

221)Lighting System - the luminaries/ complete lighting units, power
source and connections, controls and all support structures/ devices
that ensure the continuous illumination of a display.

222)Line, Building - The line formed by the intersection of the outer surface
of the enclosing wall of the building/ structure and the surface of the

ound.

223)Line, Finished Floor (FFL) - a line determined by the top of the finished

floor.

7


224)Line, Finished Ceiling (FCL) - a line measured from the top of the
finished floor (the finished floor line or FFL) to the bottom of the
finished ceiling.

225)Line, Property - the imaginary or defined line or a set of such
interconnected lines that denote the limits of a property.

226)Line, Roof - the imaginary or defined line or a set of such
interconnected lines that denote the limits of the roof over a building/
structure, and which classifies as an outermost face of the building
(OFB).

227)Lintel - The beam or girder placed over an opening in a wall, which
supports the wall construction above such opening.

228)Liquefaction - refers to the geologic process by which saturated,
unconsolidated sediments are transformed into a substance that acts
like a liquid; earthquakes can cause soil liquefaction where loosely
packed, water-logged sediments come loose from the intense shaking
by the earthquake.

229)Im - lineal meter.

230)Load, Dead - The weight of the permanent portions of a building or
structure; it includes the weight of the walls Permanent partitions,
framing floors, roofs and all other permanent and stationary fixtures,
mechanisms and other construction entering into and becoming a part
of a building or structure.

231)Load, Lateral - That load caused by wind/s, earthquakes or other
dynamic forces.

232)Load, Live - The weight of the contents of a building or structure; it
includes all loads except dead and lateral, and weight of temporary
Partitions, cases, counters and similar equipment, and all loads
imposed due to the occupancy of the building or structure.

233)Load, Occupant - The total number of persons that may lawfully
occupy a building/ structure or portion thereof at any one time. This
Particularly applies to commercial and business structures which have
large daytime populations.

234)Lot - A parcel of land on which a principal/ main building/ structure
and its accessories are placed or may be placed, together with the
required open spaces. A lot may or may not be the land designated as
lot or recorded plot.

235)Lot, Corner - A lot situated at the junction of two or more RROWs/
streets forming an angle of not more than one hundred thirty-five
degrees (135°).

236)Lot, Depth of - The average horizontal distance between the front and
the rear property/ lot lines.

237)Lot, Front - The front boundary line of a lot bordering on the RROW/
street. In the case of a corner lot, it may be either of the 2 lot frontages.

238)Lot, Inside - A lot fronting one RROW/ street or alley, with the
remaining sides bounded by property / lot lines.

239)Lot Line - The line of demarcation between the public domain and
private property.

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240)Lot, Open - A lot bounded on all sides by lines defining the outer edge
of roadlots.

241) Lot, Road - a lot that separates properties on which buildings/
structures could be erected. The grade level of the roadlot must be the
setting for road rights-of-way (RROWs)/ streets and all of their
elements, including street furniture and landscaping elements. The
below grade level of roadlots must be the primary setting for various
permitted utility lines and elements. The above grade level of roadlots,
which should preferably be left open and free of obstructions, may also
become the setting for various permitted utility lines and elements,

242)Lot, Width of - The average horizontal distance between the side lot
lines.

243)m (meter) - a basic unit of international measurement at 37.37 inches,
usually used to show dimensions of the plans/ designs/ documents of
buildings/ structures.

244)mm (millimeter) - a basic a basic unit of international measurement at
1/1,000 of a meter (m), usually used to show dimensions in the
detailed design and architectural finishing components of buildings/
structures,

245)MLE (Mandated Legal Easement) - see Easement, Mandated Legal.

246)MMDA - Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

247)MoS (Manual of Standards) for Aerodromes - a CAAP document on
standards for the planning, design, construction, administration,
operation and maintenance of aerodromes.

248)Masonry - A form of construction composed of stone, brick, concrete,
gypsum, hollow clay tile, concrete block or tile, or other similar
building units of material or a combination of such materials stacked
and set in mortar.

249)Masonry, Solid - Masonry consisting of solid masonry units that do not
contain hollow spaces.

250)Masonry Unit - Brick, block, tile, stone or other similar building units
or combinations thereof, bound by a cementation agent.

251)Median (Island) - the portion of a RROW/ street that separates bi-
directional carriageways (roadways).

252)Mezzanine - A partial intermediate floor in any storey of a building or
a room in a building having a total gross floor area (TGFA) of not more
than one-half of the area of the room or space on which it is
constructed. See Level, Mezzanine.

253)NBCP - the 1977 National Building Code of the Philippines, otherwise
known as Presidential Decree or P.D. No, 1096 or its successor laws, its
latest IRR, its RCs and its DRs.

254)NBO (National Building Official) - reference Building Official,
National.

255)NBZ (No-Build Zone) ~ refers to the portion of the air rights above the
public domain, usually RROWs or MLEs, as well as the adjacent
portions of private or public property, for which no form of
construction must be allowed, to accord the users of the public domain

29


and the occupants of private/ public properties the full benefit of
natural light and ventilation.

256)Non-Conforming Building - A building which does not conform to the
regulations of the district where it is situated with respect to building
height limit (BHL), yard requirement, lot area and percentage of site
occupancy (PSO).

257)Non-Conforming Use - The use of a building or land or any portion of
such building or land which does not conform to the use and
regulation of the zone where it is situated.

258) OFB (Outermost Faces of Building) - a plane that shall be primarily
determined by the vertical projections of the outermost faces of the
AMBF up to a height prescribed by the applicable BHL. The OFB helps
determine the angular planes needed to establish the lawful outer
limits for walls and projections of the proposed building/ structure
facing the RROW and for their corresponding roof configurations.

259)ONBO (Office of the National Building Official) - the agency headed
by the NBO,

260)Occupancy - The purpose for which a building/ structure is used or
intended to be used. The term shall also include the building/
structure or other enclosure housing such use. Change of occupancy is
not intended to refer to the change of tenants or proprietors.

260.1 Principal Occupancy - the primary building/ structure use that
shall be permitted;

260.2 Accessory Occupancy - the secondary building/ structure use
that shall be permitted; and

2603 Conditional Occupancy - the tertiary building/ structure use
that may or may not be permitted, depending on the satisfaction
of certain conditions.

261) Occupant - Any natural or juridical person, lawfully using/ occupying
the building/s and/or property /ies under consideration, and entitled
to its full and lawful use and enjoyment.

262) Office of the Building Official (OBO) - see LGU OBO.

263) Orientation, Building - The siting of a building/ structure on its site
with respect to sun, wind, rain/ storm, view, noise, odors, pollution,
traffic, drainage, natural or artificial light and ventilation, speedy
access/ ingress, emergency egress, social factors, privacy, security,
general safety, constructability, topography, hazards, project phasing,
business/ commercial factors such as. competition and like
considerations taken as a whole. For instance, the northeast-southwest
(NE-SW) orientation of the long axis (thin side) of buildings/
structures has the advantage of maximizing the cooling effect of
prevailing winds coming from the NE monsoon (amihan) winds and
minimizing the damaged from SW monsoon (habagat) winds. Such
elemental exposures also maximizes the heat of the morning sun while
minimizing the heat of the afternoon sun

30


264) Owner, Building/ Property - Any natural or juridical person, lawfully
owning the building/s and/or property /ies under consideration or the
teceiver or trustee thereof, and entitled to its full and lawful use and
enjoyment.

265) Outfall - an artificial waterway, usually a large diameter pipe, draining
a building or its site directly onto a large waterway or drainage-way.

266) Preliminary Architectural Documents (PAD) - are ADs submitted to
the LGU OBO for prior review and approval by the BRC. Once the
AAP is secured for the approved PAD, the RLA can proceed with the
Preparation of the Contract Documents and detailed building plans
and designs required for building permit application.

267) PCAB (Philippine Construction Accreditation Board) - quasi-judicial
agency under the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines
(CIAP) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DT!) primarily
tasked with the regulation and licensing of Constructors and with the
implementation and enforcement of R.A. No. 4566 (Contractor's Law)
or its successor law/s.

268) PRC (Professional Regulation Commission) - the entity that
administers the State-regulated professions in the Philippines,
including those that deal with the natural and built environments, in
full accordance with R.A. No. 8981 (The PRC Modernization Act of
2000), its IRR and derivative regulations, and their successor laws and
regulations.

269) PRB (Professional Regulatory Board) - the entity primarily tasked
under law to provide oversight in the implementation and enforcement
of the pertinent professional regulatory law (PRL); for instance, the
PRB of Architecture (PRBoA) is the entity overseeing the
implementation and enforcement of the PRL R.A, No. 9266 (The
Architecture Act of 2004), its IRR and DRs relative to mandated
compliances under this Act.

270) PRL (Professional Regulatory Law) - reference definition under Laws.

271) PSO (Percentage of Site Occupancy) - refers to the portion of the total
Jot area (TLA) that is exclusively occupied by the footprint of a
building/ structure; the maximum PSO shall be governed by the use,
type of construction, and height of the building and the use, area,
nature, and location of the site; and subject to the provisions of the
local zoning requirements and in accordance with the rules and
regulations promulgated by the National Building Official (NBO).

272) Panic Hardware/ Device - A bar which extends across at least one-half
the width of each door leaf, which must open such door if subjected to
downward pressure.

273) Parking - the act of stationing a wheeled man/ animal-powered or
motorized transportation conveyance on any portion of the RROW/
street or within a private/ public parking facility, over a period of time,
usually more than thirty (30) seconds, whether or not the driver stays
in/on or out of or away from the vehicle.

31


273.1 Parking, Extended - is an act by any person, consideréd as the
deliberate private use or enjoyment of the public domain, which
must be subject to an hourly fine plus towing of the offending
vehicle, in addition to lawful detention of the driver/s or
Passengers as warranted or as the appropriate authorities may
decide. In no case shall the fine be less than PhPS5.0 per hour and
the detention less than 12.0 hours from time of arrest for
extended parking; and

273.2 Parking, Megal - is a person's act of parking in an area/ surface
for which parking is prohibited or of extending parking well
beyond the designated time.

274) Parking, Open - an uncovered area used for parking vehicles, where
such vehicles and their users are exposed to the elements.

275) Parking, Off-Street - a parking facility away from the RROW/ street,
usually in a private/ public lot or building/ structure.

276) Parking, On-Street - a duly permitted parking facility ona lawfully
designated portion of the RROW/ street used for periodic parking, and
which must not be used for overnight parking.

277) Parking Building/ Structure - A building/ structure of one or more
levels in height which is used exclusively for the sheltered or covered
Parking or storage of passenger motor vehicles having a capacity of not
more than twenty (20) seated passengers per vehicle. Parking
buildings/ structures may be classified as either ramp access or
mechanical access. Ramp access parking buildings/ structures are
those employing a series of levels connected by ramps that permit the
movement of vehicles under their own power from and to the street
level. Mechanical access parking buildings/ structures are those
employing parking machines, lifts, elevators or other mechanical
services for vehicles moving from and to street level. Long-term public
occupancies of any type above street level shall be prohibited.

278) Partition - An interior subdividing wall.

279) Paver ~ a floor finishing material loosely set on a confined bed of sand
or fine gravel.

280) Permit - an official document stating the permission granted by the
LGU OBO to an applicant and the conditions for such a permission,
relating to the construction and delivery of a building/ structure.

280.1 Accessory Permits - the individual permits for construction
protection and safety, demolition/ abatement, excavation,
fencing, foundation and retaining wall and sidewalk
construction relating to a building/ structure and its site/
grounds;

280.2. Ancillary Permits - the individual permits for the architectural,
civil/ structural, electrical, electronics, mechanical, plumbing,
sanitary and related works for a building/ structure; and

32


280.3 Auxiliary Permits - the individual permits for architectural
conservation permit, billboard (non-mobile), elevator operation,
generator and transformer operation, sewage treatment plant
(STP) operation and telephone exchange operation for a
building/ structure.

280.4 Building Permit - the permit for the construction of a building/
structure, preceded by the requisite Ancillary Permits.

281) Person - an individual recognized by law as the subject of rights,
duties, responsibilities and liabilities.

281.1 Juridical Person - a person created by law such as a firm (sole
proprietorship registered with the DTI or partnership, limited
partnership (as applicable), corporation, association, consortium
or foundation registered with the SEC; and

281.2 Natural Person - a person who is naturally-born and developed,
and who is a citizen of the State, whether by blood or place of
birth.

282) Petition - a statement by any person alleging violations of this Act or its
predecessors laws, the pertinent IRRs and DRs, duly filed with the
LGU OBO or the ONBO, and requesting said offices to take lawful
action against the violations/ violators identified.

283) Petition - a statement by any person alleging violations of this Act or its
predecessors laws, the pertinent IRRs and DRs, duly filed with the
LGU OBO or the ONBO, and requesting said offices to take lawful
action against the violations/ violators identified. .

284) Philippine Territory - all the land (surface and sub-surface), water
(surface and sub-surface) and air assets, whether part of the public
domain or privately owned, that currently serve or could serve as the
setting for buildings/ structures.

285) Physical Planning - the detailed planning of land or property on which
vertical structures such as buildings, monuments and/or structures
and horizontal developments such as rights-of-way (ROWS), open
spaces and recreational/ sports/ establishments/ tourism and related
facilities are to be proposed/ maintained. This is a professional service
rendered by RLAs.

286) Pier - An insolated (ie. sun-exposed) mass of masonry forming,
support for arches, columns, girders, lintels, trusses and similar
structural parts.

287) Pilaster - A portion of the wall which projects on one or both sides and
acts as a vertical beam, a column, or both.

288) Plan - a drawing or diagram made to scale showing the structure or
arrangement of a building/ structure, which May or may not be in
relation to its grounds/ site.

288.1 Architectural Plan - a two (2)- dimensional representation
reflecting a proposed development/ redevelopment of an

33


enclosed semi-enclosed or open area showing features or
elements such as columns, walls, partitions, ceiling, stairs,
doors, windows, floors, roof, room designations, door and
window call-outs, the architectural layout of equipment,
furnishings, furniture and the like, specifications callouts,
elevation references, drawing references and the like; the
architectural plan is the representation of a lateral section for a
proposed building/ structure (running parallel to the ground)
and at a height of from one to one point five (1.0 - 1.5) meters
above the finished floor; the term may also collectively refer to
other architectural designs such as cross/ longitudinal sections,
elevations, roof plan, reflected ceiling plan; detailed sections and
elevations showing architectural interiors, detailed architectural
designs, door and window schedules, other architectural
finishing schedules and the like.

288.2 As-Built Plan - the architectural, engineering and allied design
plans and designs that result from the conduct of a building
audit; also refers to the architectural, engineering and allied
design plans and designs of a building/ structure as completed
and delivered; and

288.3 Structural Plan - the structural engineering plans and designs of
a building/ structure.

289) Plaster, Portland Cement - A mixture of portland cement, or portland
cement and lime and aggregate and/or other approved material as
specified in this Act or its IRR.

290) Plastic Derivatives - are materials that are primarily derived from
plastics but which may be combined with other materials to create
composite materials that have properties superior to plastics.

291) Plastics, Approved - Plastic materials which have a flame spread rating
of two hundred twenty five (225) or less.

292) Platform, Enclosed - A partially enclosed portion of an assembly room,
the ceiling of which is not more than one point five meters (1.5 m)
above the proscenium opening and which is designed or used for the
presentation of plays, demonstrations or other entertainment wherein
scenery, drops, decorations of the effects may be installed or used.

298) Podium - a pedestal on a large scale, usually supporting or adjacent to
a tower component of a building. It may be any of various elements
that form the base of a structure, such as the platform for a building,
and in the case of architectural interiors and interior design, a low wall
supporting columns, or the structurally or decoratively emphasized
lowest portion of a wall.

294) Population, Daytime Building - the actual number of permanent
occupants, users and visitors of a building/ structure over the period
6:01 a.m. through 6:00 p.m.

298) Population, Design - the originally projected number of permanent
occupants, users and visitors for a building/ structure as reflected in


the Permit Documents submitted for the review/ approval of the LGU
OBO.

296) Population, Nighttime Building - the actual number of permanent
occupants, users and visitors of a building/ structure over the period
6:01 p.m. through 6:00 a.m.

297) Practice, Private - the practice of a State-regulated profession relating
to buildings/ structures by a duly-qualified RLP engaged in private
Practice, and who is not employed by the Government in a capacity as
an individual RLP, or as an employee of the LGU OBO (LBO or
Assistant LBO or Section Chief).

298) Pre-Cast - a structural or architectural works element that is fabricated
away from the construction site on which the same shall be later
installed and finished.

299) Program Documentation - the act of documenting a program under
this Act, consisting of the filing with the LGU OBO of a reference to a
Publication or publications accessible to the Design Engineer, where
the detailed description of the program or a brief statement of the
theoretical background of the program including a description of the
algorithms used are found.

300) Professional Regulatory Boards (PRBs) - are the regulatory entities
under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) e.g, the PRBs of
Architecture, Civil Engineering, Environmental Planning, etc. which
oversee the practice of State-regulated professionals who are directly
responsible for the planning and design of buildings/ structures,

301) Professional, Building/ Construction/ Development - a natural person
who is an Architect, Engineer, Designer or Constructor duly certified
and licensed by the State through the PRC to practice a profession
relating to the planning, design, development/ construction,
management and administration of a building/ structure and its
grounds/ site (reference definitions under PRC, RLP, Architect and
Engineer).

502) Promenade - a long, open, level area, specifically intended for walking,
which may be landscaped, and usually next to a waterway, river or
large body of water, where people may safely walk for recreational
purposes.

303) Professional Responsibility - a liability assumed by all RLPs before the
State, relating to the acts of preparing, signing and dry-sealing
documents. Administrative complaints are filed against RLPs before
the pertinent PRB of the PRC to address such liabilities,

304) Project Manager - Any natural or juridical person, lawfully acting on
behalf of the interests of the owner of the building/s and/or
Property ies under consideration, and tasked to develop/ construct
and administer/ manage such buildings/ properties on the Owner's
behalf.

305) Property Lines - are lines established by State-registered and licensed
Geodetic Engineers (RLGEs) to designate the boundaries of a property
in relation to other private/ public properties or the public domain.

35


These comprise the outermost limits for lawful development or
construction on a bounded property.

306) Public Domain - land owned and controlled by the State or the LGU,
common examples of which are the road rights-of-way (RROWs) and
rights-of-way (ROW) and all components found therein, legal
easements along waterways, to include public lands on which public
buildings/ structures such as civic centers, hospitals, schools, health
centers, fire and police stations, markets, terminals and the like are
erected and operated/ maintained.

307) Public Nuisance - a class of common law offence in which the injury,
loss or damage is suffered by the local community as a whole rather
than by individual victims,

308) Public Way - A parcel of land unobstructed from the ground to the sky,
that is more than three meters (3.0 m) in width, and that is designated
for the free passage of the general public (pedestrian and vehicle),
Extended parking beyond two (2) hours shall not be allowed in such
Public spaces as the same constitutes private use and enjoyment of the
public domain.

309) RESA (Runway End Safety Area) - the surface surrounding the
runway, prepared or suitable for reducing the risk of damage to
aircraft in the event of an undershoot, overshoot or excursion from the
runway.

310) RC (Referral Codes) of the NBCP and/or of this Act.

311) RLA (Registered and Licensed Architect) - see Architect, Registered
and Licensed (RLA).

312) ROW (right-of-way) - a public space that forms part of the public
domain, including the airspace above such a ROW.

3121 Drainage ROW - a dedicated land area reserved for the purpose
of introducing and maintaining and drainage line leading to an
outfall;

512.2 Private/ Public ROW - a dedicated land area which may or may
not be secured, and primarily reserved for the passage of
persons, animals, vehicles, utilities, drainage and the like.

3123 Railroad ROW (RRROW) - consists of the railway/ tramway/
tracks on which trains pass, the buffer areas on either side of the
railway for operational safety and fixed facilities for passenger
exchanges, inclusive of the airspace above such a RRROW;

312.4 Utility ROW (UROW) - the area on which public utility lines e.g,
Power, telecommunications, water supply, drainage, sewer,
Bas, etc. are allowed to pass, including buffer/ safety zones,
service/ maintenance areas and the airspace above such a
UROW;

312.5 Water ROW (WROW)- found in inland waterways such as
rivers, streams, lakes, canals and the like and consisting of the
waterway/ vessel-way on which boats/ ships/ barges pass, the
embankments and portions of the shore areas used to access the

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waterway/ vessel-way, including the airspace above such a
WROW;

313) RROW (road right-of-way) - means a public open space for the
continuous flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, including the air
space above such RROW, that must be free of all forms of prohibited
physical obstructions. The national RROW or street is the surface area
lying between two (2) or more parallel properties and its width is
horizontally measured from opposite property lines.

313.1

313.2

Public RROW - Any access-way sited on a roadlot, which is
designated as a public space and which has been dedicated or
deeded to the public for continued use by both pedestrians and
vehicles. A public RROW is part of the public domain and is
usually paved and complete with the requisite facilities and
elements, all financed by public funds. As such, the public
RROW cannot be used for private use and enjoyment of any
form, nor can it be used for any private commercial or business
purposes. If temporary private use on the public RROW such as
hourly parking is permitted, the appropriate parking fees shall
apply and all collected fees shall accrue to the appropriate
Government agency tasked with its maintenance;

Private RROW - Any access-way sited on a roadlot, which is
designated as a public space and which has been dedicated or
deeded for continued use by both pedestrians and vehicles. A
private RROW, while considered part of the public domain, is
usually paved and complete with the requisite facilities and
elements, all financed by private funds. As such, certain
Portions of the private RROW may be used for duly-permitted
private use and enjoyment, commercial or business purposes. If
temporary private use on the private ROW such as hourly
parking is permitted, the appropriate parking fees shall apply
and all collected fees shall accrue to the entity that financed its
construction and/or that spends for its maintenance.

314) Rebar - reinforcement bars used in reinforced concrete.

315) Referral Code (RC) - are laws or regulations that are in direct support
of the NBCP, consisting of but not limited to the following laws, codes
or their successor laws/ codes:

315.1

315.2

R.A. No. 9514, otherwise known as the Fire Code of the
Philippines (FCP) of 2008 and its latest implementing rules and
regulations (IRR) and derivative regulations (DRs);

B.P. No. 344, An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by
Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments and Public
Utilities to install Facilities and Other Devices, and its latest IRR and
DRs;

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315.3. Latest versions of the Architectural Code of the Philippines and
its DRs;

315.4 P.D. No. 856, Code on Sanitation and its latest IRR and DRs;

315.5 P.D. No. 1067, A 1976 Presidential Decree Instituting a Water
Code, Thereby Revising and Consolidating the Laws Governing
the Ownership, Appropriation, Utilization, Exploitation,
Development, Conservation and Protection of Water Resources,
otherwise known as The Water Code of the Philippines, and its
latest IRR and DRs;

315.6 R.A. No. 9275, The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004, and its
latest IRR and DRs;

315.7 R.A. No. 9003, The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of
2000, and its latest IRR and DRs;

315.8 R.A. No. 8749, The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 and its
latest IRR and DRs;

315.9 P.D. No. 1586, Establishing an Environmental Impact Statement
System, Including Other Environmental Management Related
Measures and for Other Purposes, and its latest IRR and DRs;

315.10 the ICAO SARP and the CAAP MoS for Aerodromes in the case
of airport (or heliport/ helipad, as applicable) selection,
planning, design, construction, administration, operation and
maintenance; and

315.11 the various Professional Regulatory Laws (PRLs) such as R.A.
No. 9266 (The Architecture Act of 2004), R.A. No. 544 (The Civil
Engineering Law of 1950, as amended by R.A. No. 1582 in 1956),
etc., including R.A. No. 8981, otherwise known as the
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Modernization Act
of 2000, and their latest IRR and DRs.

316) RESA (Runway End Safety Area) - a rectangular area positioned at the
end of a runway intended to reduce damage and injury resulting from
a fixed-wing aircraft undershooting or overrunning a runway.

317) Reflected Light and Heat - light and heat thrown or bent back from a
surface, particularly those that bounce off glazing, cladding or
pavement.

318) Regulated Area - all areas inside the boundaries of a LGU which are
adjacent to and within 201 meters of the edge of the road right-of-way
(RROW) within that LGU. Where a controlled portion of the RROW
terminates at a LGU boundary which is not perpendicular or normal to
the centerline of the RROW, a regulated area also means all areas
inside the boundary of such LGU which are within 201 meters of the
edge of the RROW in the adjoining LGU.

