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Arch. Nuke Interim President & Likha Awardee

BUILDING LAWS Arch. Herrera st
1 elected President
[by alver_remolar]
ACRONYM FULL NAME DESCRIPTION
INTRODUCTION
PRC Professional Regulatory Commission
Importance of Building Laws PRBOA Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture
Ancient Babylonian Period: Code of Hammurabi – UAP United Architects of the Philippines
“An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” PIA Philippine Institute of Architects
 Rules as public assurance AAIF
 Civil Contractual Obligations and Licensing of Professionals CCAPP
 Rules as Designers’ Resource PICE
Tri-legged Relationship: Owner  Builder  Designer
Government: Democracy + Paying of Taxes
Licensure Regulations
General Public  Government  Licensure Exam  Architect  CODE
COMPLIANT DESIGN  Private Owner  General Public OVERVIEW OF PHILIPPINE LAWS
HLURB as the planning, regulatory and quasi-judicial
Building Laws Trends EO 648 instrumentality of the government for land use development
a) Prescriptive Laws (Local) – Focus on Min. / Max.
b) Performance-based Laws (International) – Focus on “what preparation and implementation of comprehensive land use
should / should not happen?” plan of LGU; power of HLURB to approve the CLUPS
EO 72 devolved to the province - such powers shall be exercised by
SIGNIFICANT PERSONS AND GOVERNING BODIES the sanguniang panlalawigan/ sanguniang bayan
NAME ACHIEVEMENTS devolving powers of HLURB to approve preliminary and final
Florentino C. Doble PRC Chairman subdivision plans for public and private projects as covered by
Hon. Angeline T. EO 71
PRC Commissioner PD 957 and BP 220 to cities and municipalities
Chua-Chiaco
PRC Commissioner identifying the government agencies essential for the national
st
1 female National President of UAP shelter program and defining their mandates; creating the
Hon. Yolanda D. st
1 female Chairperson of ARCASIA Housing And Urban Development Coordinating Council;
Reyes th EO 90
Pres. Of 4 Region of UIA rationalizing funding sources and lending mechanisms for home
Designed Calaruega mortgages and for other purposes
Atty. Aristogerson T.
Asst PRC Commissioner
Gesmundo establishing priorities and procedures in evaluating areas for
PRBoA Chairman land conversion in regional agricultural/industrial centers,
Rolando L. Cordero EO 124
FEU, City Arch Caloocan, ALE Design Questions tourism development areas sites for socialized housing
PRBoA Member
Fidel Jose R. Siapno
Dean of Aquinas Univ EO 184 creating socialized housing one-stop processing centers
Rogelio Singson DPWH Secretary EO 272 social housing finance corporation
Hon. Teresita R. EO 164 hiring foreign consultants
Manzala
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EO 1008 construction industry arbitration act 04 Feb 1985 Act to regulate practice of architecture, 17 June 1950
defining open space in residential subdivision and amending RA 545 PREDECESSOR OF RA 9266
sec31 of PD 957; for subdivision project more than 1 hectare: Structural design was converted to structural conceptualization
30% RA 9285 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Act of 2004
PD 1216
14 Oct 1977 RA 184 Electrical Code
-9% - socialized housing RA 7920 regulate practice of electrical engineer
-7% - economic housing 3.5% - socialized housing RA 7277 magna carta for disabled persons
Subdivision & Condominium Buyers’ Protective Act, 12 July RA 8981 PRC Modernization Act of 2000
PD 957
1976 RA 1378 Plumbing Code
PD 1151 environmental policy RA 9266 Architecture Act of 2004, 17 Mar 2004
PD 1152 environmental code RA 4566 contractor’s licensing law
PD 929 contractors and subcontractors tax Urban Development & Housing Act, 24 Mar 1992
PD 442 labor code RA 7279
Community Mortgage program of NHMFC
PD 705 system of land classification RA 7160 local government code
requiring 30% of any housing area shall be green areas and RA 816 phil. law on arbitration
PD 953
open areas and open spaces exclusive of roads and drainage failure to pay annual registration fees for 5 years by registered
PD 757 creating the NHA, 31 July 1975 professionals will be suspended and be dropped from annual
PD 1185 Fire Code, 26 Aug 1977 RA 6511
roster
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), 22 June 1973
PD 223 Create 3-man commission to administer, implement, coordinate making bar and board exams equivalent to first grade civil
& supervise Board of Examiners RA 1080
service eligibility
PD 1096 National Building Code, 19 Feb 1977 RA 6657 CARP
decree which provides system of land classification into RA 7835 comprehensive and integrated shelter financing act
PD 705
agricultural, industrial, commercial, residential RA 9275 clean water act, 22 Mar 2004
PD 546 creating board of examiners for architecture Public 1st architect/engineer law, 23 Feb 1921
PD 1517 urban land reform Act No.
PD 1067 water code 2985
PD 856 sanitation code Socialized & Economic Housing, 25 Mar 1982
BP 220
PD 964 creating planning and development office of DPWH
PD 208 granting privileges and honors to national artists BP 344 Accessibility Law, 25 Feb 1983
PD 748 prescribing the metric system as sole measurement standard RA 8293 Intellectual Property Code
penalizing contractors and sub-contractors who violate any RA 9003 ecological solid management group
PD 1759
material provision in govt. contracts RA 9053 landscape architecture
PD 1616 intramuros RA 9184 Government Procurement Law
PD 49 decree of intellectual property PD 1308 regulating the practice of environmental planning
PD 165 patent law prescribing policies, guidelines, rules and regulations for
PD 1594
RA 4726 condominium act government infrastructure contracts
RA 7899 amended condo act PRC accredited professional organization; law which
RA 496 land registration act requires govt. agencies to give priority to members of govt.
LOI 1000
RA 6552 realty installment buyer protection act accredited profession in hiring of its members; authorizing
RA 386, liability of architect, engineer and contractor, 18 June 1949 govt. accredited organization to host/represent the Filipino
Art 1723 professions in international conferences
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Rule V REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE ZONES

PD 1096 501 Fire Zones Defined
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES 502 Buildings Located in More than One Fire Zone
503 Moved Buildings
No. TITLE 504 Temporary Buildings/ Structures
Rule I GENERAL PROVISIONS 505 Center Lines of Streets
101 Title 506 Restrictions on Existing Buildings
102 Declaration of Policy 507 Designation of Fire Zones
103 Scope and Application Rule VI FIRE-RESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS IN CONSTRUCTION
104 General Building Requirements 601 Fire-Resistive Rating Defined
105 Site Requirements 602 Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating
106 Definitions 603 Fire-Resistive Standards
Rule II ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT 604 Fire-Resistive Regulations
201 Responsibility for Administration and Enforcement Rule VII CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF ALL
202 Technical Staff BUILDINGS BY USE OR OCCUPANCY
203 General Powers and Functions of the Secretary 701 Occupancy Classified
204 Professional and Technical Assistance 702 Change in Use
205 Building Officials 703 Mixed Occupancy
206 Qualifications of Building Officials 704 Location on Property
207 Duties of the Building Official 705 Allowable Floor Areas
208 Fees 706 Allowable Floor Area Increases
209 Exemption 707 Maximum Height of Buildings
210 Use of Income from Fees 708 Minimum Requirements for Group A Dwellings
211 Implementing Rules and Regulations 709 Requirements for Other Group Occupancies
212 Administrative Fines Rule VIII LIGHT AND VENTILATION
213 Penal Provisions 801 General Requirements of Light and Ventilation
214 Dangerous and Ruinous Buildings or Structures 802 Measurement of Site Occupancy
215 Abatement of Dangerous Buildings 803 Percentage of Site Occupancy
216 Other Remedies 804 Sizes and Dimensions of Courts
Rule III PERMITS AND INSPECTION 805 Ceiling Heights
301 Building Permits 806 Sizes and Dimensions of Rooms
302 Application for Permits 807 Air Space Requirements in Determining the Size of Rooms
303 Processing of Building Permits 808 Window Openings
304 Issuance of Building Permit 809 Vent Shafts
305 Validity of Building Permits 810 Ventilation Skylights
306 Non-issuance, Suspension, or Revocation of Building Permits 811 Artificial Ventilation
307 Appeal Rule IX SANITATION
308 Inspection and Supervision of Work 901 General Requirements
309 Certificate of Occupancy 902 Water Supply System
Rule IV TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION 903 Wastewater Disposal System
401 Types of Construction 904 Storm Drainage System
402 Changes in Types 905 Pest and Vermin Control
403 Requirements on Type of Construction 906 Noise Pollution Control
907 Pipes Materials
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Rule X BUILDING PROJECTION OVER PUBLIC STREETS Rule XVI PLASTICS

1001 General Requirements 1601 Approved Plastics
1002 Projection into Alleys or Streets 1602 Installation
1003 Projection of Balconies and Appendages Over Streets 1603 Glazing of Openings
1004 Arcades 1604 Skylights
1005 Canopies (Marquees) 1605 Light-Transmitting Panels in Monitors and Sawtooth Roofs
1006 Movable Awnings or Hoods 1606 Plastic Light Diffusers in Ceilings
1007 Doors, Windows, and the Like 1607 Partitions
1008 Corner Buildings with Chaflans 1608 Exterior Veneer
Rule XI PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS DURING CONSTRUCTION 1609 Awnings and Canopies
OR DEMOLITION Rule XVII SHEET METAL PAINT SPRAY BOOTHS
1101 General Requirements 1701 Sheet Metal Paint Spray Booth
1102 Storage in Public Property 1702 Fire Protection
1103 Mixing Mortar on Public Property 1703 Light
1104 Protection of Utilities 1704 Ventilation
1105 Walkway Rule XVIII GLASS AND GLAZING
1106 Pedestrian Protection 1801 General Requirements
1107 Maintenance and Removal of Protective Devices 1802 Area Limitation
1108 Demolition 1803 Glazing
Rule XII GENERAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS 1804 Louvered Windows
1201 General Requirements 1805 Impact
1202 Excavation, Foundation, and Retaining Walls Rule XIX THE USE OF COMPUTERS
1203 Veneer 1901 General Rule
1204 Enclosure of Vertical Openings 1902 Program Documentation
1205 Floor Construction 1903 Submission of Computer-Generated Computations
1206 Roof Construction and Covering Rule XX SIGNS
1207 Stairs, Exits, and Occupant Loads 2001 General Requirements
1208 Skylights 2002 Maintenance
1209 Bays, Porches, and Balconies 2003 Design and Construction
1210 Penthouses and Roof Structures 2004 Supports and Anchorages
1211 Chimneys, Fireplaces, and Barbecues 2005 Projections and Clearances
1213 Stages and Platform 2006 Lighting
1214 Motion Picture Projection Rooms Rule XXI FINAL PROVISIONS
1215 Lathing, Plastering, and Installation of Wall Boards 2101 Separability Clause
Rule XIII ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL REGULATIONS 2102 Repealing and Amending Clause
1301 Electrical Regulations 2103 Effectivity
1302 Mechanical Regulations
Rule XIV PHOTOGRAPHIC AND X-RAY FILMS January 1, 1979
1401 Storage and Handling DPWH published the 2004 IRR of the 1977 NBCP on April 01, 08, and 15, 2005 in
1402 Classes of Film Exempted the Manila Standard Today. The IRR took effect May 01, 2005
1403 Fire Extinguishing System
Rule XV PREFABRICATED CONSTRUCTION
1501 Prefabricated Assembly
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RULE I - GENERAL PROVISIONS 106. Definitions

101. Title TERM DEFINITION

“Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of the National Building Code of the PH” New construction which increases height and/or floor
ADDITION area of existing structures
102. Declaration of Policy
Department, bureau, office, instrumentality, or
AGENCY
Policy of the State to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare government owned and controlled corporation
of the government
 Design, location, siting, construction... except traditional indigenous Changes in materials, partitioning, location/size of
family dwellings, & those covered by BP 220 openings, structural parts, existing utilities and
ALTERATION
equipment but does not increase building height/area
 Existing buildings may be legalized, provided, they are made to
Secondary structure located within the same
conform to these rules and regulations; however, they shall be subject ANCILLARY
premises, the use of which is incidental to the main
to penalties BUILDING
building
STRUCTURE
103. Scope and Application Preformatted prescribed form duly accomplished and
Architectural Civil/structural
notarized by the respective design professional with
Electrical Mechanical APPPLICANT FORMS
Sanitary Plumbing validation matrices related to other building rules
Electronics
Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, head of
APPLICANT / government/private institution, or organization, applying
104. General Building Requirements
Permittee for issuance of permits
 safe construction and must be suited to the purpose Executive Officer appointed by the Secretary
 adequate environmental safeguards BUILDING OFFICIAL
 safe, sanitary, and good working condition. Document issued by the BO to proceed with the
construction after the accompanying plans, specs,
105. Site Requirements and other pertinent documents with the duly notarized
BUILDING PERMIT
application are found satisfactory and substantially
 sanitary, hygienic, or safe distance from: conforming with the code
 bodies of water/ sources of air considered to be polluted
 volcanic site PD 1096 / NBCP
CODE
 potential source of fire/explosion
All on-site work done from site preparation, excavation,
foundation, assembly of conmponents, and installation
CONSTRUCTION
of utilities and equipment

Change in use or occupancy of a structure or portion

CONVERSION thereof
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DEMOLITION
Systematic dismantling, in whole or in part RULE II - ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
DPWH 201. Responsibility for Administration & Enforcement
DEPARTMENT
Installation in place of components of a building vested in the Secretary
ERECTION
Head of NBCDO 202. Technical Staff
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
NBCDO serve as the technical staff. Functions:
Transfer from original location to another, either within
MOVING same lot or different one 1) Assist the Secretary in administration and enforcement
2) Review, evaluate, & final action on technical & legal problems
Authorized to enforce the provisions of the Code 3) Conduct seminar/ workshops on the Codes
OFFICE OF THE
BUILDING OFFICIAL 4) Undertake duties assigned by the Secretary

Technical professional codes that are supplementary 203. General Powers and Functions of the Secretary
REFERRAL CODES
Any physical change to increase its value, utility, or 1) Formulate policies
RENOVATION aesthetic quality 2) Memorandum Circulars to implement the & ensure compliance

Remedial work done on any damaged portion of a 3) Jurisdiction over the orders of the BO.
REPAIR building to restore to its original condition The decision of the Secretary shall be final & executory subject only
to review by the Office of the President
CEO of DPWH
SECRETARY
4) Approve & take final action on amendments to Referral Codes
Personnel of NBCDO
STAFF
5) Prescribe amount of fees

Annotation:
Many BOs simultaneously hold office of City/ Municipal Engineer, a position
created under RA 7160 (Local Government Code). This resulted in only one
individual overseeing both horizontal and vertical developments for LGUs.
Positions in government requiring the expertise of architects shall only be
filled by Registered and Licensed Architects (RLAs) as per RA 9266.
6) Appoint a BO, separate and distinct from City/ Municipal Enggs
204. Professional and Technical Assistance
The Secretary may secure professional, technical, scientific services
including testing labs or engage and compensate consultants

205. Building Officials

BO responsible for carrying out the provisions of the Code, except as
otherwise provided.

All BOs appointed other than by the Secretary, shall continue to act as
BO until such time the Secretary appoints the BO.
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206. Qualifications of Building Officials 208. Fees

No person shall be appointed as BO unless he possesses the following
qualifications: 1) Secretary shall prescribe rates & collection
1) Filipino citizen and of good moral character
2) BO shall retain not more than 20% of the income derived from
2) Duly registered architect or CE permit fees & other charges for the operating expenses
Remainder of 100% shall accrue to the general fund of the city/
3) Member of good standing of a duly accredited organization of his municipality
profession for not less than 5 years endorsed
3) Permanent record & accurate account of all fees
4) At least 5 years of diversified and professional experience in
design and construction 210. Use of Income from Fees
5) Completed a seminar workshop by DPWH on PD 1096 Procedure for the General Fund Special Account 151 of DPWH:
Recording of Collections
207. Duties of the Building Official
The Order of Payment issued by the BO show the breakdown of the
1) Enforcement of provisions of the Code total collections indicating the share of the
local government – 80% & national government – 20%
2) Supervision over works in area of responsibility & charged w/ the
processing & issuance of all permit applications BO shall keep a separate record from the DPWH Central Office of all
allotments [Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and Notice of Cash
3) All changes in plans during construction not start until the new plan Allocation (NCA) or Funding Checks], out of budgeted amounts released
has been evaluated & the necessary permit issued by the (DBM)

4) Annual inspections of buildings& up-to-date record of status Reports required under the Centralized Accounting System

5) Upon complaint (motu proprio) and after due notice and hearing, 212. Administrative Fines
initiate action towards:
Not exceeding P10,000:
a. Non-issuance, suspension, revocation, or invalidation of a  Without a building/demolition permit
building permit or certificate of occupancy  Unauthorized change during construction
 Non-compliance with the work stoppage order
b. Work stoppage order / Order for Discontinuance of CO  Non-compliance with order to demolish
 without Certificate of Occupancy even if constructed under a valid
c. Declaration of building as ruinous or dangerous
building permit
 Change in existing use or occupancy classification of a building
d. Imposition of fines/ penalties
without Certificate of Change of Use
 Failure to display the CO in a conspicuous place
6) Quarterly situational report to Secretary through NBCDO, on the
status of all existing &proposed buildings  Change in Type of Construction without permit

*In addition to the imposed penalty, Owner shall correct his violations
7) Undertake other duties assigned by Secretary
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Determination of Amount of Fines 214. Dangerous and Ruinous Buildings

Violations classified as follows:
Light Violations – P 5,000 Structurally unsafe
 Failure to display CO Not provided with safe egress
 Failure to post BP construction information sign Constitute a fire hazard
 Failure to provide safety measures for protection Dangerous to human life
Constitute a hazard to safety or health or public welfare due to
Less Grave Violations – P 8,000 inadequate maintenance
Contribute pollution of the site or community
 Non-compliance with the work stoppage order
 Use without appropriate CO 215. Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
BO shall order repair, vacation, or demolition depending upon the
Grave Violations – P10,000 degree of danger to life, health, or safety.

 Unauthorized change during construction in plans & specs Structural Hazard

 Unauthorized change in Type of Construction to less fire-resistive
 Non-compliance with order to demolish
 Non-compliance with work stoppage order
 Change in existing use w/o Certificate of Change of Occupancy
 Excavations left open without any work being done in the site for
more than 120 days
Penalty:
Constructing, installing, repairing, altering, or causing an change in
occupancy without any permit – surcharge of 100% of the building
permit fees
Excavation for foundation – 10%
Construction of foundation
(including pile driving and laying of reinforcing bars) – 25%
Construction of superstructure up to 2.00 m – 50%
Construction of superstructure above 2.00 m – 100%
*Failure to pay the annual inspection fee within 30 days from the prescribed date
= surcharge of 25% of the inspection fee
213. Penal Provisions
Unlawful, P20,000 or 2 years or both;
 Damaged by fire, earthquake, wind, flood
Materially less than it was before
Less than the minimum requirements of NSCP
 Any portion likely to fall, detached, collapse & injure persons or
damage property
 Not of sufficient strength or stability
 Any portion has been wrecked, warped, buckled
 Materially less resistance to wind or earthquake
 Dilapidation, deterioration, or decay
 Faulty construction, Instability of ground
 Inadequacy of foundation, Collapse
 Exterior walls or vertical structural member lean or buckle to such an
extent that a plumb line passing through the center of gravity does
not fall inside the middle one-third of the base
 Structure, exclusive of foundation, shows 33% or more damage or
deterioration of its supporting members, 50% of its non-supporting
members, enclosing or outside walls
 Damaged such that: nuisance to public, harbor for criminals
 In any non-supporting part, less than 50%, or in any supporting part,
less than 66% of the: strength, fire-resisting qualities, weather-resisting
qualities required

Corporation/ Partnership, penalty imposed upon officials  Any portion remains on the site after its demolition, abandoned in
Alien, immediately deported after payment fine or sentence excess of 12 months
 Page |9

Fire Hazard RULE III - PERMITS AND INSPECTION

 Device, equipment, vegetation, cause fire / explosion
 Provide ready fuel/ augment speed and intensity of fire 301. Building Permits
 Not provided with the required FR or or fire-ex equipt
 Any door, aisle, passageway, stairway, or other means of exit is not of  No person shall construct without first obtaining a building permit from
sufficient width or size the BO
 Not arranged to provide safe and adequate means of exit
 Violation of the FCP NBC Form B-01
Unsafe Electrical Wiring Also issued by the BO:
Unsafe Mechanical Installation
Inadequate Sanitation ANCILLARY
Architectural Deficiency Duly signed and sealed plans & specs w/ duly notarized BP application
 Occupied for purposes other than intended uses  Architectural Permit
 Unauthorized occupancy  Civil/Structural Permit
 Insufficient natural light & ventilation  Electrical Permit
 Inadequate sizes of rooms & window openings  Mechanical Permit
 Blighted structures against aesthetic standards  Sanitary Permit
 Plumbing Permit
216. Other Remedies  Electronics Permit

Procedure for Abatement/ Demolition of Dangerous Structures ACCESSORY

 Declaration by BO w/ coverage & expiry period; Signed by the owner & professionals
 Written notice giving at least 15 days within which to vacate
Vaults, pools, firewalls separate from structure, towers, silos, smokestacks, chimneys,
 Appeal to the Secretary commercial fixed ovens, industrial kilns/ furnaces, water/ waste treatment tanks, septic vaults,
 15 days for final decision concrete and steel tanks, booths, kiosks & stages, tombs, mausoleums, & niches

 If appeal is meritorious, representatives other than the BO to
undertake re-investigation within a period of 30 days
 If the finding is the same as the original one, notify the owner, not more
than 15 days to make necessary repair, renovation
 necessary permits & commencement of work
 Demolished, vacated within 15 days, completed within reasonable
time
 Decision of the Secretary shall be final
 Upon failure of the owner to comply after 15 days BO shall cause the
structure to be repaired, renovated, or demolished, all expenses
chargeable to the owner
 The building materials held by the OBO until full reimbursement of the
cost of renovation shall be extended beyond 30 days from the date of
the renovation. After such period, building materials shall be sold at
public auction to satisfy the claim of the OBO. Any amount in excess
of the claim shall be delivered to the owner
Excavation, encroachment, fencing, fence not exceeding 1.80 m high,
sidewalks, scaffolding, erecting or removal of sign, and demolition
Exemptions:
Minor Construction
 Sheds, outhouses, greenhouses, playhouses, aviaries, poultry houses,
≤6.00 sq.m, completely detached & only for private use
 Addition of open terraces or patios resting directly on the ground,
≤20.00 sq.m, private use
 Window grilles
 Garden pools /aquarium <500 mm in depth, private use
 Garden masonry walls ≤1.20 m in height, footpaths, garden walks or
driveways

