BUILDING CODES AND REGULATIONS

Introduction

Every infrastructure project the architect/civil engineer wants to put on a particular site
and what the client wants to put there are both initially limited by law.

Purpose of Regulations

• Protection of public health, such as regulating daylight, sunlight and ventilation

• Protection of public safety, such as regards to spread of fire or effects of an explosion on
adjoining property
• Protection of economic investment, that is to maintain an economic base in relation to
the ratio of land costs to built area
• Protection of service systems that is the ratio of the population on site to transport, power,
waste disposal, etc.
• Protection of “aesthetics” that is to control the form and appearance of a building
• Provisions of public amenity, such as public arcades/ open spaces on a privately owned
site

Basic Categories of Building Regulations

• Building Codes- concerned with the internal characteristics of structural integrity,

mechanical system design, construction materials and occupant life safety.
• Zoning Ordinances- concerned with the external characteristics of land use, site coverage,
setbacks, bulk, parking and loading, signage etc.

Codes that regulate buildings in the Philippines

• PD 1096-- National Building Code of the Philippines

• RA 1185-- Fire Code of the Philippines
• PD 957-- Regulating the sale of Subdivision Lots and Condominiums
• BP 220--Socialized Housing
• RA 9266—Architectural code of the Philippines
• RA 1378—National Plumbing Code of the Philippines
• RA 7920—Philippine Electrical Code
• RA 294— Philippine Mechanical Engineering Code
• BP 344— An act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Regulating Certain,
Buildings, Institutions, Establishments and Public Utilities to Install Facilities and Other
Devices
• RA 7929— Urban Development and Housing Program
• RA 7586— National Integrated Protected Areas System
• PD 1616— Rules and Regulations Governing the Development
• PD 374— Designating the National Museum to Supervise, Preserve, Conserve and Restore
Outstanding Structures, Buildings and Monuments, Towns and Cities Declared as National
Cultural Treasures and Properties
• PD 1505—Prohibiting the Modification, Alteration, Repair or Destruction of the Original
Features of Any Designation and Classified Historical Edifice without the written permission
from the Chairman of the National Historical Institute
• National Structural Code of the Philippines
KEY HOUSING AGENCIES

• NHA (National Housing Authority)—sole government agency engaged in direct shelter

production.
• NHMFC (National Home Mortgage & Finance Corporation)—Major government home
mortgage institution.
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• HLURB (Housing & Land Use Regulatory Board)—Regulatory board for human settlement.
• HIGC (Home Insurance and Guarantee Corporation)—assists private developers to
undertake low- & middle-income mass housing production.

SUPPORT AGENCIES

• HDMF (Home Development Mutual Fund)—administers PAG-IBIG, collects contributions

from government agencies
• SSS (Social Security System)—primary provider of funds for long term housing, mortgages
for low- & middle-income earners of private sector.
• GSIS (Government Service Insurance System)—shall be the primary provider of for low-term
housing mortgages, for low- and middle-income government employees.
• NHC (National Housing Corporation)—mass production of building materials
• HUDCC (Housing & Urban Development Coordinating Council)—supervise government
housing agencies
• HSRC (Human Settlement Regulatory Commission)—zoning and land use
• NHA (National Housing Authority)—subdivision and residential condominiums
• NPCC (National Pollution Control Commission)—industrial
• DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways)
• DBM (Department of Budget and Management)
• NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority)
• PMS (Presidential Management Stuff)
• DBP (Development Bank of the Philippines)
• DOF (Department of Finance)

PRIVATE SECTOR REPRESENTATIVES

• Developers
• Urban poor
• Bankers
• Professionals
• Contractors
• Brokers