319) Rehabilitation - the upgrading of the facilities, services and utilities of a
building/ structure.

320) Renovation - the refinishing and refurbishing of the indoor spaces of a
building/ structure.

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321) Repair - The construction or renewal of any part of an existing
building/ structure for maintenance purposes. The term shalll not
apply to any change of construction.

322) Residence - a place of dwelling,

322.1 Single-Detached Residence - a dwelling without any firewall,
generally used as shelter by a single/ nuclear family and usually
sited in a low density residential zone (R-1);

322.2 Single-Attached Residence - a low-rise building/ structure with
an exclusive firewall on one side and for exclusive use as single
family dwellings and usually sited in a medium density
residential zone (R-2);

322.3 Duplex - a pair of low-rise buildings/ structures with a common
firewall and for use as multiple family dwellings and usually
sited in a medium density residential zone (R-2);

322.4 Rowhouse - A residential building of not more than two (2)
storeys, composed of a row of dwelling units entirely separated
from one another by partly or fire walls and with an
independent entrance for each dwelling unit; these are usually
sited in a high density residential zone (R-3);

322.5 Townhouse - a low-rise building/ structure for exclusive use as
multiple family dwellings on individual lots (or townhouse
units); generally refers to the series or rows of single-family
dwelling buildings/ structures within a subdivided lot or
property; these are usually sited in a R-4 zone; and

322.6 Residential Condominium - a medium-rise or high-rise
building/ structure for exclusive use as multiple family
dwellings; these are usually sited in a R-5 zone.

323) Residual Area - a space that may fall outside the alignments or
intersections of two (2) or more national RROWs, similar ROWs or
legal easements or a mix of such public spaces, which still form part of
the public domain and are therefore disallowed sites for non-mobile
billboards.

324) Resort - a place frequented by people for relaxation or recreation,
usually located in a designated Tourism Zone.

325) Retrofit - is the process of modifying a building after it has been
constructed; this means making changes to the systems inside the
building or even to the structure itself at some point after its initial
construction and occupancy; typically, retrofitting is done with the
expectation of improving amenities for the building's occupants
and/or improving the performance of the building; the development
of new technologies mean that building retrofits can allow for
significant reductions in energy and water usage and possibly even in
solid waste generation, to help make the building sustainable in design

326) Roof Support - part of a structural system that supports and anchors
the roof structure.

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327) Runway - a defined elongated rectangular area on a land aerodrome
that is used for the takeoff and landing of fixed-wing aircraft
(excluding rotary wing/ helicopters).

328) Runway Strip (or Airstrip) - a defined elongated rectangular area on a
land aerodrome that includes spaces for the runway, RESA, taxiway
and stopway (as applicable), and all the required spatial clearances
around such spaces, which are all required for aircraft safety during
operation or surface movement.

329) SARP (Standards and Recommended Practices) for Aerodromes -
documents on aerodrome planning and design standards periodically
issued by the ICAO to guide in the selection, planning, design,
construction, administration, operation and maintenance of airports
and heliports.

330) SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) - the entity primarily
tasked by the State to regulate the activities of juridical persons.

381) Scenic Vista - refers to a naturally occurring or a good combination of
natural and man-made features in the viewable landscape and which
offers the viewer a refreshing visual experience or respite.

332) Section - a division of the LGU OBO, headed by a Section Chief.

333) Seismic Gap - a structural provision to address vibrations of adjoining
and/or connected buildings.

334) Service - a basic building/ structure provision to serve a particular
fanction and to make one’s stay in a building/ structure useful,
resource-efficient, secure, safe and comfortable for the user/ occupant
eg. elevators, service stairs/ entrances/ exits, cafeteria or food court,
disabled/ differently-abled access provisions, and the like; for
occupied buildings, this may take the form of commercial services such
as laundry, computer and appliance repair, wellness and personal care
shops, and the like.

335) Setback - a one (1)-dimensional quantity denoting the level horizontal
distance measured at a ninety degree angle (90°) from the line formed
by the outermost face of a building/ structure or billboard support
structure to a property line, whereby both lines run parallel to each
other. The setback is applied to the property or land.

336) Setback, Incremental - A development control (DC) consisting of
additional setbacks applied to all sides of a building or structure as the
building/ structure rises to determine the limit on its total gross floor
area (IGFA). Incremental setbacks are not intended for adoption or
implementation as an architectural design standard. It is only a space
planning tool to limit floor area generation using climatic conditions as
bases. The actual architectural design solution may actually have a
different configuration that must however match the limit prescribed
by the incremental setbacks. The incremental setback is only applied to
the outermost faces of the building (OFB) or structure.

337) Shadow, Cast - is a type of shadow that is created on a form next to a
surface that is turned away from the source of light. When a form
blocks the light, it causes a cast shadow to be formed.



338) Shaft - A vertical opening through a building for elevators,
dumbwaiters, mechanical equipment or similar purposes.

339) Sidewalk - the portion of the RROW/ street which is for the exclusive
use of pedestrians. The use of the sidewalk in any form by vehicles
such as laterally traversing the length of the sidewalk or parking on the
sidewalk are prohibited acts. Being part of the public domain, any form
of private use or enjoyment or any form of public use that violates its
dedicated function for pedestrian use are all prohibited.

340) Sign, Official - directional or information-conveying signs, in whatever
form allowed under the IRR of this Act, that shall be officially issued
and erected by or through the national or local government for the
purpose of public service.

341) Sign, Temporary - a sign made of fabric/ cloth, vinyl/ plastic or similar
light and/or combustible material, with or without frame ie,
streamers, bills, posters and the like that are installed within or outside
a ROW for display /public viewing for a limited period of time, subject
to the issuance of the required permit/s.

342) Sign Structure - a structure that supports a large sign, usually a non-
mobile billboard.

343) Site - the setting of a building/ structure as defined by property lines in
relation to a RROW/ street that affords access to such a site, other
public ways including leagal easements and by adjoining properties.

344) Site Planning - the detailed site development planning of all areas
surrounding a building/ structure and/or a group of buildings/
structures but only within the property limits of the land on which
such buildings/ structures are to be erected. This is a professional
service rendered by RLAs.

345) Site Development Plan - the detailed layout of all areas/ grounds
surrounding a building/ structure and/or a group of buildings/
structures but only within the property limits of the land on which
such buildings/ structures are to be erected.

346) Show Window - A store window from which displayed goods can be
viewed from a public space such as a sidewalk.

347) Sidewalk - the portion on each side of a road right-of-way (RROW) for
the exclusive use of pedestrians and the disabled who are in transit.

348) Slum (or Blighted Area or Eyesore) - An area where the values of real
estate tend to deteriorate due to the dilapidated, obsolescent and
unsanitary condition of the buildings/ structures within such area.
Any eyesore is a building or area which is markedly unpleasant to look
at.

349) Socalo, Masonry - The wall between the bottom of the window sill and
the ground.

350) Soffit - The underside of a beam, lintel, floor slab, stair slab or reveal.

351) Specifications - detailed descriptions and instructions Provided in
conjunction with plans and designs for construction. Specifications
stipulate the type of materials to be used, special construction/
assembly/ installation techniques, equipment, furniture, fittings,
dimensions and colors for a building/ structure.

41


352) Sqm (square meter) - a basic unit of area measurement with all four (4)
sides measuring one meter (1.0 m) long.

353) Stable - Any structure designed and intended for the enclosure, shelter
or protection of livestock.

354) Stable, Commercial - A stable where livestock are kept for business,
racing or breeding purposes.

355) Stage - A partially enclosed portion of an assembly building which is
designed or used for the presentation of plays, demonstrations or other
forms of entertainment, wherein scenery, drops or other effects may be
installed or used, and where the distance between the top of the
proscenium openings and the ceiling above the stage is more than one
point five meters (1.5 m).

356) Stairway - Two (2) or more risers shall constitute a stairway.

357) Stairway, Private - A stairway serving one tenant only.

358) Stopway - a defined elongated rectangular area at the end of a runway
used as a suitable area in which aircraft can be stopped in case of an
abandoned takeoff.

359) Storey - That portion of a building included between the upper/
finished surface of any floor and the upper/ finished surface of the
next floor directly above it (including the ceiling cavity). The topmost
storey shall be that portion of a building included between the upper/
finished surface of the topmost floor and the roof line above it
(including the ceiling cavity). If the finished floor level directly above a
basement, cellar or unused underfloor space is more than three meters
(3.0 m) above the finished grade line, such a basement, cellar or unused
underfloor space shall be considered as a full storey (as differentiated
from a Basement Level).

360) Storey, Height of - The perpendicular distance between the finished
floor lines of two successive of floors.

361) Storm Surge/ Tide - an offshore rise of water associated with a low
pressure weather system, typically caused by typhoons. Storm surges
are caused primarily by high winds pushing on the ocean's/ sea’s
surface. The wind causes the water to pile up higher than the ordinary
sea level. Low pressure at the center of a weather system also has a
small secondary effect, as can the bathymetry of the body of water. It is
this combined effect of low pressure and persistent wind over a
shallow water body which is the most common cause of storm surge
flooding problems. The term also refers to the rise of water associated
with the storm, plus tide, wave run-up, and freshwater flooding.

362) Street - common term used in place of RROW (reference RROW
definition).

363) Structure - That which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of
any kind or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts
joined together in some definite manner.

364) Structural Design - The selection of materials and members as to type,
size and configuration, to carry loads in a safe and serviceable fashion.

365) Structural Frame - The framing system including the columns and the
girders, beams, trusses and spandrels having direct connections to the

42


columns and all other members which are essential to the stability of
the building/ structure as a whole. The members of floor or roof which
have no direct connection to the column are considered secondary and
do not form part of the structural frame.

366) Subdivision - the parcellization of a property to affordable parcels
which later become the sites for buildings/ structures.

367) Subsidence - the motion of the earth’s/ finished grade’s surface as it
shifts downward relative to a datum such as sea-level; the opposite of
subsidence is uplift, which results in an increase in elevation; ground
subsidence may also be partly caused by extensive groundwater
extraction.

368) Support Structure - the rigid framework on which the display or
attention-catching device of a non-mobile billboard shall be mounted.
The foundation and superstructure for part of the support structure.

369) Support Structure, Cantilevered - a support structure that is not
directly planted on the ground or any portion of the national RROW,
similar ROWs or legal easement; such a structure may rest on a portion
of a building or another support structure not originally planned/
designed to support a billboard; a cantilevered structure is necessary so
that the effective width of the sidewalk or similar components of the
RROW are neither compromised nor lessened

370) Surface, Exterior - A weather-exposed surface.

371) Surface, Interior - Surfaces other than weather-exposed surfaces.

372) Surface, Weather-exposed - All surfaces of walls, ceilings, floors, roofs,
soffits and similar surfaces exposed to the weather, except the
following:

372.1 Ceiling and roof soffits enclosed by walls, or by beams
extending a minimum of three hundred millimeters (300.0 mm)
below such ceiling or roof soffits;

372.2 Walls or portions of walls within an unenclosed roof area, when
located at a horizontal distance from an exterior opening equal
to twice the height of the opening; and

372.3. Ceiling and roof soffits beyond a horizontal distance of three
meters (3.0 m) from the outer edge of the ceilings or roof soffits.

373) Survey - is a pre-design activity undertaken to guide RLPs in site
assessment, physical planning, and the siting, orientation and design of
a building/ structure.

373.1 Georesistivity Survey - survey work on water availability,
usually undertaken by a RLCE and/ or RLSE;

373.2. Geotechnical Survey - survey work on the capability of the soil
to support a building/ structure, which must be undertaken by
a qualified RLCE;

373.3 Hydrological Survey - survey work on flooding history and
projections, usually undertaken by a RLCE or RLSE;

43a


373.4 Relocation Survey - determination of the correctness of the
property lines of the property under survey; survey work must
be undertaken by a RLGE;

373.5 Space Planning Survey - survey work on spatial conditions or
needs, which must be undertaken by a qualified RLA;

373.6 Topographic Survey - maps out the contours onsite, existing
natural and man-made waterways, all existing horizontal and
vertical structures above grade (or below grade as applicable)
and any encroachments inside or immediately outside the
property being surveyed; survey work must be undertaken by a
RLGE.

374) Sustainable Design - is the philosophy of designing physical objects,
the built environment and services to substantially comply with the
principles of economic, social and ecological sustainability, without
compromising natural and other resources that must be bequeathed to
future generations.

375) Sustainable Design - is the philosophy of designing physical objects,
the built environment and services to substantially comply with the
principles of economic, social and ecological sustainability, without
compromising natural and other resources that must be bequeathed to
future generations.

376) TGFA (Total Gross Floor Area) - the total floor space within the main
and auxiliary buildings primarily consisting of the GFA and all other
enclosed support areas together with all other usable horizontal areas/
surfaces above and below established grade level that are all physically
attached to the building/s which shall consists of the following:

376.1 Covered areas used for parking and driveways, services and
utilities. The TGFA specifically excludes provisions for courts
above grade level;

376.2 Vertical penetrations in parking floors where no residential or
office units are present;

376.3 Uncovered areas for helipads, air-conditioning cooling towers or
ACCU balconies, overhead water tanks, roof decks, laundry
areas and cages, wading or swimming pools, whirlpool or
jacuzzis, terraces, gardens, courts or plazas, balconies exceeding
ten (10.0) sqm, fire escape structures and the like; and

376.4 Other building projections which may additionally function as
floors or platforms if properly reinforced e.g. the top surfaces of
roof extensions/eaves, sunbreakers, large roofed or cantilevered
areas such as porte cocheres, canopies and the like.

377) Taxiway - a defined part of a land aerodrome used for taxiing of fixed-
wing aircraft and which is used to interconnect areas on which such
aircraft operate.

378) Terminal - a building/ structure where transfers of passengers and
freight from one mode of travel to another takes place.


379) Title - legal proof of ownership or control over a property and/or a
building/ structure.

379.1 Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT) - title to a condominium
unit;

379.2. Original Certificate of Title (OCT) - first title to a piece of land;
and

379.3. Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) - title to land based on the
subdivision of another/ previous title.

380) Tower - the component of a building which may be situated beside or
above the podium component.

381) Tsunami (formerly Tidal Wave) - a series of water waves caused by the
displacement of a large volume of a body of water, usually an ocean or
large lakes, usually caused by an underwater earthquake, underwater
volcanic eruption or underwater explosion. Owing to the immense
volumes of water and the high energy involved, tsunamis devastate
coastal regions.

382) Urban Design - the physical and systemic design undertaken by an
Architect on a community and urban plane, more comprehensive than,
and an extension of the architecture of buildings, spaces between
buildings, entourage, utilities and movement systems.

383) Utility - the indoor electrical, electronics, mechanical, sanitary,
plumbing and related components of a building/ structure as
supported by their external counterpart components introduced on the
grounds/ site and linked to other counterpart components found at the
RROW/ street.

384) Value or Valuation of a Building/ Structure - The estimated
replacement cost to fully replicate a building/ structure in kind, based
on current construction and development costs.

385) Vault - Any surface or underground construction covered on all sides
by structurally reinforced, fire-roof construction, intended for the
storage of valuables.

386) Veneer, Adhered - Veneer secured and supported by approved
mechanical fasteners attaching it to an approved backing. The veneer is
supported through adhesion through use of an approved bonding
material applied over the approved backing.

387) Veneer, Exterior - Veneer applied to weather-exposed surfaces.

388) Veneer, Interior - Veneer applied to all surfaces other than weather-
exposed surfaces.

389) Vent Well - a well which permits full natural ventilation in an enclosed
court for a building/ structure.

390) Vertical Works - are construction works dealing mainly with vertical
infrastructure such as the development/ redevelopment/ demolition/
removal, repair/ retrofit, maintenance, etc. of all buildings/ structures
on Philippine soil, including their architectonics encompassing exterior
and interior finishing, the structural system (foundation,
superstructure, roof support, etc.), the indoor utility systems (electrical,

45


electronics, mechanical, sanitary, plumbing, etc.) allied design
components including all movable and fixed items attached to/
contained in such buildings/ structures (furniture, fixtures/ signage/
graphics and way-finding systems, and equipment and their support
systems), perimeter systems (walls, fences, gates, guard stations,
watchtowers, etc.), outdoor utility systems that are erected above
grade, signs, signboards and sign structures such as non-mobile
billboards, and the like, but specifically excluding horizontal works.

391) View Corridor - the visually unobstructed width, depth and height of
all available sight lines running through and along national RROWs,
Jegal easements and similar ROWs, open spaces within lots including
yards and courts or through and along designated public spaces
including recreational areas. View corridor also means specific ranges
of sight lines from a building or structure to a specific natural or man-
built object and/ or development considered of beauty or value.

392) Walkalator - is a slow-moving conveyor mechanism that transports
people, across a horizontal or inclined plane, over a short to medium
distance.

393) Wall, Bearing - A wall which supports any load other than its own
weight.

394) Wall, Cross - A term which may be used synonymously witha
partition.

395) Wall, Curtain - the enclosing wall of a steel and/or other metal
framework or the non-bearing portion of an enclosing wall between
piers.

396) Wall, Dead - A wall without openings; a nonbearing wall, often of
glass and steel, fixed to the outside of a building and serving especially
as cladding.

397) Wall, Dry (Drywall) - a partition made of gypsum on light-gauge steel
frames or similar construction; a wall where no wetworks or masonry
work are employed.

398) Wall, End - a special firewall that is sited from point six to one meter
(0.6m - 1.0m) from the property line, and on which large sections of
glass blocks can be introduced to allow filtered light into the interior
areas of a building/ structure. While no operable windows are allowed
on end walls, the allowed roof overhang or gutter may extend up toa
maximum distance of point two (0.2) m from the end wall.

399) Wall, Exterior - Any wall or element of a wall or any number or group
of members, which defines the exterior boundary or courts of a
building.

400) Wall, Faced - A wall in which the facing and backing are so bonded
together that they act as a composite element, and exert a common
action under load.

401) Wall, Foundation - That portion of an enclosing wall below the first tier
of floor joists.

402) Wall, Height of - The perpendicular distance measured from its base
line either at the finished grade or at the top of the girder to the top of

46


the coping thereof. Foundation and retaining walls are measured from
the natural/ finished grade level downward to the base of the footing.

403) Wall, Non-bearing - A wall which supports no load other than its own
weight.

404) Wall, Parapet - The topmost part of any exterior wall that extends
entirely above the finished roof and/ or an interior gutter line.

405) Wall, Party - A walll separating two or more buildings, and used in
common by the said buildings.

406) Wall, Retaining - Any wall used to resist the lateral displacement of
any material; a subsurface wall built to resist the lateral pressure of
internal loads.

407) Wall, Thickness of - The minimum thickness measured on the bed or
base of the wall.

408) Water Table - the established normal level of water under the natural
grade line (NGL) of a lot/ property.

409) Waterway - a natural, open course for the passage of storm/ rain water
and surface run-off; also refers to artificial, uncovered courses for the
same purpose; may also refer to a natural or artificial course used for
the conveyance of passengers and freight through boats, barges and
similar water transportation modes;

410) Window - An opening through a wall of a building to the outside for
the purpose of admitting natural light and air.

411) Window, Oriel - A projecting window similar to a bay window, but
carried on brackets or corbels. The term "bay window’ may also be
applied to an oriel window projecting over the street/ RROW line.

412) Wire Backing - Horizontal strands of tautened wire attached to
surfaces of vertical wood supports which, when covered with building
paper, provide a backing for portland cement plaster.

413) Yard or Patio - The mandated open space to be left in a lot and that is
sited between the building line and the property line; in the case of
non-mobile billboards, it is a two (2)-dimensional space consisting of
the vacant land area between the outermost portion of a non-mobile
billboard including its support structure and the property lines

413.1. Yard, Rear - The mandated open space to lie between the side
lot lines, the nearest rear lot line/s and the nearest building line.

413.2. Yard, Side - The mandated open space to lie between the side
line and the nearest building line and is sited between the front
and the rear yards.

414) Zone/ Zoning Classification - an area (or the classification of an area)
within which only certain types of land uses and/ or building
occupancies are permitted or for which certain development
restrictions are made to apply, as follows:

414.1 R-l (Residential One Zone) - an area hosting low density
residential zone, characterized mainly as situated in a single-
family, single detached dwellings with the usual community

a7


ancillary users on a neighborhood scale, such as executive
subdivisions and relatively exclusive residential communities
which are not subdivisions,

4142 _ R-2 (Residential Two Zone) - an area hosting medium density
residential use or occupancy, characterized mainly as situated in
a low-rise single-attached, duplex or multi-level building/
structure for exclusive use as multiple family dwellings. This
includes R-2 structures within semi-exclusive subdivisions and
semi-exclusive residential communities which are not
subdivisions. There shall be two (2) general types of R-2 use or
occupancy, to wit:

414.21 Basic R-2 Building : single-attached or duplex building/
structure of from one(1)-storey up to three(3)-storeys in
height and with each unit for separate use as single-
family dwellings; and

4142.2: Maximum R-2 Building : low-rise multi-level building/
structure of from three(3)- up to five(5)-storeys in
height and for use as multiple family dwellings;

414.3 R-S (Residential Three Zone) - an area hosting high-density
residential use or occupancy, characterized mainly as situated in
a low-rise or medium-rise building/ structure for exclusive use
as multiple family dwellings with mixed housing types. R-3
structures may include low-rise or medium-rise residential
condominium buildings that are already commercial in nature
and scale. There shall be two (2) general types of R-3.use or
occupancy, to wit:

4143.1 Basic R-3 Building : rowhouse building/ structure of
from one(1)-storey up to three(3)-storeys in height and
with each unit for separate use as single-family
dwellings; and

414.32 Maximum R-3 Building : medium-rise multi-level
building/ structure of from six(6)-storeys up to
twelve(12)-storeys in height and for use as multiple
family dwellings.

414.4 R-4 (Residential Four Zone) - an area hosting medium to high-
density residential use or occupancy, characterized mainly as
situated in a low-rise townhouse building/ structure for
exclusive use as multiple family dwellings. The term R-4
specifically refers to the building/ structure on an individual lot
{a townhouse unit) and generally refers to the series or rows of
R-4 buildings/ structures within a subdivided lot or property
(an R-4 development).

414.5, R-5 (Residential Five Zone) - an area hosting very high density
residential use or occupancy, characterized mainly as situated in


a medium-rise or high-rise condominium building/ structure
for exclusive use as multiple family dwelling.

414.6 GI General Institutional Zone) - an area hosting community to
national level of institutional use or occupancy, characterized
mainly as situated in a low-rise, medium rise or high-rise
building/ structure for educational, training and related
activities e.g. schools and related facilities, and the like; also
defined as a community to national level of institutional use or
occupancy, characterized mainly as situated in a low-rise,
medium-rise or high-rise building/ structure for medical,
government service, administrative and related activities e.g.
hospitals and related health care facilities, government offices,
military, police and correctional buildings and the like.

414.6 C-1 (Commercial One or Light Commercial Zone) - an area
hosting neighborhood or community level of commercial use or
occupancy, characterized mainly as situated in a low-rise
building/ structure for low intensity commercial/ trade, service
and business activities e.g. one to three (1- to 3-) storey shopping
centers, small offices or mixed use/ occupancy buildings and
the like.

414.7 C-2 (Commercial Two or Medium Commercial Zone) - an area
municipal or city level of commercial use or occupancy,
characterized mainly as situated in a medium-rise building/
structure for medium to high intensity commercial/ trade,
service and business activities e.g. three to five (3- to 5-) storey
shopping centers, medium to large office or mixed use/
occupancy buildings/ structures and the like.

4148 C-3 (Commercial Three or Metropolitan Commercial Zone) -
means an area hosting a metropolitan level of commercial use/
occupancy, characterized mainly as situated in a medium-rise to
high-rise building/ structure for high to very high intensity
commercial/ trade, service and business activities e.g. large to
very large shopping malls, very large office or mixed use/
occupancy buildings and the like.

414.9 PRE (Park Structures, Recreation and Entertainment Zone) - an
area hosting a range of recreational uses or occupancies,
characterized mainly as situated in a low-rise or medium-rise
building/ structure for low to medium intensity recreational or
entertainment functions related to educational uses e.g.
structures on campuses or its component parks/ open spaces
and all other kinds of recreational or assembly buildings/
structures on campus such as auditoria, mess halls, seminar
facilities, gymnasia, stadia, arenas and the like.