Repair Works
 Not involving any structural member
 NLB partition walls
 Any interior not involving addition or alteration
o Doors and windows
o Flooring
o Fence & walls
o Plumbing fixtures, fittings, pipings
302. Application for Permits
 Prescribed forms
o Applicant = Registered Owner of the lot:
 Certified true copy of OCT/ TCT, on file with the
Registry of Deeds
 Tax Declaration
 Current Real Property Tax Receipt
o If not, in addition to the above, duly notarized copy of:
 Contract of Lease or
 Deed of Absolute Sale
 (5) sets of survey plans, design plans, specs & other docs, signed and
sealed over the printed names RL pros
Architectural
 Architectural Plans/ Drawings
o Vicinity Map/ Location Plan
Within 2.00 km radius for commercial, industrial, &
institutional complex
Within 0.5 km radius for residential buildings
o Site Development Plan
Technical description, Boundaries,
Orientation & position of proposed building/s
Existing or proposed access road and driveways
Existing public utilities/ services
Existing buildings within & adjoining lot = hatched
Distances between proposed & existing buildings
o Perspective
o Floor Plans (not less than 1:100)
o Elevations (4)
o Sections (2)
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o Reflected Ceiling Plan (*light, sprinkler, AC exhaust)
o Details (plans, elevations/sections):
o Schedule of Doors & Windows
o Schedule of Finishes
o Details (Other major Architectural Elements)
Annotation:
The box for the signature and dry seal of an architect shall be filled only by an RLA
as per RA 9266. The signature of the RLA as AoR signifies the RLA’s assumption
of professional responsibilities under RA 9266 and RA 8981, The PRC
Modernization Act of 2000 and of the mandated civil liability under Art 1723 of
the New Civil Code.
Architectural Interiors
Annotation: Interior design is the work of RLIDs under RA 8534, The
Interior Design Act of 1987
 Space Plan or layout of architectural interiors
o Interior wall elevations showing: finishes, switches,
doors and convenience outlets, cross window sections
with interior perspective as viewed from the main entrance
at scale of at least 1:100
o Floor/ ceiling/ wall patterns and finishing details
o List of materials
o Cost Estimates
 Plans and specific locations of all accessibility facilities
 Detailed design of all such accessibility facilities outside buildings
including parking areas, and their safety requirements at scale of
1:50 or convenient
Fire Safety
Clearances from other Agencies"
 Locational Clearance obtained by the owner from
City/ Municipal Zoning Administration
Written clearances shall be obtained by the owner from the various
authorities. Failure to receive reply within 7 days from receipt of the
application for building permit shall be sufficient not to cause further
delay in processing the building permit application by the BO. Authorities:
DPWH, ATO, HLURB, LGU, DOT, DENR, DOTC, DILG
Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), DepEd, DOH, PHIVOLCS, Laguna
Lake Development Authority (LLDA),
Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS),
National Water Resources Board (NWRB), DAR, DA, DOLE, NHA,
National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP)

303. Processing of Building Permits
Building Permit Application
 BO satisfied with all plans and specs
 OBO verifies conformity w/ the land use zoning ordinance
If the project has been issued a development permit by HLURB or the
Sangguniang Bayan/ Panglungsod,
Individual locational clearance = not required
 The BO verifies whether applicants have secured the required section
clearances from other agencies
 If shall undergo alterations, etc; submit most recent
Certificate of Occupancy when applying for a building permit.
Locational Clearance shall not be required
 Line & Grade Verification
o As reflected in the Torrens Title, Original Certificate of Title
(OCT)/ Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT)
o Compliance to established easements/ setbacks and grades
in relation to road lots, property lines, streets, or highways, road
widening, construction of various public utilities/ services & other
infrastructure along creeks, esteros, waterways, written clearance
from DPWH
o At least 1 side of lot has direct access to a street/ alley
 Architectural
o Type of Construction
o Requirements of Fire Zones & Fire Resistive Regulations
o Building projections over public streets
o Access Streets/ Roads and Alleys
o Architectural Interior
o Classification and General Requirements of all Buildings by Use or
Occupancy
o Maximum Height of Buildings
o Parking and Loading/ Unloading Space Requirement
o Corner Buildings with Chaflans
o Occupant Load
o Glazing of Opening
o Architectural Accessibility Features
o Light & Ventilation
o Within the obstacle limitation surfaces of aerodromes
o Buildings and other ancillary structures within cemeteries and
memorial parks
Annotation: Except geodetic engineering plans and survey results, the
preparation of architectural plans precede all other engineering plans (i.e.
derivative plans).
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 Fire Safety
o BO shall refer one set of plans and specs to the City/
Municipal Fire Marshall, Bureau of Fire Protection for his
recommendations with respect to fire safety reqs
o C/MFM submit report to the BO within 5 working days from
date of referral. Failure of the C/MFM to act within said
period shall mean that plans and specs conform to all the reqs
of the FCP
304. Issuance of Building Permit
 within 15 days from payment of required fees, issue the BP
 BO may issue a permit for the construction of only a part
 BO may issue a Ground Preparation & Excavation Permit even while
the permit is still being processed subject to payment of fees
 Excavations >50 cu.m & >2.00 m depth, owner shall post a
Cash Bond of P50,000 for the first 50 cu.m +
P300 for every cu.m in excess of 50 cu.m
until the BP is issued
Excavations ≤100 cu.m / 3.00 m in depth
not left open w/o any work being done >120 days
otherwise the cash bond shall be forfeited in favor of gov't
to cover the expense for the backfilling of the excavation
 If the bond is insufficient to effect the necessary restoration, additional
cost charged to the account of the Owner
 If the owner refuses backfilling of the excavation, the BO shall initiate
legal proceedings
Terms and Conditions of Permits
 (Art 1723 Civil Code) Engineer or architect who drew up plans and
specs for a building is liable for damages within 15 years from the
completion of the building, the same should collapse due to defect in
the plans & specs
The engineer or architect who supervises the construction shall be
solidarily liable with the contractor should the edifice collapse due to
defect in the construction or use of inferior materials
 Permit shall be accompanied by ancillary & accessory permits, plans
and specs signed & sealed

Conformity with the Code
 Relocation Survey by a duly licensed Geodetic Engineer
 Before excavation = notify in writing the owner of adjoining property
≤10 days before excavation & show how the adjoining property should
be protected
 Supervising Architect/ CE shall keep at the jobsite at all times a
logbook of daily construction activities (tests, weather, data)
 Upon completion, Owner shall submit to the BO:
o logbook signed & sealed
o As-built plans
o Certificate of Completion
 All such changes submitted to the BO and subsequent amendatory
permit issued before any work started
 No buildings shall be used until BO issued a CO
Partial CO may be issued for a portion prior to the completion
 Permit not serve as an exemption from securing written clearances
from various government authorities
 When construction by contract: work done by a duly licensed &
registered contractor; Contractor’s License Law (RA 4566)
 Owner shall submit a duly accomplished prescribed Notice of
Construction to the OBO prior to any construction activity
 Owner put a BP sign remain posted on the construction site for
duration of construction
*Signboard = 0.90 (l) x 0.60 m (h)
305. Validity of Building Permits
Null & void if:
 work not commenced within 1 year after the issuance of BP
 suspended/ abandoned at any time after it has been commenced for a
period of 120 days
306. Non-issuance, Suspension, Revocation of Building Permits
 Errors in plans and specs
 Incorrect or inaccurate data
 Non-compliance with provisions
Notice of Non-Issuance = made in writing, stating the reasons
P a g e | 12
307. Appeal
Within 15 days from receipt of non-issuance, suspension, or revocation =
appeal with the Secretary,
decision within 15 days from receipt of notice of appeal
308. Inspection and Supervision of Work
 The Owner who is issued a BP, services of a licensed architect or CE to
undertake full time inspection & supervision
 Such architect or CE may or may not be the same who is responsible
for the design of the building
 Designing architect or CE is not precluded from conducting
inspection to check compliance with plans & specs
 Logbook
 Certificate of Completion
309. Certificate of Occupancy
 Owner submit to OBO:
Certificate of Occupancy + duly notarized
Certificate of Completion +
Construction logbook
As-built plans & specs
Building Inspection Sheet
Signed by the contractor, signed and sealed by the Owner’s
architect/ CE who undertook the full time inspection
Plans & specs shall reflect all changes
As-built plans = comprehensive compilation of all the documents as
actually built or an entirely new set of plans
 Notification to conduct Final Inspection shall be endorsed by the OBO
to the C/MFM, BFP, who shall issue a
Fire Safety Inspection Certificate within 5 working days
 OBO undertakes final inspection
 Prior to issuance of the CO, OBO shall prepare the corresponding fees &
order of payment
o Partial Certificate of Occupancy may be issued, through the
proper phasing without posing hazards
o Further be issued other COs due to changes in use
 P a g e | 13

RULE IV - TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION RULE V - REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE ZONES

401. Types of Construction 501. Fire Zones Defined

based on occupancy, type of construction, and resistance to fire
TYPE I wood
502. Buildings Located in More than One Fire Zone
TYPE II wood w/ FR materials & 1-hour FR throughout
except, permanent non-bearing partitions may use fire-retardant treated more highly restrictive fire zone, when >1/3 of total floor area
wood within the framing assembly with one-hour resistivity

TYPE III masonry & wood, 1-hour FR throughout 503. Moved Buildings
Exterior walls shall be of incombustible fire-resistive construction
504. Temporary Buildings
TYPE IV steel, iron, concrete, masonry
Walls, ceiling, and permanent partitions shall be of incombustible fire-  Reviewing stands, sheds, canopies, & fences = may be erected in the
resistive construction, except permanent non-bearing partitions of 1- fire zones by special permit for a limited period of time
hour FR may use FR treated wood w/in the framing assembly
 completely removed upon expiration
TYPE V 4-hour FR throughout and structural elements shall be of steel,  temporary buildings w/c do not conform may be allowed by for a given
iron, concrete, or masonry period of time provided that, fire protective measures and fire
suppression facilities are adequate
402. Changes in Types
No change unless such made to comply with reqs for such sub-type: except, 505. Center Lines of Streets
approved by the BO that the new construction is less hazardous
Considered an adjacent property line
403. Requirements on Type of Construction
Fire Resistive Requirements:
506. Restriction on Existing Buildings
I II III IV V
Exterior bearing & non-bearing walls 507. Designation of Fire Zones
-- 1hr 1hr 4hr 4hr
Interior bearing walls, permanent Non-Fire Restricted Zones
partitions, floors, and roofs 3hr without fire-resistivity measures, often located in country sides or
-- 1hr 1hr 1hr rural areas are built of indigenous materials and wood up to TYPES I
*Type V - 3hr bearing walls, 1-hr openings 1hr
and II
Structural frames
-- 1hr 1hr 2hr 3hr Fire Restrictive Zones
Exterior doors & windows 1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr 1hr within prescribed fire-resistivity measures for exterior walls of at least
2-hour FR in suburban areas are permitted to be built with at least 1-
Interior Wall & Ceiling Finishes classified: Flame-Spread Characteristic hour FR throughout as TYPES II, III, to IV
Reqs for FSC shall not apply to frames & trim of doors and windows & to
materials <1.00 mm THK cemented to walls or ceilings Highly Fire Restrictive
Materials required to be flame-spread proofed = flame-retardant having a flame- Non-combustible buildings of no less than 3 to 4-hour FR throughout,
spread ≤50 as determined by the “Tunnel Test” including exterior walls. Only TYPES IV & V
 P a g e | 14

RULE VI - FIRE-RESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS RULE IX - SANITATION

IN CONSTRUCTION
901. General Requirements
601. Fire-Resistive Rating Defined
Buildings for habitation provided w/ adequate & potable water supply...
Degree to which a material can withstand fire
902. Water Supply System
602. Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating
 supplied from existing municipal or city waterworks system
Length of time a material can withstand being burned (1-4 hours)  National Standards for Drinking Water Standards
 Water Code of the Philippines (PD 1067)
603. Fire-Resistive Standards  waterworks systems of private housing subdivisions
 drainage with proper venting
Minimum Thickness
Type of Assembly and Material
(mm) 903. Wastewater Disposal System
4 hr 3 hr 2 hr 1 hr
Floor construction  discharged directly into the nearest street sanitary sewer main
Solid RC Slab  no available; sewage to “Imhoff” or septic tank & subsurface absorption
Average cover to reinforcement 25 25 20 15 field or waste water treatment plant
Overall depth 150 150 125 100
Solid pre-stressed 904. Storm Drainage System
Concrete slab
Average cover to tendons 65 50 40 25  not discharge to the sanitary sewer system
Overall depth 150 150 125 100  drain rainwater from low areas
Partitions
Solid concrete 175 175 150 125 905. Pest and Vermin Control
Solid masonry 200 175 150 125
Hollow unit masonry 300 250 200 150  wood construction provided with rat-proofing
Protection for metal structural members  Garbage bins & receptacles with ready means for cleaning
Concrete 75 50 38 25  Dining for public use w/o artificial ventilation properly screened
Masonry 100 75 55 38
Metal lath with vermiculite or perlite 906. Noise Pollution Control
50 38 20 12
gypsum plaster
Exterior Wall  positive noise abatement devices
Solid concrete 180 150 125 75  intensity & excessive vibration conform to acceptable emission
Solid masonry 200 175 150 100 standards of DENR
Hollow masonry 300 250 200 150
Column (all faces exposed) 907. Pipes Materials
Reinforced concrete 450 400 300 200
604. Fire-Resistive Regulations  Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) of DTI
Secretary shall prescribe standards & promulgate rules
 P a g e | 15

RULE X - BUILDING PROJECTION OVER PUBLIC STREETS

1001. General Requirements

 no part shall project beyond the building line
 over a public property shall be the distance measured horizontally
from the property line to the outermost point

1002. Projection into Alleys or Streets

 Footings 2.40 m min below grade along national roads
≤300 mm beyond the property line not obstruct existing utilities unless
the owner pay the corresponding entities for rerouting

 Foundations permitted to encroach into public sidewalk areas to a

width ≤500 mm; depth ≥600 mm

1003. Projection of Balconies and Appendages Over Streets  Driveways crossing arcaded pedestrian walkways shall be at the same
level with that of the arcades for the safety of pedestrians
TABLE X.1. Projection of Balconies and Appendages
Width of Streets (m) Total Projections (m)
6.00 > W s > 3.00 0.60
10.00 > W s > 6.00 0.90
11.00 > W s > 10.00 1.00
12.00 > W s > 11.00 1.10
13.00 > W s > 12.00 1.30
14.00 > W s > 13.00 1.40
Ws > 14.00 1.50

 Clearance between grade of the street & lowest under surface of any
balcony ≥3.00 m

1004. Arcades
 Uniform width & height throughout the street
 Arcaded pedestrian walkways clear height of 3.00 m

Annotation: No projecting, hanging, nor ground signs within the entire length of the
arcade area. Signs should be above of storefront windows. All doors must swing
inward to prevent accidents.
 P a g e | 16

1005. Canopies (Marquees)

 Canopy or Marquee
permanent roofed structure above a door attached to and supported
by the building & projecting over a wall or sidewalk

 Projection & Clearances

the horizontal clearance between the outermost edge of the marquee
and the curb line shall be ≥300 mm. The vertical clearance ≥3.00 m

 Construction
incombustible materials of not less than 2-hr FR + drainage

 Location
not to interfere with the operation of any exterior standpipe connection
or to obstruct the clear passage from stairway exits

1006. Movable Awnings or Hoods

 Awning
movable shelter supported entirely from an exterior wall and of a type
which can be retracted, folded, or collapsed against the face of a
supporting building

 Clearance
horizontal clearance ≥300 mm; Vertical clearance ≥2.40 m Collapsible
awnings not block a required exit when collapsed

1007. Doors, Windows, & the Like

 Corner buildings or solid wall fences built abutting property lines
 <2.40 m above the pavement not, when fully opened or upon opening, provided with chaflans to afford a clear view
project beyond the property line except fire exit doors
 If arcaded, no chaflan is required notwithstanding that the width of the
1008. Corner Buildings with Chaflans public street or alley is less than 3.60 m

 Street <3.60 m width, truncated at the corner
 Length of the chaflan ≤4.00 m
Annotation: Examples assume that there are no setbacks provided. These are only
possible if the arcades to be introduced are either within the property line or are within the
RROW
i.e. leases of the air rights for the arcade structure or the spaces directly
above the arcade shall be absolutely necessary
 P a g e | 17

RULE XI - PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS DURING 1106. Pedestrian Protection

CONSTRUCTION OR DEMOLITION  Railings ≥1.00 m high
Fences
1101. General Requirements  Approved materials (e.g. GI sheet, wooden boards or planks, plywood
or Lawanit, sawali), ≥2.40 m high above the curb line
 No person shall use or occupy a street for the work covered by a  Fences shall be built solid for its full length except for openings with
building permit; No person shall perform any work adjacent to a public doors, closed at all times except when in actual use
way, unless the pedestrians are protected  Horizontal distance between outermost face of the building area &
 adequately lighted between sunset & sunrise inner edge of sidewalk >(1/2)height of building, 2.40 m fence req

1102. Storage in Public Property

 Materials & equipment not obstruct free use of any fire hydrant, fire, or
police alarm box, utility box, catch basin, or manhole not interfere with
drainage, safe and smooth flow of traffic

 No materials shall be piled or stacked >1.80 m, except in yards or

sheds intended especially for storage; When >1.20 m, material be
arranged that the sides & ends of the piles taper back.

1103. Mixing Mortar on Public Property

 not allowed
1104. Protection of Utilities
 Horizontal distance ≤(1/2)height of building, canopy + fence
 utilities protected & not obstruct normal functioning

Temporary Light and Power

 protected against over-current failures & properly grounded
 Temporary electric service poles be self-supporting or braced

1105. Walkway
 in case there is no sidewalk, a temporary walkway of ≥1.20 m
 uniform live load of 650.00 kg per sq. m
 Sidewalk enclosed, a temporary walkway adjacent to the curb line
shall be required
 No sidewalk, ≥600 mm temporary walkway adjacent to street
 RROW ≤5.00 m, no temporary walkway allowed
 Partial fencing-off, a temporary walkway not required but
≥600 mm of sidewalk w/ railing on road side for pedestrians
 P a g e | 18

Canopies Partial Occupancy of Sidewalk

 Clear unobstructed height of 2.40 m above the walkway
 When used for storage of materials, railings ≥1.00 m high & solid toe
boards ≥300 mm placed along street side & ends;
 Deck flooring planking ≥50 mm THK, closely laid; All members
adequately braced
 Solid for entire length except for openings as may be necessary for
loading purposes

Full Occupancy of Sidewalk

 The street side of the canopy shall be kept open for a height of ≤2.40 m
above the curb
 The underside properly lighted at night w/
≥100-Watts bulb every 6.00 m & at each change of elev

 When a wall abuts a street, fans, or catch platforms at the level of the
first floor of the building & as may be necessary to prevent nuisance
from dust or danger from falling debris
 Horizontal distance between the outermost face of the building and the
outer edge of the sidewalk is <(1/2) height of building, a protective
device such as a net or screen extending from the uppermost part to
ground level in addition to a fence and canopy
 Protective netting strong material such as 2 mmØ GI wire,
38 mm mesh nylon net, or canvas
 For medium and high-rise buildings ≥(6) storeys, ALL protective
devices installed (e.g. safety belts, safety nets, & canopies)
Annotation: For narrow roadways with tall buildings, it may be best to provide a
steel mesh (with protective net) to catch falling debris. Also, the necessary lights,
warning devices, and safety barriers should be properly installed, operated, and
maintained in the areas to be used by the general public.
P a g e | 19
Warning Signs and Lights
 posted around the property & adequately illuminated
 All entrances/exits kept closed at all times except during use
 Properly maintained even when operations not in progress
 All areas of danger in properly enclosed and danger signs posted.
Watchmen shall be provided to warn workers of impending dangers and
all unauthorized persons shall be excluded
1107. Maintenance & Removal of Protective Devices
 Average Light Intensity & Illumination
 Welding & Cutting
 Special Typhoon Precautions
 Hoisting Machinery
 Platform Hoists
 Hoist Towers
 Derricks and Cranes
 Cables, Ropes, Chains, and Blocks
 Ladders and Temporary Stairways
 Runways and Ramps
 Scaffolds
 Temporary flooring
 Floor Openings
 Guardrails and Toe Boards
1108. Demolition
 experienced contractor
 notice of intention to proceed to adjoining owners
 shoring, tying, & strutting to prevent movement
 survey of the existing & adjoining owner’s building
 (quickly?) done as much as possible, floor-by-floor
 dispose of debris; Risk of overloading the floors=collapse
 debris kept damp by spraying water from hose with fine
 Fans or catch platforms provided over public footways

st
One fan at the first (1 ) floor level should be sufficient for buildings of
three (3) storeys. Buildings of more than three (3) storeys should
have additional fans at alternate floor levels
 utility shall be removed & disconnected by the corresponding
utility/service companies, who should be notified in advance

RULE XII - GENERAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
REQUIREMENTS
1201. General Requirements
1202. Excavation, Foundation, and Retaining Walls
Excavation and Fills
 do not endanger life or property
 when stability is endangered, the person undertaking the excavation
shall be responsible for the expense of underpinning the foundation
 Excavation made on public property be restored immediately to
former condition within 48 hours
 contact public utilities to determine the possible location of
underground facilities
Protection of Adjoining Property
 protect the excavation so that the soil of adjoining property will not
cave-in
 notify in writing owners of adjoining buildings ≥10 days before
 owners of adjoining properties be given access to the excavation for
verifying if their properties are sufficiently protected
 person causing excavation be given access to enter the adjoining
property, prior to the commencement and at reasonable periods
during the progress of excavation
 If consent not accorded, then it shall be duty of the person refusing
such permission to protect his buildings
 person causing the excavation to be made at his own expense,
preserve party wall in as safe a condition as it was before
 At an early stage, a careful and accurate survey of cracks;
photographs & records and agreed between parties
 Tell-tales in form of fixed points built-in on each side of crack
measured by a micrometer or vernier caliper
P a g e | 20
 Cut slopes for permanent excavations shall ≤1:2
 deep excavation important to ensure that no serious failures of the
banks; safe angle
 permeable water-bearing stratum overlying an impervious bed, a
bench should be formed at the junction of the strata to carry an
intermediate intercepting drain
 If groundwater at a considerable head around the excavation, measures
to reduce head by a system of weepholes at the lowest 1/3 section of
excavation wall or by enclosing the site with suitable sheet piling
 In fine sands where sheet piling alone is relied upon, it is necessary to
watch the pumping, in fine-grained materials, removal of a small
volume of water may cause “blows” in the bottom of the excavation or
disturbance to adjoining structures
 Except in sloping banks, rocks, or within caissons,
all excavations be lined with shotcrete, boards, runners, or sheet piles
supported laterally, if necessary, by framings of wallings and struts,
which may be of timber, steel, or RC
 All linings & framings should be tightened up against the adjoining soil by
wedging or jacking & secured by cleats
 ≥1.50 m or deeper trench, with exit every 7.50 m of its length
 sufficient railings or fences to prevent workers from falling
 Excavations left open for any length of time, periodic inspections of
timbering or strutting & wedges tightened
 avoid a long, continuous excavation
 water is in excavation, sump maintained below the level; but does not
carry much soil in suspension & does not require continuous
pumping to keep risk of settlement
 Existing footings underpinned adequately
 soil investigation report & report of satisfactory placement of fill
acceptable to the BO
 P a g e | 21