414.10 CUL (Cultural Zone) - an area hosting community to national
level of cultural use or occupancy, characterized mainly as
situated in a low-rise or medium-rise building/ structure for
cultural activities e.g. cultural centers, convention centers, very
large office or mixed-use/ occupancy buildings and the like.

49


414.11 UTS (Utilities, Transportation and Services Zone) - an area
hosting a range of utilitarian/ functional uses or occupancies,
characterized mainly as situated in a low-rise or medium-rise
building/ structure for low to high intensity community
support functions e.g. terminals/ intermodals/ multi-modals
and depots; a range of utilitarian/ functional uses/ occupancies,
characterized mainly by low-rise or medium-rise buildings/
structures for low to high intensity community support
functions e.g. power and water generation/ distribution
facilities, telecommunication facilities, drainage/ wastewater
and sewerage facilities, solid waste handling facilities and the
like excluding terminals/ intermodals/ multi-modals and
depots.

414.12 AZ (Agricultural Zone) - an area hosting an agricultural or
agriculture-related use or occupancy, characterized mainly as
situated in a low-rise or medium-rise building/ structure for
low to high intensity agricultural or related activities e.g.
poultry houses, hatcheries, piggeries, greenhouses, granaries
(not for human habitation) and the like as well as offices,
educational, training, research and related facilities for
agriculture and the like (for human habitation).

414.13 Al (Agro-Industrial Zone) - an area hosting an agro-industrial or
related use or occupancy, characterized mainly as a situated in
low-rise building/ structure for low to high intensity agro-
industrial or related activities to include offices, educational,
training, research and related facilities for the agro-industry.

414.14 1-1 (Industrial One Zone) - an area hosting a light industrial use
or occupancy, characterized mainly as situated in a low-rise but
sprawling building/ structure for low intensity manufacturing
or production activities.

414.15 I-2 (Industrial Two Zone) - an area hosting medium industrial
use or occupancy, characterized mainly as situated in a low-rise
but sprawling building/ structure for medium intensity
manufacturing or production activities.

414.16 TZ (Tourism Zone) - an area hosting a tourism-related use or
occupancy, characterized mainly as situated in a low-rise but
sprawling building/ structure for low intensity rest/ relaxation,
wellness, personal care, recreation and entertainment activities
and like activities.

414.17 PUD (Planned Unit Development) - refers to land development
or redevelopment schemes for a new or built-up project site
wherein said project site must have a Comprehensive
Development Master Plan (CDMP) or its acceptable equivalent
ie. a unitary development plan/ site plan that permits flexibility
in planning/ urban design, building/ structure siting,
complementarity of building types and land uses, usable open
spaces for general public use services and business activities and
the preservation of significant natural land features if feasible,

50


whereby said CDMP must be duly approved by the LGU

concerned.

414.18 SPE (Special Zone) - an area hosting other vertical facilities not
mentioned under regular uses/ occupancies of buildings/
structures, such as cemeteries, memorial parks and the like.

414.19 Aerodrome Zone (AZ) - an area hosting an airport or heliport,
specifically including the mandated aerial clearances for the
operation of aircraft using such facilities.

414.20 Water Zones (WZ) - an area designated for specific water-
related activities.

414.20.1 Coastal Water Zone - specified protected, conservation
or development areas along the coast/ beaches;

414.20.2 Lake Water Zone - specified protected, conservation or
development areas along the lakeshore;

414.20.3 Riparian/ River Water Zones - specified protected,
conservation or development areas along the river
banks; and

414.20.4 Transportation Water Zones - specified development
and transportation operating areas along or within
water bodies.

415) Zoning Ordinance (ZO) - an Act of the city or municipality or other
authorities specifying the type of use to which property may be put in
specific areas.

ARTICLE IT
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

Section 7. Responsibility for Administration, Implementation and Enforcement. The
administration, implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this Act,
including the imposition of penalties for administrative violations thereof is hereby
vested in the National Building Official (NBO) as defined by law.

The incumbent Secretary of the Department in charge of all private buildings and
private land and property developments on Philippine soil shall be the designated
NBO. Should the Department of Settlements and Urban Development, which must
have sole jurisdiction over all existing and proposed private buildings, lands and
Properties on Philippine soil be created by law, the NBO shall then come from said
Department.

Section 8. Technical Staff. The National Building Official (NBO) is hereby
authorized to constitute and provide in his/her Department a professional staff
composed of highly qualified State-registered and licensed architects, engineers,
allied professionals and technicians, who possess diversified professional experience

51


in the fields of building planning, design, construction, management and
administration,

Section 9. General Powers and Functions of the National Building Official (NBO)
under this Act. For purposes of carrying out the provisions of this Act, the NBO shall
exercise the following general powers and functions:

(a) Formulate policies, plans, standards and guidelines on building planning,
design, construction, management, administration including use
occupancy and maintenance, in full accordance with this Act.

(b) Issue and promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions
of this Act and ensure compliance with policies, plans, standards and
guidelines formulated under paragraph (1) of this Section.

(©) Evaluate, review, approve and/or take final action on changes and/or
amendments to existing Referral Codes as well as on the incorporation of
other referral codes which are not yet expressly made part of this Act.

(d) Prescribe and fix the amount of fees and other charges that the LGU Office
of the Building Official (OBO) shall charge in connection with the
performance of regulatory functions relating to the acceptance, processing,
review and approval of ail pertinent architectural documents.

(@) Prescribe materials, methodologies, processes and practices that may be
lawfully introduced and used for construction projects on Philippine soil.

Section 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

(a) In the implementation of the provisions of this Act, the National Building
Official (NBO) shall formulate necessary implementing rules and
regulations (IRR) and adopt design and construction standards and
criteria for the architectural components of all private buildings and other
structures.

(b) Such IRR including the initial set of guidelines and standards, shall take
effect after their publication once a week for three consecutive weeks ina
newspaper of general circulation.

(©) The IRR of this RNBCP must be promulgated by the NBO within six (6)
months of the effectivity of this Act. In the event the NBO decides to issue
the IRR as a series of IRRs, the NBO must issue the initial IRR within four
(4) months of the effectivity of this Act. Prior to the effectivity of such
IRRs, the Transitory Provisions of this Act shall apply, particularly the
portions concerning the Interim IRR.

Section 11. Administrative Fines. For the violation of any of the provisions of
this Act or any of the rules or regulations issued thereunder, the National Building
Official (NBO) is hereby empowered to prescribe and impose fines not exceeding
one million pesos (PhP 1.0 Mn). The Office of the NBO shall prepare the schedule of
fines that shall form part of the IRR.

Section 12. Penal Provisions.

52


(@) Violations of the ACP shall be jointly determined by a joint inspection
team composed of representatives of the LGU OBO, the RLA who
prepared, signed and sealed the architectural documents of the private
building/ structure concerned and the RLA representatives of local
chapters of the PRC-accredited professional organization for architects
(IAPOA).

(®) Violations of the ACP and its IRR shall be subject to fines and penalties as
prescribed.

(©) It shall be unlawful for any natural or juridical person, to erect, construct,
fitout, expand/ enlarge, alter, repair, renovate/ rehabilitate, retrofit, move,
improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy, or administer/
maintain any building or structure or cause the same to be done contrary
to or in violation of any provision of this Act.

(d) Any natural or juridical person, who shall violate any of the provisions of
this Act and/or commit any act hereby declared to be unlawful, shall
upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than two million pesos
(PhP 2.0Mn) or by imprisonment of not more than two (2) years upon the
discretion of a competent Court: Provided, that in the case of juridical
persons, the penalty shall be imposed upon its officials responsible for
such violation and in case the guilty party is an alien, he/ she shall
immediately be deported after payment of the fine and/or service of his
sentence.

Section 13. Other Remedies and Due Process. The rights, actions and remedies
provided in this Act shall be in addition to any and all other rights of action and
remedies that may be available under existing laws that are valid and subsisting,
Procedural due process shall be observed in all cases of complaints by any party
relating to allegations of violations of this Act and its IRR and derivative regulations
(DR).

(2) Complaints filed at the LGU OBO must first be resolved by said office
within a period of fifteen (15) calendar days, before an appeal may be filed
at the Office of the NBO (ONBO), whose decision shall be final, subject
only to review by the Office of the President. The decision of the NBO
shall be executory if no appeal is filed with the Office of the President.

() Any action filed directly with the ONBO may be referred to the LGU OBO
concerned or may be resolved by said office within a fifteen (15) day
period.

(©) The decision of the Office of the President shall be executory. Any other
action may be taken by the parties in other venues only after the Office of
the President has resolved the appeal on the resolution made by the
National Building Official.

53


(d) In the case of petitions or complaints that may be civil in nature and if
resort to modes of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) are warranted to
facilitate the resolution of a petition/ complaint that may not be resolved
within thirty to forty five (30 - 45) days, either the LGU OBO or the ONBO
must refer such complaints to the appropriate entity for arbitration,
conciliation, mediation or similar ADR action. The referral for ADR must
be made within seven (7) days of the filing of the petition/ complaint at
said offices.

ARTICLE UL
PERMITS AND INSPECTION

Section 14. The LGU OBO Building Review Committee (BRC). A five (5)-man
Building Review Committee (BRC) must be formed to assist each LGU OBO in the
application for review of the Preliminary Architectural Documents (PAD) consisting
of the site development plans and architectural plans, designs and outline
architectural specifications of any proposed building and/or construction work prior
to the submission of the pertinent application/s for a building, ancillary or
auxiliary / accessory permit. The LBC shall consist of the following:

(a) the incumbent LGU Councilor chairing the LGU Land Use or
Infrastructure Committee or his/her duly designated representative as
BRC Chairman, who shall be a non-voting member;

(b) the Local Building Official, in either Acting or Permanent capacity, as the
BRC Vice Chairman and BRC Secretariat Head;

(©) the LGU Planning and Development Coordinator as BRC Co-Vice
Chairman;

irman;
(d) the LGU Fire Marshal or his/her duly designated representative; and
(e) a representative of the PRC APO for RLAs.

Review decisions of the BRC must be made by the majority. In the event of an
review applicant's motion for reconsideration of the BRC decision, the BRC must
render the same within two (2) days of the receipt of such motion. An appeal may be
filed by the review applicant with the LGU OBO, which the LGU OBO must resolve
within four (4) days with the assistance of the Chief of the Architectural Section, who
must be a RLA.

The Preliminary Architectural Documents (PAD) submitted to the LGU OBO
for prior review by the BRC, must be received complete by the BRC Secretariat
within two (2) days of applicant submittal to the LGU OBO. A BRC decision on the
application for BRC review must be made by the BRC within seven (7) days of
receipt of documents by the LGU OBO.

‘The BRC must check for the following compliances and architectural
components:


(a) mandated compliances:

ec eeeee

allowable maximum building footprint (AMBF);

angles/ slopes to satisfy natural light and ventilation requirements
along RROWs and all yards;

basement ventilation (as applicable);

building height limit (BHL) by type of building use/ occupancy,
including compliances with aerodrome restrictions;

court dimensions;

gross floor area (GFA) and total GFA (TGFA), and conversion from
GFA to TGFA;

incremental setbacks;

firewall length and dimensions;

floor to lot area ratio (FLAR);

mandated legal easements (MLEs);

line and grade (including arcades if applicable);

land use and zoning;

occupancy’ cies or use of buildings (major and minor, principal,
accessory and conditional);

open space locations;

parking (open and covered);

percentage of site occupancy (PSO);

public building design guidelines (as applicable);

toad right-of-way (RROW) or alley and right-of-way (ROW) width/s;

setbacks (below grade, grade and above grade); and

total window surface area in relation to elevations;

(b) site and architectural components

architectural styles and treatment;

historical or conservation requirements for a street or district;
lot type; and

sidewalk and/or arcade treatment (as applicable);

Section 15. Mandated Review Procedure for Site Development and
Architectural Plans, Designs and Outline Specifications by an LGU OBO Prior to the
Filing of Building, Ancillary and Accessory Permits.

(a) At least two (2) months prior to the intended filing of an application for a
building, ancillary or accessory/ auxiliary permit at the LGU Office of the
Building Official (OBO), an applicant must submit the following
documents for the prior review and approval by the LGU OBO and its
Building Review Committee (BRC):

LGU locational clearance;
location map;
topographic plan, lot section and relocation survey data;

55


site development plan/s;

«Architectural Documents consisting of plan/s, designs and outline
specifications; and

name, valid PRC ID card number with expiry date and current
privilege tax receipt (PTR) of the RLA who prepared the site
development and architectural plans; in the case of involvement of
foreign architects (FAs) in the project, certified true copies (CTC) of the
temporary/ special permit (TSP) from the Professional Regulation
Commission (PRC), the permit from the Department of Labor and
Employment (DoLE), visa and passport.

(b) The LGU OBO, in consideration of the comments/ suggestions of the BRC
must approve or recommend changes or reject the site development plans
and the architectural plans, designs and outline architectural specifications
of the proposed construction work, within a period of four (4) days from
the time of receipt of BRC comments or within a period of fifteen (15) days
from the full receipt of documents submitted for BRC review by the LGU
OBO.

(c) The BRC review results shall be issued to the applicant only if the
pertinent provisions of this Act and its IRR, its DRs, its Referral Codes and
other applicable law, including PRLs, have been fully complied with.

(d) Compliance with the pertinent BRC decision or review results/
comments/ suggestions shall be undertaken by the applicant as part of the
preparation of the detailed architectural, engineering and allied (DAE& A)
documents containing the building/ structure plans and designs, which
shall accompany the subsequent application for building, ancillary and/
or auxiliary permit/s.

(©) Within one (1) day of the official filing of the application for BRC review,
information on the Project Architect, Architect-of-record, Consulting
‘Architect or Foreign Architect with a TSP must be posted for public
scrutiny by the LGU OBO at a conspicuous place within any common area
immediately outside the LGU OBO.

(f) Private intellectual property rights (IPR) are attached to all architectural
and allied plans, designs and outline specifications for buildings/
structures and their grounds/ sites that are submitted by applicants for
BRC review. All of the officers and staff of the LGU OBO and all the
members of the BRC and their staff must make sure that such documents
are not taken out of the premises of the LGU OBO unless the same are
required as evidence in judicial, quasi-judicial or ADR proceedings. Such
documents that may already be five (5) years old, reckoned from time of
filing of application for BRC review, must be secured in guarded
warehouses or storage sites, to be paid for by the LGU OBO share in the
BRC review fees.

56


(g)

The BRC architectural review fee must be twenty percent (20.0%) of the
estimated building permit fee, to be paid in advance.

Section 16. Application for the Ancillary Architectural Permit (AAP)

(a)

(b)

©

(a)

No natural or juridical person, including any agency or instrumentality of
the government shall erect, construct, fitout, alter, expand/ enlarge,
repair/ rehabilitate/ retrofit, move, convert or demolish any building or
structure or cause the same to be done without first obtaining an ancillary
architectural permit (AAP) therefor from the LGU OBO assigned in the
place where the subject building is located or the construction of the
building is to be done.

In order to obtain an AAP, the applicant shall file an application therefor
in writing and on the prescribed form from the LGU OBO. Every
application shall provide the following minimum information:

* a description of the work to be covered by the permit applied for and
on the use or occupancy for which the proposed construction work,
building/ structure or unit is intended;

* information on the Owner and on the property including but not
limited to the certified true copy (CTC) of the TCT, OCT or CCT (as
applicable) covering the lot or unit on which the proposed work is to
be done. If the applicant is not the registered owner, in addition to the
TCT, OCT or CCT, a copy of the contract of lease (or Deed of
Conditional Sale in the case of condominium units, or other acceptable
equivalents), shall be submitted to the OBO;

© information on the other clearances and/or permits previously secured
for the project that are not building, ancillary or auxiliary permits.;

© information on the State registered and licensed professionals (RLPs)
who prepared, signed and dry-sealed the architectural, engineering,
and allied design documents for the construction work; and

* Other pertinent information that may be periodically required by the
State.

To be submitted together with such application are at least two (2) sets of
the corresponding architectural documents consisting of architectural
plans and designs, specifications, estimates and computations (as
applicable), duly prepared, signed and sealed by a registered and
licensed Architect (RLA), except in those cases exempted or not required
under this Act or by law:

For all cities and municipalities, the AAP shall be preceded the issuance
of the Building Permit by the LGU OBO.

All documents submitted to secure the AAP must exhibit provisions for
sustainable planning, design, operation and maintenance.

57


(h) The AAP shall be issued by the LBO only if the pertinent provisions of
this Act, its IRR, its DR its Referral Codes (RCs) and other applicable
law, including PRLs have been fully complied with.

(i) The AAP to be issued by the LGU OBO Section Chiefs must be
accompanied by the official concurrence of the LGU Fire Marshal.

() Within one (1) day of the official filing of the application for AAP,
information on the Project Architect, Architect-of-record, Consulting
Architect or Foreign Architect, must be posted for public scrutiny by the
LGU OBO at a conspicuous place within any common area immediately
outside the LGU OBO.

(k) Private intellectual property rights (IPR) are attached to all ADs
consisting of architectural plans, designs, drawings, specifications,
estimates and documents for buildings/ structures for human habitation
and their grounds/ sites that are submitted by applicants for securing
building, ancillary and auxiliary or accessory permits from the LGU
OBO. Alll of the officers and staff of the LGU OBO must make sure that
such documents are not taken out of the premises of the LGU OBO
unless the same are required as evidence in judicial, quasi-judicial or
ADR proceedings. Such documents that may already be five (5) years
old, reckoned from time of filing of application for permit, must be
placed in secure warehouses or storage sites, to be paid for by the LGU
OBO share in the permit fees.

(n) All of the officers and staff of the LGU Office of the Building Official
(OBO) are public employees and are barred from engaging in any form
of private practice of any of the State-regulated professions that concern
the preparation of ADs such as architectural plans, designs,
specifications, estimates and documents for buildings/ structures and
their grounds/ sites, particularly for projects located within their
respective jurisdictions.

Section 17. Processing and Issuance of the Ancillary Architectural Permit (AAP).

(1) The processing of the ancillary architectural permit (AAP) shall be under
the overall administrative control and supervision of the Local Building
Official and his technical staff of duly qualified professionals, such as the
Assistant Building Official and the Architectural Section Chief.

(2) In processing an application for an AAP, the Local Building Official shall
see to it that the applicant satisfies and conforms with approved
standard requirements on zoning and land use, line and grade,
architectural design, environmental health, safety, as well as with other
tules and regulations promulgated in accordance with the provisions of
this Act.

58


(3) When satisfied that the work described in an application for AAP and
the ADs, consisting of architectural plans and specifications submitted
therewith, conform to the requirements of this Act and other pertinent
rules and regulations, the Local Building Official shall, within fifteen (15)
days from payment of the required fees by the applicant, issue the
pertinent permit/s applied for.

(4) Approved ADs, consisting of architectural plans and specifications shall
not be changed, modified or altered without the approval of the Local
Building Official and the subsequent detailed architectural design work
shall be done strictly in accordance thereto.

Section 18. Validity of the Ancillary Architectural Permit (AAP).

(a) The issuance of an AAP shall not be construed as an approval or
authorization to the permittee to disregard or violate any of the
provisions of this Act.

(®) Whenever the issuance of a permit is based on approved documents,
Plans and specifications which are subsequently found to be non-
compliant with this Act, its IRR and DR, the Local Building Official is not
precluded from requiring permittee to effect the necessary corrections on
said documents, plans and specifications or from preventing or ordering
the stoppage of any or all building operations being carried on
thereunder and which are in violation of this Act.

(©) A building, ancillary and/or auxiliary permit issued under the
provisions of this Act shall expire and become null and void if the
building or work authorized therein is not commenced within a period
of one (1) year from the date of issuance of such a permit, or if the
building or work so authorized is suspended or abandoned at any time
after it has been commenced, for a period of one hundred and twenty
(120) days.

Section 19. Non-Issuance, Suspension or Revocation of Permits
() The Local Building Official may order or cause the non-issuance,
suspension or revocation of building, ancillary and/or auxiliary/
accessory permit/s on any or all of the following reasons or grounds:
* Errors found in the documents, plans and specifications submitted to
and/or reviewed by the LGU OBO;
* Incorrect or inaccurate data or information supplied by the applicant;
* Non-compliance with the provisions of this Act, its IRR and/or its DR.

(b) Notice of non-issuance, suspension or revocation of building, ancillary

and/or auxiliary permits shall always be made in writing by the LGU
OBO, stating the reason or grounds therefor.

59


Section 20. Appeal. Within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of advice
of the non-issuance, suspension or revocation of permits, the applicant/ permittee
may file an appeal with the National Building Official (NBO) who shall render his
decision within fifteen (15) days from date of receipt of the notice of appeal. The
decision of the NBO shall be final, subject only to review by the Office of the
President. The decision of the NBO, promulgated through the ONBO shall be
executory if no appeal is filed with the Office of the President.

Section 21. Inspection and Supervision of Work.

(a) The owner of the building who is issued or granted a building permit
under this Act shall engage the services of a State-registered and licensed
architect (RLA) to undertake the full time inspection and supervision of
the architectural construction work.

Such an RLA may or may not be the same RLA responsible for the

architectural plans and designs of the building/ structure.

It is understood however that in either case, the designing RLA is not

precluded from conducting inspections of the architectural construction

work to check and determine compliance with the architectural plans
and specifications of the building/ structure as submitted to and
approved by the LGU OBO.

The LGU OBO approved architectural plans, designs and specifications

shall be kept at the jobsite at all times, together with a logbook wherein

the actual progress of construction including tests conducted, weather
conditions and other pertinent data are to be recorded.

(e) Upon completion of the architectural construction, said RLA in charge of
architectural construction shall submit a copy of the logbook together
with an Affidavit as to the authenticity of its contents, both duly signed
and sealed, to the LGU OBO. The said RLA shall also prepare and
submit a Certificate of Completion of the project stating that the
architectural construction of building conforms to the provisions of this
Code as well as with the approved architectural plans and specifications.

=

iQ

(d)

Section 22. Annual Inspections of All Buildings/ Structures, Annual inspections
of all buildings/ structures shall include all types of residential structures. A RLA
representing the local IAPOA chapter shall assist the LGU OBO in the conduct of
such annual inspections. Annual reports, including as-built plans, shall be kept on
file with the LGU OBO.

ARTICLE IV
TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

Section 23. Types of Construction. For purposes of this Act, all existing
buildings, those already under construction and all other buildings proposed for
construction shall be classified or identified according to the following types:


(a) Type I. Type I buildings must be of purely wood construction, whereby it is
expressly provided that the wood used for the construction work are not Philippine
species banned for commercial or construction use or wood that do not have the
correct structural properties. The structural elements of Type 1 buildings must only
be of the wood materials permitted by this Act.

(®) Type II. Type Il buildings must be of mainly wood construction with
protective fire-resistant materials and which must be one (1)-hour fire-resistive
throughout: Except, that permanent non-bearing partitions may use thin drywall
assemblies or thin, filled light concrete masonry units (CMUs) or thin, joined pre-cast
panels.

(0) Type Ill. Type II buildings must be of mainly masonry and/or reinforced
concrete with controlled wood construction, whereby it is expressly provided that
the wood used for the construction work are not Philippine species banned for
commercial or construction use. Structural elements may be any of the materials
permitted by this Act: Provided, that the building/ structure shall be one (1)-hour
fire-resistive throughout. Exterior walls/ building envelope must be of
incombustible or fire-resistive construction.

(d) Type 1V. Type IV buildings shall be of steel, iron, other metals or alloys,
concrete, reinforced concrete or masonry construction. Walls, ceiling, and permanent
partitions shall be of incombustible fire-resistive construction: Except, that
permanent non-bearing partitions of one (1)-hour fire-resistive construction must
use medium thickness drywall assemblies or medium thickness, filled, light CMUs
or medium thickness, joined pre-cast panels.

(¢) Type V. Type V buildings shall be fire-resistive. The structural elements
shall be of steel, iron, other metals or alloys, concrete, reinforced concrete or
masonry construction. Walls, ceilings, and permanent partitions shall be of
incombustible fire-resistive construction. All permanent non-bearing partitions of
two (2)-hour fire-resistive construction or higher must use thick drywall assemblies
or thick, filled light CMUs or thick, joined pre-cast panels.

Section 24. Changes in Types. No change shall be made in the type of
construction of any building/ structure which would place the building in a
different sub-type or type of construction unless such building/ structure is made to
comply with the requirements for such sub-type of construction: Except, when the
changes are approved by the LGU Building Official, with the required concurrence
of the LGU Fire Marshal, upon showing that the new or proposed construction is
less hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than the existing building/ construction.

Section 25. Requirements on Type of Construction. Subject to the provisions of
this Chapter, the ACP shall prescribe architectural standards for each type of
construction, and promulgate rules and regulations therefor, relating to
architectonics, exterior walls/ building envelope and openings, fenestrations,
interior walls, partitions and enclosures, building envelope, ceiling and roof cavities,
floors, exits, and stairs construction, and roofs or deck roofs.

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ARTICLE V
CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENT OF ALL BUILDINGS BY USE
OF OCCUPANCY

Section 26. Location of Property.
(a) General. No building/ structure shall be constructed unless it adjoins or
has direct access to a public space yard or RROW/ street on at least one
of its sides.

For the purpose of this Section, the center line of an adjoining RROW/
street or alley shall be considered an adjacent property line.

Eaves over required windows shall not be less than seven hundred and
fifty millimeters (750 mm) from the side and rear property lines.

(b) Buildings on Same Property and Buildings Containing Courts
For the purpose of determining the required wall and opening
protection, buildings/ structures on the same property and court walls
shall be assumed to have a property line between them. When a new
building/ structure is to be erected on the same property with an
existing building/ structure, the assumed property line from the existing
building/ structure shall be the distance to the property line for each
occupancy as set forth by the NBO. Provided, that two (2) or more
buildings on the same property may be considered as one (1) building/
structure if the aggregate area of such building/ structure is within the
limits of allowable floor areas for a single building, and when the
buildings/ structures so considered, house different occupancies or are
of different types of construction, the area shall be that allowed for the
most restrictive occupancy or construction.

©

Building Footprint and Firewall Requirements

In the determination of the Allowable Maximum Building Footprint
(AMBP) for buildings and related habitable structures with respect to the
applicable stipulations of the Fire Code of the Philippines (FCP), the
more stringent but applicable regulation must be complied with. If
without a firewall, the footprint of a 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 under this Section.

@

Footprint Based on Firewall Provisions

d.1_ If witha firewall on one (1) side, the footprint of a building/
structure shall be measured horizontally from the property line
with a firewall to the outermost faces of the opposite exterior walls
of the building/ structure; Provided, that the applicable stipulations

62


d.2

d3

d4

db

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

Absolutely no firewalls are allowed for a low density residential (R-
1) uses or occupancies; an abutment of up to three point two (3.2) m
from established grade level may however be permitted but solely
for the purpose of supporting a carport roof; Provided further, that
such abutment shall be constructed of perforated or decorative
concrete blocks above one point five (1.5) m measured vertically
from the established grade level; such an abutment must not be
longer than seven (7.0) m or fifty percent (50%) of the side property
line in total length, whichever is shorter.

For medium density residential (R-2) uses or occupancies, a firewall
can be erected on a maximum of eighty percent (80%) of the total
length of a side property line; provided that only one (1) side
property line is used for a firewall in the case of a R-2 structure; and
Provided further, that the applicable stipulations of the FCP are
strictly followed.

For high-density residential (R-3) uses or occupancies, two (2) types
of firewall construction may be permitted: for a R-3 use or
occupancy with a firewall on two (2) sides, a firewall can be erected
on a maximum of eighty five percent (85%) of the total length of
each side property line; Provided, that all firewall construction must
not exceed sixty five percent (65%) of the total perimeter of the R-3
property i.e. total length of all property lines; Provided further, that
firewalls in R-3 lots shall only be allowed for a maximum two (2)
storey component structure; and Provided finally, that all the
applicable stipulations of the FCP are strictly followed.

For a R-3 use or occupancy with a firewall on one (1) side property
line and at the rear property line, a firewall can be erected on a
maximum of ninety percent (90%) of the total length of the side and
rear property lines and up to one hundred percent (100%) in case
the rear property line is only four (4.0) m wide; Provided, that all
firewall construction at the side property lines shall not exceed fifty
percent (50%) of the total perimeter of the R-3 property ie. total
length of all property lines; Provided further, that firewalls in R-3 lots
shall only be allowed for a maximum two (2) storey structure but
not at the rear property line where the maximum allowed firewall
height shalll only be three point two (3.2) m measured vertically

63


from established grade; and Provided finally, that all the applicable
stipulations of the FCP are strictly followed.

4.6 For townhouse residential (R-4) uses or occupancies, firewalls on
the two (2) sides of each townhouse unit may be permitted; the R-4
firewall can be erected on a maximum of eighty five percent (85%)
of the total length of each side property line; Provided, that all
firewall construction must not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total
perimeter of each R-4 property i.e. total length of all property lines;
Provided further, that firewalls in each R-4 use or occupancy shall be
allowed for a maximum three (3) storey structure; and Provided
finally, that all the applicable stipulations of the FCP are strictly
followed;

4.7 For residential condominium (R-5) uses or occupancies, two (2)
types of firewall construction may be permitted: For a R-5 use or
occupancy with a firewall on two (2) sides, a firewall can be erected
ona maximum of seventy five percent (75%) of the total length of
each side property line; Provided further, that all firewall
construction at the side property lines must not exceed fifty percent
(60%) of the total perimeter of the R-5 property i.e. total length of all
property lines; Provided finally, that side firewalls in R-5 uses or
occupancies must only be allowed for a maximum eight (8)-storey
component structure i.e, the podium; and provided further that all
the applicable stipulations of the FCP are strictly followed; and

d.8 For a R-5 use or occupancy with a firewall on one (1) side and at the
rear property line, a firewall can be erected on a maximum of sixty
five percent (65%) of the total length of the side property line and
on a maximum of fifty percent (50%) of the total length of the rear
property line; Provided, that all firewall construction must not
exceed sixty percent (60%) of the total perimeter of the R-5 property
i.e. total length of all property lines; Provided further, that the side
firewalls in R-5 uses or occupancies shall only be allowed for a
maximum eight (8)-storey component structure and that at the rear
property line, the maximum allowed firewall height shall only be
fourteen (14.0) m measured vertically from established grade; and
Provided finally, that all the applicable stipulations of the FCP are
strictly followed.

4.9. All existing openings on all firewalls shall be sealed completely to
maintain the fire integrity of adjoining buildings/ structures.

4.10 The provision of a fully functional sprinkler system and the
installation of other fire-retardant or fire suppression devices in the
case of commercial, institutional and industrial buildings/
structures may allow firewall construction for up to seventy percent
(70%) of the total perimeter of the property lines; Provided, that the

64


prescribed setbacks, yards and courts fronting the RROW are first

fully complied with; and Provided further, that all the applicable
stipulations of the FCP, particularly on the number, type and
locations of fire exits are strictly followed.

Section 27. Allowable Floor Areas.The allowable floor areas for a building shall
not exceed the limits prescribed by the NBO for each occupancy group and/or type

of construction.

For purposes of this Section, each portion of a building separation by one or
more area separation walls may be considered a separate building provided the area

separation walls meet the requirements prescribed therefor by the NBO.

Section 28. Allowable Floor Area Increases. The floor areas hereinabove provided

may be increased in certain specific instances and under appropriate conditions,

based on the existence of public space, RROWs/ streets or yards extending along

and adjoining two (2) or more sides of the building/ structure subject to the
approval of the LBO.

Section 29. Maximum Height of Buildings.

(@) The maximum height and number of floors/ levels of every building
shall be dependent upon the character of occupancy and the type of
construction as determined by the NBO considering population density,
building bulk, widths of streets and parking requirements. The height
shall be measured from the highest adjoining sidewalk or ground
surface: Provided, that the height measured from the lowest adjoining
surface shall not exceed such maximum height by more than three
meters (3.0 m): Except, that towers, spires and steeples, erected as part of
a building/ structure and not used for habitation or storage are limited
as to height only by structural design if completely of incombustible
materials, or may extend not to exceed 6.0 m above the height limits for
each occupancy group if of combustible materials.

In any LGU, the height of buildings/ structures shall be governed by the
following factors:

©

b.1 the present and projected population density within the project site
and in the project's location/ area at full completion/ operation of
the project;

b2_ fora given volume of building/ structure (the building bulk), that
which has a lesser Percentage of Site Occupancy (PSO) or area of
ground coverage Allowable Maximum Building Footprint (AMBF)
or Maximum Allowable Construction Area (MACA) may be built
higher/ taller than that with a greater PSO, AMBF or MACA;

b3 A proposed building/ structure which has a greater TGFA
requirement shall be built higher than that with a lower TGFA
requirement;

65


ba

bS

(c)

A proposed building/ structure on a lot with a higher FLAR
designation/ rights may be built higher than that on a lot with a
lower FLAR designation/ rights; and

Lots that face a wider RROW and therefore with more RROW
features/ elements may become the site of a taller building/
structure as compared to a lot facing a narrow RROW.

The height of proposed buildings/structures shall also be governed by

the following RROW-based limitations:

el

c.2

3

cA

If only one (1) RROW services a lot and such is only six to seven (6.0
to 7.0) m wide, a BHL of three (3) storeys or nine (9.0) m maximum.
shall be observed regardless of use or occupancy, lot size, lot
dimensions, lot frontage and like considerations.

If only one (1) RROW services a lot and such is only four to five (4.0
to 5.0) m wide, a BHL equivalent to two point five (2.5)-storeys or
seven point five (7.5) m maximum shall be observed regardless of
use or occupancy, lot size, lot dimensions, lot frontage and like
considerations.

If only one (1) RROW services a lot and such is only three (3.0) m
wide or less, a BHL equivalent to two (2)-storeys or six (6.0) m
maximum shall be observed regardless of use or occupancy, lot
size, lot dimensions, lot frontage and like considerations.

Taller and bulkier buildings are allowed for duly approved high-
density developments such as Planned Unit Development (PUD)
areas since these are better suited to such areas due to higher end-
user/ occupant targets, more advanced and coordinated planning
efforts and the application of more stringent development controls
(DC) by the project proponents themselves.

(d) The following factors must likewise be considered in the determination
of the building height:

di

d2

d3

d4

d5

Soil characteristics, lot location in relation to fault lines and
earthquake belts or proximity to volcanoes and other geological
conditions.

Hydrological conditions such as the water table at the site and
distance to waterways and shorelines.

Meteorological conditions such as the frequency and intensity of
destructive typhoons/ monsoon winds/ rains, prevailing wind
speed and direction, relative humidity, amount of precipitation and
the prevailing ambient conditions.

Effect/s of environmental conditions on the building/ structure
and vice versa coupled with the effective control of air, noise and
thermal pollution, radiant heat, reflected light/ heat and cast
shadows, etc., and the optimization of natural light and ventilation.
Effect/s of traffic conditions on the building/ structure and vice
versa and the satisfaction of parking/ loading requirements in
accordance with this Section.

66


4.6 Availability and capacity of public utility /service system
considering the availability and adequacy of electric power, potable
and non-potable water supply, drainage and sewerage,
transportation and communications facilities, solid waste
management system, etc.

4.7 Need for applicable building safety and maintenance systems e.g,
lightning arresters, beacons, protective railings and barriers,
gondolas, window washing systems, etc.

Section 30. Minimum Requirements for Group A Dwellings

(a) Dwelling Location and Lot Occupancy.
The dwelling shall occupy not more than ninety percent (90%) of a
corner lot and eighty percent of an inside lot, and subject to the
provisions on Easement on Light and View of the Civil Code of the
Philippines, shall be at least 2.0 m from the property line.

(b) Light and Ventilation.
Every dwelling shalll be so constructed and arranged as to provide
adequate light and ventilation as provided under Section 805 of this Act.

(©) Sanitation.
Every dwelling shall be provided with at least one (1) sanitary toilet and
adequate washing and drainage facilities.

(d) Foundation.
Footing shall be of sufficient size and strength to support the load of the
dwelling and shall be at least two hundred and fifty (250) mm thick and
600 mm below the surface of the ground.

(c) Post.
Each wood post shall be anchored to such footing by strap and bolts of
adequate size.

() Floor.
The live load of the first floor shall be at least two hundred kilograms
per square meter (200 kg/ sqm) and for the second floor, at least one
hundred fifty (150) kg/sqm.

(g) Roof.
The wind load for roofs shall be at least one hundred and twenty (120)
kg/sqm for vertical projection.

(hy Stairs.
Stairs shall be at least seven hundred and fifty (750) mm in clear width
(clear of railings and other projections above the tread), with a rise of
two hundred (200) mm and a minimum run of two hundred (200) mm.

(i) Entrance and Exit.
There shall be at least one (1) entrance and another one (1) for exit.

Section 31. Requirements for Other Group Occupancies. Subject to the provisions

of this Act, the NBO shall promulgate rules and regulations for each of the other
Group Occupancies covering: allowable construction, height, and area; location on
property, exit facilities, light, ventilation, and sanitation; enclosures of vertical
openings; fire extinguishing systems; and special hazards.

67


Section 32. Parking Slot, Parking Area and Loading/ Unloading Space Requirements

(a)

(b)

(a)

13}

0)

The parking slot, parking area and loading/ unloading space
requirements listed hereafter are generally the minimum off-street cam
on-site requirements for specific uses/ occupancies for buildings/
structures, i.e., all to be located outside of the road right-of-way
(RROW).

The size of an average automobile (car) parking slot must be computed
at two point five (2.5) m by five (5.0) m for perpendicular or diagonal
parking and at two point fifteen (2.15) m by six (6.0) m for parallel
parking. A standard truck or bus parking/ loading slot must be
computed at a minimum of three point six (3.6) m by twelve (12.0) m.
An articulated truck slot must be computed at a minimum of three
point six (3.6) m by eighteen (18.0) m which should be sufficient to
accommodate a twelve (12.0) m container van or bulk carrier and a
long/ hooded prime mover. A jeepney or shuttle parking/ loading/
unloading slot must be computed at a minimum of three (3.0) m by
nine (9.0) m. The parking slots shall be drawn to scale and the total
number of which shall be indicated on the plans and specified whether
or not parking accommodations are attendant-managed.

In computing for parking slots, a fraction of fifty percent (50%) and
above shall be considered as one (1) car parking slot to be provided. In
all cases however, a minimum of one (1) car parking slot shall be
provided unless otherwise allowed under this Section.

Multi-floor parking garages may serve twenty percent (20%) of the

parking requirements of the building/ structure within a two hundred
(200.0) m radius, provided at least eighty percent (80%) of the parking
requirements are complied with and integrated in the building design.

Special Provision on the Handicapped: For buildings/structures to be
provided with features intended for the use or occupancy of the
handicapped, the minimum provisions of Batas Pambansa (BP) Bilang
344 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) with respect to
parking shall be strictly observed.

Allowed Off-RROW/ Off-Street cum Off-Site Parking Provision:

£1 In addition to on-site cum off-RROW (off-street) parking provisions
mandated under this Section, off-site cum off-street parking
facilities may be allowed and considered part of a project provided
that such facilities specifically consist of reserved or leased parking
slots within a permanent parking building/ structure and not ina
vacant parking lot or parking structure/ space for a commercial
development; Provided, that such parking slots are located no more
than one hundred (100.0) m away from a residential building

68


project or are located no more than two hundred (200.0) m away
from an office or commercial building project.

£.2 Direct access of parking/ loading/ utility slots and terminals to the
RROW shall be generally disallowed to prevent the usage of the
RROW as a maneuvering area.

£3 Traffic generating buildings such as shopping malls or similar
facilities that have very high volumes of pedestrian and vehicular
traffic may be located at major intersections or within 100.00 meters
of such intersections; Provided, that the distance between the street
curb of the ingress/ egress of such a commercial lot/property
(nearest the intersection) and the straight curb of the intersection
must not be less than fifty (50.0) m.

(g) For R-2, R-3, GI, C, C-2 and C-3 uses or occupancies, front yards
abutting RROW are not to be used for long-term off-street parking.
Due to the very public nature of these uses (high vehicular and
pedestrian concentrations), the front yard (a transition space between
the RROW and the building/structure) shall be used exclusively for
driveways, off RROW loading spaces, short-term off-RROW parking
and landscaping (hardscape and softscape) treatment. Temporary or
short-term off-street parking, particularly on driveways, shall
preferably be only for visitors to these buildings/ structures.

(fh) For Basic R-2 and Basic R-3 uses or occupancies (for single family
dwelling units only), up to fifty percent (50%) of the front yard
abutting the RROW may be paved/ hardscaped i.e. converted into a
courtyard for carport use. Such use shall not be permitted in all other
uses or occupancies.

ARTICLE VI
LIGHT AND VENTILATION

Section 33, General Requirements of Light and Ventilation.

(a) Subject to the provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines on Light
and View and to the provisions of this part of the Act, every building/
structure shall be designed, constructed, and equipped to provide
adequate light and ventilation.

(b) All buildings shall face a RROW/ street or public alley ora private
street which has been duly approved.

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

69


(d) No building structure shall be enlarged so that the dimensions of the
required court or yard would be less than that prescribed for such a
building/ structure.

Section 34. Percentage of Site Occupancy (PSO).

(a) The percentage of site occupancy by a building/ structure shall be
taken at the ground level and shall be exclusive of courts, yards and
light wells.

(b) Courts, yards and light wells shall be measured clear of all projections
from the walls enclosing such wells or yards with the exception of roof
leaders, wall copings, sills or steel fire escapes not exceeding one point
two meters (1.2 m) in width.

(©) The maximum PSO shall be governed by the land use, building
occupancy, type of construction and height of the building and the
configuration, area, topography, nature and location of the building
site;

(d) The PSO shall be subject to the provisions of the local zoning ordinance
and shall be in full accordance with the rules and regulations
promulgated by the NBO.

Section 35. Allowable Maximum Building Footprint (AMBF). The AMBEF shall be
determined by the proper application of the prescribed setbacks. Exceptions may be
allowed in the case of lot sizes of 60.0 sqm or less.

Section 36. Size and Dimensions of Courts.

(a) The minimum size of courts and their least dimensions shall be
governed by the land use, building occupancy, type of construction
and height of the building/ structure, as provided under the rules and
regulations promulgated by the NBO, provided that the minimum
horizontal dimension of court shall be not less than two meters (2.0m).

(b) All inner courts shall be connected to a RROW/ street or yard, either
by a passageway with a minimum width of one point two (1.2) m or by
a door through a room or rooms.

Section 37. Clear Ceiling Heights.

(a) Habitable rooms provided with artificial ventilation must have clear
floor to ceiling heights (clear ceiling height or CCH) of not less than
two point four (2.4) m measured at right angle from the top of the
finished floor (the finished floor line or FFL) to the bottom of the
finished ceiling (the finished ceiling line or FCL); Provided, that for
buildings of more than one(1)-storey, the minimum CCH of the first
floor shall be two point seven (2.7) m and that for the second floor, two
point four (2.4) m and succeeding floors shall have a CCH of not less
than two point one (2.1) m above the FFL. The above- stated rooms
with a natural ventilation shall have CCH of not less than two point
seven (2.7) m.

70


(b) A mezzanine level shall have a CCH of not less than one point eight
(1.8) m above and below it. If a ceiling cavity is provided for the floor
below the mezzanine level,

Section 38. Size and Dimensions of Rooms. Minimum sizes of rooms and their
least horizontal dimensions shall be as follows:

(a) Rooms for human habitation, six square meters (6.0 sqm) with a least
dimension of two meters (2.0 m);

(b) Kitchen. Three (3.0) sqm with a least dimension of one point fifty (1.5)
m; and

(0) Toilet and Bath (T&B). One point two (1.2) sqm with a least dimension
of point ninety (0.9) m.

Section 39. Air Volume Requirements in Determining the Sizes of Rooms. The
minimum space per room shall be provided as follows:
(a) School Rooms. Three cubie meters (3.0 cu.m) with one square meter
(.0 sqm) of floor area per person;
(b) Workshops, Factories, and Offices. Twelve (12.0) cu. m of space per

person;
(©) Habitable rooms. Fourteen (14.0) cu. m of space per person.

Section 40. Window Openings and Openings.

(a) Every room intended for any use, not provided with artificial
ventilation system as herein specified in this Act, shall be provided
with a window or windows with a total free area of openings equal to
at least ten percent (10%) of the gross floor area (GFA) of room if the
room is fully enclosed by heat-insulating panels such as cement-
bonded boards (CBBs), at least fifteen percent (15%) of the GFA of the
room if the room is fully enclosed by panels with some heat-absorbent
Properties such as wood or plastic-based materials, and at least twenty
Percent (20%) of the GFA of the room if the room is fully enclosed by
concrete masonry units (CMUs), which are heat-absorbing materials.
Such window openings shall be provided with either operable of fixed
glass panels to allow natural light and/or ventilation into the building
interior, and shall open directly to (or face) a court, yard, public
RROW/ street or alley or open water courses.

(b) All existing and future carpark buildings must provide full openings
equivalent to at least thirty five percent (35%) of its total wall surfaces.
Such openings shall not be covered by non-mobile billboards or similar
devices that negatively affect the free entry of natural light and
ventilation into the building interior and that affect the venting of
fumes.

(c) There must absolutely be no openings on/at/within/| through all types
of abutments (such as firewalls) erected along property lines except for
permitted vent wells. This provision must be strictly applied to all new
and existing developments/ buildings/ structures to maintain fire
integrity.

7


Section 41. Vent Shafts.

(a)

)

©

Ventilation or vent shafts shall have a horizontal cross-sectional area
of not less than point one (0.1) square meter (sqm) for every meter
(m) of height of shaft but in no case shall the area be less than one
square meter (1.0 sqm). No vent shaft shall have its least dimension at
less than six hundred millimeters (600 mm).

Skylights. Unless open to the outer at the top for its full area, vent
shaft shall be covered by a skylight having a net free area or fixed
louver openings equal to the maximum required shaft area.

Air ducts shall open to a RROW/ street or court by a horizontal duct
or intake at a point below the lowest window opening. Such duct or
intake shall have a minimum unobstructed cross-sectional area of not
less than point three (0.3) sqm with a minimum dimension of three
hundred (300) mm. The openings to the duct or intake shall not be
less than three hundred (300) mm above the bottom of the shaft and
the RROW/ street surface or level of court at the respective ends of
the duct or intake.

Section 42. Ventilation Skylights. Skylights shall have glass area not less than
that required for the windows that are replaced. They shall be equipped with
movable sashes or louvers with an aggregate net free area not less than that required
for operable parts in the window that are replaced or provided with approved
artificial ventilation of equivalent effectiveness.

Section 43. Artificial Ventilation.

(@)

(b)

Rooms or spaces housing industrial or heating equipment shall be
provided with artificial means of ventilation to prevent excessive
accumulation of hot and/or pollutants;

Whenever artificial ventilation is required, the equipment shall be

designed and constructed to meet the following minimum

requirements in changes:

b.1_ For rooms entirely above grade and used for office, clerical, or
administrative purposes, or as stores, sales rooms, restaurants,
markets, factories, workshops or machinery rooms, not less than
three (3) changes of air per hour shall be provided.

b.2. For rooms entirely above grade and used as bakeries, hotel or
restaurant kitchens, laundries other than accessory to dwellings
and boiler rooms, not less than ten (10) changes of air per hour
shall be provided.

b.3. For auditorium and other rooms used for assembly purposes,
with seats or other accommodations not less than 0.03 cubic
meter (cu.m) of air per minute shall be supplied for each person.

b4 For wards and dormitories of institutional buildings not less
than point forty five (0.45) cu. m of air per minute shall be
supplied for each person accommodated.

b5 For other rooms or spaces not specifically covered under this
Section, the applicable provisions of the latest edition of the
Philippine Mechanical Engineering Code shall apply.

nR


ARTICLE VII
BUILDING PROJECTION OVER PUBLIC STREETS.

Section 44. General Requirements.

(a) No part of any building or structure or any of its appendages shall
project beyond the property line of the building/ structure site,
except as specifically provided for under this Act.

(b) The projection of any structure or appendage over the public domain
shall be the distance measured horizontally from the legal property
line to the outermost point of the building projection that intrudes
into the air space above the public domain.

Section 45. Projection into Alleys or Streets.

(@) No part of any building/ structure or its appendage shall project into
any part of any alley or street, national road or public highway except
as specifically provided for under this Act. This provision specifically
applies to all buildings constructed since 1977.

(©) Footings located at least two point four meters (2.4 m) below grade
along national roads or public highways may project not more than
one hundred millimeters (100 mm) beyond the legal property line.