Footings, Foundations, and Retaining Walls 1206. Roof Construction and Covering
 appropriate type, size, and capacity sustain superimposed loads under
seismic conditions Roof Covering

 abrupt change in ground levels such that instability of soil result, Roof Trusses
retaining walls be of adequate design and type of construction  tied into framework to form an integral part of the whole building
 joints well fitted and tension members well tightened
1203. Veneer  Diagonal & sway bracing shall be used to brace all roof trusses
non-structural facing of brick, concrete, tile, metal, plastic, glass, attached to  Camber shall be provided to prevent sagging
a backing for the purpose of ornamentation, protection, or enclosure that may
be adhered, integrated, or anchored Attics
 Access
Design Requirements o opening located in a corridor of buildings of 3+ storeys
2
o Opening ≥600 mm or 600 mm Ø
 support no load other than its own weight & vertical dead load of o Min clear headroom 800 mm
veneer immediately above
 Area Separation
 differential movements of supports caused by temperature changes, 2
o divided into horizontal areas ≤250 mm by
shrinkage, creep, & deflection FR partitions from ceiling to roof

 Anchored veneer designed to resist horizontal forces equal to twice o Except, with AFES, attic space may be divided into areas ≤750
2
its weight mm . Openings by self-closing doors

 Anchor supports & ties incombustible & corrosion-resistant.  Draft Stops

o installed in trusses, between roof & bottom chords, exceeding
1204. Enclosure of Vertical Openings 2000 sq.m

Elevator Enclosures  Ventilation

 FR construction; Enclosing walls consist of wire glass set in metal
Roof Drainage System
frames on the entrance side
 Roof Drains
 shafts extending through more than 2 storeys with adequate
o Installed at low points of the roof & adequate in size
ventilation
 Overflow Drains & Scuppers
o adequate overflow drains provided
 top of the escalator opening at each storey with a draft curtain, which
enclose perimeter of unenclosed opening and extend from the ceiling  Concealed Piping
downward ≥300 mm on all sides o NPC
 Over Public Property
 Automatic sprinklers provided around the perimeter of opening & o not permitted to flow over public property, except for Groups
within 600 mm of draft curtain A&J
Flashing
 distance between the sprinklers ≥1.80 m center-to-center  at juncture of roof and vertical surfaces
 P a g e | 22

1207. Stairs, Exits, and Occupant Loads

 BO determine unit area for occupancy it most nearly resembles
Determination of Occupant Loads
Minimum of 2 Exits  having fixed seats determined by number of fixed seats installed; Aisles
Unit Area per other than elevators are included
Use or Occupancy
Occupant required where Number
of Occupants is over  Occupant load increased if necessary exits are provided
Dwellings 28.00 10
Hotels 18.60 10  In determining OL, all portions of a building presumed to be
Apartments 18.60 10 occupied at the same time
Dormitories 18.60 10
Classrooms 1.80 50  EXCEPTION: Accessory areas, shall be provided with exits as though
Conference Rooms 1.40 50 they were completely occupied. However, in computing the maximum
Exhibit Rooms 1.40 50 allowable OL, the areas shall be regarded
Gymnasia 1.40 50
School Shops 4.60 50 Exit Requirements
Vocational Institutions 4.60 50  OL which gives largest number of persons
Laboratories 4.60 50
 No obstruction except permitted projections.
Hospitals, Sanitaria 8.40 5
Nursing Homes 7.40 5
Posting of Room Capacity
Children’s Homes 7.40 5
 OL >50 without fixed seats used for classroom, assembly have the
Homes for the Aged 7.40 5
capacity of the room in conspicuous place near main exit
Nurseries for Children 3.25 6
Stores-Retail Sales Rooms Changes in Elevation
Basement 2.80 50  (except in Group A) <300 mm along any exit serving a tributary OL ≥10
Ground Floor 2.80 50 shall be by ramp
Upper Floors 5.60 10
Offices 9.30 30 EXITS
Aircraft Hangars 46.50 10  Number of Exits
Parking Garages 18.60 30 REQUIRED NO. OF EXITS BASED ON OCCUPANT LOAD
Drinking Establishments 1.40 30 Occupant Load (OL) No. of Exit(s)
Kitchens (commercial) 18.60 50 Default 1
Warehouses 28.00 30 > 10 (floors above first storey) 2
Mechanical Equipt Rooms 28.00 30 500-999 3
Garages 9.30 10 1000 or more 4
Auditoriums 0.65 50
Theaters 0.65 50  Each mezzanine other than storage, if >185 sq.m or >18 m in any
Churches and Chapels 0.65 50 dimension shall have at least 2 stairways to an adjacent floor
Dance Floors 0.65 50
Reviewing Stands 0.65 50
Stadia 0.65 50
 P a g e | 23

Number of Exits
 The number of exits from any storey: DOORS
o 50% OL in first adjacent storey above (& the first adjacent  apply to every exit door OL >10, or hazardous areas
storey below, when a storey below exits through the level under
consideration) Swing
 swing in the direction of exit travel when serving any hazardous areas
o 25% OL in storey immediately beyond the first adjacent or when serving an OL ≥50
storey
 Double acting doors shall not be used as exits serving OL >100, nor
 The max number of exits for any storey shall be maintained until used as fire assembly, nor equipped w/ panic hardware
egress is provided from the structures

2
Double acting door provided w/ view panel of ≥1,300 cm
 Floors beyond second storey, basements & cellars used for other
than service of the building shall have ≥2 exits Type of Lock or Latch
 Exit door opened from the inside without the use of a key or any
Width special knowledge or effort
 The total width of exits in meters shall ≥total OL divided by 165
Such width shall be divided equally among the separate exits  The locking device must be of a type that will readily be distinguishable
as locked. Flush bolts / surface bolts are prohibited
 The total exit width required from any storey of a building shall be
determined by using the OL of the storey + %OL of floors which exits Width and Height
through the level under consideration:  ≥900 mm width & ≥2.00 m height
o 50% OL in first adjacent storey above (& the first adjacent  opening 90 deg &
storey below, when a storey below exits through the level under  exitway clear width ≥700 mm
consideration)
Door Leaf Width
o 25% OL in storey immediately beyond the first adjacent  ≤1.20 m width
storey
Special Doors
 The maximum exit width from any storey of a building shall be  Revolving, sliding, & overhead doors not used as required exits
maintained.
Egress from Door
Arrangement of Exits  give immediate access to an approved means of egress
 If only 2 exits, placed distance apart to ≥1/5 of perimeter of the area
served measured in a straight line between exits Change in Floor Level at Doors
 Regardless of OL, floor or landing on each side of an exit door. The
 Where 3+ exits, they shall be arranged a reasonable distance apart so floor or landing shall be leveled with, or ≤50 mm lower than threshold
that if one becomes blocked, the others will be available.
 Except, that in Group A & B, a door may open on the top step of a
Distance to Exits flight of stairs or an exterior landing provided the door does not swing
 Without sprinkler system, ≤45 m over the top step or exterior landing and the landing is ≤200 mm
 AFES, up to 60 m below the floor level
 P a g e | 24

Door Identification  The total area of all openings other than doors, in any portion of an
 Glass doors or distinguishable from adjacent construction interior corridor wall, ≤25% of area of the corridor wall of the room
being separated from the corridor
Additional Doors STAIRWAYS
 Approved revolving doors having leaves which will collapse under  Except stairs or ladders used only to access equipment
opposing pressures may be used in exit situations; provided that such
doors have a minimum width of 2.00 m or they are not used in Width
occupancies where exits are required to be equipped with panic STAIRWAY WIDTH REQUIRED ACCORDING TO OCCUPANT LOAD SERVED
hardware or at least 1 conforming exit door is located adjacent to Occupant Load Stairway Width
each revolving doors More than 50 1100 Mm
50 or less 900 mm
CORRIDORS & EXTERIOR EXIT BALCONIES Less than 10 (private stairway) 750 mm
 apply to every exit door OL >10, or hazardous areas
Trim and handrails not reduce the required width by more than 100 mm
Width
 Every corridor or exit balcony ≥1.10 m Rise & Run
STAIRWAY RISE & RUN REQUIREMENTS
Projections Provision Distance
 unobstructed Rise 200 mm max
 Except, that trim handrails, & doors fully opened not reduce width of Run 250 mm min
door by >200 mm or Variations in height & width in any 1 flight 5 mm max
 Doors in any position not reduce width of corridor by >½
Private stairways serving OL of less than 10
Access to Exits Rise 200 mm
 When more than 1 exit, arranged to allow going to either direction from Run 250 mm
any point in the corridor
Winding Stairways
Dead Ends  In Group A and private stairways in Group B,
 ≤6.00 m in length  Winders may be used if required width of run is provided at a point
≥300 mm from the side of the stairway where the treads are narrower
Construction but
 1-hr FR min  In no case shall any width of run <150 mm at any point
 Exterior exit balconies shall not project into area where protected
openings are required Circular Stairways
 Circular stairs may be used as an exit if min run ≥250 mm
Openings  All treads in any one flight between landings shall have identical
 corridor walls required to be 1-hr FR, every interior door opening shall dimensions within a 5 mm tolerance
be protected
 Other interior openings except ventilation louvers with automatic fire Landings
shutters shall be 7 mm THK fixed wire glass set in steel frames  Every landing in direction of travel equal to width of stairway
 1.20 m when stairs has a straight run
 Landings not reduced in width by >100 mm by a door

Basement Stairways
 Where a basement stairway and a stairway to an upper storey terminate
in the same exit enclosure, an approved barrier shall be provided to
prevent persons from continuing on to the basements. Directional
exit signs shall be provided.
Distance Between Landings
 ≤3.60 m vertical distance between landings
Handrails
 Stairways handrails on each side
 Stairway >3.00 m width, 1 intermediate handrail every 3.00 m
Intermediate handrails spaced approximately equal
 Handrails 800 - 900 mm above nosing of treads
 ends of handrails returned or terminate in newel posts or safety terminals
except:
o Stairways ≤1.10 m width and stairways serving 1 individual
dwelling unit in Group A or B may have one handrail, except
that such stairway, open on one or both sides, shall have
handrails provided on the open side/s
o Stairways having <4 risers need not have handrails
Exterior Stairway Protection
 All openings in the exterior wall below or within 3.00 m of an exterior
exit stairway serving a building over 2 storeys shall be protected by a
self-closing fire assembly having a 3-4 hr FR;
 Except, openings may be unprotected when 2 separated exterior
stairways serve an exterior exit balcony
Stairway Construction
 Interior Stairway
o enclosed usable space under the stairs, the walls and soffits
be protected on the enclosed side for 1-hr FR
 Exterior Stairway
o Shall be of incombustible material: except,
 Type III buildings which do not exceed 2 storeys,
which are located in less FR Zones
 Type I buildings which may be of wood not less than
50 mm in nominal thickness
P a g e | 25
 Stairway to Roof
o In every building ≥4 storeys in height, 1 stairway shall extend
to the roof unless roof slope >1:3
 Headroom
o ≥2.00 m, vertically from plane parallel & tangent to tread nosing
to soffit above
Ramps
o May be used as an exit, width as required for corridors
Horizontal Exit
o May be considered as a required exit;1-hr FR rating minimum
o Shall not lead into a floor area having a capacity for an occupant load
less than the occupant load served by such exit
o capacity: 0.30 sq.m of net floor area per ambulatory occupant &
1.90 sq.m per non-ambulatory occupant
o The dispersal area into which the horizontal exit leads shall be provided
with exits as required
Exit Enclosure
o Every interior stairway, ramp, or escalator enclosed; except,
o In other than Group D, an enclosure will not be required for stairway,
ramp, or escalator serving only one adjacent floor and not connected
with corridors or stairways serving other floors
o Stairs in Group A need not be enclosed
o Enclosure walls shall not be less than 2-hr FR construction. There shall
be no openings into exit enclosures except exit doorways and
openings in exterior walls. All exit doors in an exit enclosure shall be
appropriately protected.
o Stairway & ramp enclosures shall include landings and parts of floors
connecting stairway flights and shall include a corridor on the ground floor
leading from the stairway to the exterior of the building. Enclosed
corridors or passageways are not required for unenclosed stairways
o There shall be no enclosed usable space under stairways in an exit
enclosure, nor shall the open space under such stairways be used for
any purpose
 P a g e | 26

SMOKEPROOF ENCLOSURES Slope

o Shall consist of vestibule and a continuous stairway enclosed from the  The slope of exit courts shall ≤1:10
highest point to the lowest point by walls of 2-hr FR  The slope of exit passageway shall ≤1:8

o ≥5 storeys, one of the exits shall be a smokeproof enclosure Number of Exits

o Stairs in smokeproof enclosures shall be incombustible
o There shall be no openings in smokeproof enclosures, except exit
doorways and openings in exterior walls
o There shall be no openings directly into the interior of the building.
Access shall be through a vestibule with 1 wall at least 50% open to
the exterior & having an exit door from the interior of the building &
an exit door leading to the SE
 Every exit court shall be provided with exits as required in the Code
Openings
 All openings into an exit court <3.00 m wide shall be protected by fire
assemblies having not less than 3-4 hr FR rating. Except, openings more
than 3.00 m above the floor of the exit court maybe unprotected
Exit Signs & Illuminations
 Exits shall be illuminated at any time the building is occupied with lights
having an intensity of not less than 10.7 LUX at floor level;

o In lieu of a vestibule, access may be by way of an open exterior AISLES

balcony of incombustible materials  installed with seats, with aisles leading to an exit.

o The opening from the building to the vestibule or balcony and the Width
opening from the vestibule to the stair tower shall be protected with a
self-closing fire assembly having 1-hr FR rating MINIMUM AISLE WIDTH* ACCORDING TO SIDE SERVED
Side Width
o A smokeproof enclosure shall exit into a public way or into an exit Serving one side 800 mm min
passageway leading to a public way. The exit passageway shall be Serving both sides 1.00 m min
without other openings and shall have walls, floors, and ceilings of 2-hr
For side aisles 1.10 m min
FR
Incremental increase of width for every meter in length 30 mm
towards the exit, cross aisle, or foyer
EXIT OUTLETS, COURTS, & PASSAGEWAYS
* measured at the point farthest from an exit, cross aisle, or foyer
 Every exit shall discharge into a public way, exit court, or exit
passageway
Exit Distance
 Every exit court shall discharge into a public way
EXIT DIMENSIONS & DISTANCES
 Passageways shall be without openings other than required exits &
Provision Distance
shall have same FR of the building but shall not be less than 1-hr FR
construction Line of travel to exit door by an aisle
45 m max
(Groups H & I without seats)
Width No. of seats between wall & aisle 7 seats max
 at least as wide as the required total width of the tributary exits, No. of seats between aisles* 14 seats max
based on the OL served. Exit doors minimum clear width 1.70 m min
*Conditional increase when exit doors are provided along each
 At any point where the width of an exit court is reduced from any
side of aisle of the row of seats at the rate of 1 pair of exit Up to 30 seats
cause, the reduction in width shall be affected gradually by a guardrail doors for every 5 rows of seats, provided that the distance max
at least 900 mm in height. The guardrail shall make an angle of not between seats back-to-back is 1 m min
more than 30 deg with the axis of the exit court
 P a g e | 27

Cross Aisles  Rise Between Rows

 Aisles shall terminate in a cross aisle, foyer, or exit o 400 mm max rise from one row of seats to next
 Cross Aisle Width = (Required width of the widest aisle)
+ (50% of the total required width of the remaining aisle)  Seating Capacity
o Compute using:
Vomitories o Width of any seat 450 mm min 480 mm max
 Connect the foyer or main exit with the cross aisle
 Required width same (computation) with cross aisles  Number of Seats between Aisles
 Slope ≤1:8
NUMBER OF SEATS BETWEEN AISLES IN STANDS
SEATS Provision Seats
Open air stands with seats without backrests 15 seats
Seat Spacing max
SEAT SPACING Open air stands with seats having backrests ?
Provision Distance Seats with backrests in buildings 6 seats
Spacing of rows of seats from back-to-back 840 mm min
Continental Seating (alternate) Aisles
Spacing of rows of unoccupied seats, clear width  Provided in all stands
measured horizontally:  Aisles omitted when all conditions exist:
≤ 18 seats 450 mm o Seats are without backrests
19-35 seats 500 mm o 300 mm max rise from row to row
36-45 seats 525 mm o 11 rows max
> 46 seats 550 mm o 3.00 m above grade max top seating board
Width o 500 mm above grade max first seating board
 Width of any seat ≥450 mm
Obstructions
REVIEWING STANDS, GRANDSTANDS, & BLEACHERS  No obstructions placed in the required width of any aisle

Height of Stands Stairs Required

 If combustible framing, limited to 11 rows or 2.70 m high  When aisle elevated more than 200 mm above grade, aisle shall be
provided with stairway or ramp whose width is not less than the width of
Spacing of Seats the aisle
 Row Spacing
Dead End
MINIMUM SPACING OF ROWS OF SEATS BACK-TO-BACK  No vertical aisle shall have a dead end >16 rows in depth regardless of
Seat Type Spacing number of exits
Seats without backrests in open air stands 600 mm
Seats with backrests 750 mm Width
Chair seating 850 mm  1.10 m min width of aisles
MINIMUM SPACE BETWEEN BACK OF SEAT &
FRONT OF SEAT BEHIND IT
-- 300 mm
 P a g e | 28

STAIRS & RAMPS (STANDS) EXITS (STANDS)

 Apply to all stairs and ramps in stadia except for portions that pass
through seating area Distance to Exit
 45 m max line of travel to exit, can be measured as direct line for
Stairs Rise & Run seats without backrest

STAIRWAY RISE & RUN REQUIREMENTS FOR STANDS Aisle Used as Exit
Provision Distance  Considered as only 1 exit unless it is continuous at both ends to a
Rise 200 mm max legal building exit or to a safe dispersal area
Run 280 mm min REQUIRED NO. OF EXITS FOR STANDS
Variations in width of treads in any 1 flight 5 mm max Condition No. of Exits
Variations in 1 height of 2 adjacent rises 5 mm max > 50 persons, stand within a building 2
Ramp Slope (non-slip/ roughened) 1:8 max > 300 persons, open air stand, seats without backrests 2
> 300 persons, stand within a building 3
Handrails > 1000 persons, open air stand, seats without backrests 3
 Ramp with slope exceeding 1:10 shall have handrails > 1000 persons, stand 4
 Stairs shall have handrails > 3000 persons, open air stand, seats without backrests 4
Width
Guardrails  Total width of exits in meters shall ≥OL divided by 165
 Required where top of seat plank >1.20 m & at front of stands >600  Except, open air stands with seats without backrest, the total width of
mm above grade exits in meters shall be not less than the total occupant load served
divided by:
 Railings shall be 1.10 m above the rear of a seat plank or 1.10 m above o 500 when exiting by stairs
the rear of the steps in aisle when guardrail sits parallel & adjacent to o 650 when exiting by ramps or horizontally
the aisle
 ≥1.10 m in width
 Height may be reduced to 900 mm for guardrails located in front of  When only 2 exits provided, spaced apart ≥1/5 of the perimeter
the grandstand
Securing of Chairs
 Midrail shall be placed adjacent to any seat to limit the open distance  <25 chairs upon a single raised platform, fastening omitted
above the top of any part of a seat to 250 mm where the seat is at the  >500 loose chairs, fastened together in groups of ≥3
extreme rear of the bleachers or grandstand
Safe Dispersal Area
 intervening space have 1 additional rail midway in the opening REQUIRED NO. OF EXITS FOR SAFE DISPERSAL AREAS IN STANDS
Condition No. of Exits
 Railings may be omitted when stands are placed directly against a Default / Minimum 2
wall > 6000 persons 3
> 9000 persons 4

Foot Boards  Aggregate clear width of exits 1 exit unit of 600 mm for each 500

rd
Provided for all rows of seats above 3 row or beginning at such point persons
where the seating plank is >600 mm above grade  ≥1.10 m in width spaced not less than 1/5 of the perimeter

1208. Skylights
 metal frames except for Groups A and J
 All skylights, the glass of which is set at an angle of less than 45 deg
from horizontal, if located above the first storey, shall be set at least
100 mm above the roof
 Spacing between supports in one direction for flat wired glass in
skylights shall not exceed 625 mm. Corrugated wired glass may have
supports 1.50 m apart in the direction of the corrugation
 All glass in skylights shall be wired glass; Except, skylights over
vertical shafts extending through 2 or more storeys shall be glazed with
plain glass; Provided, that wired glass may be used in ventilation equal
to not less than 1/8 the cross-sectional area of the shaft but never
less than 1.20 m provided at the top of such shaft
 Any glass not wired glass shall be protected above & below with a
screen constructed of wire not smaller than 2.5 mm in Ø with a mesh
not larger than 25 mm. The screen shall be substantially supported
below the glass
 Ordinary glass may be used in the roof and skylights for greenhouses;
Provided, that height of the greenhouses at the ridge does not exceed
6.00 m above the grade
 Glass used for the transmission of light, if placed in floors or sidewalks,
shall be supported by metal or reinforced concrete frames, and such
glass shall not be less than 12.5 mm THK
 Any such glass over 100 sq.cm in area shall have wire mesh
embedded or shall be provided with a wire screen underneath
 floor lights or sidewalk lights shall be of the same strength as
required for floor or sidewalk construction, except in cases where
floor is surrounded by a railing not less ≥1.10 m in height
1209. Bays, Porches, and Balconies
 Exterior balconies attached to or supported by wall required to be of
masonry, shall have brackets or beams constructed of incombustible
materials. Railings shall be required for balconies, landings, or porches
which are more than 750 mm above grade.
P a g e | 29
1210. Penthouses and Roof Structures
Height
 No penthouse exceed 8.40 m above the roof when used as enclosure
for tanks
 For elevators run to the roof ≤3.60 m in height with the roof
Area
 The aggregate area of all penthouses and other roof structures shall
≤1/3 of roof area
Construction
 Types III & IV, the exterior walls and roofs of penthouses which are 1.50
m or more from an adjacent property line may be of 1-hr FR
incombustible construction
 Walls not less than 1.50 m from an exterior wall of a Type IV
construction may be of 1-hr FR incombustible construction
Towers & Spires
 Towers not enclosed & which extend more than 20 m above the
grade shall have their framework constructed of iron, steel, or RC
 No tower or spire shall occupy more than ¼ of the street frontage & in
no case shall the base area exceed 150 sq.m
 If the area of the tower and spire exceeds 10.00 sq.m, its supporting
frames shall extend directly to the ground
 Skeleton towers used as radio masts, neon signs, or advertisement
frames on the roof of building shall be incombustible when more than
7.50 m in height
1211. Chimneys, Fireplaces, and Barbecues
--
1212. Fire-Extinguishing Systems
 every storey, basement ≥200 sq.m for habitation, & OL >20
 In all dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, workshops, or factories, and
other rooms with an OL >10
 Assembly halls under Group H and I, with OL >500
 next doors >30 m from nearest safe fire dispersal area