(a) Foundations may be permitted to encroach into the sidewalk portion of
the RROW/ street to a width not exceeding one hundred and fifty
(150) mm; provided, that the top of the said foundations is not less
than six hundred (600) mm below the established grade of the
carriageway portion of the RROW/ street; and provided further, that
said projections does not obstruct any existing utility line such as
power, communication, gas, water or sewer lines, unless the owner
concerned shall pay the corresponding entities for the rerouting of
the parts of the affected utilities.

Section 46. Projection of Balconies and Appendages Over RROWS/ Streets.

(a) The extent of any building/ structure projection over an alley or
RROW/ street shall be uniform within a block and shall conform to
the limitations to be promulgated by the NBO;

(b) The clearance between the established grade of the carriageway
portion of the RROW/ street and/or sidewalk and the lowermost
surface of any part of the balcony shall not be less than three meters
3.0m).

Section 47. Arcades. Whenever required by existing building and zoning
regulations, arcades shall be constructed on the sidewalk portions of RROWs/
streets. The width of the arcade and its height shall be uniform throughout the
RROW/ street provided, that in no case, shall the lowermost portion of an arcade be
less than three meters (3.0 m) above the established sidewalk grade.

3


Section 48. Canopies (Marquees).

(a) Projection and Clearance. The horizontal clearance between the
outermost edge of the marquee and the curb line shall be not less
than three hundred (300) mm. The vertical clearance between the
pavement or ground line and the lowermost surface of any part of
the marquee shall not be less than three (3.0) m.

(b) Construction. A marquee shall be constructed of incombustible
material or materials of not less than two(2)-hours fire-resistive
construction. It shall be provided with necessary drainage facility.

(6) Location. Each marquee shall be so located as not to interfere with the
operation of any exterior standpipe connection or to obstruct the
clear passage from stairway exits from the building/ structure.

Section 49. Movable Awnings. Clearance. The horizontal clearance between the
awning and the curb line shall not be less than three hundred (300) mm. The vertical
clearance between the lowermost surface of the awning and the pavement or ground
line shall be not less than two point four (2.4) m. Collapsible awnings shall be so
designated that they shall not block a required exit when collapsed or folded.

Section 50. Operable Doors, Windows in Relation to Property Lines. Doors,
windows and the like that are less than two point four (2.4) m above the pavement
or ground line shall not, when fully opened or upon opening, project beyond the
property line, with the exception of fire exit doors which when open may project
into or above the public domain.

Section 51. Corner Buildings with Chaflans.

(a) Each corner building or solid fence on a public RROW/ street or alley
that is less than three point six (3.6) m in width shall be truncated at
the corner. The face of the triangle so formed shall be at right angles
to the bisector of the angle of the intersection of the street lines;
Provided, that the NBO shall determine the size and form of the
chaflan,

(b) If the building is arcaded, no chaflan is required notwithstanding the
width of the public RROW/ street or alley, if such width is less than
twelve (12.0) m.

ARTICLE ViIL
PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS DURING CONSTRUCTION OR DEMOLITION

Section 52. General Requirement.
(a) No person shall use or occupy any portion of the RROW/ street, alley,
particularly the sidewalk or curb and gutter portion, for the
performance of work covered by a building permit, except in
accordance with the provisions under this Section.

74


(b) No person shall perform any work on any building or structure
adjacent to a public way in general use for pedestrian movement,
unless the pedestrians are protected as specified under this Section.

(©) Any material or structure temporarily occupying any portion of the
public domain or property, including fence, canopies and walkways,
shall be adequately lighted, between sunset and sunrise.

Section 53. Storage in Public Property. Materials and equipment necessary for
work to be done under a permit, when placed or stored on public property shall not
obstruct the free and convenient approach to and used of any fire hydrant, fire or
police alarm box, utility box, catch basin, or manhole and shall not interfere with any
drainage gutter of any RROW/ street or alley.

Section 54. Mixing of Mortar on Public Property.

(a) The mixing of mortar, concrete or similar materials on any portion of
the public RROW/ streets must not be allowed by the LGU OBO or
by any LGU or barangay official/ representative under any
circumstance.

(b) The transportation of mixed concrete shall be strictly monitored by the
concerned

(©) Any damage caused any portion of the public domain arising from
such a prohibited or regulated activities shall be the responsibility of
the project’s constructor and/or the entity transporting the mixed
concrete,

Section 55. Protection of Utilities. All public or private utilities above or below
the ground shall be protected from any damage by any construction work being
done under a permit. The protection shall be maintained while such work is being
done and shall not obstruct the normal functions of any such utility.

Section 56. Walkway.
(a) When the LGU Building Official authorizes a sidewalk to be fenced

or closed, or in case there is no sidewalk in front of the building site
during construction or demolition, a temporary walkway of not less
than one point two (1.2) m in clear width shall be provided.

(b) The walkway shall be capable of supporting a uniform live load of six
hundred and fifty (650) kilograms per square meter (kg/sqm). A
durable wearing surface shall be provided throughout the
construction period.

Section 57. Pedestrian Protection.
(a) Protection Required. Pedestrian traffic shall be protected by a railing
on the RROW/ street side when the walkway extends into the
carriageway (roadway), by a railing when adjacent to excavations,
and by such as shall be determined by the NBO.
(b) Railings. Adequate railings when required shall be built substantially
strong and should be at least one (1.0) m in height.

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(©) Fences. Fences shall be built of an approved material, not less than two
point four (2.4) m in height above grade, and be placed on the side of
the walkway nearest the building site. Fences shall entirely enclose
the building site. Openings in such fences shall be provided with
doors which shall be kept closed at all times when not in use.

(d) Canopies. The protective canopy shall have a clear height of two point
four (2.4) m above the railway, and shall be structurally safe. Each
canopy shall have a solid fence built along its entire length on the
construction side. If materials are stored or work is done on top of the
canopy, the edge along the RROW/ street shalll be protected by a
tight curb board not less than three hundred (300) mm tall and a
railing not less than one (1.0) m tall shall be provided. The entire
structure shall be designed to carry the loads imposed upon it:
Provided, that the live load shall be not less than six hundred (600)

kilograms per square meter (kg/sqm).

Section 58. Maintenance and Removal of Protective Devices.

(a) Maintenance. All protective devices shall be properly maintained in
place and kept in good order for the entire length of time that
pedestrians may be endangered.

(b) Removal. Each protective fence or canopy shall be removed within
thirty (30) days after such protection is no longer required, or as
determined by the Local Building Official (LBO).

Section 59. Demolition.

(a) The work of demolishing any building/ structure shall not
commence until all the necessary pedestrian protective structures are
in place.

(b) The LBO may require the permittee to submit plans, specifications
and complete schedule of demolition. When so required, no work
shall be done until such plans, specifications and schedule are
approved by the LBO.

ARTICLE IX
GENERAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

Section 60. General Requirements. Buildings proposed for construction shall
comply with all the regulations and specifications governing quality, characteristics

and properties of architectural materials, methods of design and construction, type
of occupancy and classification.

ARTICLE X

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PLASTICS

Section 61. Approved Plastics. Approved plastic or plastic derivative materials
shall be those which have a flame-spread rating of two hundred and twenty five
(225) or less and a smoke density not greater than that obtained from the burning of
untreated wood under similar conditions when tested in accordance with generally
accepted engineering practices. The products of combustion shall be no more toxic
than the burning of untreated wood under similar conditions.

Section 62. Installation.

(a) Structural Requirements. All plastic materials shall be of adequate
strength and durability to withstand the prescribed design loads.
Sufficient and substantial technical data shall be submitted to
establish stresses, maximum unsupported spans, and such other
information as may be deemed necessary for the various thicknesses
and forms used.

(b) Fastenings. Fastenings shall be adequate to withstand design loads
and internal and external stresses required of the assembly. Proper
allowances of plastic materials in conjunction with other materials
with which it is assembled or integrated shall be provided.

Section 63. Glazing of Openings. Doors, sashes and framed openings in exterior
walls of all buildings/ structures, except Types IV and V Constructions may be
glazed or equipped with approved plastics/ plastic derivatives: Provided, that:

(a) The wall in which such glazing is installed is so located that openings
are not required to be fire-protected.

(b) Except for Type I Construction, the location size, and spacing of such
glazed openings do not exceed the values set forth by the NBO.

(0) Plastic/ plastic derivatives used in glazed openings for Type I!
Construction shall be materials appropriate for use according to
flame-spread characteristics and the location, size, and spacing of the
openings do not exceed the values set forth by the NBO

Section 64. Skylights.

(a) General. Approved plastics plastic derivatives may be used in
skylights installed on roofs of Types I, II, or Ill constructions and all
buildings in these categories shall be equipped with an approved
automatic fire-extinguishing system in Groups A, B,C, E, F, J, H-3
and H-4 Occupancies: Except, that:

a1 Approved plastics may be used in any type of construction or
occupancy as a fire venting system when approved by the LBO.

a2 Plastic/ plastic derivatives may be used in approved skylights
in Type II one(1)-hour fire-resistive construction which are
located three hundred (300.0) mm or more above the lower
place of the ceiling. The walls of the skylight well shall be no
less fire-resistive than the adjacent ceiling.

7


a3 Where fire-resistive ceiling is not required in one(1)-storey
buildings, approved plastics/ plastic derivatives may be used in
skylights.

(b) Installation Requirements.
b.1_ Except in Group A Occupancies, no skylight shall be installed
within three (3.0) m of a property line.
b.2_ The edges of dome-type skylights shall be properly flashed.
b3_ Plastic/ plastic derivative skylights shall be separated from each
other by at least two point five (2.5) m laterally and three (3.0) m
along the slope of the roof.

(c) Allowable areas. The area of individual plastic skylights must not
exceed ten (10.0) sqm. The total aggregate area of plastics used in
skylights, monitors, and sawtooth glazing shall not exceed twenty
percent (20.0%) of the floor area of the room or occupancy sheltered.

(4) Curb Requirements. Plastic/ plastic derivative skylights in roofs
having a slope of less than 1 in 3 shall have a one hundred (100) mm
high curb. The curb may be omitted where a wire screen not smaller
than No. 12 USS. gauge with a mesh not larger than twenty five (25)
mm is provided immediately below the skylight. The screen shall be
substantially mounted below the skylight.

Section 65. Light-Transmitting Panels in Monitors and Sawtooth Roofs.

(a) General. Where a fire-resistive rating is not required for the roof
structure, and in all buildings/ structures provided with an
approved automatic fire-extinguishing system, approved plastics/
plastic derivatives may be used with or without such as the light-
transmitting medium in monitors and sawtooth; Except, that plastics
used in monitors or sawtooth roofs of Type II Construction shall be of
materials appropriate to be used according to flame-spread
characteristics.

(6) Allowable Area. The area of individual plastic glazing used in
monitors and sawtooth glazing shall not exceed fifteen (15.0) sqm.
The total aggregate area of plastics used in skylights, monitors, and
sawtooth glazing shall not exceed twenty percent (20.0%) of the floor
area of the room or occupancy sheltered.

(©) Area Separation. The area of such plastic panels shall be separated
from each other by a section of incombustible material or by a section
of the roofing material of the structure not less than one point five
(1.5) m in length. The lower edge of the plastic material shall be at
Teast one hundred and fifty (150) mm above the surface of the
adjoining roof surface.

Section 66. Plastic Light Diffusers in Ceilings.

(a) General. Ceiling light diffusers having an area greater than ten
percent (10.0%) of any ten (10.0) sqm of room area shall be of

B


(b)

approved plastics/ plastic derivatives conforming to the
requirements specified in this Act.

Installation. Plastic light diffusers shall be installed in such a manner
that they will not readily become detached when subjected to room
temperature of eighty degrees Centigrade (80°C) for fifteen (15)
minutes; Except, for the plastic/ plastic derivative light diffusers
which are installed in the first floor area of Group C Occupancies
having egress directly to the exterior of the building/ structure; and
plastic/ plastic derivative light diffusers which are located between
an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system and the area to be
protected other than public corridors for Group A, B, C, D, E, G, H
and I Occupancies if tests required by the NBO have established that
such installation will not interfere with the efficient operation of such
automatic fire-extinguishing systems.

Section 67. Partitions. Where partitions are not required to be of fire-resistive
or incombustible construction, approved plastics/ plastic derivatives conforming to
the requirements specified in this Act may be used.

Section 68. Exterior Veneer.

(a)

(b)

©

(d)

General.

Exterior veneer may be of approved plastic/ plastic derivative
materials, and shall conform to the provisions of this Article.

Height.

Plastic/ plastic derivative veneer shall not be attached to any exterior
wall above the first storey; Provided, that plastic veneer may be
attached to exterior walls above the first storey of buildings located
outside of highly restrictive Fire Zones: Provided further, that the
height of the veneer is not in excess of ten (10.0) m above the adjacent
grade of elevation.

Area.

Sections of plastic/ plastic derivative veneer shall not exceed fifteen
(15.0) sqm in area; Except, that in less restrictive Fire Zones, the area
may be increased by fifty percent (50.0%).

Separation.

Sections of plastic/ plastic derivative veneer shall be separated by a
minimum of one point two (1.2) m vertically and six hundred (600)
mm horizontally.

Section 69. Awnings and Canopies.

(a)

(b)

Plastic materials appropriate for use according to Flame Spread
characteristics may be utilized in awnings and canopies; Provided,
such awnings and canopies are constructed in accordance with
provisions governing projections and appendages as specified in this
Act.

Approved plastics/ plastic derivatives may be used in awnings
where untreated canvass is permitted.

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(0) Approved plastics/ plastic derivatives may be used in lieu of plain
glass in green-houses in less restrictive Fire Zones.

ARTICLE XI
GLASS AND GLAZING

Section 70. General Requirements.

(a) This Section shall apply to exterior glass and glazing in all
‘Occupancies except Groups A, B, and J Occupancies not over
three(3)- storeys in height, and to interior and exterior glass and
glazing in all occupancies subject to human impact as specified in this
Act.

(b) Standards for materials shall conform to the provisions set by the
NBO on glass dimensional tolerances, breaking stress levels and
design safety factors.

(c)_ Each glass light shall bear the manufacturer's label designating the
type and thickness of glass. Each glass light with special performance
characteristics such as laminated, heat-strengthened, fully tempered
or insulated, shall bear the manufacturer's identification showing the
special characteristics and thickness, by etching or other permanent
identification that shall be visible after the glass is glazed.

Section 71. Area Limitation. Exterior glass and glazing shall be capable of safely
withstanding the load due to wind pressures for various height zones above ground,
acting inward or outward. The area of individual glass lights shall not be more than
the maximum allowable area of glass according to the wind load multiplied by the
appropriate adjustment factor.

Section 72. Glazing. Glass firmly supported on all four (4) edges shall be
glazed with minimum laps and edge clearances in accordance with Section 1801
paragraph (b); Provided, that glass edge clearance in fixed openings shall be not less
than what is required for wind and earthquake drift. For glass not firmly supported
on all four (4) edges and design shall be submitted for approval of the LBO. Glass
supports shall be considered firm when deflection of the support at design load does
not exceed 1/175 of the span.

Section 73. Louvered Windows. Regular plate, sheet, or patterned glass in
jalousies and louvered windows shall not be thinner than five point six (5.6) mm
minimal, and not longer than one point two (1.2) m. Exposed glass edges shall be
smooth.

Section 74. Impact. Frameless glass doors, glass in doors, fixed glass panels
and similar glazed openings which may be subject to accidental human impact shall
conform with the requirements set forth by the NBO on impact loads of glass: Except,
in the following cases:


(a) Bathtub and shower enclosures shalll be constructed from approved
shatter-resistant materials, such as: wire reinforced glass not less than
five point six (5.6) mm thick; fully tempered glass not less than four
point eight (4.8) mm thick; or laminated safety glass not less than six
point four (6.4) mm thick.

(b) Glass lights located not less than four hundred and fifty (450.0) mm
above the adjacent finished floor or walking surface.

(©) Glass lights when the least dimension is not greater than four hundred
and fifty (450.0) mm.

(d) Glass lights one point five (1.5) sqm or less in area.

ARTICLE XIL
SIGNS, DISPLAYS AND BILLBOARDS

Section 75. General Requirements.

(a) No sign, signboard or non-mobile billboard shall be erected in such
manner as to confuse or obstruct the view or interpretation of any
official traffic sign, signal or related public information device.

(b) No sign, signboard or non-mobile billboard shall be constructed as to
unduly obstruct the natural view of the landscape, distract or
obstruct the view of the public as to constitute a traffic hazard, or
otherwise defile, debase or offend aesthetic and cultural values and
traditions.

Section 76. Maintenance. All signs, together with all of their supports, braces,
guys and anchors, shalll be kept in repair and in proper state of preservation. The
display of all signs shall be kept neatly painted and secured at all times

Section 77. Design and Construction. Sign structures shall be designed and
constructed to resist all forces in accordance with the National Structural Code for
Buildings. For signs on the firewalls, roof or deck roof of buildings/ structures, the
dead and lateral loads shall be transmitted through structural frame of the building/
structure to the ground in such a manner as not to overstress any of the elements of
the building/ structure. The weight of earth superimposed over footings may be
used in determining the dead load resisting moment. Such earth shall be carefully
placed and thoroughly compacted.

Section 78. Supports and Anchorages.

(a) General. The supports and anchorage of all signs, sign structures or
non-mobile billboards shall be placed in or upon private property
and shall be constructed in conformity with the requirements of this
Act.

(b) Materials. Materials for construction of signs or sign structures shall
be of the quality and grade as specified under this Act.

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©)

(d)

(e)

Restrictions on Combustible Materials. All signs or sign structures
erected in highly restrictive Fire Zones shall have structural members
of incombustible materials. Ground signs may be constructed of any
material meeting the requirements of this Act. Combinations signs,
roof signs, wall signs, projecting signs and signs on canopies/
marquees shall be constructed of incombustible materials. No
combustible material other than approved materials shall be used in
the construction of electrical signs or sign structures.

Non-Structural Trim. Non-structural trim and portable display
surfaces must only be of materials duly approved and promulgated
by the NBO, or any combination thereof.

Display Surfaces. Display surfaces in all types of signs, signboards
and non-mobile billboards must only be of materials duly approved
and promulgated by the NBO.

Section 79, Projections and Clearances.

(a)

(b)

©

(a)

Clearances from High Voltage Power Lines. Clearances of signs from
high voltage power lines shall be in accordance with the Philippine
Electrical Code.

Clearances from Fire Escapes, Exits, or Standpipes. No signs or sign
structures shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its
surface or supports shall interfere in any way with the free use of any
fire escape, exit or standpipe.

Obstruction of Windows and Openings. No sign shall obstruct any
window or opening to such an extent that natural light and
ventilation are reduced to a point below that required under this Act.
Non-mobile billboards must not be constructed in such a way that
these obstruct light and ventilation from windows or openings facing
RROWs/ streets or other public spaces, particularly in the case of
carpark buildings/ structures, whereby all openings must be free of
any sign structure.

Projection Over Alleys. No sign or sign structure shall project into
any public alley below a height of three (3.0) m above the established
sidewalk grade, nor project more than three hundred (300) mm
where the sign structure is located three to four point five (3.0 - 4.5) m
above the established sidewalk grade. The sign or sign structure must
not project more than one (1.0) m into the public alley where the sign
or sign structure is located more than four point five (4.5) m above
established sidewalk grade.

Section 80. Lighting. Signs shall be illuminated only by electrical means in

accordance with the Philippine Electrical Code.

Section 81. Regulation of Non-Mobile Billboards. Any non-mobile billboard

erected, modified, retrofitted, rehabilitated or otherwise altered and thereafter
exhibited after the effective date of this Act shall comply with the requirements
stated hereafter. The LBO must take immediate steps to rectify all forms of non-

82


compliances under this Act, particularly for signs and sign structures erected since
1977 that persistently violate the NBCP.

Section 82. Position of Non-Mobile Billboards Along National RROWs, ROWs and
Legal Easements.

(a) No billboard shall be located in a position that obstructs or obscures
the view of vehicular or pedestrian traffic in such a manner as to
endanger their safe movement thereof. Non-mobile billboards shall
not be erected in a manner that can confuse or obstruct the view or
interpretation of any official traffic sign, signal or device.

(b) The outermost portion or projection of a non-mobile billboard or its
support structure or its lighting system shall be located at least five
(6.0) m from the outermost line of the national street or RROW,
RRROW, UROW, WROW, legal easement and the like.

(©) Billboards shall not be erected on any structure or portion thereof

found within the national RROW, RRROW, UROW, WROW, legal

easement and the like. The air rights over such ROWs and legal
easements shall not be availed of for the purpose of erecting non-
mobile billboards.

Temporary signs, regardless of material, intended use and size,

including election-related signs or signs showing the names and/or

likeness of elective/ appointed officials, shall not be strung or
installed over or across a national RROW, RRROW, UROW, WROW,
legal easement and the like, unless otherwise permitted by the
barangay or LGU concerned; Provided, that in no case shall the period
of display exceed seven (7) calendar days. The barangay or LGU must
thereafter remove said temporary sign/s.

(e) Reckoned from the edge of the national RROW, all displays shall
have a minimum clear/ unobstructed viewing distance of from fifty
to one hundred (50.0 to 100.0) m within the Metropolitan Manila
Area (MMA) and up to two hundred and one (201) m outside the
MMA.

(f) Anon-mobile billboard must not be located more than two hundred
and one (201.0) m of the outermost portion of all interchanges or of
the outermost portion of the national road right-of-way (RROW) of
all underpasses, overpasses, bridges, tunnels, station/ terminal/
inter-modal/ multi-modal structures and the like or from the center
of an intersection. For existing/ proposed national RROW widths of
forty (40.0) m wide or wider, a distance of from fifty to one hundred
and fifty (50.0 to 150.0) m shall apply.

(g) Parts of a non-mobile billboard including its support structure must
not be placed on, in or over any public property/ the public domain,
including national public/ transportation/ utility ROWs or
utility / drainage easements or upon telephone/ utility poles or upon
natural features such as trees, rocks and the like. In particular, non-
mobile billboards shall not be erected or maintained or violate the air

d)

83


(h)

0)

rights above a carriageway/ roadway, railway or waterway / vessel-
way.

Non-mobile billboards must not be erected at residual areas at or
along intersections of national RROWs, RRROWs, ROWs and legal
easements or at or along intersections of such public spaces.
Non-mobile billboards that may obscure or obstruct the view of
vehicular or pedestrian traffic or that may interfere, imitate, resemble
or be confused with official traffic signs, signals or devices shall not
be permitted. A billboard that prevents a clear and unobstructed
view of official traffic signs in approaching or merging traffic must
not be permitted.

A billboard that may impair any scenic vista or view corridor from
the national RROW/ legal easement or from a building/ structure
along such RROW/ legal easement must not be permitted.

Section 83. Position within Private Property or Public Property Outside RROWs/
ROWS/ Legal Easements.

(a)

(b)

©

All non-mobile billboards shall be erected in conformity with the
front, side and rear setback and yard requirements prescribed in the
latest IRR of this RNBCP and in the applicable LGU zoning
regulations. In case of conflict between such laws/ regulations, the
provisions of the RNBCP shall generally prevail. However, if the
provisions under the LGU ordinances are more stringent than the
RNBCP, then such LGU ordinance shall prevail.

Parts of a non-mobile billboard must not be placed on, in or over any
Private/ public property without the written consent of the property
owner ot lawful possessor and without the permit of the barangay ot
LGU concerned. This particularly applies to non-mobile billboards
and their outdoor lighting provisions mounted on firewalls and
deliberately intruding into the air rights of adjoining properties,
unless a current and valid lease agreement for the use of such air
rights exists.

Anon-mobile billboard mounted on a fire-walled Property must not
utilize the air rights of a private/ public property adjoining such a
fire-walled property without the written consent of the property
owner or lawful possessor of the affected property and without the
permit of the barangay or LGU concerned. In case of the presence of
official consent by the affected property’s owner or lawful possessor
for a firewall-mounted non-mobile billboard, the same may opt to
share in the income that may be derived from the billboard in
exchange for the use of the air rights. In case of the lack of consent or
refusal by the affected property’s owner or lawful possessor for a
firewall-mounted non-mobile billboard, only a painted or sticker-
type display may be placed on the firewall, still subject to the prior
consent of the affected property’s property owner or lawful possessor
and to the prior permission of the barangay or LGU concerned.
Neither a non-mobile billboard mounted on the firewall nor a display

84


painted on or made to adhere to the firewall shall be allowed if there
is lack of consent or official refusal/ objection by the affected
property's owner or lawful possessor.

(d) A billboard must not be erected or maintained upon or above the roof
of any building/ structure if the same is in violation of the NBCP and
its IRR or of more stringent laws.

(e) A billboard must not be constructed on a property where the same
can obscure or shade the windows or doors of adjacent buildings/
structures. Non-mobile billboards shall not be made of reflective
material that can redirect unwanted light towards adjacent
buildings/ structures.

Section 84. Non-Mobile Billboard Spacing and Density.

(a) Non-mobile billboards located upon or oriented towards traffic
traveling upon the same side of a national RROW/ street with a
minimum sixty (60.0) m width must be spaced no less than five
hundred (500.0) m apart. For narrower national RROWs, the spacing
must be between two hundred meters to five hundred (200.0 - 500.0)
depending on the allowed vehicle speeds on the RROW as
determined by the ONBO, in coordination with the appropriate
agencies. This distance must be measured along a straight line
between the two(2.0) nearest points of the billboards. The minimum
spacing required must not apply to two (2.0) displays viewed from
different directions but which share a common support structure.

(b) Regardless of national RROW widths, non-mobile billboards must not
be located within a one hundred (100.0) m radius of another billboard
even if the two (2.0) billboards are on different RROWs/ streets,

(©) Non-mobile billboards must only be single-faced or double-faced. In
the case of a double-faced billboards, the allowed display surface
area/ billboard unit on each face must not exceed twenty eight
square meters (28.0 sqm) per billboard unit/ display/ face, provided
that applicable setback, yard and building height limit (BHL)
requirements of the NBCP and its IRR are satisfied.

(d) Triple, quadruple or higher multi-faced billboards must not be
permitted as these are already configured as buildings or solid
structures that unnecessarily block natural light and ventilation and
pose public safety problems.

(e) Non-mobile billboards must not be placed within or above any portion
of a RROW or ROW, particularly at the sides, below or on top of the
exterior of public structures such as elevated expressways and transit
alignments/ stations/ terminals and the like, but must be allowed at
the enclosed sides of loading platforms and pedestrian access-ways at
such public structures. Existing non-mobile billboards and their
support structures, if non-compliant with this Act, must be removed
within three (3.0) months after the effectivity of this Act.

Section 85. Non-Mobile Billboard Display Content and Lighting.

85


(@) All display content for non-mobile billboards and temporary signs
must conform to the standards set by the NBO and by the
government agency tasked or to be tasked with reviewing and
approving the display.

(b) All content exhibited in a foreign language must similarly exhibit the
corresponding translation in either English or the local dialect/s.

«) A
billboard with any form of commercial content must not be permitted
within all properties zoned as residential nor within residential
subdivisions. In the case of a new residential subdivision, only
commercial billboards containing information on the residential
subdivision shall be allowed.

(a) B
illboards with any commercial content must not be erected within a
two hundred and one (201.0) m distance of the nearest property line
of declared historic or cultural sites or of institutional sites such as.
schools, churches, hospitals, government buildings, public parks/
playgrounds/ recreation areas, convention centers, cemeteries or any
other area which must be free of non-mobile billboards with
commercial content.

(e) Lighting: Non-mobile billboards must be illuminated only by
luminaires exuding a fixed/ non-oscillating/ non-fluctuating amount
of light that shall that must not produce glare or unwanted
reflectance when directed at a display.

Section 86. Allowable Dimensions for Non-Mobile Billboard Displays

(a) A billboard unit shall have a surface or display area of between seven
point five (7.5) sqm minimum and twenty eight (28.0) sqm maximum
for existing/ proposed national urban RROWs/ ROWs and between
twenty eight point one (28.1) sqm minimum and fifty six (56.0) sqm
maximum for exisiting/ proposed national rural RROWs/ ROWS.

(b) The minimum dimension of one (1.0) side of a minimum display or
billboard unit shall be one meter (1.0 m).

(©) The maximum dimension of one (1.0) side of a maximum display or
billboard unit shall be eleven (11.0) m, subject to compliance with the
billboard height limitation under this Act.

(a) _ No billboard shall exceed fifteen (15.0) m in height, measured from
the average elevation of the surface of the natural ground or existing
sidewalk or carriageway level (whichever is higher) up to the highest
point of the non-mobile billboard or any of its components. This
maximum height is contingent on the prior satisfaction of the
applicable setback, yard and building height limit (BHL)
requirements of this RNBCP and its IRR.

() All non-mobile billboards shall be erected in conformity with the
building height limits (BHL) prescribed in the latest IRR of this
RNBCP and in the applicable LGU zoning regulations.

(Allowable variations from the standard measurements shall be
reflected in the IRR of this Act.

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Section 87. Placement of Billboards with Respect to Emergency Exits, Doors and
Windows. Billboards must not be erected in such a manner that any portion of its
display or supports will interfere in any way with the free use or operation of any
fire escape, emergency exit, door, window, standpipe and the like. A non-mobile
billboard must not be erected, constructed and maintained so as to obstruct any
emergency exit or other openings or to prevent free passage from one part of a roof
to any part thereof. A non-mobile billboard in any form or shape must not be
attached to a fire escape in any manner or be so placed as to interfere with an
opening required for introducing natural light and ventilation into a building/
structure. This provision shall particularly apply to all tall buildings exceeding five
(5)-storeys.

Non-mobile billboards shall also not be used to wrap buildings/ structures to
deprive the occupants of natural light, ventilation and view. This particularly applies
to all types of residential and office buildings as well as above-grade parking
buildings, where exhaust venting shall be severely compromised by such billboards.

Section 88. Fees and Inventory of Billboards. As of the effective date of this Act,
the following fees for a non-mobile billboard shall apply:

(a) aone-time billboard inventory fee of Two Thousand Five Hundred
Pesos (P2,500.00);

(b) an annual inspection fee of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Pesos
(P7,500.00); and

(©) a building permit fee for a new non-mobile billboard structure in
accordance with the NBCP and its IRR.

The inventory fees shall be collected by the LGU for turnover to the Office of
the NBO (ONBO), the lead agency for the conduct of the inventory. The ONBO in
coordination with the other agencies such as the MMDA (for the Metropolitan
Manila Area/ MMA only) and with the provincial LGUs, shall use additional
revenues to conduct a thorough countrywide inventory of all non-mobile billboards,
including plotting the exact location of each sign, determining whether or not each
sign has a valid permit from the ONBO, MMDA and the LGU OBO charged with
regulating billboards at the LGU level.

Section 89. Nori-Mobile Billboard Permit Required. Except as otherwise provided
in this Act, no billboard shall hereinafter be erected, constructed, maintained or
altered until a billboard permit has been issued by the LBO and the NBO after
payment of the required fees. An application for a non-mobile billboard shall be
made in writing by a duly licensed outdoor advertising company and/or by
legitimate entities with in-house outdoor advertising services, on the permit forms
furnished by the authorities concerned and shalll include such information as may be
required for a complete understanding of the proposed work.

The construction/ erection permit or annual inspection clearances issued by
the LGU OBO for a qualified entity to erect/ operate/ maintain a non-mobile

87


billboard may be revoked by the ONBO and the MMDA (for the MMA) and by the
‘ONBO and the DILG (for all other areas) if the non-mobile billboard is:

(a) in violation of any provision of this RNBCP and/or its latest IRR or
derivative regulations and/or poses a clear threat to public welfare,
safety and health; and/ or

(b) in violation of any provision of this Act and/or its IRR or of any
provision of subsequent derivate rules and regulations (guideline/s,
standard/s, manual/s of procedure and the like) as subsequently
promulgated by the ONBO.

The permit/s or clearance/s issued by the LGU for the erection/ operation/
maintenance of a non-mobile billboard as revoked by the ONBO may be officially
reinstated by the ONBO and the MMDA (for the MMA) and by the ONBO and the
DILG (for all other areas) if the violations found have been properly addressed /
temedied.

Section 90. Abatement of Dangerous Billboard/s. When any non-mobile billboard
is found or declared to be dangerous or ruinous, the LBO, duly designated as such
by the LGU) shall order its repair or demolition at the expense of the Owner,
depending upon the degree of danger to life, health or safety. This is without
prejudice to further action that may be taken under the provisions of the New Civil
Code or this RNBCP and its IRR.

To facilitate the identification of the Owner, the necessary contact information
shall be exhibited on the right lower corner of a non-mobile billboard, permanently
attached to its support structure.

Section 91. Official Signs Exempted. The following official signs are exempt
from the restrictions of this Act that may also apply to signs:

(a) Official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional, or
other official government signs;

(b) Directional, information or public service signs, such as those
advertising availability of restrooms, telephone or similar public
conveniences;

(©) Official traffic signs, signals, devices and the like; and

(d) Official signs for memorial or historical places.

Section 92. Possible Exemption for Non-Mobile Billboards Only Above the Sidewalk
Portion of the RROW. Satisfaction of the following conditions, whereby the permitted
non-mobile billboard is made to effectively contribute to positive urban design/
redevelopment, may allow the placement or erection of non-mobile billboards but
only above the sidewalk portion of the RROW:

(a) if the billboard and its cantilevered support structure is used to
effectively hold in place and disguise/ conceal overhead electrical,

88


telephone, cable TV and similar utility lines that hover above the
sidewalk and that may pose possible danger to pedestrians; Provided,
that such utility lines are also effectively concealed from the view of
persons within a property/ building or structure without unduly
compromising considerations of natural light and ventilation;

(b) if the billboard and its cantilevered support structure is also used to
effectively provide a shelter from the elements for the pedestrians
passing underneath; as such, the billboard serves as a component of a
virtual covered sidewalk system;

(0)_ iif the non-mobile billboard to cover the utility lines is officially
permitted by the ONBO and the MMDA (for the MMA) and the
DILG (for areas outside the MMA); and

(d) if the allowed non-mobile billboard does not exceed 1.2 m in height
and provides a clear vertical distance of at least 4.0 m for pedestrians
passing underneath.

Section 93. Assisting Entities. In compiling the billboard inventory and in the
crafting of the IRR of this Act, the ONBO as the lead agency that shall promulgate
the IRR, shall collaborate with other national agencies, the concerned LGUs, the
MMDA, billboard permit holders, non-governmental organizations and citizens’
groups.

Section 94. National Organization of Non-Mobile Billboard Constructors. A
national organization of Non-Mobile Billboard Constructors must be accredited by
the ONBO, and must be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(GEC), as a non-profit, non-stock corporation that shall self-regulate the billboard
industry in accord with this Act, with oversight functions by the ONBO.
Membership in the said organization must be required for all billboard constructors.
All companies/ entities desiring to engage in the construction/ erection, alteration
and maintenance of non-mobile billboards must be members in good standing of
any local, national or international outdoor advertising association and must abide
by the Code of Ethics and Guidelines that may be thereafter adopted by such
associations, duly approved by the NBO.

Section 95. Responsible State-Regulated Professional. Since billboards affect the
natural and built environments for which the registered and licensed Architects
and/or Environmental Planners are the primarily responsible State-regulated
professionals, it shall be unlawful for any natural or juridical person to erect,
construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, use or maintain
any billboard or cause the same to be erected unless the signature and dry seal of a
registered and licensed Architect or Environmental Planner appears on the
construction/ erection plans and specifications of the billboard. The involvement of
such a professional shall ensure that all laws and regulations pertaining to the
placement/ siting, number, erection and maintenance of billboards are fully
enforced.

89


~ ARTICLE XIIT
PUBLIC BUILDINGS/ STRUCTURES

Section 96. Design of Public Buildings/ Structures.
(a) General

al Public buildings/ structures are permanent edifices owned by
the government, whether State/ national or local, its agencies,
including government-owned and/or controlled corporations
(GOCCs).

a2 The design of public buildings/ structures must fully conform
to the applicable provisions of this Act. Aside from being,
logically functional and structurally sound, these must should
promote, enhance and express the aesthetic presentability,
customs and traditions, socio-economic values, environmental
quality and cultural heritage of the region concerned towards
evolving a distinct Filipino Architecture.

a3 The architectural character of public buildings/ structures must
fully express the nature of their function, use or occupancy and
must reflect their identity/ character as public buildings/
structures compatible with their total macro/ micro and
natural/ built environments.

a4 Public buildings/ structures must be designed for permanence
but with maximized flexibility to allow for future adjustments in
their uses/ occupancies.

a5 The use of indigenous and/or locally manufactured/ produced
materials such as marble, stone, adobe, clay tiles, wood
products, coco wood, capiz shells, and the like should be
maximized unless their production or usage are banned or
regulated by the government to promote the efforts to conserve
natural resources.

a6 The use of natural light and ventilation by means of proper
orientation, cross ventilation, convection, sun control devices
and the like should be maximized to conserve energy.

a7 Choice of architectural finishes should aim to minimize
operating and maintenance costs.

a8 The architectural plan and design must basically reflect the
functional manner or spatial utilization and/or the evolving
Filipino, Asian or international usage of spaces that need to be
projected if required or used, more than just attention to pure
forms/ images.

a9 Only the use of good to high quality materials, labor,
technologies and construction methods within the approved
budget, must be specified by its planners and designers to
ensure permanence, long continued use and low operating and
maintenance cost of public buildings or structures.

a.10 Plans and designs of all public buildings must fully comply with
all of the planning and design requirements under this Act its
IRR, DRs and Referral Codes (RCs), specifically including the

90


)

©)

Fire Code of the Philippines (R.A. No. 9514) and the
Accessibility Law (B.P. N

a.11 Strictly consider proper landscaping analysis and design not

only for aesthetics but more so for the prevention of erosion of
its site and immediate vicinity, for organic planning and design
and for ecological balance.

a.12 The foregoing provisions are not intended to limit the creativity

of the designer nor preclude the use of advanced or innovative
technology particularly in instances wherein mandated
compliances under this Act shall present a major difficulty in or
hamper the proper execution of the plan, design or architectural
concept.

Site Selection

bl

b2

b3

Where a project site is yet to be selected, the potential site must
be compatible with the project usage. The site should be
accessible, and near power, water, sewerage, drainage as well as
transportation, communication and solid waste management
systems for practical and economic considerations.

Site analysis should show an accurate and thorough
understanding of the site. It should include, but not be limited
to, consideration of topography, point of access, existing
buildings/ structures/ utilities/ services, trees, ground cover,
soil characteristics, existing and approved land uses, views and
vulnerabilities to flooding, erosion, seismic activity or other
threats.

The site must be properly and completely described, clearly
defining its technical boundaries, showing access thereto such as
highway, street/ RROW or alley and indicating legal easements,
encroachments, approved building lines, proposed road
widening, existing buildings/ structures, utilities/ services and
trees. For site on rolling grounds or steep slope, its contour lines
must be shown at convenient intervals.

Site Development

el

2

Location and Orientation. Locate and orient the buildings to
maximize the use of natural ventilation and lighting and to
minimize energy consumption within the constraints of the
functional requirements, the topography and site configuration.
Site Drainage - Drainage is a basic site design consideration and
must be done in conjunction with siting and orientation of
buildings, location of parking lots and roads, consideration of
topography and compliance with functional site requirements.
Parking lots, roads and walks must be graded to assure positive
drainage for each major site element and must be coordinated
into a total drainage system. Existing drainage ways, if any,
should be utilized to retain the original character of the site and
to avoid unnecessary earthwork.

91


3 Grading Design - Balance the cut and fill for the entire site as
closely as possibic to eliminate the need for hauling earth on or
off the site. If topography for areas required for parking,
roadways and other site features require cut and fill, selection of
finished elevations for backfilling of the entire site should be
well studied and appropriate.

c4 Vehicular and Pedestrian Access and Circulation - Access and
circulation patterns to and within the site must be studied in the
process of site planning. Easy and direct access and smooth
circulation should be provided for all vehicles and pedestrians,
specially for disabled persons.

5. Site Utilities and Services - Provide adequate underground
utilities and services such as concrete or masonry trenches with
retractable covers for maintenance to help avoid future diggings
at roadways/ carriageways. The trench alignments must be
coordinated with paving of streets/ RROWS and landscaping
works, including future extensions/ expansions, to avoid
conflicts with such site elements. The most economical run must
be provided to help minimize the possibility of future utility
relocation. The location of underground site utilities and
services such as power, water supply, sewerage
communications and drainage systems must be coordinated to
reduce the possibility of utility/‘ service crossings and
contamination.

Section 97. Aerodromes, Airports and Heliports/ Helipads (as applicable). The
planning and design of all aerodromes, airports and heliports, including helipads on
buildings/ structures must be thoroughly coordinated with the CAAP and the DoTC
particularly on the applicable standards or combinations thereof i.e. ICAO SARP,
CAAP MoS, etc. with respect to airport airside components such as the runway strip
(airstrip), runway, taxiways, aprons, etc. and landside components such as terminal
buildings, curbside and parking.

Section 98. Mandated Reference for Design Guidelines, Criteria and Standards
(DGCS) for Public Buildings. The mandated reference for Design Guidelines, Criteria
and Standards (DGCS) for all public buildings on Philippine soil shall be the DGCS
fo Buildings and related structures, duly promulgated by the DPWH. In the absence
of the DPWH DGCS, the NBCP shall serve as the DGCS for all public buildings on
Philippine soil.

ARTICLE XIV
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND GREEN ARCHITECTONICS FOR BUILDINGS/
STRUCTURES

Section 99. Sustainable Design is premised on designing physical objects, the built
environment and services to substantially comply with the principles of economic, social

92


and ecological sustainability, without compromising natural and other resources that must
be bequeathed to future generations.

Section 100. The architectonics of a building must be energy-efficient, to
effectively reduce energy consumption, water consumption, operating costs and
environmental impact.

Section 101. A building must be sustainably planned, designed, used/
occupied, managed and maintained. The key principles of Green Buildings revolve
around its site and surroundings, energy/ water/ material efficiency, indoor air
quality, waste reduction and low operating/ maintenance costs.

Section 102. The passive Green Building design features of a building
require it to use less energy resources while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle for
its occupants.

Section 103. The active Green Building design features of a building/
structure imply the use of equipment that run on renewable resources such as
wind turbines, solar panels, and the like, that help conserve natural and non-
renewable resources.

Section 104. Considerations of proper siting, land utilization, orientation and
resource management must be included as primary climate change adaptation
features of buildings/ structures and their respective sites/ grounds.

Section 105. The high floodwater line (HFL) to be determined by the DPWH,
instead of the sidewalk surface, must be the reference for developing/ constructing
the first floor of buildings/ structures. While the constructed levels below the HFL
may be used for activities, the same shall not be enclosed.

Section 106. The Water Code provisions on legal easements along
waterways must be fully complied with. Failure to comply will subject the
violator/s to the penalties prescribed under this Act.

Section 107. The paving material for RROW/ streets and the use of masonry
walls and metal roofs for buildings/ structures must be reduced to help address
the steady increase in reflected light and heat.

ARTICLE XV
BASEMENTS

Section 108. Maximum Configuration of Basement Levels. While basements may
be developed for medium to very high density residential, commercial, institutional
and mixed-use developments, its planning, design and construction shall observe
the following limitations:

93


(@)

(b)

©

(a)

1)
(8)

‘The minimum road right-of-way (RROW) width that services the lot
on which the basemeni can be constructed should be at least ten
(10.0) m wide;

For basements to be allowed, the prescribed setbacks and yards must
be satisfied for the building/ structure above grade inasmuch as the
very same setbacks shall apply below grade to determine the
maximum depth or width of the basement level;

If this Act’s prescriptions for introducing natural light and ventilation
into all basement levels are first satisfied, the maximum depth of the
basement can then be made equal to fifty percent (50%) of the height
of the building above grade; if the prescriptions for natural lighting
and ventilation are satisfied, the basement depth can therefore be as
much as one-third (1/3) of the combined height of the building to be
constructed above grade and below grade;

The center portion of all basement levels shall be reserved for the
satisfaction of the basement level and may extend by a minimum
clear distance of one oint four (1.4) m from the OFB at grade level;
The OFB at the second and lower basement levels shall follow the
line of the OFB at grade level; and

All drainage structures below grade shall not exceed the OFB below
grade.

Section 109. Minimum Provisions for Natural Lighting and Ventilation at Basement
Levels, If basements are to be developed, the following minimum provisions for
natural light and ventilation shall be satisfied:

(@)

(>)

A primary or main natural light and ventilation shaft (vertical) with a
clear distance of at least three (3.0) m shall be located at the center of
the building and shall traverse the entire combined height of the
building above and below grade;

Secondary or support natural light and ventilation shaft/s (angular)
with a clear distance of at least one point two (1.2) m shall emanate
from the front and rear perimeters of the building and shall traverse
the entire depth of the basement; the angular shaft/s shall be at an
angle of sixty degrees (60°) from the horizontal, consistent with the
maximum Philippine solar angle; separate angular shafts emanating
from the side perimeters of the building are encouraged; and

Both the vertical and angular shafts shall only be used for natural air
and light intake and shall not be used for any form of exhaust or air
exchange to keep the temperature inside the shafts at a minimum.

ARTICLE XVI
THE PUBLIC DOMAIN

94


[LEGAL EASEMENTS, VIEW CORRIDORS/ SIGHT LINES, STREETS/ ROAD
RIGHT-OF-WAY (RROW) AND SIDEWALKS/ ARCADES]

Section 110. Legal Easements.
(a) Asit is situated outside of private property limits, the legal easement is

(>)

public land i.e. public domain, that should be equally enjoyed by all
members of the community. The legal easement must not be used for
any form of building/ structure that may go against the easement’s
public recreational character and as such, the following uses and
others similar thereto are absolutely prohibited:

a3 Residential and like uses whether temporary or permanent;

a4 Long-term or overnight vehicle parking i.e. unless the easement

is duly designated by law as day and/or night pay-parking

zones;

Asa depository of stalled, wrecked or abandoned vehicles,

mechanical devices and the like;

a6 Use of the easement for the conduct of specific commercial,
institutional and/or industrial activities not compatible with its
stated character;

a7 Unauthorized recreational or entertainment usage and the like
which will only benefit certain entities and which will ultimately
result in inconvenience/ nuisance/ safety problems to the
general public; nor

a8 Any other form of private use, gain, enjoyment or profit at the
expense of the motoring or walking public.

aw

a!

Allowed or Encouraged Structures/ Developments Within Legal
Easement

b.1 If wider than nine (9.0) m, the legal easement may include a
roadway / carriageway component on which vehicles can pass
or on which the same may temporarily park e.g. an esplanade
and the like.

b.2. Pedestrian access-ways and the like and to be located at/
above/ below the easement may also be developed for public
use e.g. a promenade and the like.

b3 The allowed structures/ developments include:

b3.1_ hardscaped (paved) pedestrian access-ways such as
walks, footpaths or arcades (covered or roofed
sidewalks without any habitable structures above or
below it);

3.2. temporary or movable hardscape elements such as
gazebos, sheds, fountains and like structures with large
footprints must not encroach on the easement;

3.3. Softscaped (paved) developments such as park strips,
linear parks and the like as well as small tree farms are

95


encouraged for recreational, livelihood and soil

stabilization/ protection purposes;

b3.4 Concrete steps leading down to the water or wooden
boardwaiks are allowed; Provided, that all necessary
safety precautions are taken e.g, non-slip finishing for
surfaces, handrails and railings;

b3.5 Other forms of soil stabilization/ protection including
anti-erosion/ scouring measures/ structures within the
easement are allowed e.g. rip-rapping, embankment
protection, etc.; Provided. that no enclosed/ semi-
enclosed habitable structures are built on, above or
below such structures; and

b3.6 Permanent utility/ service lines (power, water,
telecommunications, gas, etc.) are allowed within the
easement provided that these are either below grade
(underground) or above grade (overhead).

(©) Disallowed and Prohibited Structures /Developments Within Legal

Easements

c.1 No portion of the easement whether at grade (on the ground),
below grade or above grade may be leased or developed by the
government or by private entities for purposes inconsistent with
its character and intended function. In particular, any form of
semi-permanent/ permanent or semi-enclosed/ enclosed
residential, commercial, industrial, institutional or government
structure/ use and like, structures/ uses at any portion of the
public easement is prohibited;

¢.2 All semi-enclosed or enclosed, semi-permanent or permanent
habitable building projections (particularly arcade structures) or
any other building projection or structural element (eaves, roof,
cantilevered beams, foundations and the like) located above or
below the easement are absolutely prohibited; and

3 All forms of enclosures such as fences, perimeter walls and the
like, intended to limit the use of the easement for private
enjoyment/ benefit or to restrict full access to the public easement
are absolutely prohibited unless the same are erected for reason of
public safety.