WET & DRY STANDPIPES
STANDPIPES
Dry (DS)
Not filled with water until needed
Definition Can be only used by firefighters
Water supply from fire engine
Automatic Dry
Filled with pressurized air,
capable of meeting flow &
pressure requirements, water
upon opening
Semi-Automatic Dry
Types Empty, connected to permanent
water supply, remote control
activated
Manual-Dry
Empty, need water from fire
department to be pumped into
the system
Necessity Every building 4 storeys +
Construction Wrought iron / galvanized steel
900 L water/min from any outlet
Size 20 kg/sq.cm of water pressure
without leaking at valves or
fittings
Wet (IWS)
Filled w/ water, pressurized at
all times
Used by firefighters & bldg
occupants
Readily provided with hose
Automatic Wet
Filled with water, capable of
meeting flow & pressure
requirements
Manual Wet
Filled with water, not capable
of meeting flow & pressure
requirements, need water
from fire department to be
pumped into the system
Every Group H and I of any
height
Every Group C of 2 storeys or
more,
Every Group B, D, E, F, G of
3 storeys or more
Every G & E over 1800 sq.m
in area
Group H w/ no stage &
seating capacity of less than
500 need no IWS
Wrought iron / galvanized
steel
190 L of water per minute
under 2.00 kg/sq.cm pressure
50 mm min, unless
connected to AFES
P a g e | 30
4th storey < 950 sq.m = 1 DS
All points within 6.00 m of a
Number nozzle attached to a hose
Required 23m in length
Every + 950 sq.m = +1 DS
For Groups H & I:
1 on each side of the stage
1 at the rear of the auditorium
Within enclosed stairway
1 at the rear of the balcony
landings,
;unless OL < 500
Location Within 300 mm of an opening in
a stairway enclosure of the
For Other Groups:
balcony/ vestibule of a
Location same with DS
smokeproof tower
Coverage
1 IWS : 650 sq.m
100 mm dry standpipe:
2-way Siamese fire department
connection
125 mm dry standpipe:
3-way Siamese fire department
connection
Connected to a street main
Connections not less than 100 mm in Ø
150 mm dry standpipe:
4-way Siamese fire department
connection
Siamese inlet connections on
street-front 300 mm - 1.20 m
above grade
63 mm outlet nor more than
38 mm valve in each storey,
1.20 m above the floor level
including basement
Outlets 2-way 63 mm outlet above the
Located not less than 300
roof
mm nor more than 1.20 m
above the floor
Outlets equipped w/ gate valves
Iron / bronze sign with raised
letters at least 25 mm high:
Signs “CONNECTION TO DRY
--
STANDPIPE”

Pressure & Gravity Tanks
 capacity at least 1,500 L/min for 10 mins
 Discharge pipes from pressure tanks shall extend 50 mm into and
above the bottom of such tanks. All tanks shall be tested in place after
installation and proved tight at a hydrostatic pressure 50% in excess of
the working pressure required
 for domestic purposes, the supply pipe for such purposes shall be
located at or above the center line of tanks
 Incombustible supports shall be provided for all supply tanks and not
less than a 900 mm clearance shall be maintained over the top and
under the bottom of all pressure tanks
Fire Pumps
 capacity of not less than 1,000 L/min with a pressure not less than 2
kg/sq.cm at the topmost hose outlet
 The source of supply for such pump shall be a street water main of not
less than 100 mm Ø or well or cistern 1-hr supply
Hose & Hose Reels
 Each hose outlet of all interior wet standpipes shall be supplied with a
hose not less than 38 mm Ø. Hose equipped with a suitable brass or
bronze nozzle & shall be not over 23 m in length
 hose reel or rack readily accessible and recessed in walls or protected
by cabinets
Basement Pipe Inlets

st
Installed in the 1 floor of every store, warehouse, or factory where
there are cellars or basements under same; Except, where in such
cellars or basements, there is installed a FES
Material
 cast iron, steel, brass, or bronze with lids of cast brass or bronze, &
shall consist of a sleeve not less than 200 mm in Ø through the floor
extending to and flush with the ceiling below
 The lid shall be a solid casting & shall have a ring lift recessed on the
top. The lid shall have the words “FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT ONLY, DO
NOT COVER UP”, cast on the top
P a g e | 31
1213. Stages & Platform
Stage Ventilators
 metal or incombustible near the center & above highest part of any
working stage raised above the stage roof & a total ventilation area
equal to at least 5% of the floor area within the stage walls
Glass
 Glass, if used in ventilators, must be protected against falling on the
stage. A wire screen, if used under the glass, must be so placed that if
clogged it cannot reduce the required ventilating area
Location of Fusible Links
 A fusible link shall be placed in the cable control system on the
underside of the ventilator at or above the roof line
Control
 Remote, manual, or electrical
 When electrical, power failure shall not affect instant operation
Gridirons
 Gridirons, fly galleries, and pin-rails shall be incombustible & designed
to support a live load of not less than 367 kg/sq
Rooms Accessory to Stage
 not less than a 1-hr FR Occupancy Separation.
Proscenium Walls
 2-hr incombustible construction
 The proscenium wall shall extend ≥1.20 m above roof
 In addition to main openings, proscenium walls may have 1 opening at
orchestra pot level & 2 openings max at stage floor level, each of which
not more than 2.00 sq.m in area
 opening for viewing performances shall be with a self-closing fire-
resistive curtain
Stage Exits
 At least 1 exit ≥900 mm wide provided from each side of the stage
opening directly or by means of a passageway not less than 900 mm in
width to a street or exit court
 An exit stair ≥750 mm wide shall be provided for egress from each fly
gallery. Each tier of dressing rooms shall be provided with at least 2
means of egress each ≥750 mm wide
 P a g e | 32

1214. Motion Picture Projection Rooms RULE XIII - ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL REGULATIONS

Construction 1301. Electrical Regulations Philippine Electrical Code RA 7920

 The ceiling height ≥2.40 m from the finished floor
 The room shall have a floor area of not less than 7.00 sq.m & 3.50
sq.m for each additional machine
Exit
 at least 2 doorways separated by ≥1/3 the perimeter of room, each at
least 750 mm wide & 2.00 m high
 not equipped with any latch; max width of doors 750 mm
Overhead Service Entrance
 Subdivisions, housing projects, commercial & industrial buildings, overhead
transmission & distribution voltages to supply power source including
transformers, poles, & supporting structures
Attachments on and Clearances from Buildings
 Attachment Plan – all elec equipt approved by Elec Engr, submit to BO

Ports & Openings  Buildings > 15 m height; Overhead lines = 1.80 – 2.45 m clear horizontal
3 Kinds: from building for raising of ladders during firefighting
Projection Ports
 Except: does not apply where it is rule of local fire department to exclude
Observation Ports
use of ladders in alleys occupied by supply lines
Combination Ports
Open Supply Conductors Attached to Buildings
Ports Required
 Conductors >300V = not carried along or near surface of building unless
 provided for each motion picture projector not more than 1 projection
guarded or made inaccessible
port, which shall be limited in area to 750 sq. cm, & not more than 1
observation port, limited in area to 1,300 sq.cm
 For safety, conductors arranged to provide adequate clearance from
 There shall be not more than 3 combination ports, each of which shall
ground or with guards to isolate persons from contact
not exceed 750 mm by 600 mm. Each port opening shall be completely
covered with a pane of glass
 Underground service conduits, metal fixtures located in urban districts
& >300V, shall be isolated/guarded or solidly grounded
 Exhaust capacity shall not be less than 0.50 cu.m nor more than 1.40
cu.m/min for each arc lamp plus 5.60 cu.m for the room itself
 Service drops over roofs securely supported by substantial structures
 No dampers shall be installed in such exhaust systems. Ventilation of
independent of building
these rooms shall not be connected in any way with ventilating or air-
conditioning systems serving other portions of the building
Conductors Passing By or Over Buildings
 Exhaust ducts shall be of incombustible material & shall be kept 25
 Unguarded/accessible supply conductors >300V can run beside or over
mm from combustible material or covered with 10 mm of incombustible
buildings. Horizontal clearance governs such that diagonal equals vertical
heat-insulating material.
clearance

 Supply conductors >300V, placed near enough to windows, verandas, fire

escapes = properly guarded by grounded conduit & barriers
1215. Lathing, Plastering, & Installation of Wall Boards
 Where required clearance not obtained, supply conductors shall be
-- grouped/bundled & supported by grounded messenger wires
 P a g e | 33

Clearance Insulated Supply Unguarded Supply Open Unguarded

Comm. Cables Rigid Cables over Supply Rigid
Conductors of 0- Energized 750V; Open Conductors Energized
& Cables; 750V Parts, 0- Supply ; over Parts, over
Messengers; 750V; non- Conductors 750V-22kV 750V-22kV
Surge insulated , 0-750V
Protection comm.
Wires; conductor
Grounded s
Guys;
Neutral (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
Conductors
BUILDINGS
Horizontal
Walls,
Projection,
1400 1500 1500 1700 2300 2000
& Guarded
Windows
Unguarded
1400 1500 1500 1700 2300 2000
Windows
Balconies &
Areas
1400 1500 1500 1700 2300 2000
Readily
Accessible
Vertical
Over or
Under
Roofs or
900 1070 3000 3200 3800 3600
Projections
not readily
Accessible
Over or
Under
Balconies &
Roofs
3200 3400 3400 3500 4100 4000
readily
Accessible Clearance of Service Drops
to  Service drop conductors not be readily accessible & when not >600V:
pedestrian
Over Roofs
 Conductors clearance 2.50 m min from highest point of roofs over
Accessible which they pass with exceptions:
to Vehicles
3200 3400 3400 3500 4100 4000
but not o Voltage < 300V & roof has slope of 100 mm in 300 mm min,
Subject to clearance 1.00 m min
Traffic
Over Roofs
Accessible o Service drop conductors of 300V or less do not pass over
4700 4900 4900 5000 5600 5500 other than 1.20 m max of overhang portion of roof for purpose of
to Truck
Traffic terminating at a through-the-roof service raceway or approved
SIGNS, CHIMNEYS, BILLBOARDS, RADIO & TV ANTENNAS (Others not Buildings / Bridges) support may be maintained at a min of 500 mm from any portion
Horizontal 900 1070 1500 1700 2300 2000 of roof over which they pass
Vertical 900 1070 1700 1800 2450 2300

 Conductors clearance 3.00 m min from ground/ platform/ projection
from which they might be reached
 Conductors clearance 1.00 m min from windows, doors, porches, fire
escapes; & run <1.00 m above top level of a window/ opening
 Service drop of conductors when crossing a street, clearance 5.50 m min
from crown of the street/sidewalk; 3.00 m min from above ground at
its point of attachment to building
 No parts of swimming/ wading pools placed under existing service
drop conductors or any overhead wiring:
o Pools & area extending 3.00 m outward horizontally
o Diving structures
o Observation stands, towers, platforms
Wiring Methods
 Service entrance conductors extending along exterior or entering
buildings shall be installed in Rigid Steel Conduit from point of service
drop to meter base & from meter base to disconnecting equipment
except if protected by fuses/breakers at terminals
(immediately after service drop/ lateral)
o Abandoned lines no longer req to provide service: removed
Power pole, lines, service drop: free from attachment for
antennas, signs, streamers, etc
Transformers
 Oil-insulated transformers >15kV between conductors: installed in
transformer vault
 Dry-type transformers with non-flammable insulation
o installed in transformer room
 Transformers guarded as follows:
o Minimize possibility of damage to transformers from external
causes where exposed to physical damage
o Dry-type provided with non-combustible moisture resistant
case/ enclosure which provide reasonable protection against
accidental insertion of foreign objects
o Transformer installation: guarding of live parts (PEC-1)
o Operating voltage of exposed live parts: indicated by signs or
visible markings on equipment
Provisions for Transformer Vault
 Constructed acc (PEC-1)
 Accessible to qualified personnel for inspection & maintenance
 Adequate ventilation
P a g e | 34
Capacitor
 Installation. Exception:
o Capacitors part of other apparatus = conform to reqs of app
o Capacitors in hazardous locations – add’l reqs in PEC-1
 Single unit >11L flammable liquid =vault/outdoor fence enclosure
 Protected from damage by location/ fences, barriers, enclosures
 With non-combustible cases & supports
Emergency Power Systems
 For safety to life & property when normal supply interrupted
 Adequate capacity for operation of emergency load
 Hospitals, transition time to transfer power supply from instant of
interruption to emergency supply = not exceed 10 sec
Electrical Room
 Adequate space at load centers with panels, breakers, switchgears
.
Service Equipment
 Adequate space for service equipt- readily accessible area (indoor/outdoor)
Metering Facilities
 Metering Vault = natural/ artificial ventilation
 Metering Space = Single & Multi-Metering Centers
1302. Mechanical Regulations Philippine Mechanical Code RA 8495
Guarding of Moving and Dangerous Parts
 All prime movers, machines, and parts, power transmission
equipment, shall be guarded, shielded, fenced, or enclosed
Cranes
 Adequate means like ladders, stairs, or platforms shall be provided for
cranes having revolving cabs or machine houses
 If a step-over is provided, the gap must not exceed 300 mm
 A gong or warning device shall be mounted on each cage or cab
 Temporary crane operation without warning device may be allowed
provided there is a flagman whose sole duty is to warn
 The max rated load of all cranes shall be plainly marked on each side
of the crane

Hoists
 Operating control shall be plainly marked to indicate the direction of
travel and provided with an effective warning device
 Each hoist designed to lift its load vertically shall have its rated load
legibly marked on the hoist or load block or at some easily visible space
 A stop, which shall operate automatically, shall be provided at each
switch, dead end rail, or turntable to prevent the trolley running off
 Each electric hoist motor shall be provided with electrically or
mechanically operated brake so arranged that the brake will be applied
automatically when the power is cut off from the hoist.
Elevators Elevators pursuant to BP 344
 Hoistway for elevators shall be substantially enclosed throughout their
height, with no openings allowed except for necessary doors, windows
 Ropes, wires, or pipes shall not be installed in hoistways
 Hoistway pits shall be of such depth that when the car rests on the fully
compressed buffers, a clearance of 600 mm remains between
underside of car & bottom of the pit
 (4)+ elevators located in not less than (2) hoistways and in no case
shall >(4) elevators be located one hoistway
 machine room or penthouse is provided at the top of a hoistway, with
sufficient room for repair. Access shall be by means of an iron ladder
or stairs when the room is >600 mm above the adjacent floor or roof
 The angle of inclination of such ladder or stairs shall not exceed 60
deg from the horizontal. This room shall not be used as living quarters
or depository of other materials and with adequate ventilation
 Minimum number of hoisting ropes shall be three (3) for traction
elevators and two (2) for drum type elevators
 hoisting & counterweight ropes shall be 30 mm Ø min
 Elevators shall be provided with Fall-Free Safety Device, overload
switch and reverse polarity relay
 In apartments or condominiums of (5)+ storeys, min (1) passenger
elevator shall be kept on twenty-four (24) hour constant service.
P a g e | 35
Escalators
 The angle of inclination ≤30 deg from horizontal
 The width between balustrades 560-1.20 mm
 This width not exceed the width of the steps by >330 mm
 The rated speed ≤38m/min
Boilers and Pressure Vessels
Location of Boilers
 Boilers may be located inside buildings provided that the boiler room is
of reinforced concrete or masonry and that the boiler room shall not be
used for any other purpose. No part of the boiler shall be closer than
1.00 m from any wall and have at least (2) separate exits
 In case the main building is not made up of fire resistive materials,
boilers shall be located outside the building ≥3.00 m from outside wall
 Boilers of >46.00 sq. m heating surface shall each be provided with two
(2) means of feeding water, one (1) steam driven and one (1)
electrically driven, or one (1) pump and one (1) injector
 2 check valves between any feed pump & the boiler in addition to the
regular shut-off valve
 Each boiler shall have at least (1) safety valve. For boilers having more
than 46 sq.m of water heating surface or a generating capacity
exceeding 910 kg/hr, (2) or more safety valves shall be required
 Each boiler have a steam gauge, with a dial range of not less than 1.5
times and not more than twice the max allowable working pressure
 Upon completion of the installation, the BO shall conduct an inspection
and test, and if found complying with requirements, a certificate of
operation for a period (1) year
 The BO shall notify the owner in writing of the intended date of the
annual inspection at least (15) days in advance but not to exceed
thirty (30) days from the intended date of inspection
 The owner/ user shall prepare the boiler(s) for inspection and provide all
labor & equipment required during said inspection
 P a g e | 36

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
 The effective temperature and relative humidity of the air for
comfortable cooling shall maintained at 20 deg C – 24 deg C & 50-60%,
respectively, with 4.60-7.60 m/min air movement within the living zone
 Ducts shall be constructed entirely of non-combustible materials such
as steel, iron, aluminum, etc. Only fire retardant lining shall be used on
the inside of ducts
 When ducts or their outlets or inlets pass through firewalls, they shall
be provided with automatic fire dampers that automatically close on
both sides of the firewall through which they pass
Pipings for Fuel, Gas, & Steam
 Piping shall, as much as possible, run parallel to building walls
 Grouped piping shall be supported on racks
 Piping on racks shall have sufficient space for pipe or chain wrenches
so that any single line can be altered without disturbing the rest
 Piping 100+ mm Ø shall be flanged. Smaller pipes may be screwed
 Piping subject to varying temperatures provided with expansion joints
 Galvanized piping shall not used for steam
 Piping carrying steam, hot water, or hot liquids shall not be embedded
in concrete walls or floors and shall be properly insulated
 Piping carrying propane, butane, & other gas which are heavier than
air, with automatic shut-off devices provided to each burner

 Fire doors and fire dampers shall be arranged to close automatically Identification of piping by color and tag:
and remain tightly closed, upon the operation of a fusible link COLOR MATERIAL
Red Carbon Dioxide Yellow Acid
 Not more than 140 kg of refrigerant in approved containers shall be Red Fire Service Water Yellow H.P. Air
stored in a machine room at any given time Yellow Ammonia
Orange Acetylene Yellow H.P. Steam
 Where ammonia is used, the discharge may be into tank of water; At Orange Blast Furnace Gas Yellow L.P. Steam
least 1 L of water provided for every 120 gal of ammonia in the system Orange Gasoline Yellow Boiler Feed Water
Orange Grease Yellow Hot Water
 In a refrigerating system containing more than 9 kg, stop valves shall be Orange Hydrogen Yellow H.P. Water
Orange Oxygen
installed in inlets and outlets of compressors
Orange Oil Green L.P. Air
Orange Tar Green L.P. Argon
 Window type AC shall be provided with drainpipe or plastic tubing for Orange Producer Gas Green L.P. Helium
discharging condensate water into a discharge line & provided with Orange Liquid Petroleum Gas Green L.P. Nitrogen
exhaust ducts not less than 2.10 m above the floor level Orange High Vacuum Green Cold Water
Orange Oil & Water Green Distilled Water
Water Pumping for Buildings Green L.P. Water
 Installation of pumping equipment to supply buildings directly from Green Treated Water
existing water supply system shall not be allowed. An underground Green Oil & Water
water tank or cistern must be filled by gravity flow
o Overhead Tank Supply – may be installed above the roof
supported by the building or on a separate tower
Water tanks shall be provided with a vent and an overflow pipe
leading to a storm drain and shall be fully covered
o Pneumatic Tank – an unfired pressure vessel, initially full of
air, into which water from mains is pumped
 A suitable pressure switch shall stop the pump when
pressure required is attained
 An air volume control device shall be installed
 P a g e | 37

RULE XIV - PHOTOGRAPHIC AND X-RAY FILMS 1603. Glazing of Openings

1401. Storage and Handling  in case of fire, the occupants may use such openings to escape from
 with automatic fire extinguishing systems the building
 Film negatives kept in heavy Manila envelopes, not exceeding twelve
(12) films to an envelope  Openings glazed with approved plastics at the ground floor shall be so
 Proper venting & insulation located such that it shall open directly to a street or into an exit court.
 Only incandescent electric light shall be permitted; protected with Such openings at the upper floor shall be so located at a horizontal
substantial wire guards or vapor proof globes or both distance not less than 3 m from the enclosed stairway, outside
 Conspicuous “NO SMOKING” signs shall be posted stairway, or exit passageway, leading to a street or into an exit court
 There shall be first aid provisions
 The size of openings glazed with approved plastics have a minimum
dimension where one person could pass through or 600 sq.mm
1402. Classes of Film Exempted
1403. Fire Extinguishing System  The minimum spacing between openings shall be 2.00 m for all spans

RULE XV - PREFABRICATED CONSTRUCTION 1604. Skylights

1501. Prefabricated Assembly Installation Requirements

a structural unit, the integral parts of which have been built-up or assembled
prior to incorporation in the building
 made of pre-cast concrete, various metal components, unplasticized
polyvinyl chloride (uPVC)
 Anchorages & connection
 proper allowances for installation of pipes, conduits, etc
 safety engineer required at site
RULE XVI - PLASTICS
1601. Approved Plastics
 FSR 225 or less and a smoke density not greater than that obtained
from the burning of untreated wood
1602. Installation
 Structural Requirements – All plastic materials shall be of adequate
strength and durability to withstand the prescribed design loads.
 Fastenings –Proper allowances of plastic materials in conjunction with
other materials with which it is assembled or integrated shall be provided.
 Except in Group A, no skylight shall be installed within 3.00 m of a
property line
 The edges of dome-type skylights shall be properly flashed
 Plastic skylights shall be separated from each other by at least 2.50 m
laterally and 3.00 m along the slope of the roof
Allowable Areas
 The area of individual plastic skylights shall not exceed 10 sq.m & 20%
of the floor area of the room or occupancy sheltered.
1605. Light-Transmitting panels in Monitors & Sawtooth Roofs
Allowable Areas
 The area of individual plastic glazing used in monitors and sawtooth
glazing shall not exceed 15 sq.m. The total aggregate area of plastics
shall not exceed 20% of the floor area of the room or occupancy
sheltered.
Area Separation
 not less than 1.50 m in length. The lower edge of the plastic material
shall be at least 150 mm above the surface of the adjoining roof surface
 P a g e | 38

1606. Plastic Light Diffusers in Ceilings
General
 Ceiling light diffusers having an area greater than 10% of any 10 sq.m
of room area shall be of approved plastics.
1607. Partitions
1608. Exterior Veneer
Height
 Plastic veneer shall not be attached to any exterior wall above the first
storey; Provided, further that the height of veneer is not in excess of 10
m above the adjacent grade of elevation.
Area
 Sections of plastic veneer shall not exceed 15 sq.m in area, except, that
in less restrictive Fire Zones, the area may be increased by 50%.
RULE XVIII - GLASS AND GLAZING
1801. General Requirements
 Standards for glass and glazing materials shall conform to the provision on glass
dimensional tolerance, breaking stress level, and design safety factors
 Each light (glass panel) shall bear the manufacturer’s label designating the type
and thickness of glass
 Each light with special performance characteristics such as laminated, heat
strengthened, fully tempered, or insulated, shall bear the manufacturer’s
identification and thickness by etching
 Appropriate measures shall be provided to deter persons walking into fixed
glass panels
 Glass panels not adjacent to wall openings may be made obvious by
horizontal bars at guardrail height, a 450 mm opaque bulkhead, distinctive
glass such as etched or translucent for guardrail height

Separation 1802. Area Limitation

 Sections of plastic veneer shall be separated by a minimum of 1.20 m
vertically and 600 mm horizontally.  Exterior glass and glazing shall be capable of safely withstanding the load
due to wind pressure for various height zones
1609. Awnings and Canopies
 Glass panels >600 mm width & 180+ mm height adjacent to wall
RULE XVII - SHEET METAL PAINT SPRAY BOOTHS opening shall be safety glass unless a bulkhead of opaque materials
not less than 450 mm high is provided
1701. Sheet Metal Paint Spray Booth GLASS AREA LIMITATION
 steel of not less than No. 18 US gauge in thickness
THICKNESS WIDTH LENGTH
 The area of a paint spray booth shall not exceed 150 sq.m nor 10% of
(mm) (m) (m)
the basic area permitted for the major use of the building
 The floor of the spray booth and operator’s working area, shall be
8 1.10 & below 1.10 & below
covered with non-combustible, non sparkling material
10 2.25 & below 2.25 & below
 designed to permit the free passage of exhaust air
12 3.00 & below 3.00 & below
15 Over 3.00 Over 3.00
1702. Fire Protection
 Every spray booth having an open front elevation larger than 1.00
sq.m and which is not equipped with doors, shall have a fire curtain or
metal deflector not less than 100 mm deep
1803. Glazing
 Glass firmly supported on all four (4) edges shall be glazed with
1703. Light minimum laps and edge clearances
 Glass supports shall be considered firm when deflection of the
1702. Ventilation support at design load does not exceed 1/175 of the span.
 P a g e | 39

1804. Louvered Windows RULE XX - SIGNS

 Regular plate, sheet, or patterned glass in jalousies and louvered 2001. General Requirements
windows shall not be thinner than 5.6 mm minimal and shall not be  No sign or signboard shall be erected as to confuse or obstruct the
longer than 1.20 m. Exposed glass edges shall be smooth. view or interpretation of any official traffic sign, signal, or device

1805. Impact 2002. Maintenance

 Bathtub and shower enclosures shall be constructed from approved
shatter-resistant materials, such as: 2003. Design and Construction
o Wire-reinforced glass not less than 5.6 mm THK
o Fully tempered glass not less than 4.8 mm THK
o Laminated safety glass not less than 6.4 mm THK
2004. Supports and Anchorages
 Glass lights located not less than 450 mm above the adjacent
finished floor or walking surface Roof Signs
 Glass lights when the least dimension is not greater than 450 mm  No signs shall be erected, attached to, installed or fastened on rooftops
 Glass lights 1.50 sq. m or less in area. of buildings of wooden structures
 Adequate provisions for grounding metallic parts exposed to lightning
Installation of warning/ obstruction lights for air traffic installed

Ground Signs
 Ground sign structures shall be located within the property line and
under no circumstances shall they occupy the RROW

RULE IX - THE USE OF COMPUTERS Projecting Signs

 On non-arcaded RROW, signs shall not extend more than 1.20 m over
1901. General Rule the sidewalk and measured horizontally from the building line

1902. Program Documentation  On arcaded RROW, the signs shall not project more than 0.60 m from
the outermost portion of the wall line of the allowed structure over the
1903. Submission of Computer-Generated Computations arcade

 For buildings abutting on RROW or alleys without sidewalks or

provisions thereof, the signs shall not project more than 0.30 m from
the outermost portion of the building
P a g e | 40
 P a g e | 41

 A height clearance of ≥3.00 m measured from the finished road surface
below the lowest part of such signs projecting over sidewalks on
buildings without arcades and a clearance of ≥5.00 m below the lowest
part of such signs projecting over arcaded RROW
 The erection of electric neon signboards or other ads projecting over
roadways or public streets shall be allowed, provided that:
o Clear distance between the signboards erected on one building
is ≥4.00 m
o In case of 2 adjacent buildings, adjacent signboards shall be
placed at a distance of not less than 2.00 m from the
common boundary line
o Signboards shall not obstruct any window or emergency exit
and not be closer than 1.00 m from electric posts & wires.
Wall Signs
 Outdoor display signs placed against the front exterior surface of
buildings shall not extend more than 300 mm from the wall with its
lowest portion not less than 3.00 m above the sidewalk
 Commercial signs shall not be attached to, painted on, installed or
displayed on columns, beams, or any other portion of arcades and
structures for public utilities, e.g. mass transit
 Display windows or wall signs within 3.00 m above the sidewalk shall
be flushed or recessed.
Materials
Obstruction of Openings
 No sign shall obstruct any opening to such an extent that light or
ventilation is reduced to a point below than required by the Code.
Signs erected within 1.50 m of an exterior wall in which there are
openings within the area of the sign shall be constructed of
incombustible material or approved plastics.
Projections over Alleys
 No sign shall project into any public alley below a height of 3.00 m
above established sidewalk grade or project more than 300 mm
where the sign structure is located 3.00-4.50 m above established
sidewalk grade.
 The sign must not project more than 1.00 m into the public alley where
the sign is located more than 4.50 m above established sidewalk
grade.
2006. Lighting
RULE XXI - FINAL PROVISIONS
2101. Separability Clause

Non-structural Trim 2102. Repealing and Amending Clause

 Non-structural trim and portable display surfaces may be of wood, metal,
approved plastics, or any combination 2101. Effectivity

Display Surfaces 15 days after publication once a week for 3 consecutive weeks in newspaper
 May be made of metal, glass, or approved plastics April 01, 08, and 15, 2005, Manila Standard Today
Approved October 29, 2004
Effective May 01, 2005
2005. Projections and Clearances Florante Soriquez, Acting Secretary
Clearances from High Voltage Power Lines

Clearances from Fire Escapes, Exits, or Standpipes

 No signs shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface
or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire
escape, exit, or standpipe.
 P a g e | 42

RULE 10 FIRE SAFETY MEASURES

RA 9514 Chapter 1 Coverage
FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES Chapter 2 Fire Safety in Buildings, Structures, & Facilities
Division 1 Scope
No. TITLE Division 2 General Requirements
I MESSAGES Division 3 Classification of Occupancy
II MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN BFP & UAP
III OVERVIEW Division 4 Hazard of Buildings
IV FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES OF 2008 10.2.4.1 General
V IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS ON RA 9514 10.2.4.2 Classification of Hazard of Contents
RULE 1 INTERPRETATION
Division 5 Means of Egress
RULE 2 COVERAGE 10.2.5.1 Application
10.2.5.2 General Provisions
RULE 3 DEFINITION OF TERMS 10.2.5.3 Doors
10.2.5.4 Stairs
RULE 4 AUTHORITY OF THE CHIEF, BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION 10.2.5.5 Outside Stairs
10.2.5.6 Horizontal Exits
RULE 5 BFP REOGARNIZATION AND PROFESSIONALIZATION 10.2.5.7 Ramps
Division 1 Reorganizations 10.2.5.8 Exit Passageways
Division 2 Technical Staff 10.2.5.9 Escalators and Moving Walks
10.2.5.10 Fire Escape Stairs, Ladders, and Slide Escapes
RULE 6 FIRE BRIGADES, FIRE VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS AND FIRE 10.2.5.11 Illumination of Means of Egress
SAFETY PRACTITIONERS 10.2.5.12 Exit Marking
Division 1 Scope 10.2.5.13 Emergency Evacuation Plan
Division 2 Organization of Fire Brigades
Division 3 Training of Fire Brigades, Fire Safety Practitioners, and Fire Volunteer Division 6 Features of Fire Protection
Organizations 10.2.6.1 Construction and Compartmentation
Division 4 Command, Equipment Maintenance, and Fire Drills 10.2.6.2 Protection of Vertical Opening and Combustible Concealed Spaces
10.2.6.3 Interior Finish
RULE 7 ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT TO THE BFP 10.2.6.4 Fire Detection, Alarm, and Communication Systems
Division 1 Police and Other Law Enforcement Support 10.2.6.5 Automatic Sprinklers and Other Extinguishing Equipment
Division 2 Other Agencies’ Support 10.2.6.6 Standpipes
10.2.6.7 Portable and Wheeled Fire Extinguishers
RULE 8 FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS 10.2.6.8 Segregation and Protection of Hazards
Chapter 1 Qualifications of Fire Safety Enforcers 10.2.6.9 Smoke Partitions
Chapter 2 Functions of Fire Safety Enforcers 10.2.6.10 Fire Doors

RULE 9 ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF FIRE SAFETY MEASURES Division 7 Building Service Equipment
Division 1 General 10.2.7.1 Utilities
Division 2 Fire Safety Evaluation and Inspection 10.2.7.2 Heating, Ventilating, and Airconditioning
Division 3 Fire and Life Safety Assessment Report 10.2.7.3 Smoke Venting
Division 4 Fire Safety Inspection Certificate 10.2.7.4 Rubbish Chutes, Laundry Chutes, and Flue-fed Incinerators
Division 5 Fire Safety Clearance 10.2.7.5 Elevators and Escalators
Division 6 Fire Insurance Data Required 10.2.7.6 Installation Clearance
 P a g e | 43

Division 8 Places of Assembly Division 12 Residential Occupancies

10.2.8.1 Occupant Load 10.2.12.1 Classification
10.2.8.2 Exit Details 10.2.12.2 Requirements
10.2.8.3 Stage and Enclosed Platform 10.2.12.3 Hotels and Dormitories
10.2.8.4 Projection Booth 10.2.12.4 Apartment Buildings
10.2.8.5 Decorative Material 10.2.12.5 Lodging or Rooming Houses
10.2.8.6 Pyroxylin Coated Fabric 10.2.12.6 Single and Two Family Dwellings
10.2.8.7 Motion Picture Screens, Stage Curtains, and Drapes
10.2.8.8 Protection Division 13 Mercantile Occupancies
10.2.8.9 Building Service Equipment 10.2.13.1 General Requirements
10.2.8.10 Plan of Exit Ways Aisles 10.2.13.2 Exit Details
10.2.8.11 Overcrowding 10.2.13.3 Protection
10.2.8.12 Standby Firemen 10.2.13.4 Building Service Equipment
10.2.8.13 Outdoor Assembly 10.2.13.5 Special Provisions
10.2.8.14 Underground Structure and Windowless Buildings
10.2.8.15 Special Provisions for Exhibition Halls Division 14 Business Occupancies
10.2.8.16 Existing Places of Assembly 10.2.14.1 General Requirements
10.2.8.17 Projection Rooms for Safety Film 10.2.14.2 Exit Details
10.2.8.18 Open Flame 10.2.14.3 Protection
10.2.14.4 Building Service Utilities
Division 9 Educational Occupancies 10.2.14.5 Combined Business and Mercantile Occupancy
10.2.9.1 Occupancy and Occupant Load 10.2.14.6 High Rise Buildings
10.2.9.2 Exit Details
10.2.9.3 Lighting and Signs Division 15 Industrial Occupancies
10.2.9.4 Windows for Rescue and Ventilation 10.2.15.1 Requirements
10.2.9.5 Protection 10.2.15.2 Exit Details
10.2.9.6 Building Service Equipment 10.2.15.3 Protection
10.2.9.7 Special Provisions for Flexible Plan and Open Plan Buildings
10.2.9.8 Special Provisions for Pre-Schools Division 16 Storage Occupancies
10.2.9.9 Underground and Windowless Educational Buildings 10.2.16.1 General Storage Occupancies
10.2.9.10 Special Provisions for Combined Occupancies 10.2.16.2 Protection
10.2.9.11 Existing Educational Buildings 10.2.16.3 Special Provision for Parking Structures
10.2.9.12 Child Day Care Centers 10.2.16.4 Special Provisions for Aircraft Hangars
10.2.16.5 Special Provisions for Grain Elevators
Division 10 Health Care Occupancies
10.2.10.1 General Requirements Division 17 Miscellaneous Structures
10.2.10.2 Exit Details 10.2.17.1 Towers
10.2.10.3 Protection 10.2.17.2 Piers and Water-Surrounded Structures
10.2.10.4 Building Service Equipment 10.2.17.3 Immobilized Vehicle and Vessels
10.2.17.4 Underground Structures and Windowless Buildings
Division 11 Detention and Correctional Occupancies
10.2.11.1 General Requirements Division 18 Operating Features
10.2.11.2 Exit Details 10.2.18.1 General
10.2.11.3 Protection 10.2.18.2 Places of Assembly
10.2.11.4 Building Service Equipment 10.2.18.3 Educational Occupancies
10.2.18.4 Health Care Occupancies
 P a g e | 44

10.2.18.5 Residential Occupancies No occupancy permit, business, or permit to operate issued without Fire Safety
10.2.18.6 Mercantile, Business, and Industrial Occupancies Inspection Certificate (FISC) from BFP Chief/Rep

Division 19 Special Provision for High Rise Buildings Inspection Requirement

10.2.19.1 Scope Pre-req to grants of permits & licenses by LGUs for
10.2.19.2 Definition 1) Building Occupancy & installation of fire pro
10.2.19.3 Smoke Control
2) Storage of combustible & hazardous materials
10.2.19.4 Sprinkler Systems Protection
10.2.19.5 Fire Command Center
10.2.19.6 Stairwells
Fees
10.2.19.7 First Aid Protection 0.1 % of building value but less than P50,000, half paid prior to permit &
10.2.19.8 Applicability of All Other Provisions of this Code balance after inspection
0.01 % of building value annually payable upon real estate tax
Division 20 Aerodrome Facilities
10.2.20.1 General Fire Safety Requirements Fire Safety Practitioner
10.2.20.2 Refueller Units Any qualified recognized by BFP engaged in construction, installation,
10.2.20.3 Helistops repair, maintenance, assessment

Chapter 3 Fire Safety for Hazardous Materials Fire & Life Safety Assessment Report (FALAR)
Chapter 4 Fire Safety for Hazardous Operations
Chapter 5 Miscellaneous Dafety Measures BUILDING PLAN REVIEW
6 sets of plans & specs
RULE 11 PROHIBITED ACTS
3 sets FALAR 1 signed by Architect & Fire Safety Practitioner
RULE 12 FIRE CODE TAXES, FEES/CHARGES AND FINES
INSPECTION AFTER COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION
RULE 13 ADMINISTRATIVE COURSES OF ACTION Prior to issuance of Occupancy Permit by BO
3 sets FALAR 2 signed by CM & Contractor
RULE 14 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
BUSINESS & ROUTINE INSPECTION
Determine fire hazard, type of occupancy, checking & testing of systems
3 sets FALAR 3 signed by Building Administrator
TIMELINE
DATE EVENT FALAR 1 Documentation on Fire & Life Safety Features of facility
PGMA approved RA 9514
FALAR 2 Documentation certifying construction done in accordance w/ FALAR 1
Dec 19, 2008 “An Act Establishing a Comprehensive Fire Code of the
Philippines” Part of As-built documents turned over by contractor to owner
Publication in Manila Bulleting & The Manila Times
Jan 5, 2009 FALAR 3 Documentation on periodic maintenance & upkeep of fire & life-safety
(15 days effectivity)
All existing public & private buildings with 50 person min
Publication of IRR in The Manila Times
Oct 17, 2009 occupancy required to submit annually to City/Municipal Fire
(30 days effectivity)
Marshall to secure FSIC

Policy of the State: Public Safety & Economic Development through prevention of
fires & promote professionalization of fire service
 P a g e | 45

HAZARDS OF BUILDINGS Start & spread of fire CAPACITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS

Generation of smoke or gases Table 1
Danger of explosion CAPACITY FACTORS
Level Components &
Fire Hazard Any condition which increases probability of fire, or obstruct, Stairways
Ramps
delay, or interfere with firefighting operations Area (width per person)
(width per person)
mm in mm in
Abatement Any act that would remove or neutralize a fire hazard Board & Care 10 0.4 5 0.2
Health Care,
Fire Trap Building unsafe in case of fire due to lack of adequate exits 7.6 0.3 5 0.2
with Sprinkler
Health Care,
Fire Lane Portion of public way kept opened & unobstructed for firefighting 15 0.6 13 0.5
without Sprinkler
High Hazards 18 0.7 10 0.4
Public Way Street unobstructed from ground to sky for public use All Others 7.6 0.3 5 0.4
Flame Spread Rating of interior finish, greater degree of fire hazard shall govern Required Capacity of Corridor =
HAZARD OF CONTENTS: (Occupant Load of Corridor) ÷ (Required Number of Exits Connected to Corridor)
Low Med High
Corridor capacity not less than required capacity of exit to which corridor leads
Flame Spread Rating
Time in which flame will spread over surface of burning material OCCUPANT LOAD
Fire Resistance Rating Max number of persons that may be in the space at any time
Time a material can withstand effect of a hundred fire test OL = FLOOR AREA ÷ OL FACTOR
Smoke Developed Rating Exits serve more than 1 floor, OL of each floor considered individually in
Density & volume of smoke developed within certain period of time when computing the capacity of exits in that floor
surface is ignited
Exit capacity shall not be decreased in direction of exit travel
MEANS OF EGRESS
Continuous & unobstructed route of exit from any point in a building to a Egress from the floor above & below converge at intermediate floor (e.g. ground
public way floor), capacity of the means of egress from the point of convergence shall not
be less than sum of the two
Exit Components
Protective Enclosure Egress from a balcony or mezzanine passes through room below, required
1-hr FR for 3 stories or less capacity of balcony/mezzanine shall be added to required capacity of room
2-hr FR for 4 stories or more below
Any opening in separation shall be enclosed by approved self-closing fire door
Permitted Projections within Means of Egress
No exit enclosure shall be used for any purpose other than means of
114 mm max depth x 965 mm max height
egress
Width of Any Egress
915 mm min
 P a g e | 46

Number of Means of Egress ACCESS TO EXITS

MINIMUM NUMBER OF MEANS OF EGRESS
Provision Number of Egress Exit Doors: Side-hinged, swinging type, swing with exit travel for 50+ OL
Default (from any balcony, mezzanine, 2 No decors, draperies, mirrors in or adjacent to confuse direction of exit
storey) No dead-ends in excess of 6 m length
500 -100 Occupant Load 3
1000+ Occupant Load 4 DISCHARGE FROM EXITS
Elevator Lobbies Access to at least 1 All exits shall terminate directly at a public way or at an exit discharge

Arrangement of Means of Egress Exit stairs that continue beyond the floor of discharge shall be interrupted at the
Remotely located from each other floor of discharge by partitions & doors

Minimum Distance of 2 Exits from One Another 50% max of exits may discharge through areas on the floor of discharge provided
Not less than 1/2 of length of maximum overall diagonal dimension of
area to be served, measured in a straight line between nearest edge of Exits discharge to a free & unobstructed way to the exterior of the building & are
exit doors readily visible from the point of discharge from the exit

Minimum Separation Distance between 2 Exits with AFSS throughout
Not less than 1/3 length of maximum overall diagonal dimension of area
to be served
Exit enclosure provided as required exits & interconnected by not less
than 1-hr FR corridor, exit separation shall be measured along line of
travel of corridor
Interlocking or scissor stairs shall be considered only as a single exit
TRAVEL DISTANCE TO AN EXIT
Measured on the floor along center line of natural path of travel starting 30 cm
from remote point, curving around any corner with 30 cm clearance & ending at
center of doorway or point of exit
Individual rooms subject to occupancy not more than 6 persons; distance to
exits shall be measured from the floors of such rooms provided the path of travel
from any point in the room to the room door does not exceed 15 m
The floor of discharge are protected with SS; The entire area on floor of discharge
is separated from areas below by 2-hr FR
If discharge area is a vestibule/foyer:
3.00 m max Depth from exterior of building
6.00 m max length
Foyer separated from remainder of level of discharge by protection equivalent of
wired glass in steel frames
Foyer serves only for means of egress directly to outside
Exits may be accepted where discharging to roofs or other sections of the building
with FR at least equivalent of that required for exit enclosure
HEADROOM
2.00 m min clearance from floor (including projections from ceiling)

Where open stairways or ramps are permitted as path of travel to required exit, DOOR SWING
such as between mezzanines or balconies & floor below, travel distance shall 1/2 width of aisle Minimum distance left for any egress door during swing
include: 178 mm max projection into aisle when full open
Distance to Reach Stairway +
Travel on the Stairway + DOORS
Travel from End of Stairway to Outside Exit Self-closing mechanism
Re-entry mechanism every 4 floors that provide a way out of stairway
 P a g e | 47