Section 111. View Corridors and/or Sight Lines.
(a) Preservation of View Corridors and/or Sight Lines

a1 The carriageway/ roadway portion of the RROW shalll be free of
structures, particularly commercial signs or sign structures that
will impede the view corridor and sight lines within the RROW.

a2. To dignify very important public or historical/ cultural
buildings/ structures, all forms of commercial signs and sign
structures intruding into RROW leading to or away from such

96


buildings/ structures must not be allowed. Specifically
disallowed from such RROW are commercial signs and sign
structures such as non-mobile billboards supported from any
building wall or projection (such as arcades).

a3. View corridors or sight lines from buildings/ structures on a
higher or lower lot shall not be entirely blocked by the
intervening property to allow some sight lines to exist.

a4 Incase of allowed structures within the RROW for
transportation e.g. elevated ramps, flyovers, tracks, stations,
terminals and the like, the appropriate designs shall be adopted
to maximize light, ventilation and view.

Section 112. Streets/ Road Rights-of Way (RROWS).
(a) No building/ structure shall be constructed unless it adjoins or has
direct access to public space, yard or street/ RROW on at least one (1)
of its sides, All buildings shail face a public street/ RROW or alley,
which has been duly approved by the proper authorities for
residential, institutional, commercial and industrial occupancies.
(b)_RROW Development Levels. The RROW consists of three (3)
different physical levels as follows:
bl RROW Above Grade - refers to the portion of the RROW
reckoned from the finished surface of the roadway/
carriageway and/or the sidewalk/ arcade all the way up to the
air. If this level of the RROW is utilized for whatever purpose,
the Air Rights or the right to develop, benefit and profit from
the use of the RROW above grade must be relinquished by the
government/ general public and should therefore be
compensated ie. leased and paid for by the proponent/ end-
user/ beneficiary of the proposed building/ structure. The
minimum clear height for the utilization of air rights above
RROW shall be four point twenty seven (4.27) m from the
finished crown elevation of the roadway/ carriageway.

b2. RROW at Grade - refers to the portion of the RROW reckoned
from the natural grade line up to the finished surface of the
roadway / carriageway and/ or the sidewalk/ arcade. This
portion of the RROW is generally utilized for the movement of
the general public (motorists and pedestrians). If this level of the
RROW is utilized for whatever purpose, the right to develop,
benefit and profit from the use of the RROW at grade is
relinquished by the government/ general public and should
therefore be compensated i.e. leased and paid for by the
development proponent/ end-user/ beneficiary.

b3. RROW Below Grade - refers to the portion of the RROW
reckoned from the finished surface of the roadway and/or the
sidewalk all the way down into the ground. If this level of the
RROW is utilized for whatever purpose, the right to develop,

7


benetit and profit from the use of the RROW below grade is
relinquished by the government/ general public and should
therefore be compensated i.e. leased and paid for by the
development proponent/ end-user/ beneficiary.

(€)_ Allowed or Encouraged Structures/ Developments Within the
RROW. The RROW at all its physical levels may only be used for the
following types of structures/uses or others similar to them, to wit:
1. Transportation structures and like uses whether temporary or

permanent e.g, mass transit alignments (particularly light and
heavy rail) at grade, mass transit stations and terminal facilities
above grade (RROW air rights utilization) or below grade and
the like; these also include waiting sheds, traffic outposts and
the like;

<2. Limited commercial structures/ uses above grade (RROW air
rights utilization) or below grade; Provided, that these are
ancillary or supplementary/ complementary to the
transportation structures/uses allowed in the previous
paragraph, and the like; commercial signs and signage
structures on the exterior of the commercial structure are
disallowed and prohibited;

3. Improvements on the RROW and on all its components/
elements found at all its physical levels e.g. sidewalks, arcades,
roadway /carriageway, medians, planting strips, street
furniture, elevated or underground crossings or access-ways,
noncommercial traffic and directional signages and the like; and

cA Public utility/ service structures/ uses (power, water, drainage,
sewerage, telecommunications, gas, etc.) at all physical levels of
the RROW; Provided, that these do not restrict nor impede the
movement of people and vehicles; and Provided further, that the
rights to utilize the RROW are properly secured and permitted.

(@) Disallowed and Prohibited Structures/ Developments at RROW. If
situated outside of private property limits, the RROW is public land
Le. public domain, which should be equally enjoyed by all members
of the community. The RROW is not to be used for the following
types of buildings/ structures/ occupancies or others similar to
these:

d.1 Any form of semi-permanent/ permanent or semi-enclosed/
enclosed commercial structure/ use and like structures/ uses;

4.2 Any form of temporary, semi-permanent/ permanent or semi-
enclosed/ enclosed residential structure/ use and like
structures/ uses;

d3 Government structures/ use unless the same are located below
or above grade; in such cases, the proposed structure must be
properly planned/ designed and constructed;

d4 Long-term or overnight vehicle parking ie. unless duly
designated as day and/or night pay-parking zones;

98


ds

dé

d7

d8

As a depository of stalled, wrecked or abandoned vehicles,
mechanical devices and the like;

The conduct of other commercial / business/ industrial activities
incompatible with the character of the RROW;

Unauthorized recreational or entertainment usage and the like
which will only benefit certain entities and which will ultimately
result in inconvenience/ nuisance/ safety problems to the
general public; nor

Any other form of private use, gain, enjoyment or profit at the
expense of the motoring or walking public.

(e) Access to Buildings/ Structures/ Dwellings. Multiple living units on
Same lot on which apartments, rowhouses or accessorias or a group of
single-detached buildings are built be provided with a RROW/ street
directly connecting said buildings or units to a public street/ RROW
or alley as follows:

el

e2

e3

e4

For commercial or industrial areas, sufficient lane widths,
shoulders and maneuvering spaces for long-bodied/ articulated
vehicles should be considered within the RROW.
Privately-owned RROW/ streets shall be duly registered and
‘annotated in the lot title as such for as long as the apartments,
rowhouses, etc,, using said RROW/ street, still exist.

‘Alignment of RROW/ street shall be integrated into the existing
street/ road network, particularly with the provision of chaflans
of the appropriate width.

No obstruction should exist within the RROW/ streets servicing
multiple housing of more than seventy five (75) dwelling units.

Section 113. Sidewalks.
(a) Subject to existing laws and regulations, the local planning authority
Shall determine which street/ RROW shall have an open sidewalk or
an arcaded (covered) sidewalk, or a combination of both.

(b) The

minimum width of the sidewalk for a RROW width of nine (9.0)

mor more must be one point two (1.2) m on each side of the RROW
or a total of two point four (2.4) m on both sides of the RROW/ street.
(6) Sidewalk widths must be based on the following considerations:

el

2

3

4
5

Volume of pedestrians (end-users, visitors and the like) who
will use the sidewalk on a regular basis;

‘Type, intensity or level of operation and size/ expanse of the
allowed uses/ occupancies along the RROW;

The types and volume of street furniture e.g. street lighting and
traffic signs/ signal supports, pedestrian barriers/ aids, etc., and
other urban design elements that will be allowed as permanent
developments within the width of the sidewalk;

The width of the planting strips;

‘The spatial needs for servicing, utility/ service lines underneath
the sidewalk and for utility/ service poles;

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6 Compliance with accessibility requirements as stipulated under
B. P. No. 344 (Accessibility Law);

7 Provisions for commuters e.g. waiting sheds, loading/
unloading areas and the like;

8 Provisions for vehicle crossings/ driveways between the
roadway/ carriageway and the front yards of lots or buildings/
structures or provisions for loading/ unloading platforms if
allowed;

9 Need for introduction of allowed uses/ elements within the
sidewalk area only if there is sufficient sidewalk width e.g.
bicycle lanes, jogging lanes and the like; and

10 Climate, light, ventilation, safety, security and overall
maintenance of the sidewalk and all its surface areas.

(d) Sidewalks shall be of uniform width throughout the entire length. of
the street/ RROW. The sidewalk width grade and finish of the
dominant use/ occupancy along the RROW shall be generally
observed.

(e) The width of the sidewalk must include both the paved and unpaved
(planted) portions.

(The minimum width of the planting strip (for grass and shrubs) is
two hundred (200.0) mm for each side of the RROW. The minimum
width of planting strip (for trees) is thre hundred (300.0) mm for each
side of the RROW.

(g) The sidewalk pavement must have a non-slip surface and must slope
down from the building line towards the curb line at not more than
1/50 and shall level off with the curb.

(h) Sidewalks of two (2.0) m or more in width shall include on its outer
side a planting strip of not less than eight hundred (800.0) mm in
width up to a maximum of one-third (1/3) of the allowed sidewalk
width, separating the curb from the sidewalk pavement. The planting
strip must always be near the curbline.

() Combined open and arcaded sidewalks shall be provided with a
planting strip of not less than eight hundred (800.0) mm in width up
toa maximum of one-third (1/3) of the allowed sidewalk width, as a
separating strip between the arcaded portion and the open portion of
the sidewalk.

() Grade of Sidewalks
j1 Sidewalks shall, as much as possible, be level and of uniform

grade throughout the entire length of the street/ RROW.

j2 Whenever the slope of the street does not exceed 1/12, the
sidewalk grade shall follow the level or slope of the street/
RROW.

j3 Whenever the slope of the street is 1/10, the sidewalk shall be
maintained level for every twenty to forty (20.0 to 40.0) m of
run, Sidewalks of different levels shall be joined by means of a
ramp having any convenient slope not exceeding 1/6.

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j4

When the grade of two (2) connecting sidewalks are between
1/10 and 1/8, the two sidewalks shall be joined by means of a
ramp having any convenient slope not exceeding 1/10.

(&)_ Driveways, Entrances and Exits and Driveways Across Sidewalks

k1

k2

k3

k4
k5

k6

To maximize the use of the sidewalk area, the surface of the
sidewalk and the driveway shall as much as possible, be at the
same plane. The entry ramp of the driveway connecting the
roadway surface to the sidewalk surface shall have a slope
ranging from 1/3 to 1/4.

Whenever the height of the curb is more than two hundred
(200.0) mm, the driveways may be constructed across the entire
width of the sidewalk, provided that the driveway shall be
joined to the sidewalk by means of a ramp of rough finish have
a slope of not more than 1/8. The driveway and the ramp shall
be made of the same materials as that of the sidewalk.
Entrances and exits of buildings abutting sidewalks shall be
made of either ramps or steps.

Entrance and exits ramps shall have a slope not exceeding 1/10.
Entrance or exit steps shall have treads of not less than three
hundred (300.0) mm. The minimum number of steps shall be
two (2) with risers not exceeding one hundred (100.0) mm.

No portion of either entrance or exit ramps or steps shall intrude
into the sidewalk pavement.

(1) Obstruction on Sidewalks

11

12

()

Under no circumstances shall obstruction of any kind be
allowed on sidewalks, whether open or arcaded. This
specifically refers to all forms of commercial signs and
commercial structures that impede sight lines or pedestrian
traffic along the sidewalk.

Planted areas forming part of the sidewalk or arcade shall not be
fenced in to allow the passage of pedestrians and disabled in
transit.

Curb Configurations

m1 Mountable curbs shall only be allowed if the sidewalk width on

each side of the RROW is at a minimum of five (5.0) m_ wide.

m.2 For greater protection of pedestrians and the disabled, raised

curbs are encouraged for use along sidewalks that are less than
five (5.0) m in width.

ARTICLE XVII
ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTS

Section 114. Architectural Documents. Architectural Documents are
architectural drawings, specifications and other outputs of a registered and licensed

101


Architect that only an Architect can sign and seal consisting, among others, of
vicinity maps, site development plans, architectural program, space plans,
perspective drawings, architectural floor plans, elevations, sections, ceiling plans,
schedules, detailed drawings, technical specifications and cost estimates, and other
instruments of service in any form. ~

The following list and definitions of the basic architectural documents, shall
hereafter govern the classification, submission, transmittal, acceptance, processing,
review, approval, reference, use, storage, archiving, filing, retrieval, reproduction,
crediting/ attribution and related activities pertaining to all buildings/ structures for
human habitation on Philippine soil, to wit:

1) The Perspective in is an approximated architectural representation on a flat
surface of an image as it is perceived by the eye. The key concepts are that: a) the
perspective is the view from a particular fixed viewpoint; b) the horizontal and
vertical edges in the object are represented by horizontals and verticals in the
drawing; c) lines leading away into the distance appear to converge at a
vanishing point; d) all horizontals converge to a point on the horizon, which is a
horizontal line at eye level; and f) verticals converge to a point either above or
below the horizon. The basic types of architectural perspectives are: a) exterior
perspective, which offers a view of a development, building or structure from
anywhere outside the exterior walls of such a proposed development; and b)
interior perspective, which offers a view of a development, building or structure
from anywhere inside the walls of such a proposed development. The basic
classification of architectural perspectives is by the number of vanishing points,
to wit: a) one point perspective, where objects facing the viewer are orthogonal,
and receding lines converge to a single vanishing point; b) two point perspective,
is the normal convention, with all the verticals drawn as verticals on the page,
and which reduces distortion by viewing objects at an angle, with all the
horizontal lines receding to one of two vanishing points, both located on the
horizon; and c) three point perspective, which introduces additional realism by
making the verticals recede to a third vanishing point, which is above or below
depending upon whether the view is seen from above or below, and which gives
a casual, photographic snapshot effect. The basic views governing architectural
perspectives are: a) aerial or bird's eye view, which is the view as seen (or
imagined) from a high vantage point; b) normal or man’s eye view which is set at
pix or eye level, which is at approximately 1.5 meters above finished grade; and
¢) below grade or worm’s eye view, which offers an imagined view of a
development, building or structure from below finished grade; and d) sectional
view which offers a cutaway view of the architectural interior of a building or
structure by combining a sectional and perspective drawing

2

The Site Development Plan (SDP) is an architectural drawing that shows the
whole context of a building or group of buildings, showing property boundaries
and the means of access to the site, and nearby structures if these are relevant to
the architectural plans and designs. For a development sited in urban areas, the
SDP must show adjoining streets to demonstrate how the architectural plan and
design fits in to the urban fabric, Within the site boundary, the SDP gives an

102


3)

4)

5)

overview of the entire scope of work such as both pre-existing and proposed
developments, buildings and structures, usually as a building footprint; road
rights of way (RROWS), parking slots, footpaths, locations of hard and soft
landscaping elements, urban design and street furniture elements including
signages and way-finding devices, all the services connections such as drainage
and sewer lines, water supply, electrical and communications cables, exterior
lighting etc., and the like. SDPs are commonly used to: a) represent a building
Proposal prior to detailed design by using the SDP as a tool for deciding both the
site layout and the size and orientation of proposed buildings; and b) verify that
a development proposal complies with national and local development/ physical
planning/ building laws and regulations, including restrictions on historical
sites. In this context the SDP forms part of lawful compliances with such
development controls/ restrictions.

The Floor Plan is the most fundamental architectural diagram/ drawing, which is
essentially a view from above showing the arrangement of spaces in building in
the same way as a map, but showing the relationships of such spaces at a
particular level of/ location within a building/ structure. Technically it is a
horizontal section cut through a building (conventionally at a minimum distance
of one meter above the finished floor line), showing walls, windows and door
openings and other features at that sectioned level. The plan view includes
anything that could be seen below that level: the floor, a portion of the stairs,
fittings and sometimes furniture/ fixtures/ equipment. Objects above the plan
level such as beams/ girders are indicated on the floor plan as broken lines.
Geometrically, the floor plan is defined as a vertical orthographic projection of an
object on to a horizontal plane, with the horizontal plane cutting through the
building/ structure. The floor plan evolves from prior sequential architectural
activities such as general and specific researches including space-time-motion
and anthropometric studies as well as the identification of user requirements,
code searches to identify applicable laws and regulations, site analyses, space and
architectural programming and space planning.

The Section represents a vertical plane cut through the development/ building/
structure, in the same way as the floor plan, which is a horizontal section viewed
from the top. In the section view, everything cut by the section plane is shown as
a bold line, often with a solid fill to show objects that are cut through, and
anything seen beyond are shown in a thinner line. Sections are used to describe
the relationship between different levels of a building which would be difficult to
understand from floor plans alone. A sectional elevation is a combination of a
ctoss section, with elevations of other parts of the building seen beyond the
section plane. Geometrically, a cross section is a horizontal orthographic
Projection of a building/ structure on to a vertical plane, with the vertical plane
cutting through the building/ structure,

The Elevation is a view of a development/ building/ structure seen from one
side, or a flat representation of one facade. This is the most common view used to
describe the external appearance of a development/ building/ structure. Each
elevation is labeled in relation to the road right-of-way (RROW) it faces and in

103


6)

8)

relation to its position with respect to the lot or site, e.g. the front elevation of a
building is the side that most closely faces or is directly seen from the RROW
while the side elevations are the views of the development/ building/ structure
as seen from just outside the side lot/ property lines. Since buildings/ structures
are mostly as simple rectangular shaped plans, there are at least 4 elevations.
Geometrically, an elevation is a horizontal orthographic projection of a building
on toa vertical plane, the vertical plane normally being parallel to one side of the
building.

The Detailed Architectural Drawings show a small part of the proposed
construction/ retrofit/ rehabilitation/ expansion work at a larger scale, to show
how the component parts fit together. These are also used to show small surface
details, for example decorative elements forming part of the architectural
interiors. Section drawings at large scale are a standard way of showing building
construction details, typically showing complex junctions (such as floor to wall
junction, window openings, eaves and roof apex) that cannot be clearly shown on
a drawing that includes the full height of the development/ building/ structure.
A full set of construction details needs to show plan details as well as vertical
section details. One detail is seldom produced in isolation: a set of details shows
the information needed to understand the construction in three dimensions.
Modern buildings need to be fully detailed because of the proliferation of
different building products, methods and possible solutions.

The Architectural Specifications provide a set of qualitative and quantitative
statements that detail what a project implementation entity must do/ perform in
order to fully comply with and realize the architectural plan and design intents
and that state measurable criteria that must be met in such an implementation
effort. The Architectural Specifications form a major component of the Technical
Specifications which, together with the architectural plans/ designs and the
engineering layouts and calculations, are annexed to a construction contract. The
typical contents of the Architectural Specifications are the architectural
Tequirements, success measures, implementation/ construction/ maintenance/
operation guidelines, specifications and standards, testing, documentation and
the like to cover the following works: general site development, architectural
construction and finishing including tinsmithry, decorative metalwork, ceiling
systems, tilework and the like, insulation and indoor environmental controls,
moisture control, soil treatment, masonry, carpentry/ cabinetry/ built-in items,
fenestrations (doors and windows), millwork, painting, acoustics, lighting,
hardware, equipment, fixtures and equipment (such as elevators, walkalators
and escalators), signages and way-finding devices, traffic and parking
management, waste management, accessibility compliances, fire and life safety
compliances, and the like. The Architectural Specifications evolves over the
course of the project from Brief to Outline to Performance to Preliminary to
Technical Specifications.

The Architectural Schedules that present the descriptive details of architectural
finishes, fenestrations, hardware, fixtures (including sanitary and lighting),
equipment and other building elements in summarized matrix form.

104


9) The Architectural Estimates that present the cost of the architectural work with
sufficient breakdown and that evolves over the course of the project from
Budgetary or Parametric to Revised Budgetary to Preliminary to Detailed
Estimates.

The following matrix of architectural work scopes, architectural documents
and signatories, shall hereafter similarly govern the classification, submission,
transmittal, acceptance, processing, review, approval, reference, use, storage,
archiving, filing, retrieval, reproduction, crediting/ attribution and related activities
pertaining to all architectural documents for all buildings/ structures for human
habitation on Philippine soil, to wit:

A. Architectural B. ARCHITECTURAL jG Lawful
Scope of Work | DOCUMENTS Preparer,
[under Sec.3 (4) of | (Minimum Listing Only, as may Signatory
RA. No. 9266] later be expanded by the NBO and/or Dry-
through a separate Resolution) Sealing Entity
1. Preparation of i. Reportage and Architectural Consulting
Preliminary, Components of Preliminary, Architect (CA),
Technical, Economic | Technical, Economic and Financial | duly registered
and Financial Feasibility Studies (or Pre- and licensed
Feasibility Studies Feasibility Studies); under R.A. No.
(or Pre-Feasibility | ii, Concept Level , to Preliminary 9266
Studies) requiring Level Architectural Plans/
the Preparation of Designs;
Architectural Plans, | iii, Virtual (3D) and Scale Models; and
Models and Project _| iv.Project Promotional Services e.g.
Promotional | marketing collateral, brochures,
Services flyers, exhibit boards/ panels, 3D
walk-through/ animation
and presentations, Powerpoint
presentations and printouts, and
Consultation and the like;
General Consulting | v. Project Philosophy, Concept and
ie. giving oral or Description |
written advice and document/s;
directions, vi.Project Brief with Summary of User
conferences, Requirements, Schematic/
evaluations, Conceptual through Preliminary
investigations, Level Architectural Documents
quality surveys, (Plans/ Designs/ Drawings)
appraisals and including Outline Specifications
adjustments, and Minimum Performance |
Architecturaland | Standards; and |
Operational | vii. Property Brief (including
Planning, Site | discussions on development
Analysis and Other_| _ restrictions/ limitations and

105


Pre-Design Services
and
Project Packaging

and related Pre-
Design Services

manner of product marketing and
disposition);

viii. Similar/ related documents;

ix. Other documents/ deliverables
pertaining to professional
architectural services appearing in
the 2010 STANDARDS OF
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (SPP,
denominated as Board Resolution
No. 03, Series of 2010), No. 201
(Pre-Design Services); and

x. Applicable documents/
deliverables pertaining to
professional architectural services
appearing in the 2010 SPP No. 203
(Specialized Architectural Services)
and/or in the 2010 SPP No. 206
(Comprehensive Architectural
Consulting Services) and/or in the
2010 SPP No. 209 (Professional
Architectural Consulting Services/
PACS) and/or in the 2010 SPP No.
208 (Architectural Design
Competition/ ADC), as applicable,
or as may later be determined by
the Board through a separate
Resolution.

2. Site and Physical
Planning (including
Urban Design)

i. Site Ocular Inspection Report (with
Recommendations);

ii, Site Analyses Report (with

Recommendations);

initial Site and Physical Planning
Report (with Site Development
Program, the Property
Development Brief, the Physical
Planning Brief and Summary of
User Requirements and the Outline
Development Specifications);

iv.Conceptual Master Development
Plan (CMD!

v. Preliminary Master Development
Plan (PMDP);

vi.Detailed Master Development Plan
(DMDP, (with Land Use
Distribution and Site Development
Plan/ SDP as needed);

vii. Draft Deed of Restrictions
(DOR);

‘Consulting
Architect (CA)
and/or the
Architect-of-
record(AoR), both
duly registered
and licensed
under R.A. No.
9266

106



viii Draft Design and
Development Guidelines
(graphically illustrated);

ix. Powerpoint and 3D presentations,
including 3D animation/ walk-
through presentations, exhibit
boards/ panels, etc.;

. Budgetary Development Cost
Estimate;

xi.Other documents/ deliverables
pertaining to professional
architectural services appearing in
the 2010 SPP No. 201 (Pre-Design
Services), and/or in the 2010 SPP
No. 203 (Specialized Architectural
Services) and/or in the 2010 SPP
No. 206 (Comprehensive
Architectural Consulting Services)
and/or in the 2010 SPP No. 209
(Professional Architectural
Consulting Services/ PACS)
and/or in the 2010 SPP No. 208
(Architectural Design
Competition/ ADC), as applicable,
or as may later be determined by
the Board through a separate
Resolution.

x

3, Space Planning and
Architectural/
Building/ Site
Programming and
the Lay-outing and
Utilization of Spaces
within and
surrounding such
buildings or
structures

i, Space Planning Survey Form;
. Report on Space Planning Survey
Results;

ili. Space Planning Brief, which may
include Space, Time & Motion
Studies and Anthropometric
Studies, Connection Diagrams and
Proximity Matrices, the Space
Program, Space Plans, Stacking
Diagrams, and the like;

iv. Architectural Design Brief, which

may include the Architectural

Program; and

Other applicable documents/

deliverables pertaining to

professional architectural services

appearing in the 2010 SPP No. 203

(Specialized Architectural Services)

and/or in the 2010 SPP No. 206

(Comprehensive Architectural

Consulting Services) and/or in the

<

Consulting
Architect (CA)
and/or the
Architect-of-
record(AoR), both
duly registered
and licensed
under R.A. No.
9266

107



2010 SPP No. 209 (Professional
Architectural Consulting Services/
PACS), as applicable, or as may
later be determined by the Board
through a separate Resolution.