DOOR WIDTHS & FLOOR LEVEL CHANGES

71 cm – 122 cm Clear Width Immediately adjacent or within 6.1 m of a swinging door or gate opening
freely in the direction of exit travel
1.3 cm max Elevation Variation on both sides of door
Elevation maintained on both sides for distance not less than the width of DOORS IN FOLDING PARTITIONS
the widest leaf Swinging door required as exit except:
20 persons max OL
1.3 cm max height Door Thresholds Do not extend to aisle or corridor
Partitions simple method of release, opened quickly
1:2 slope of bevel for Raised Thresholds in excess of 6 mm
HORIZONTAL SLIDING DOORS
PANIC HARDWARE Readily operable from either side without special knowledge or effort
Mechanical device consisting of linkages & horizontal bars across a door, Complies with FR, self-closing
which when pushed from inside will cause door to open & facilitates exit
from the building STAIRS
All stairs as means of egress continuous from uppermost floor level down
Releasing devices shall be bars or panel extending not less than 2/3 of to ground floor
the width of the door & placed at suitable heights, not less than 76 cm
nor more than 112 cm above floor Table 2
NEW STAIRS
POWER OPERATED DOORS Dimensional Criteria
No power operated door shall be counted as required exit unless it Feature
mm in
also swings with the exit travel by manual means Min Width See Table 4
Max Riser 180 7
SCREEN & STORM DOORS Min Riser 100 4
No screen or storm door in connection with any required exit shall swing Min Tread 280 11
against the direction of exit travel Min Headroom 2000 80
Max Height between Landings 3660 144
REVOLVING DOORS
Not used as means of egress except permitted
Table 3
EXISTING STAIRS
Not used at the foot or top of stairs at the floor of discharge
Dimensional Criteria
Feature
Where permitted, only given credit of only 50% required capacity of exit mm in
Min Width clear of all
Number of revolving doors shall not exceed number of exit doors obstructions except projections
915 36
within 6 m 114 mm max at or below
handrail height on each side
TURNSTILES Max Riser 205 8
Approved turnstiles not over 91 cm may be used in occupancy where Min Tread 230 9
revolving doors are permitted Min Headroom 2000 80
Max Height between Landings 3660 144
Over 91 cm shall be subject to requirements for revolving doors
 P a g e | 48

Table 4 HANDRAILS
NEW STAIR WIDTH Handrails both sides
Total Cumulative Occupant Load Width Handrails 76 min - 86.5 max cm above upper surface
Assigned to the Stair mm in Additional handrails may be added for children
< 2000 persons 1120 44 38 mm min clearance between handrail & wall
≥ 2000 persons 1420 56 91 kg min load
< 50 915 223 cm width intermediate handrails dividing into portions not more than
> 50 Use Table 4 above 223 cm in width, except that on monumental outside stairs, 2 handrails
Downward Egress Travel – Stair Width/OL based on storeys above may be provided
Upward Egress Travel – Stair Width/OL based on storeys below
GUARDS
CURVED STAIRS As egress: 106 cm min height
Depth of tread is not less than 280 mm at a point 305 mm from narrowest 91 cm min height of Guards protecting changes in level 1 storey or less
end of tread; Smallest radius minimum twice stair width on interior balconies & mezzanines
30.5 cm min Horizontal distance between successive flights where no
SPIRAL STAIRS As egress: guards shall be required for inside stairs which reverse direction at
180 mm max riser intermediate landings
280 mm min tread 25.5 cm max clear distance between rails measured at right angles to
265 mm width at outer side of stairway clear to the other handrail the run of rail to provide sufficient number of intermediate longitudinal rails
Handrails both sides 15.25 cm max spacing of vertical balusters
610 mm (high?) inner handrail The lower part may consist of a continuous substantial curb, the top of
Outer handrail at right side of descending users which is parallel to run of stairs of level areas & height of which is not
less than 76 mm on stairs & not less than 15.25 cm for level areas
3 persons max OL, spiral stairs permitted provided
660 mm min clear width SMOKEPROOF ENCLOSURES
240 mm max riser Enclosed from highest to lowest point by 2-hr FR barriers
198 cm max headroom Vestibule: 2-hr FR, 1.5-hr FR fire door assembly, 20 min FR fire door
190 mm min tread at a point 305 mm from narrower edge from vestibule to SE
All treads identical
Handrails both sides Doors designed to minimize air leakage & shall be automatic-closing by
5 persons max OL, spiral stairs permitted provided if above reqs are met actuation of a smoke detector within 3 m of vestibule door
Every SE shall discharge into public way
WINDERS
150 mm min tread Means of egress connecting a required exit to public way
280 mm min at a point 305 mm from narrowest edge Such exit shall be without openings, other than the entrance to SE & door
to outside public way
STAIR DETAILS Exit passageway separated from remainder of building by 2-hr FR
4 storeys or more, FR, non-combustible throughout except handrails SE other than those consisting of pressurized stair enclosure, access to
No variation exceeding 5 mm except for monumental stairs SE shall be by way of vestibule of exterior balcony
25 mm Effective nosing projection for every tread less than 25 cm
Non-slip
 P a g e | 49

SMOKEPROOF ENCLOSURES Stair Pressurization

Natural 12.5 N/sq.m min (sprinkler)
Mechanical Ventilation
Ventilation 25 N/sq.m min
1.5-hr FR When opened, shall not obstruct ducts (non-sprinkler) Design pressure difference across
Self-closing or barrier using approved engineering system
Doors Automatic-closing
Assembly by actuation of Pressure difference across doors shall not exceed
smoke detector that which allows the door to begin to be opened
Enclosure by 133 N
Protected when Controlling dampers shall be permitted in duct
adjacent to openings if needed to meet design requirements Ductwork at exterior shall be closed & non-
Openings combustible
balcony

1.5 sq.m min Minimum dimension 112 cm width x 183 cm in Ductwork within stair enclosure with intake &
opening in an direction of travel exhaust air vented directly to outside or through
exterior wall facing ductwork enclosed by 2-hr FR
an exterior court 1 air change per minute
not less than Activation of Mechanical Ventilation & Pressurized Stair Systems
6.00 m width Exhaust is 150% of supply
Initiated by smoke detector installed in an approved location within 3.00 m of the
Minimum Supply air shall enter within 150 mm of floor level entrance to smokeproof enclosure
dimension of not
less than Exhaust air shall discharge from vestibule through Required mech system shall operate upon activation of smoke detectors & by manual
required width of separate tightly constructed ducts controls accessible to fire department
corridor by 183
Vestibule Required system shall also be initiated by:
cm in the direction Top of exhaust register located not more than 150
of travel mm below top of the trap & entirely within smoke Water flow signal from AFSS General evacuation alarm signal
trap area
MONUMENTAL STAIRS
Vestibule ceiling shall be not less than 510 mm
higher than door opening into vestibule to serve Accepted as required exits if all requirements for exit stairs are complied with
as smoke & heat trap & to provide upward-moving Except curved stairs are accepted with 7.50 m radius or more at inner edges
air column
OUTSIDE STAIRS
Height can be decreased when justified by Enclosures:
engineering Any opening in wall shall be protected by fire doors or fixed wired glass
windows
-- Provided with dampered relief opening at the top
& supplied mechanically with sufficient air to Wall construction
discharge at least 70.8 cu.m/min through relief Vertically from ground to a point 3.05 m above the topmost
Stairs landing of stairs or roofline
opening while maintaining a positive pressure of
not less than 25 N/sq.m in the stair, relative to the Horizontally not less than 3.05 m
vestibule with all doors colors
 P a g e | 50

HORIZONTAL EXITS Table 5

NEW RAMPS
Way of passage from one building to an area of refuge in another building Dimensional Criteria
on approximately the same level Feature
mm in
Min width clear of all obstructions,
Way of passage through or around a wall partition to an area of refuge on except projections not more than
approximately the same level in the same building 1120 44
4.5 in (114 mm) at or below
handrail height on each side
May be substituted for other exits to an extent that the total exit capacity Max slope 1:12
of other exits will not be reduced below half that required for the entire Max Cross slope 1:48
area of the building if there were no horizontal exits Max rise for single ramp run 760 30
For health care occupancies, the total exit capacity of other exits shall FIRE ESCAPE STAIRS
not be reduced below 1/3 that required for the entire area of the building May be used as required means of egress only for existing buildings
Shall not constitute more than 50% of required exit capacity
Every fire section allowed in connection with a horizontal exit shall have in
addition to the horizontal exit at least one stairway, doorway leading Table 6
outside or other standard exit FIRE ESCAPE STAIRS
PARTICULARS DIMENSIONS
Min width 60 cm clear between rails
BRIDGES
112 cm min & at least as wide as the door leading to it.
Min horizontal dimension any landing 60 cm
of platform
Ramps shall be employed where there is a difference in level between
connected buildings or floor areas Max rise 23 cm

Steps used where difference in elevation is greater than 53.34 cm Min tread, exclusive of nosing 23 cm

All wall openings, both of the connected buildings or fire areas any part of Tread construction Solid, 13 mm Ø perforation permitted
which is within 3.00 m of any bridge or balcony shall be protected with
fire doors or fixed metal-frame wired glass windows, except where Winders (spiral) None
bridges have solid sides not less than 1.8 m in height, such protection
of wall openings may be omitted Risers None

RAMPS Max height between landings 3.66 m

When used as an exit, it shall be protected by separation from other parts Headroom, minimum 2.00 m
of the building
Access to escape Door or casement windows 61 cm by
Fixed wired glass panels in steel sash may be installed in such a 1.98 m or double hung windows 76.20
separation in a building provided with AFSS Types:
Return platform types with superimposed runs
Straight run type, with platforms continuing in the same direction
 P a g e | 51

LADDERS EXIT SIGNS

Cannot be used as fire escape Legible at 15 cm height & 19 mm wide strokes

Only as access to unoccupied roof spaces or means of escape from EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN
boiler rooms, grain elevators Conspicuous locations, drawn with photoluminiscent background in case
& towers, elevated platforms around machinery or similar spaces of power failure
subject to occupancy by not more than 3 able-bodied adults
8.5 in height x 11 in width minimum dimension
In single & 2 family dwellings & residential apartments of not more than 3
storey provided that the height shall not exceed 9.00 m
FEATURES OF FIRE PROTECTION
Spaced at 3.00 m, positively inclined
PROTECTION OF VERTICAL OPENING & COMBUSTIBLE CONCEALED SPACES
Rails of iron or steel 1.25 cm by 5 cm in section, 40 cm min apart Every stairway, elevator shaft, light & vent, chute & other opening
between storeys shall be enclosed or protected to prevent spread of fire
Rungs 22 mm min Ø & shall be riveted or welded in position 25-30.5 cm or smoke, except openings of building protected by AFSS
on center
SPECIAL PROVISION FOR ESCALATOR OPENINGS
Lowest rung 30.5 cm max above level of ground or balcony floor
beneath Sprinkler Vent Method
Automatic fire or smoke detection system + Automatic exhaust system +
SLIDE ESCAPES Automatic water curtain
When permitted as exits, rated at 1 exit unit per slide, rated travel
capacity 60 persons per minute Spray Nozzle Method
Automatic fire or smoke detection system + System of high velocity water
Except as permitted for high hazard manufacturing buildings, shall not spray nozzle
constitute more than 25% of the required number of units of exit
width from any building or any individual storey Rolling Shutter Method
Automatic self-closing rolling shutter which completely encloses top of
ILLUMINATION OF MEANS OF EGRESS each escalator
Floors of means of egress illuminated at all points including angles &
intersections of corridors, landings of stairs, & exit doors valued at 10.7 Partial Enclosure Method
lux min Kiosk designed to provide effective barrier to spread of smoke from floor
to floor

EMERGENCY LIGHTING Fire-Stopping Concealed Spaces

Maintained in the event of failure of normal lighting for at least 1.5 hours Concealed space (ceiling, attic) in which exposed materials with flame-
spread rating greater than class A are fire-stopped
EXIT MARKINGS
“EXIT” with an arrow indicating direction shall be placed in every location
where direction of travel to reach nearest exit is not immediately apparent

INTERIOR FINISHES
Exposed interior surfaces
INTERIOR FINISH MATERIALS
Class Flame Spread Rating
A 0.25
B 26 - 75
C 76 - 200
D 201 - 500
E 500 +
Flame spread rating not over Class C may be used in any location where
Class B is normally specified, & with rating of Class B in any location
where Class A is normally specified
Use of lower flame spread rating shall be permitted, e.g. Class B
specified, Class A used
In all new buildings other than private residences, Class A or Class C
shall be used in all basements from which there is no direct exit, if subject
to any purpose other than storage/service
Class E shall not be used in any room subject to human occupancy
If permitted, Class E shall not in any case exceed 10% of aggregate
interior surface of walls & ceiling of room
FIRE DETECTION, ALARM, & COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
a) Manual Initiation
b) Automatic Detection
c) Extinguishing System Operation
Manual Fire Alarm Boxes
A manual fire alarm box shall be provided in the natural path of escape
from fire near each exit from an area & shall be readily accessible,
unobstructed, & at visible points
Additional fire alarm boxes shall be so located that from any part of the
building not more than 30.00 m horizontal distance on the same floor
must be traversed in order to reach a fire alarm box
P a g e | 52
For fire alarm systems using automatic fire detection or waterflow
detection devices, at least one manual fire alarm box shall be provided to
initiate a fire alarm signal
Where a sprinkler system provides automatic detection & alarm initiation, it shall be
provided with an alarm initiation device which will operate when the flow of water is
equal to or greater than that from a single automatic sprinkler
Fire Alerting System
a fire alarm system activated by the presence of fire, where signal is
transmitted to designated locations instead of sounding a general alarm,
in order to prevent panic
Emergency Forces Notification
Provided to alert the nearest fire station & fire brigade in case of fire or
emergency
Automatic Fire Department Notification thru Central Station accredited by BFP
Mandatory to:
a) All high rise
b) All hospitals
c) All educational institutions, hotels, & apartment/condo of 4 storeys
d) All hazardous
e) All malls
Emergency Control
Fire Alarm & Control System activate automatically the control functions
necessary to make the protected premises safer for buildings
Functions Activated by Complete Fire Alarm System:
a) Release of hold-open devices for doors or other opening protectives
b) Stairwell or elevator shaft pressurization
c) Smoke management or smoke control systems
d) Unlocking of Doors
Additionally, such a fire alarm & control system shall be permitted to recall
elevators, if the activation of the system for this purpose comes only from
elevator lobby, hoistway, or associated machine room detectors

Annunciation
Alarm annunciation at control center shall be by means of audible &
visible indicators
If floor area exceeds 1860 sq.m, additional zoning shall be provided &
length of any single zone shall not exceed 91 m in any direction
Exception
If provided with AFSS throughout, the area of the alarm zone shall be
permitted to coincide with the allowable area of sprinkler zone
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS & EXTINGUISHING EQUIPMENT
STANDPIPES
Standard Installation of Standpipe, Private Hydrant, & Hose Systems
Class I System
64 mm (2.5 in) hose connections for full-scale firefighting at:
a) At each intermediate landing between floor levels in every
required stairway
b) On each side of the wall adjacent to the exit openings of
horizontal exits
c) In each exit passageway at the entrance from the building
areas into the passageway
d) In covered malls, at the entrance to each exit passageway or
exit corridor, and at exterior public entrances to the mall
e) At the highest landing of stairways with access to a roof &
on the roof where stairways do not access the rood
Additional 64 mm (2.5 in) hose connection shall be provided at the
hydraulically most remote portion of a sprinklered floor or storey is
located in excess of 61 m of travel distance from a required exit
containing or adjacent to a hose connection, additional hose connections
shall be provided
Class II System
38 mm (1.5 in) hose connection or within 37 m of a hose connection
system shall be provided with 38 mm (1.5 in) hose connections for first
aid fire fighting, so that all portions of each floor level of the building are
within 40 m of provided with less 38 mm (1.5) hose
Class III System
Connection as required for Class I & II
P a g e | 53
DRY STANDPIPES
Shall be used for Class I System
All buildings with required enclosed stairway or smokeproof enclosure
shall have at least one dry standpipe outlet connection located at every
floor level landing above the first floor of every required enclosure
No point within a building, requiring dry standpipes, shall be more than
40 m travel distance from a dry standpoint outlet connection
20% slope for horizontal runs
102 mm Ø where highest outlet is 23 m or less above fire
service connection
153 mm Ø where highest outlet higher than 23 m above fire
service connection
Fire service connections on street front 46 cm – 122 cm above
grade
For each standpipe, a 6.4 cm outlet, 61 cm – 122 cm above
floor level of each storey
WET STANDPIPES
Wet Standpipes extending from cellar or basement into topmost storey
shall be required for:
a) Assembly occupancies with an OL exceeding 1,000
b) Educational, healthcare, & detention/correctional, business
& mercantile, industrial, & hotels & apartments, 4 or more
storeys
c) Hazardous & business & mercantile with floor area
exceeding 1,860 sq.m per floor
d) Not required in buildings with AFSS
In theaters, auditoriums, & other assembly where OL > 1000, outlets shall
be located on each side of any stage, on each side of the rear of
auditorium & on each side of the balcony
All portions of building must be within 6 m of a nozzle attached to 22 m
of hose
64 mm (2.5 in) Ø min Standpipe size
38 mm valve per storey, 91-182 cm above floor
38 mm min hose per standpipe
 P a g e | 54

COMBINATION STANDPIPES
When installed, separate dry standpipe not needed Every enclosed platform larger than 46.5 sq.m
Shall have connections for dry standpipe located as required & shall have At the ceiling, under gridiron, usable spaces under stage/
platform
wet standpipe outlets as required
15 cm min Ø Auxiliary Spaces:
46-122 cm fire service connections above grade Dressing rooms
For each standpipe: 64 mm outlet, 61-122 cm above floor level Storerooms
at each storey Workshops
Sign saying “COMBINATION STANDPIPE AND TEST
CONNECTIONS” Places of worship at the level of exit discharge with sufficient
means of egress
AUTOMATIC FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
Except:
An integrated system of underground or overhead piping or both
Assembly occupancies consisting of single multipurpose
connected to a source of extinguishing agent or medium, which when room of less than 1115 sq.m that are not used for exhibition
actuated by its automatic detecting device suppresses fire or display & are not part of mixed occupancy

SPRINKLER SYSTEM All assembly occupancies with all sides open

An integrated network of hydraulically designed piping system
installed in a building, structure, or area with outlets arranged in a Every portion of educational buildings below the floor of exit
systematic pattern which automatically discharges water when discharge
activated by heat or combustion products from a fire
Hazardous areas shall be separated by 1-hr FR or provided
with AFSS Underground or Windowless educational
Notification of the nearest fire station if the sprinkler system is out of Educational buildings shall be provided completely with AFSS
service for more than 4 hours
Existing Educational Buildings:
Building management shall designate a fire watch Additional means of egress, AFSS, area separations,
emergency lighting
REQUIRED LOCATIONS OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Occupancy Location Throughout all hospitals
Healthcare
Bars with live entertainment
Residential – All buildings except where all guest rooms have a door
Hotels, Dorms, opening directly outside at grade level or exterior exit access
Dance halls
Apartments in buildings up to 3 storeys in height
Assembly > 300 persons OL: High hazard content areas
 Throughout storey containing assembly All mercantile 3 or more storeys
occupancy Business &
 Throughout all storey/ below the storey containing Mercantile
All mercantile exceeding 1115 sq.m
Assembly Throughout floor below street exceeding 232 sq.m when
assembly occupancy
used for sale or storage of combustible
In case of an assembly located below the level of exit
discharge, throughout all storeys intervening between Industrial & Every high hazard
that storey & the level of exit discharge Storage
Throughout all floor spaces including every closet &
Every stage with fly galleries, gridiron, & riggings for High Rises concealed spaces
movable theater type
 P a g e | 55

PORTABLE & WHEELED FIRE EXTINGUISHERS CLASSIFICATION / LEVELS OF HAZARDS

Classification Description
CLASSES OF FIRE HAZARDS & TYPE OF EXTINGUISHERS Low Hazard Total amount of Class A combustible materials is of minor
Class Description Extinguisher Type quantity
Water Type
Ordinary combustible solid
Multipurpose Dry Chemical Type Offices
A materials
Wet Chemical Type Classrooms
Churches
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam Assembly halls
(AFFF) Guest rooms of hotels
Flammable & combustible Film-forming Fluoroprotein Foam
B liquid & gas (FFFP) Moderate Hazard Total amount of Class A combustibles & Class B
Carbon Dioxide flammables are present in greater amounts than expected
Dry Chemical Type under low hazards

Specific Dining Areas

Energized electrical
C equipment
Combustible metal fires
D
Cooking appliances that
involve combustible
K Flammable Liquid Handling
cooking media
Required building protection provided by fire extinguishers for Class A
*for delicate electronic equipment:
Carbon Dioxide Type
Halogenated Agent Type
(Halon is banned)
Specific
*located not more than 15 m of
travel distance from Class D
hazard
*portable fire extinguishers shall
be provided in those work areas
where combustible metal
powders, flakes, shavings, chips,
or similarly sized products
Mercantile Shops
Storage
Light Manufacturing
Research Operations
Auto Showrooms
Parking Garages
Workshop or Support Service
Warehouses
High Hazard Total amount of Class A combustibles & Class B
flammables present, in storage, production, use, finished
product, or combination, over & above moderate hazard
Woodworking
Vehicle Repair
Aircraft & Boat Servicing
Cooking Areas
Product Display Showrooms
Product Convention Center Displays
Storage & Manufacturing Processes (e.g. painting)
Warehousing or In-Process Storage other than Class I & II

Occupancy hazard protection provided by fire extinguishers for Class A, B, C, D

 P a g e | 56

Table 9 Theaters
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF CLASS A HAZARDS
Maximum Open Waiting spaces (with exits in 0.25 sq.m / person
Maximum Travel
Minimum Area per addition to main) 0.46 sq.m / person
Distance to
Hazard Extinguisher Extinguisher Areas not in excess of 930 sq.m 0.65 sq.m / person
Extinguisher
Rating Areas in excess of 930 sq.m
(m)
(sq.m)
Low 2-A 15 200 Without fixed seats OL posted in conspicuous place near
Moderate 3-A* 12 100 main exit
High 4-A* 10 75 With fixed seats OL determined by number seats
installed
Table 10s
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF CLASS B HAZARDS
Maximum Open CAPACITY OF EXITS
Maximum Travel
Minimum Area per
Distance to Table 11
Hazard Extinguisher Extinguisher
Extinguisher CAPACITY FACTORS FOR THEATER TYPE SEATING
Rating
(m) Clear Width per Seat Served (mm)
(sq.m)
Low 5-B 10 200 No. of Seats Stairs Passageways, Ramps, &
Moderate 10-B 10 100 Doorways
High 40-B 10 75 Unlimited 7.6 AB 5.6 C
If risers exceed 178 mm, multiply stair width in Table 8? by factor A, where
PLACES OF ASSEMBLY
50 or more persons A = 1 + (RISER HEIGHT – 178/125)