4. General
Architectural
Design (Schematic
Design, Design
Development,
Contract
Documents and
Periodic
Construction
Supervision/ PCS
Services and the
Preparation of
Architectural Plans,
Specifications, Bill
of Materials, Cost
Estimates, General
Conditions and
Bidding
Documents
covering New
Construction,
Enlargement,
Conservation,
Renovation,
Remodeling,
Restoration or
Alteration of a
Building or Group
of Buildings)

and

Architectural
Coordination ie.
architectural lay-
outing of
mechanical,
electrical,
electronic, sanitary,
plumbing,
communications
and other utility
systems, equipment

i

ii.

i

iii.

liv.

‘Architectural Plans/ Designs/
Drawings/ Details

Vicinity Map/ Location Plan
within a two kilometer (2.0 km)
radius for commercial, industrial,
and institutional complex and
within a half (0.5) km radius for
residential buildings, at any
convenient scale showing
prominent landmarks or major
road rights-of-way (RROWs) for
ready reference;

Site Development Plan (SDP)
showing technical description,
boundaries, orientation and
position of the proposed
building/ structure in relation to
the lot, existing or proposed access
road right-of-way (RROW) and
driveways and existing public
utilities/ services; existing
buildings within and adjoining
the lot shall be hatched and
distances between the proposed
and existing buildings shall be
indicated;

Exterior perspective drawn at a
convenient scale and taken from a
vantage point (bird’s/ man’s/
worm’s eye view/ level);

Floor Plans drawn to scale of not
less than 1:100 meters (m)
showing the gridlines, complete
identification of rooms/ areas/
functional spaces, floor finishes,
elevation indices, door and
window tags, etc.;

. Elevations, at least four (4), of the

same scale as Floor Plans showing
the gridlines, natural and finish
grade elevations, floor to floor
heights, door and window marks,
type of material and exterior

Architect-of-
record (AoR)
with/ without a
Consulting
Architect (CA),
both duly
registered and
licensed under
R.A. No. 9266

108



and fixtures
and

Architectural
Detailing

and

Architectural
Support Services
i.e. contract
document
production,
architectural
rendering, scale
model-making, etc.)

finishes; elevation indices,

adjoining existing structure/s, if

any (shown in single hatched
lines), etc.;

Sections, at least three (3),

including at least one (1) Bay

Section, showing the gridlines;

natural and finish grade levels,

outlines of cut and visible
structural parts, doors and
windows properly labeled and
reflecting the direction of swing/
opening, partitions, built-in
cabinets, elevation indices,
identification of room/ areas/
functional spaces cut by section
lines;

vii. Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP)
showing the design, location,
finishes, specifications of
materials, lighting fixtures,
diffusers, decorations, air
conditioning exhaust and return
grills, sprinkler nozzles, if any,
etc., at a scale of at least 1:100 m;

viii. Ceiling Cavity Plan (as needed)
showing the design, location,
finishes, specifications of
materials, lighting, equipment
locations, catwalks, if any, etc., at
a scale of at least 1:100 m;

ix. Roof or Deck Level Plan showing
the design, location, finishes,
perimeter protection, equipment

vi.

layout, specifications of materials,

etc., at a scale of at least 1:100 m;
x. Roof Cavity Plan (as needed)
showing the design, location,
finishes and specifications of
materials, lighting, equipment
locations, catwalks, if any, etc., at
a scale of at least 1:100 m;
xi. Details, in the form of plans,
elevations, sections, etc.:
(a) Typical wall/ bay sections
from ground to roof;
(b) Stairs, interior and exterior;
(©) Fire escapes/ exits;

Architect-of-
record (AoR)
with/ without a
Consulting
Architect (CA),
both duly
registered and
licensed under
RA. No. 9266

109



(d) Built-in cabinets, counters and
fixed furniture; and
(e) All types of partitions

ix. Schedules of Doors and Windows |

showing their types,

designations/ marks, dimensions,

materials, and number of sets;
x. Schedules of Finishes and
Hardware, showing in graphic
form, surface finishes and
hardware assemblies/ sets
specified for all rooms, floors,
ceilings, walls including trims for
all building spaces per floor level;
Details of other major
architectural elements;

xi.

| xii Architectural Outline and

Technical
Specifications; and

xiii. Architectural Budgetary and
Detailed Cost Estimates.

b. Accessibility Plans/ Designs/
Drawings/ Details

i, Plans and specific locations of all
accessibility facilities at scale of at
least 1:100 m; and

ii, Detailed design of all such
accessibility facilities outside and
around buildings/ structures
including parking areas, and their
safety requirements all at scale of
1:50 or any convenient scale.

{a) Accessible ramps;
(b) Accessible stairs;
(c) Accessible lifts/ elevators;

(d) Accessible entrances, corridors |

and walkways;

(e) Accessible functional areas/
comfort rooms;

(f) Accessible switches, controls;

(g) Accessible drinking fountains;

(h) Accessible public telephone
booths;

(i) Accessible audio visual and
automatic alarm system;

|

Architect-of-
record (AoR)
with/ without a
Consulting

| Architect (CA),

both duly
registered and
licensed under

| R.A. No. 9266

Architect-of-
record (AoR)
with/ without a
Consulting
Architect (CA),
both duly
registered and
licensed under
RA. No, 9266

110



|" @) Accessible access symbols and
| directional signs;
() Reserved parking for disabled
persons;
c. Fire and Life Safety Documents
|i. Layout plan of each floor

indicating the fire evacuation
route to safe dispersal areas,
standpipes with fire hose, fire
extinguishers, first aid
kits/cabinets, fire alarm, fire
operations room, emergency
lights, signs, etc.
Details of windows, fire exits with
grilled/ operable windows and
fixed/ operable ladders.

i. Details of fire-resistive
construction of enclosures for
vertical openings.

| iv. Details of fire-resistive

| construction materials and interior

decorative materials with fire
resistive/ fire-retardant/fire-
spread ratings

v. Other Related Documents

d. Other Related Documents

|i, Tender/ Bid Documents covering

| Architectural

| _ and Architectural Interior

| Components;

ii, Architect's Periodic Construction

Supervision
(PCS) Inspection Report;

ili. Architect's Punchlist Inspection

Report;

| iv. Sustainable Architectural Design

Plans/ Designs/ Details;

xi, Other documents/ deliverables
pertaining to professional
architectural services appearing in
the 2010 SPP No. 202 (Regular
Design Services);

xii. The Architectural Design Brief
which may contain the minimum
performance standards and
specifications (MPSS) or outline
specifications; and

xiii Other applicable documents/

ii

T

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deliverables pertaining to T
professional architectural services

appearing in the 2010 SPP No. 206
| Comprehensive Architectural

L__ Services).
5, Architectural a. Architectural Interior (Al) Plans/ | Architect-of-
Interiors (Al) Designs/ Drawings/ Details record (AoR)
i. the Architectural Interior Brief —_| with/ without a
which may contain the Space Consulting

Plan/s or layout/s of architectural | Architect (CA),
interior/s, furniture/ furnishing/ | both duly
equipment/ process layout/s and | registered and
the MPSS or outline specifications; | licensed under

ii, Architectural interior R.A. No. 9266
perspective/s;

iii. Access plan/s, parking plan/s

and the like;

iv. Detail design of major

architectural interior
elements;

v. Plan and layout of interior, wall
partitions, furnishing, furniture,
equipment/ appliances at a scale
of at least 1:100 m;

vi. Architectural Interior wall
elevations showing finishes,

| Switches, doors and convenience
outlets, cross window sections
with interior perspectives as
viewed from the main entrance at
scale of at least 1:100 m;

vii. Floor/ ceiling/ wall patterns and
finishing details;

viii.List of architectural interior
materials used;

ix, Sustainable Architectural Interior
(Al) Design Plans/ Designs/
Details;

x. Architectural Interior Outline and
Technical Specifications;

xi, Architectural Interior Budgetary

| and Detailed Cost Estimates;

xii, Other documents/ deliverables
pertaining to professional
architectural services appearing
in the 2010 SPP No. 202 (Regular
Design Services) and SPP No. 203
(Specialized Architectural

112



Services); ar
Other applicable documents/
deliverables pertaining to

| professional architectural services
| appearing in the 2010 SPP No. 206
(Comprehensive Architectural
Services).

{

6. Structural Applicable documents/ deliverables | Consulting
Conceptualization, | pertaining to professional Architect (CA),
Architectural architectural services appearing in | duly registered
Lighting and | the 2010 SPP No. 203 (Specialized | and licensed
Acoustics, | Architectural Services) and/or in the | underR.A.No. |
Architectural 2010 SPP No. 206 (Comprehensive 9266 |
Conservation and | Architectural Consulting Services)

Restoration, and/or in the 2010 SPP No. 209 |
Building (Professional Architectural |
Administration and | Consulting Services/ PACS), as
Housing Design _| applicable, or as may later be
and Community _| determined by the Board through a
Architecture | separate Resolution.

|

7. Project Management |i. Documents/ deliverables | Consulting
of architectural, | _pertaining to professional Architect (CA)
engineering and architectural services appearing in | with the |
allied design the 2010 SPP No. 201 (Pre-Design | Architect-of- |
and/or consulting | Services); and record(AoR),
services ii, Applicable documents/ both duly

deliverables pertaining to registered and
| professional architectural services | licensed under
| appearing in the 2010 SPP No. 203 | R.A. No. 9266
| @pecialized Architectural Services)

and/or in the 2010 SPP No. 206
| (Comprehensive Architectural

Consulting Services) and/or in the

2010 SPP No. 209 (Professional

Architectural Consulting Services/

PACS), as applicable, or as may

later be determined by the Board |

through a separate Resolution. i

8. Construction and |i. All documents/ deliverables Architect-in-
Project | pertaining to professional Charge of
Management and {| architectural services appearing in | Construction
giving general | the 2010 SPP No. 204-B (AiCC)
management, (Construction Management with/
administration, Services) and SPP No. 204-A without the
supervision, (Fulltime Supervision Services); | Architect-of-
coordination and and record(AoR),

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responsible ii, All documents/ deliverables both duly
direction or the | _ pertaining to professional registered and
planning, architectural services appearing in | licensed under
architectural | the 2010 SPP No. 205 (Post- R.A. No. 9266
designing, | Construction Services) and SPP
construction, | No, 206 (Comprehensive
reconstruction, Architectural Services)
erection,
enlargement or i
demolition, i
renovation, repair, |
orderly removal,
remodeling,
alteration,
preservation or
restoration of
buildings or |
structures or i
complex buildings,
including all their
components, sites
and environs, |
intended for i
private or public |
use
9, Design-Build All documents/ deliverables AiCC and the
Services | pertaining to professional AoR, both duly
architectural services appearing in _| registered and
| the 2010 SPP No. 207 (Design-Build | licensed under
Services). R.A. No. 9266
10. Construction Applicable documents/ deliverables | CA, duly
Arbitration (and _| pertaining to professional registered and
Mediation) and _| architectural services appearing in _| licensed under
Architectural the 2010 SPP No. 203 (Specialized | R.A. No. 9266, in
Photography, Architectural Services) and/or in the | a capacity as
Writing, Journalism | 2010 SPP No. 209 (Professional Arbitrator/
and Critiquing Architectural Consulting Services/_| Mediator or
| PACS), as applicable, or as may later | Journalist
| be determined by the Board through
a separate Resolution. |
11. Teaching of i. Architectural Subj yllabus and | CA, duly
Architectural Lesson Plan; registered and
Subjects, including ii, Architectural Lectures and licensed under
Architectural | __ Presentations; R.A. No. 9266, in
Computer-Aided _ iii. Baccalaureate, graduate and post-_| a capacity as
Design (CAD) |__ graduate curricula; and Lecturer/

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iv.Pertinent CHED or TESDA Instructor/

documents or as may later be Dean/
determined by the Board through a | Department or
|__ separate Resolution. School Head
12. Other Architectural |i. Architectural Services Proposal CA, AiCC and/or
Practice Documents | _ and Attachments; the
ii. Architectural Services Contract and | AoR, all duly
Annexes; registered and

iii. Practice Documents to be issued by | licensed under
the Board and/or the integrated | R.A. No. 9266
and accredited professional
organization of architects (IAPOA);
and

iv.All electronic, reproducible and
distributable copies of all of the
above.

Section 115. Signing and Sealing of Architectural Documents. The preparation,
signing and dry-sealing of ALL forms of architectural plans, designs, drawings,
details, specifications, estimates and the like, collectively referred to as architectural
documents, shall form part of the exclusive scope of work and professional domain
of registered and licensed architects (RLAs) as defined by law.

Only duly registered and licensed architect shall affix the seal prescribed by
the Board bearing the registrant's name, registration number and title "Architect" on
all architectural plans, drawings, specifications and all other contract documents
prepared by or under his/her direct supervision and that:

(1) No officer or employee of this Republic, chartered cities, provinces and
municipalities, now or hereafter charged with the enforcement of laws,
ordinances or regulations relating to the construction or alteration of
buildings, shall accept or approve any architectural plans or specifications
which have not been prepared and submitted in full accord with all the
provisions of this Act; nor shall any payments be approved by any such
officer for any work, the plans and specifications for which have not been
so prepared and signed and sealed by the author; and

(2) All architectural plans, designs, specifications, drawings and
ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTS relative to the construction of a
building shall bear the seal and signature only of an architect registered
and licensed under this Act together with his/her professional
identification card number and the date of its expiration.

Section 116. Qualifying Documents for the Signing and Sealing of Architectural
Documents. The registered and licensed architect shall be required to indicate his/her
Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card. its date of issuance
and the duration of validity, including the professional tax receipt number, on the

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documents he/she signs, uses or issues in connection with the practice of his/her
profession.

Architectural documents relative to the construction of a building shall bear
the seal and signature only of a duly registered and licensed Architect together with
his/her professional identification card number and the date of its expiration.” The
privilege tax receipt (PTR) shall also accumpany all architectural documents
submitted for building or ancillary permit application purposes. Only such
requirements shall heretofore accompany all forms of architectural documents
submitted/ transmitted/ received for official review and approval relative to the
issuance of government permits;

Section 117. Restriction on the Signing and Sealing of Architectural Documents. No
person shall practice architecture in this country, or engage in preparing
architectural plans, specifications or preliminary data for the erection or alteration of
any building located within the boundaries of this country or use the title
“Architect,” or display the word "Architect" together with another word, or display
or use any title, sign, card, advertisement, or other device to indicate such person
practices or offers to practice architecture, or is an architect, unless such person shall
have received from the Board a Certificate of Registration and be issued a
Professional Identification Card in the manner hereinafter provided and shall
thereafter comply with the provisions of this Act. It shall be unlawful for any person
to seek to avoid the provisions of this Act by having a representative or employee
seek architectural work in their behalf, unless and until, such persons are duly
registered/licensed, otherwise, the employer and the employee shall be deemed
guilty of violation of this Act. Solicitation of architectural work shall be construed as
offering to practice architecture and shall be unlawful for any nonregistered and
unlicensed persons to do so. Persons not registered as an architect shall not claim nor
represent either services or work as equivalent to those of a duly qualified registered
architect, or that they are qualified for any branch or function of architectural
Practice, even though no form of the title "Architect" is used.”

Section 118. Penal Clause on the Signing and Sealing of Architectural Documents
by Ungualified/ Unregistered Persons. Any person who shall practice or offer to practice
architecture in the Philippines without being registered /licensed in accordance with
the provisions of the Architecture Act of 2004, or any person who shall use in
connection with his/her name or otherwise assume, use or advertise any title or
description tending to convey the impression that he/she is an architect when
he/she is not an architect, or any person whether Filipino or foreigner, who
knowingly allows the use, adoption, implementation of plans, designs or
specifications made by any person, firm, partnership or company not duly licensed
to engage in the practice of architecture, or any person who shall violate any of the
Provisions of this Act, its implementing rules and regulations, shalll be guilty of
misdemeanor and charged in court by the Commission and shall, upon conviction be
sentenced to a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but
not more than Five million pesos (P5,000,000.00) or to suffer imprisonment for a

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period not less than six (6) months or not exceeding six (6) years, or both, at the
discretion of the Court,

Section 119. Only Qualified Persons to Review Architectural Documents. All
existing and proposed positions in the local and national government, whether
career, permanent, temporary or contractual and primarily requiring the services of
an architect, particularly the act of processing, reviewing and approving
architectural documents shall be filled only by registered and licensed architects.

The official review, process and approval of architectural documents for
purposes of securing government permits must hereafter be performed only by
RLAs

Section 120. Implementation and Enforcement of this Act. All duly constituted
law enforcement agencies and officers of national, provincial, city or municipal
government or of any political subdivision thereof, shall render assistance in
implementing and enforcing the provisions of this Act and shall take active steps to
prosecute any person violating the provisions of the same. Any person may bring
before the NBO, cases pertaining to violations of this Act committed by any person

or party.

ARTICLE XVIII
THE ARCHITECTURAL PERMIT FORM.

Section 121. Architectural Permit. The Architectural Permit, an ancillary permit,
must be secured from the OBO by a building owner, through the registered and
licensed architect, prior to the conduct of any detailed architectural design activity.
When an architectural permit is issued by the OBO, the information pertaining to the
names of the building owner and the registered and licensed architect who prepared
the subject architectural documents shall be posted at a conspicuous place within
twenty four (24) hours of the issuance of the architectural permit.

Section 122. Architectural Permit Form. The Architectural Permit Form (APF),
an ancillary permit form, was approved for use by the DPWH on 20 December 1999
by the then DPWH Secretary as part of the year 2000 Architectural Code of the
Philippines (ACP), adopted as a Referral Code of P.D. No. 1096 (1977 National
Building Code of the Philippines/ NBCP). The APF must be used by the LGU
Building Officials/ BOs nationwide for the processing, review and approval of all
architectural documents.

The APF must detail all the architectural computations relating to a building’s

lot area, footprint, setbacks, yards, building height and volume, incremental setbacks
and the like.

17


ARTICLE XIX
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 123. The IAPOA. Since the LAPOA shall play a key role in the review
of architectural plans and in the recommendation to issue an architectural permit,
the IAPOA must become a genuinely integrated organization, and must embrace all
existing architectural organizations on Philippine soil. Such architectural
organizations shall be given an equitable role in the policy decisions and
administration of the IAPOA.

Section 124. Only Philippine Registered and Licensed Architects to Own Registered
Architectural Firms. Only natural persons who are Philippine registered and licensed
architects (RLAs) shall own architectural firms which must be registered under law
to lawfully offer and undertake architectural services for projects on Philippine soil.
Architectural firms which do not have the required ownership by RLAs shall not
offer nor undertake architectural services.

Section 125. Foreign Architects Only as Natural Persons. Only natural persons
shall serve as foreign architects (FAs) for projects on Philippine soil. Thus, juridical
persons cannot serve as FAs for projects on Philippine soil. To qualify to practice
architecture on Philippine soil, the FA, as a natural person, must first be duly
qualified to practice architecture in his/ her home country and must possess a
Special/ Temporary Permit (STP) to practice architecture on Philippine soil, duly
issued by the PRC in full accordance with law.

Section 126. Major National and Local Awards for Architectural Work. Only the
IAPOA and the existing architectural organizations shall officially nominate to an
awarding body the registered and licensed architects who shall be the intended
recipient of a major national or local Government Award for architectural work.

ARTICLE XX
TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS

Section 127. Existing Buildings and Structures. All buildings or structures
constructed under P.D. No. 1096 or complementing existing city or municipal
building codes or ordinances, if lawfully constructed in accordance therewith from
1977 through 2011, shall be respected subject to such limitations established in this
Act.

However, all alterations, additions, enlargement/ expansions, fitout,
conversions, and/or repairs, rehabilitation, renovation, retrofit, to be made in such
building or structures shall be subject to the provisions of this Act.

Section 128. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). Within ninety (90.0)
days after the effectivity of this Act, the NBO, in full consultation with the pertinent
Professional Regulatory Boards (PRBs) under the PRC, and in coordination with
other agencies of the national and local governments, the NBO and the ONBO must

118


adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations, to carry out the provisions of this
Act and which shall be effective fifteen (15) days following their publication in the
Official Gazette or in thrice for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of national
circulation. An updating/ amendment of the IRR shall be undertaken by the ONBO
every two (2) years, including the provision/s on the permit and related fees.

The portion of the IRR of this Act, which must specifically address the proper
spacing, density, sizing and proportioning/ configuration and format of non-mobile
billboards within RROWs/ streets as partly determined by allowed vehicle speeds,
ROWs and legal easements, must be crafted by the ONBO, DoTC and the MMDA for
the Metropolitan Manila Area (MMA) and by the ONBO, the DoTC, DILG and the
provincial LGUs for all other areas outside the MMA, The concerned private sector
entities shall assist the said agencies in completing their tasks.

Depending on future need, the ONBO, again in full consultation with the
concerned PRBs under the PRC, must also prepare and promulgate the necessary
guidelines, standards and manuals of procedure in accordance with the IRR of this
Act.

Section 129. Interim Implementing Rules and Regulations (IIRR). Until such time
that the IRR of this Act is promulgated by the NBO, the interim implementing rules
and regulations for this Act shall be the 2004 Revised IRR of P.D. No. 1096 (1977
NBCP). All circulars promulgated by the Office of the DPWH Secretary (acting as the
NBO) prior to 2013 shall only continue to have binding force and effect, when not in
conflict with any of the provisions of this Act or until revoked or amended by the
NBO.

Section 130. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act or the application
thereof to any person or circumstance be declared unconstitutional or invalid for any
reason, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions, which shall
remain valid and subsisting.

Section 131. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, provisions of charters,
executive issuances, orders, circulars, ordinances, rules and regulations, guidelines,
standards, procedural manuals or parts thereof contrary to or inconsistent with any
provision of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

‘The inconsistent parts of the following portions of existing laws are hereby expressly

repealed:
(a) Sections 204, 206 and 302 of P.D. No. 1096, otherwise known as the NBCP;

an
(b) Section 477 of R.A. 7160 with respect to the appointment of City/
Municipal Engineers as Acting Building Officials.

Section 132. Enforcement of the Act. It shall be the primary duty of the ONBO/
NBO, in collaboration with the LGU OBOs/ LBOs to effectively enforce the
provisions of this Act. All duly constituted law enforcement agencies, including the
concerned PRBs of the PRC, and officers of national, provincial, city or municipal

119


government or of any political subdivision thereof, shall, upon the call or request of
the ONBO/ NBO, render unqualified/ unconditional assistance in enforcing the
provisions of this Act and to prosecute any person violating the provisions of the
same. The Secretary of Justice or his duly designated representative shall act as legal
adviser to the ONBO/ NBO and shall render legal assistance as may be necessary in
carrying out the provisions of this Act.

Section 133. Penal Clause. Violations of the NBCP shall be jointly determined
by a joint inspection team composed of representatives of the LGU OBO, the RLA
who prepared, signed and sealed the architectural, and allied plans/ designs and
documents of the building/ structure and the RLA representatives of local chapters
of the LAPOA.

Violations of this ACP and its IRR, including major violations of the NBCP
and its IRR, shall be subject to fines and penalties.

It shall be unlawful for any natural or juridical person, to erect, construct,
fitout, expand/ enlarge, alter, repair, renovate/ rehabilitate, retrofit, move, improve,
remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy, or administer/ maintain any
architectural component of a building or structure or non-mobile billboard or cause
the same to be done contrary to or in violation of any provision of this Act.

Any natural or juridical person, who shall violate any of the provisions of this
Act and/or commit any act hereby declared to be unlawful, shall upon conviction,
be punished by a fine of not more than two million pesos (PhP 2.0Min) or by
imprisonment of not more than two (2) years upon the discretion of a competent
Court: Provided, that in the case of juridical persons, the penalty shall be imposed
upon its officials responsible for such violation and in case the guilty party is an
alien, he/ she shall immediately be deported after payment of the fine and/or
service of his sentence.

Section 134. Effectivity. This Act and its IRR shall take effect only upon
publication thrice in three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of national
circulation and once in the Official Gazette.

Approved,

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