Assembly rooms less than 50 OL & part of other building of another

occupancy is not considered assembly Stairs without a handrail located within a 760 mm horizontal distance shall be 25%
wider than otherwise calculated, that is, multiply by factor B = 1.25

OCCUPANT LOAD Ramps used in ascent steeper than 1:10, widths increased by 10%, that is, multiply
ASSEMBLY PROVISIONS by factor C = 1.10
Space Occupant Load
Concentrated use without fixed seats 0.65 sq.m / person
Table 4
Auditorium, church, dance floor, lodge NEW STAIR WIDTH
room Total Cumulative Occupant Load Width
Less concentrated use 1.4 sq.m / person Assigned to the Stair mm in

Conference, dining, drinking, exhibit, < 2000 persons 1120 44

gym, lounge ≥ 2000 persons 1420 56
Standing room or waiting space 0.28 sq.m / person
 P a g e | 57

EXITS 6 m max Dead-end aisle

ASSEMBLY PROVISIONS
Item Provision 46 m max Length of travel to an exit by any aisle
Min width to accommodate 1/2 of total OL
12.5% Gradient of sloping aisle
Not less than total width of all aisles, passageways, & > 12.5%, provide steps (required riser & tread)
Main Exit stairways leading thereto
66 cm high min above floor for Substantial railings in
Connect to stairway/ramp leading to street fasciae of boxes, balconies, & galleries

Min width to accommodate 2/3 of total OL served by Railings at ends of aisles extending to 76 cm high for
Railings
that level width of the aisle or 91 cm high if at foot of steps

Additional Exits Open directly to street or exit court, enclosed stairway, 66 cm high min railings for cross aisles
outside stairway, or exit passageway leading to a
street Not permitted
Overcrowding
112 cm min serving 50 or more persons Fire Marshal can stop performance/presentation until
Corridor Width condition/ obstruction is corrected
< 46 m (w/o sprinkler)
EDUCATIONAL
Travel Distance to Exits 6 or more persons for purposes of instruction, schools, universities,
< 61 m (w/ sprinkler)
colleges, part-day, nursery schools, kindergartens, day-care facilities
0.83 m min back-to-back spacing
OCCUPANT LOAD
14 seats max between 2 aisles EDUCATIONAL PROVISIONS
Seating 7 seats max serving 1 aisle only Space Occupant Load
Classroom 1.80 sq.m / person
0.60 m per person min Seats w/o dividing arms Shops, Labs, Vocational Rooms 4.60 sq.m / person
Dry Nurseries w/ Sleeping Facilities 3.30 sq.m / person
Aisle Width With fixed seats OL determined by number seats
< 60 seats = 760 mm min installed
> 60 seats (1 side) = 912 mm min If more than 50 persons Considered Assembly
> 60 seats (2 sides) = 1220 mm min

Width increased by 2.50 cm per meter in length

Aisle toward exit, cross-aisles, foyer

Width of cross-aisle, foyer, or exit = Sum of widest

aisle +
50% of remaining
aisles it serves
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EXITS OCCUPANT LOAD

EDUCATIONAL PROVISIONS HEALTHCARE PROVISIONS
Item Provision Space Occupant Load
2 doorways min providing separate exits, egress Sleeping Departments 11.1 sq.m / person
through corridors In-Patient Treatment Departments 22.3 sq.m / person
Rooms over 50 persons
or 93 sq. m Emergency Rooms, Operating Not located more than 1 storey above
Open to common corridor leading to separate exits in Rooms, ICU, Delivery Rooms or below floor of exit discharge
opposite directions
Doors swinging to an exit access shall be recessed or
Doors swing 180 deg to stop against wall EXITS
HEALTHCARE PROVISIONS
1.83 m min Item Provision
≤ 30 m (any room or intended as exit access)
Interior Corridors ≤ 46 m (any point in a room)
Corridors
If > 91 m length, shall be divided into sections < 91 m *may increase by 15 m when equipped with AFSS
by smoke partitions Travel Distance
≤ 15 m (any point in a sleeping room to exit access
< 46 m (w/o sprinkler) door)
Travel Distance to Exits
< 61 m (w/ sprinkler) Aisles, Corridors,
Ramps as Exit
≤ 30.5 m (any room or intended as exit access)
≤ 45.8 m (any point in a room) Hospitals & Nursing Homes 244 cm clear unobstructed width
Child Day Care *may increase by 15.25 m when equipped with AFSS
Centers Residential-Custodial Care
183 cm clear unobstructed width
≤ 15.25 m (any point in a sleeping room)
Adjunct areas not intended
Special Provisions: for housing & treatment 183 cm clear unobstructed width
Doors
Rooms for pre-schoolers, first grade & second grade pupils shall not be located
above or below floor of exit discharge Hospitals, Nursing Homes,
Diagnostic & Treatment >112 cm
HEALTHCARE Rooms
Used for medical treatment where occupants are mostly incapable of Residential-Custodial &
self preservation due to age, physical, or mental disability, or because of Nursery Sleeping Rooms > 91 cm
security measures not under occupants’ control Doors at Corridors 20 min FR

Include nursing homes, birth centers, residential custodial care centers Rooms divided by non- 465 sq.m max
such as nurseries, homes for the aged, etc FR partitions Direct visual supervision by nursing personnel

Smoke Partitions divide into at least 2 compartments

every storey used by inpatients for sleeping or
treatment or any storey with 50 or more persons
 P a g e | 59

EXITS
DETENTION & CORRECTIONAL RESIDENTIAL PROVISIONS
House 1 or more persons under varied degrees of restraint or security, Item Provision
most occupants incapable of self-preservation < 30 m (door of any room to nearest exit)

Includes correctional institutions, detention facilities, community < 23 m (within a guest room or guest suite to a
residential centers, training schools, work camps, & substance abuse corridor door)
centers Travel Distance
< 38 m (within a guest room or guest suite to a
corridor door if AFSS)
OCCUPANT LOAD Hotels & Dorms
DETENTION & CORRECTIONAL PROVISIONS < 15.5 m (within any individual living unit to nearest
Space Occupant Load exit to entrance door of apartment which provides
General 11.1 sq.m / person access through public corridor to an exit on same
floor level)
Apartments
EXITS
DETENTION & CORRECTIONAL PROVISIONS < 31 m (entrance door to any apartment to an exit)
Item Provision < 46.5 m (AFSS)
< 30 m (any room or intended as exit access)
< 46 m (any point in a room)
Travel Distance Corridors
< 15 m (any point in a sleeping room to exit access
door) 112 cm min
Hotels & Dorms
< 15 m from building
Enclosed Yards/Courts 112 cm (> 50 persons)
Apartments
1.4 sq.m net area per person 91 cm (≤ 50 persons)

Guest Room Door 20 min FR

RESIDENTIAL (Hotels)
Sleeping accommodations are provided for normal residential purposes Partitions between 4-hr FR
Dwelling Unit
Treated separately in this Rule: Hotels, motels, apartelles, apartments, (Apartments)
inns, condos, dorms; & 1-2 family dwellings 90 cm min width Exit access from sleeping rooms to
outside
OCCUPANT LOAD (except for 1-2 family dwellings) 1-2 Family Dwellings
RESIDENTIAL PROVISIONS 70 cm min clear width Doors in path of travel
Space Occupant Load providing means of escape
General 18.6 sq.m / person or max probable
population of any room, whichever is
greater
 P a g e | 60

MERCANTILE BUSINESS
Include stores, markets, buildings for display & sale of merchandise Transaction other than mercantile, for keeping of accounts & records

Malls, supermarkets, department stores, shopping centers, flea markets, Offices for lawyers, doctors, dentists, etc; City Halls, internet shops,
restaurants (> 50 persons), wet & dry markets, water refilling stations, massage parlors, beauty parlors, barbershops (< 50 persons),
drugstores, hardwares, showrooms, auction rooms courthouses

Minor merchandising operation in building predominantly of other Minor office operation in building predominantly of other subject to reqs of
occupancies (newsstand in office building) subject to reqs of predominant predominant occupancy
occupancy
OCCUPANT LOAD (except for 1-2 family dwellings)
Office, storage, & service incidental to sale of merchandise & located in
same building are considered mercantile BUSINESS PROVISIONS
Space Occupant Load
CLASSISIFICATION OF MERCANTILE OCCUPANCY General 9.30 sq.m / person
Classification Description
2,787 sq.m +
A More than 3 levels for sales EXITS

287 - 2,786 sq.m BUSINESS PROVISIONS

B Floor above or below street level for sales Item Provision
< 46 m
0 - 286 sq.m Travel Distance
C
Street floor only for sales < 61 m (AFSS)
Corridors 1.12 m min clear width (50 or more OL)
OCCUPANT LOAD All business buildings 15 m high or more = AFSS
MERCANTILE PROVISIONS High Rise Buildings
throughout
Space Occupant Load
Street Floor / Below Street Floor 2.80 sq.m / person INDUSTRIAL
Upper Floors 5.60 sq.m / person
Floors not Open to Public / Offices 9.30 sq.m / person Factories that make products of all kinds including product processing,
Covered Malls 2.80 sq.m / person (dis)assembling, mixing, packaging, finishing, decorating, repairing,
material recovery, labs, dry cleaning plants, power plants, pumping
EXITS stations, smokehouses, gas plants, refineries, sawmills, laundries,
MERCANTILE PROVISIONS creameries
Item Provision
30 m max CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANCY
Travel Distance General Industrial
46 m max (AFSS) Special Purpose Industrial
High Hazard Industrial
Open Industrial
 P a g e | 61

OCCUPANT LOAD (except for 1-2 family dwellings) URBAN & RURAL PRE-FIRE PLANNING
INDUSTRIAL PROVISIONS Hydrant system & develop source of water used for purpose of providing
Space Occupant Load adequate water supply for fire suppression
General 9.30 sq.m / person
All reservoir or water tanks must provide 20% fire reserve over & above
*except Open Industrial (OL = max Average Daily Demand Supply (ADDS)
number of persons to occupy area
under probable conditions) PROHIBITED ACTS & OMMISSIONS
a) Obstructing or blocking exit ways
EXITS b) Constructing gates, entrances, walkways which obstruct passage of fire
INDUSTRIAL PROVISIONS fighting vehicles
Item Provision c) Prevention or interference of any Fire Service operation
< 31 m (any point to an exit) d) Obstructing designated fire lanes
Travel Distance e) Overcrowding or admission of persons beyond authorized capacity
< 46 m (AFSS) f) Locking fire exits
Corridors 1.12 m min clear width g) Prevention or obstruction of automatic closure of fire doors
h) Use of firefighting equipment other than for firefighting
i) False alarms
STORAGE j) Smoking in prohibited areas
Sheltering of goods, merchandise, products, vehicles, animals k) Abandoning building without appropriate safety measures
l) Removing or tampering any authorized sign
m) Use of jumpers or tampering with electrical wiring
Warehouses, cold storages, freight terminals, truck & marine terminals,
bulk oil storage, LPG storage, parking garages, hangars, grain elevators,
DEFINITIONS
barns, stables
TERM DEFINITION
FLASH POINT Minimum temperature at which any material gives off vapor in
Minor storage incidental to other occupancy shall be treated as part of
sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air
other occupancy Any liquid having flash point at or above 37.8 deg C
COMBUSTIBLE
LIQUID
EXITS 37.8 – 60 deg C
Class II
RESIDENTIAL PROVISIONS 60 – 93 deg C
Class IIIA
Item Provision 93+ deg C
Class IIIB
< 23 m (any area to an exit) Any liquid having flash point at or above 37.8 deg C except any
FLAMMABLE
Travel Distance mixture having components with flash points of 37.8 deg C or
LIQUIDS
< 30 m (AFSS) higher, the total of which make up 99% or more of total volume
< 45 m (any area to an exit) of mixture
Class I-A
Parking Structures < 91 m (open floors of open parking structures) Flash point below 22.8 deg C; Boiling point below 37.8 deg C
< 60 m (AFSS) Flash point below 22.8 deg C; Boiling point at or above 37.8 deg
Class I-B C
MIXED OCCUPANCIES Flash point at or above 22.8 deg C; Boiling point at or above
Class I-C 37.8 deg C
2 or more classes in same building
COMBUSTIBLE Readily ignitable & free burning fiber
Meet reqs of most hazardous occupancy & maximum OL (stringent)
FIBER (cotton, oakum, rags, waste cloth, waste paper, kapok, straw,
unless otherwise specified Spanish moss)
 P a g e | 62

CORROSIVE LIQUID Any liquid which causes fire when in contact with organic matter
or with certain chemicals
(BP 344) To be updated: FOLLOW 1983 VERSION
(ACCESSIBILITY LAW) – THIS IS 2013 DRAFT, DO NOT FOLLOW
HYPERGOLIC FUEL Rocket or liquid propellant which consist of combinations of ALTHOUGH MOST STANDARDS REMAIN THE SAME, THERE ARE OUTLIERS
fuels & oxidizers which ignite spontaneously on contact with THAT MIGHT CONFUSE YOU
each other “An Act to enhance the mobility of disabled persons by requiring certain buildings,
institutions, establishments, & public utilities to install facilities & other devices”
FULMINATE Kind of stable explosive compound which explodes by
percussion
RULE I - SCOPE & APPLICATION
CRYOGENIC Descriptive if any material which by its nature or as a result of its
reaction with other elements produces a rapid drop in Categories of Disabled People
temperature  Confinement to wheelchairs
 Use of braces, crutches, artificial supports
PYROPHORIC Descriptive of any substance that ignites spontaneously when  Impairment of hearing or sight
exposed to air  Aging & in coordination
 Mental impairments
OXIDIZING Readily yields oxygen in quantities sufficient to stimulate or
MATERIAL support combustion RULE II - MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF ACCESSIBILITY
CURTAIN BOARD Vertical panel of non-combustible of FR materials attached to &
extending below the bottom chord of roof trusses to divide the Planning Principles
underside of the roof into separate compartments so that heat & TERM DEFINITION
smoke will be directed upwards to a roof vent ACCESSIBILITY Built environment designed so that it shall be
accessible to all people.
FLAME RETARDANT Compound used to raise ignition point of flammable material,
making it more resistant to fire No criteria shall impede use of facilities by either
handicapped or non-disabled citizen
FIRE DAMPER A normally open device installed inside air duct systems which
automatically closes to restrict the passage of smoke or fire
REACHABILITY Provisions adapted to the physical environment so
FIRE PUMP Pump that provides required water pressure in a standpipe / that as many places or buildings as possible can
sprinkler system when pressure in system drops below pre- be reached by all
selected value
USABILITY Built environment designed so that all persons,
FIRE ZONE Zone of a city within which certain construction types are whether disabled or not, may use & enjoy it
prohibited
ORIENTATION Finding a person’s way inside & outside of a
FIRE PROTECTIVE Designed to prevent spread of fire
(dampers, curtain boards, fire stoppers) building or open space shall be made easy for
ASSEMBLY
everyone
FUSIBLE LINK Link made of fusible metal w/c when exposed to heat/fire, melts
& causes fire door, damper, etc to close SAFETY Designing for safety insures that people shall be
able to move about w/ less hazards to life & health
HAZARDOUS FIRE covered with dry grass, cogon, reeds, brush, & other highly
AREA combustible growth or for stockpiling of used or waste materials, WORKABILITY & Built environment designed to allow disabled
by exposure to environment, may cause its deterioration,
EFFICIENCY citizens to participate & contribute to
decomposition, that fires are likely to occur & hard to suppress
 P a g e | 63

developmental goals  BO
RULE III - SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS & RELATED Definition of Terms
STRUCTURES FOR PUBLIC USE TERM DEFINITION
Classification by Occupancy ACCESSIBLE Features that enable disabled persons to make
CATEGORY OCCUPANCY use of primary functions for which a structure is
Category I Residential built
Category II Commercial ALCOVE Small recessed space in a room or wall
Category III Educational & Industrial ANTHROPOMETRIC Measurement of the human body
Category IV Agricultural AREA OF REFUGE Area which has direct access to an exit,
Category V Ancillary separated from the general floor area by a fire
 Building Classification by Use of Occupancy
separation
 Architectural Features & Facilities
 Special Type of Facilities Area where PWD who are unable to use stairs
 Accessible Units may remain temporarily to await
 Barrier-free Facilities & Features assistance/instruction during emergency
evacuation
RULE IV - REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
 Title 850 x 1200 mm min per non-ambulatory PWD,
 Declaration of Policy min of 2 spaces
 Scope & Application BARRIER-FREE Unhindered, without obstructions to enabled
 General Building Requirements disabled persons free passage or use of facilities
 Site Requirements BOLLARD Low post used to segregate pedestrian from
 Definitions vehicular traffic
BUILDINGS Public & private buildings for public use
ITEM NO. OF SEATS FOR DISABLED
Regular Bus 5 seats near door Designed to serve persons in pursuit of (different
Aircon Bus 4 seats near door uses)
Passenger Trains 6 seats per car near door CORRIDOR Long interior passageway providing access to
Jeepneys 2 seats preferably front seats several rooms
Domestic Shipping Allocate on per class basis; give priority during (dis)embarkation
Public means of access from several rooms or
RULE V - ADMINISTRATION & ENFORCEMENT spaces to an exit
CURB Raised rim of concrete, stone, or metal which
 First Violation: P50,000 to P100,000; 6 months to 2 years forms the edge of street, sidewalk, planted area,
 Subsequent Violation: P100,000 to P200,000; 2 to 6 years etc
 Abuse of privilege: P5,000 to P50,000; 6 months CURB CUT-OUT Break in the sidewalk traffic island provided with
 Deportation an inclined surface to facilitate mobility of
wheeled chairs, carriages, & other similar
Persons Liable conveyances
 Owner DISABLED PERSONS Suffering from restriction or lack of ability to
 Contractor perform an activity within the range considered
 Architect normal for a human being as a result of mental,
 Engineer physical, or sensory impairment
 P a g e | 64

DOOR Entranceway; barrier which swings, slides, tilts, or Any slope greater than 1:20 (5%); inclined way
folds to close an opening in a wall or cabinet connecting 1 level to another
EGRESS Exit; means of going out SIDEWALK Paved foot walk at the side of a street or roadway
ELEVATOR Hoisting & lowering mechanism equipped with a SLIP RESISTANT Coefficient of Friction / Slip Coefficient of 0.6 for
car or platform which moves in, glides in a MATERIAL level surfaces & 0.8 for sloping surfaces (ASTM)
vertical direction serving 2 or more floors of a
building Measure of amount of resistance that a surface
ENTRANCE Point of entry into a building; exterior door, exerts on substances moving over it
vestibule, or lobby TACTILE Objects that can be perceived using sense of
FLARE Sloped surface that flanks a curb ramp & touch
provides a graded transition between the ramp & TACTILE WARNING Tactile change in surface condition cue to alert
sidewalk pedestrians of a hazardous situation
THRESHOLD Strip fastened to the floor beneath a door, usually
Flares bridge differences in elevation & are required to cover the joint where 2 types of floor
intended to prevent ambulant persons with materials meet; may provide weather protection
disabilities from tripping at exterior doors
TOILET Room containing the water closet
Not considered part of accessible route TRUNCATED DOMES Small domes with flattened tops that are used as
FLOOR Surface within a room or area on which one tactile detectable warning indicators at transit
walks platforms, vertical drops, & curb edges
GRADIENT OF RAMP Degree of inclination of sloped surface expressed UNIVERSAL DESIGN Design of products to be used by all people, to
as percentage or ratio the greatest extent possible, without need for
GRAPHIC SIGN Visual aid; drawing, painting, diagram, engraving, adaptation or specialized design
etching, or other similar illustrations which form a
single glance conveys a given message Concept used to create environments that
HANDRAIL Hand support along a stairway or ramp consisting respond to the widest range of population
of rails & supporting posts, balusters, or pillars & possible
constituting an enclosure or line of division VESTIBULE Small entranceway or transitional space from the
HEIGHT ABOVE Distance between 2 points aligned vertically with exterior to the interior of a building & opens into a
FLOOR 1 of the points on the floor larger space
PARKING AREA Allocated space composed of marked-off portions WALKWAY An exterior passage for walking along, especially
for single motor vehicles on a short-time storage one connecting adjoining buildings & related
basis structures
PASSAGEWAY Space connecting 1 area or room of building with WASHROOM Room providing facilities for washing; lavatory or
another toilet room
PEDESTRIAN Part of road where pedestrians going across the WATER FOUNTAIN Fixture consisting of a shallow basin, together
CROSSING road have priority over traffic with a water jet designed to provide potable water
PUBLIC Shelf unit telephone with coin operating functions for human consumption
TELEPHONES for the use of the public WIDTH OF CORRIDOR The linear width of the obstructed path in
RAMP Sloped surface connecting 2 or more planes at corridors
different levels
 P a g e | 65

Appendix – Minimum Requirements of Accessibility Parking

Required Number of
A. General Provisions Total Number of Parking Slot
Accessible Parking Slot
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF ACCESSIBILITY
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS 1 – 25 1
PROVISION VALUE 26 – 50 2
Accessible Ramps 51 – 75 3
Min Ramp Clear Width 1.20 m 76 – 100 4
Max Ramp Gradient 1:12 101 – 150 5
Intermediate Handrails Required when 151 – 200 6
Width > 3.00 m 201 – 300 7
J-Type Support Recommended 301 – 400 8
Max Ramp Length 6.00 m 401 – 500 9
Intermediate Landings Required when 501 – 1000 2% of Total Spaces
> 6.00 m
Length 1000 - OVER 20+ (1 for each 100 or
Intermediate Landings Min Length 1.50 m fraction over 1000)
Level Area at Top & Bottom of Ramp 1.80 m Min Parking Size 3.70 x 5.00 m
Handrail Height on Both Sides 700 mm & 900 mm Walkway Min Clear Width 1.20 m
Handrail Extension 300 mm Pole Mounted Parking Signage Size 600 x 600 mm
Ramp Curb Height 100 mm Pole Mounted Parking Signage Mounted 2.00 m
Lower End Railing Required when Height 170 mm (height) at Min Clear Height
Near Vehicular Traffic Pavement Sign Square Dimensions 1.00 m (min)
End Railing Distance from Foot of Ramp 1.80 m 1.50 m (max)
Slip Resistant Materials Square Background Color UN Blue
Coefficient of Friction (ASTM) 0.6 (level) Signages
0.8 (slope) Viewing Distance (m) Size (m)
Carpet / Carpet Tile Max Pile Thickness 13 mm
Handrails & Grab Bars Up to 7.00 60 x 60
Handrail Required when Changes in 170 mm 7.00 to 18.00 100 x 100
Grade Above 18.00
Handrail Height on Both Sides (Ramps & 700 mm & 900 mm
Stairs) Height of Letters
Railings for Protection Height 1100 mm Viewing Distance (m) Min Height (mm)
For Ramps, Balconies, Landings, Porches
more than 750 mm above grade
1.50 50
Handrail Extension
300 mm 2.00 60
Top & Bottom of Stairs
2.50 100
Handrails & Grab Bars Full Grip Outside Ø 38 mm min
3.00 120
45 mm max
4.50 150
Handrails Attached to Walls Min Clear 50 mm
6.00 200
Distance from Wall
Handrails on Ledges Min Clear Distance 40 mm 8.00 250
 P a g e | 66

Sign Protruding into Sidewalk Min Vertical 2.00 m Level from Road/Gutter
Clearance Pole Mounted Signage Size 600 mm x 600 mm
Signs on Walls & Doors Max Height 1.50 m Pole Mounted Signage Min Clear Height 2.00 m
Graphics, Text, Braille Pavement Sign Square 600 mm (>1.20m ramps)
Tactile Ground Surface Required for 2.00 m 800 mm (1.20m+ ramps)
Overhead Obstructions Less Than Height International Symbol of Access Color White on Blue BG
of Curb Ramps
Tactile Warning Indicators Contrasting 50% Min Turning Area to Allow Curb Ramps 1.50 m x 1.50 m
Gray Value from Adjacent Floor Finishes Min Sidewalk Width to Allow Curb Ramps 3.30 m
Tactile Letters Width to Height Ratio Between 3:5 & 1:1 Min Curb Height to Allow Curb Ramps 150 mm
Tactile Letters Stroke Width to Height Between 1:5 & 1:10 Min Curb Ramp Width 900 mm
Ratio
Raised & Brailled Characters Sizes 0.75 mm Depth Required Sidewalk / Walkway Width
16-50 mm Height Vis-à-vis Curb Height
Raised & Brailled Characters Font Upper Case Sans Serif/ Curb Height Curb Ramp Min Level Sidewalk/Walkway
Simple Serif Run / Length Turning Area Width
Grade 2 Braille 150 mm (6”) 15720 mm 1500 mm 30720 mm
Warning Tactile Blocks Grid Pattern 178 mm (7”) 19080 mm 1500 mm 34080 mm
Indication of Potential Hazards Ahead 200 mm (8”) 21720 mm 1500 mm 36720 mm
Positional Tactile Blocks Staggered
Indication of Possible Change in Walking Max Curb Ramp Gradient 1:12
Directions 600 mm x 600 mm
Pole Mounted Signage Size
Directional Tactile Blocks Strips
Pole Mounted Signage Min Clear Height 2.00 m
Indication of Intended Safe Path
Pavement Sign Square 600 mm (>1.20m ramps)
Stairs 800 mm (1.20m+ ramps)
Max Riser 150 mm
International Symbol of Access Color White on Blue BG
Min Tread 300 mm
Sidewalks & Walkways
Tactile Strip Width in Hazardous Areas 300 mm
Coefficient of Friction (ASTM) 0.6 (level)
(i.e. Floor Level Changes) 0.8 (slope)
Handrails Height Above Treads 700 mm & 900 mm 1:20 (5%)
Max Sidewalk Gradient
Handrail Extension 300 mm
Max Sidewalk Cross Gradient 1:100 (1%)
Top & Bottom of Stairs
Min Sidewalk Width 1.20 m
Dropped Sidewalks
Max Gratings Center-to-Center Spacing 13 mm
Min Depth of Ramp Base Level for 1.50 m
Min Sidewalk Wheelchair Rest Stop Width 1.50 m
Walkways Less Than 1.50 m Wide
Min Sidewalk Wheelchair Rest Stop 12.00 m
Min Width of Ramp Base Level for = Walkway Width
Spacing
Walkways Less Than 1.50 m Wide 4.00 m min on National
Max Sidewalk Headroom 2.00 m
Roads
Max Cross Gradient for Dropped 1:100 (1%)
Sidewalks Sloped Towards Road Open Spaces
Prevent Water from Collecting Defined Edges Planters with Dwarf Walls or
19 mm Use Tactile Markings Grass Verge
Max Elevation Difference between Base
 P a g e | 67

Crossings Min Toilet Compartment Area 1.70 m x 1.80 m

Min Median/Island Depth When Width of 1.50 m Flip-up Grab Bar Required 1 Mounted at Wide Side
Carriageway to be Crossed Exceeds 10.00 Flip-up Grab Bar Location 280-300 mm from Top of
m or 4 Lanes Water Closet Seat with 100
Preferable Pedestrian Refuge 200 mm mm Extension in Front
Min Pedestrian Crossing Distance from 2000 mm Vertical Bar Required 1 Mounted at Side Wall Close
Street Corner to Water Closet
Accessible Entrances Vertical Bar Location 350-450 mm from Front Edge
Min Entrances with Vestibules Level Area 1.80 m x 1.50 m Centerline of Water Closet 750 mm from Finish to Wall
Size depth x width to Grab Bar
Doors Toilet Compartment Turning Space Area 2.25 sq.m
Min Door Clear Width 900 mm Toilet Compartment Turning Space Min 1.50 m
Min Clear Level Space Extending Before & 1.50 m x 1.50 m Dimension/Radius
Beyond Door Toilet Seat Height 450 mm
Min Corridor Width When Door Opens 1.20 m Lavatory Distance from Center Line to 460 mm
onto Corridor Adjacent Wall
Lever Type Lockset Height Between 20 mm & 1.06 m Max Lavatory Mounting Height 800 mm
900 mm Preferred Min Lavatory Vertical Clear Leg Room 650 mm
Vertical Pull Handles Height 1.06 m Space
Preferred than Horizontal Pull Bars Urinal Type Wall-Hung with Elongated Lip
Secondary Door Peephole Height for 1.10 m Max Urinal Lip Height 480 mm
Wheelchair Access Min Urinal Clear Floor Space 750 mm (Wing to Wing)
Thresholds 1200 mm (Between Grab Bar
Max Threshold Height 19 mm & Wall)
Threshold Bevel Required if Higher Than 6mm with 1:8 Gradient Urinal Privacy Shields Width 750 mm
Switches Waterproof Emergency Call Button Height 400 mm – 600 mm
Switch Height 920 mm – 1.20 m Min Roll-In Shower Compartment 1.50 m x 1.50 m
Max Manual Switch Distance from Door 200 mm Dimension for Wheelchair Users
Latch Side With L-Shaped Bar
Corridors Max Roll-In Shower Curb Height 10 mm
Min Clear Width 1.20 m Roll-In Shower Curb Bevel Gradient 1:2
Min Clear Width for 2 Wheelchairs 1.80 m Bathtub Rim Height 500 mm
Min Turnabout Space 1.50 m x 1.50 m Min Bathtub Clear Transfer Space 900 mm x 1500 mm
Max Turnabout Space Spacing 12.00 m width x length
Turnabout Space Required Within of Every 3.50 m L-Type Grab Bar with Horizontal Leg 1200 mm Long @ 250 mm
Dead End High from Bath Tub Rim
Toilets & Baths Vertical Leg 1200 mm Long @ Shower
Min Number of Accessible Toilet 1 Accessible Toilet for First Side of Bath Tub
Compartments on Each Floor 20 Water Closets Vertical Grab Bar 1200 mm Long @ 250 mm
High from Bath Tub Rim @
2 Accessible Toilet if Water Shower Side
Closets Exceed 20
 P a g e | 68

Elevators Hotels, Apartelles, Dorms, & Transient Lodging

Max Elevator Distance from Entrance 30 m Total Number Minimum Minimum Minimum Number
Elevator Handrail Height 900 mm of Guest Number of Number of of Accessible
Elevator Car Size 1400 mm x 1200 mm Rooms Accessible Accessible Rooms w/ Roll-In
depth x width Rooms Rooms w/ Showers
Min Elevator Door Clear Width 900 mm Accessible
Control Panel Centerline Height for 1200 mm Bath Tubs
Topmost Buttons
Braille Floor Level Indicators Height 1200 mm 1 – 25 1 1 0
Min Elevator Control Panel Button Size 20 mm min Ø 26 – 50 2 2 0
1 mm max depression depth 51 – 75 4 3 1
Telephones 76 – 100 5 4 1
Max Dialing Controls Height 1200 mm 101 – 150 7 5 2
Clear Unobstructed Space 1.50 m x 1.50 m 151 – 200 8 6 2
ATM 201 – 300 10 7 3
Clear Unobstructed Space 1.50 m x 1.50 m 301 – 400 12 8 4
Max Controls Height 1200 mm 401 – 500 13 9 4
Dressing Rooms 501 – 1000 3% of Total 2% of Total 1% of Total
Coat Hook on Side Wall Mounting Height 1.30 m 1001 & Over 30 + 2 for 20 + 1 for 10 + 1 for each 100,
Coat Hook on Side Wall Max Projection 40 mm each 100, or each 100, or or fraction over 1000
from Wall fraction over fraction over
Counters 1000 1000
Counter Height for Banks, Workstations, 730 – 780 mm
Reception Min Accessible Guest Room Clear Widths 900 mm
Clear Floor Area for Forward/Side 800 mm x 1300 mm Fencing for Roadworks
Approach to Counter Min Top Rail Height 1.00 m
Workstations Max Tapping Rail Height 350 mm
Min Access Aisle Width 920 mm Covers for Excavation
Restaurants, Eateries, & Dining Min Footway Width Past any Obstruction 1.20 m
Establishments Kickboard Height 0.20 m
Min Circulation Path Width in Front of 1.20 m Signage for Roadworks on Carriageway
Stalls Signs should not Reduce Available 1.20 m
Min Accessible Route to Tables Clear 900 mm Footway Width to Less Than
Width Location of Emergency Exits
Accessible Table Ratio for Fixed Seating 1:10 Tables Wall Mounted /Free Standing Tablets with --
Establishments Embossed Plan Config Required
Max Accessible Table Height 780 mm Flashing light directional signs to Fire Exits --
Min Accessible Table Clear Knee Space 600 mm x 480 mm Required
height x depth Areas of Refuge
Min Refuge Floor Space 850 mm x 1.20 m
Audio Visual Fire Alarm Systems
AVFAS Required as per FCP --
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Swimming Pools
Pool Entry Ramp Start Point FFL
Pool Entry Ramp End Point 750 mm max Below Water
Level
Number of Entry Ramps Required for Large
Pools (Over 90 Linear Meters of Pool Wall)
2
Number of Entry Ramps Required for Regular
Pools (90 Linear Meters & Below of Pool Wall)
1
Spas
Number of Entry Ramp Required 1
Number of Spas with Entry Ramp for 5% of Total or
Clustered Spas At least 1
Min Number of Accessible Lockers
But not less than 1 of Each Type (full, half, 5% of Total
quarter)
Sports Facilities
Bench Depth 508 – 600 mm
Min Bench Length 1.066 m
Seat Height 432 – 482 mm
Bench Back Support Length if Not Next to Wall 1.066 m
Team Player Seating Areas Based on ADAAG
but not less than 1
Exercise Equipment & Machines Clear
762 mm x 1200 mm
Floor Space
If Clear Space is Enclosed on 3 sides 914 mm x 1200 mm
Shooting Facilities Fixed Firing Position 1500 mm Ø with 1:48 max
Space slope
Accessible Bowling Lanes 5% of Total or At least 1
Auditoriums, Arenas, Theaters, & Assembly
Total Seating Capacity Accessible Seating
1 – 50 2
51 – 150 4
150 – 300 5
301 – 500 6
501 – 750 7
751 – 1000 8
1001 above 1% of Total Seating Capacity
Min Single Wheelchair Seating Space
900 mm x 1.20 m
Front or Rear Entry
Accessible Seat Handrail Height
750 mm
Front & Sides
Assistive Listening Devices Recommended
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RA 7279 BP 220
URBAN DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING ACT ECONOMIC & SOCIALIZED HOUSING PROJECTS
March 24, 1992
Objectives Scope of Application
 Decent, affordable housing with basic services & livelihood opportunities ECONOMIC SOCIALIZED
 Rational use & development of urban land Cost of House & Lot P300,000 – P1.25 M > P300,000
 Dispersed urban net & more balanced urban-rural interdependence Affordability Level Low to average income earners
 Equitable Land Tenure System 30% of Gross Family Income (NEDA)
 More effective people’s participation
 Improve LGU capability
Certificate of Registration & License to Sell
Strategies
 Government intervention in land acquisition:  No subdivision or condominium shall be sold unless registered & issued a
Community mortgage Land swapping License to Sell
Land consolidation Land banking
Joint venture & expropriation Basic Needs
 Balanced housing  Water
 Private sector participation  Movement & Circulation
 Consultation & Community Participation  Storm Drainage
 Countryside development
 Solid & Liquid Water Disposal
 Parks & Playgrounds
Key Housing Agencies
 Power
AGENCY FUNCTION
HUDCC Housing & Urban Development Planning & technical Assistance
Coordinating Council
Site Criteria
NHA National Housing Authority Augment & Enhance LGU  Availability of Basic Needs
capabilities  Conformity with Zoning Ordinances & Land Use Plan
HIGC Home Insurance & Guaranty Corporation Guarantee schemes to encourage  Physical Suitability
financial institutions  Accessibility
HLURB Housing & Land Use Regulatory Board Comprehensive plans for urban &
urbanizable areas Land Allocation
NHMFC National Home Mortgage Finance Corp Community Mortgage Program  No fixed ratio between saleable & non-saleable portions
LGU Local Government Unit Comprehensive Land Use Plans
NEDA National Economic & Development Data for Forward Planning Parks & Playgrounds
Authority  Centrally located
NGO Non Government Organization Investment  Mandatory for 1 hectare & above
(+ Private Sector)  Non-alienable
Project Beneficiaries Involvement in Programs
 Min 100 sq.m regardless of Density
Products
 1% addition increment for every 10
 Rationally sited settlements
 Livelihood Components
 Basic Services
 Affordable Packages
 Needs-specific units
 Use of indigenous materials & alternative technologies
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Table 1. Parks & Playgrounds Allocation Circulation System

ECONOMIC & SOCIALIZED  Observe hierarchy of roads
Density Allocation  Consider topography
(No. of Lots/DU* per (% of Gross Area for PP**)  Consider access & safety
hectare)  Optimize no. of lots but enhance community interaction
150 & below 3.5%
151 – 160 Table 4. Hierarchy of Roads
4%
161 – 175 PROJECT SIZE
5%
RANGE ECONOMIC SOCIALIZED
178 – 200 6%
(has)
201 – 225 7%
2.5 & below Major, Minor, Motor Court, Major, Minor, Motor
Above 225 9%
Alley Court, Pathwalk
*Dwelling Units
Above 2.5 – 5 -do- -do-
**Parks & Playgrounds
Above 5 – 10 Major, Collector, Minor,
-do-
Motor Court, Alley
Community Facilities
Above 10 – 15 Major, Collector, Minor,
 Neighborhood multi-purpose center mandatory for 1 hectare & above -do-
Motor Court, Pathwalk
 Strategically located, preferably near or side of park/playground
Above 15 – 30 -do- -do-
Above 30 -do- -do-
Table 2. Facilities According to the Number of Saleable Lots/Dwelling Units
for Subdivision Projects 1 Hectare & Above
Multi- Convenience/ High Table 5. RROW
No. of Saleable Elementary Tricycle RROW (m)
Purpose Retail School PROJECT
Lots &/or DU School** Terminal*
Center* Center** **
SIZE RANGE
10 & Below ECONOMIC SOCIALIZED
(has)
11 – 99 Major Collector Minor Major Collector Minor
100 – 499  2.5 & below 8 - 6.5 8 - 6.5
500 – 999  Above 2.5 – 5 10 - 6.5 10 - 6.5
1000 – 1499  Above 5 – 10 10 8 6.5 10 - 6.5
1500 – 1999     Above 10 – 15 10 8 6.5 10 8 6.5
2000 – 2499      Above 15 – 30 12 8 6.5 10 8 6.5
2500 – 3000      Above 30 15 10 6.5 12 10 6.5
*Mandatory provision RROW Carriageway RROW Carriageway
**Optional saleable but annotated in title when provided in plan Motor Court 6 5 6 5
Alley 2 - - -
Table 3. Community Facilities Allocation Pathwalk - - 3 -
ECONOMIC & SOCIALIZED
Density Allocation  Min 10.00 m RROW where major road serve as interconnecting road
(No. of Lots/DU* per hectare) (% of Gross Area for CF**)  6.50 m RROW for Minor Road
150 & below 1%  10.00 m RROW for Interior subdivision
151 – 225 1.5%
Above 225 2.0%
*Dwelling Units **Community Facilities
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Planting Strips
ECONOMIC / SOCIALIZED
ROW
Planting Strip Sidewalk
(m)
(m) (m)
15 1.30 1.20
12 0.80 1.20
 Subdivision projects abutting a main road must provide setbacks which shall 10 0.80 1.20
accommodate loading & unloading 8 0.40 0.60
 10.00 m min RROW for projects by phases provided with interconnecting roads 6.5 Optional 0.50
 2.00 m Alley break block for pedestrian/emergency & not as access to property
 3.00 m Pathwalk to provide pedestrian access for socialized housing projects not
exceeding 60m  PD 953 Tree Planting
 Every owner of existing subdivision is required to plant trees in
designated area

Road Pavement

 50 mm min Asphalt or 150 mm min Concrete for Major Roads, Minor

Roads, & Motor Courts
 Macadam for Sidewalk/Alley

Road Intersection

 20 m min Distance between offset intersections from corner to corner

 Road intersections radii:
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Road Grade/Slope

 1.5-9% Slope of Crown of Roads

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Lot Planning
 Avoid deep & irregular cuts
 Lot frontage at street level
 Not bisected by administrative boundaries, water courses, utility lanes

Combined Table 7 & 8. Minimum Lot Area & Minimum Lot Frontage
LOT AREA LOT FRONTAGE
TYPES OF
(sq.m) (m)
HOUSING
ECONOMIC SOCIALIZED ECONOMIC SOCIALIZED
Single 72 64
Detached**
Corner Lot 8 8
Regular Lot 8 8
Irregular Lot 4 4
Interior Lot 3 3
Duplex/ Single 54 48 6 6
Attached*
Rowhouses* 36 28 4 3.5
 * Provided with housing component
 ** Price of saleable lot shall not exceed 40% of max selling price for
house & lot
 Max 20 units per block/cluster
 Max 100 m in length for row houses

Block Length
 400 m max
 2.00 m Pathwalk/Alley for blocks exceeding 250 m

Floor Area Requirement

Min floor area req for single-family dwelling
 22 sq.m (economic)
 18 sq.m (socialized)

Minimum Setbacks
 Front: 1.50 m
 Side: 2.00 m
 Rear: 2.00 m
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Minimum Level of Completion

 Economic – based on complete specs
 Socialized – shell house with doors & windows
Water Supply
 Connection to public water supply system
 Supplemented by other sources (deepwell @300 m from each other)
 150 L/capita/day Independent water supply system
 Potable & adequate
 Operational deepwell & pump
 Ground reservoir 25 m from source of pollution
 For multi-storey building, water tank provided if height of building requires
pressure in excess of that in main water line. Capacity should be 20%
average daily demand + fire reserve.
Power Supply

 1 streetlight per pole if pole spaced 50 m

 1 streetlight at every other pole if pole spaced less than 50 m

Sewer & Drainage System

 Communal or individual septic tank conforming to Sanitation Code

 Drainage system shall be concrete-lined with load-bearing cover
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Doors

Windows
 Total Free Area of Openings = Min 10% of Floor Area of Room
 Bathroom Windows = Min 5% (1/20) of Floor Area
Firewall
 Firewall 150 mm min
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MULTI-FAMILY DWELLINGS & CONDOMINIUMS

Non-Residential Use

 Floor area authorized for non-residential use shall not exceed 25% of total
residential area

Setbacks
Table 11. Minimum Setbacks per Storey
Kinds of Minimum Setback Requirement per Storey
Lot 1&2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Interior
Inside
Corner /
Through
Lot
Abutting 2.0 2.3 2.6 2.9 3.2 3.5 3.8 4.1 4.4 4.7 5.0
3 or
More
Public
Open
Spaces

Parking Requirements

 1 slot : 8 units
 Driveway can be used as parking area as long as min RROW is
maintained
 Off-site parking allowed provided
o Designated parking area is part of the project
o 100 m max away from condo project
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Corridors
 NBCP & FCP 3.1007 Table 1. Parks & Playgrounds Allocation
OPEN MARKET & MEDIUM-COST
Elevator Requirements Density Allocation
(No. of Lots/DU* per hectare) (% of Gross Area for PP**)
 Mandatory for 6 storeys & above 20 & below 3.5%
21 – 25 4%
26 – 35 5%
36 – 50 6%
51 – 65 7%
Above 65 9%
*Dwelling Units **Parks & Playgrounds
Community Facilities
 Neighborhood multi-purpose center mandatory for 1 hectare & above

Table 2. Facilities According to the Number of Saleable Lots/Dwelling Units

for Subdivision Projects 1 Hectare & Above
Multi- Convenience/ High
Minimum Floor Area No. of Saleable Elementary Tricycle
Purpose Retail School
Lots &/or DU School** Terminal*
 18 sq.m Center* Center** **
10 & Below
11 – 99
PD 957 100 – 499 
CONDOMINIUM BUYER’S PROTECTIVE DECREE
500 – 999 
1000 – 1499 
Scope of Application 1500 – 1999    
OPEN MARKET MEDIUM-COST 2000 – 2499     
Cost Above P2,000,000 P500,000 – P2,000,000 2500 & Over     
Almost exactly the same with BP 220 *Mandatory non-saleable
Site Criteria **Optional saleable but annotated in title when provided in plan
 Location
Conformity with Zoning Ordinances & Land Use Plan Circulation System
 Physical Suitability
 Accessibility Major Road – main traffic artery w/in site & traverse the longer axis of the property
Land Allocation Collector Road – services pedestrian/vehicular traffic from minor to major roads
 70% Saleable
 30% Non-saleable Minor Road – provide direct access to lots & activity centers
Motor Courts – 6m min width, 60m max length RROW & space sufficient for
Parks & Playgrounds vehicular turnaround
 Strategically located
 Mandatory for 1 hectare & above Service Roads – distribution of traffic among individual lots & activity centers
 Min 100 sq.m regardless of Density Alley – 2m wide walkway used to break block & serve pedestrians for emergency
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Table 3. Hierarchy of Roads Lot Planning

PROJECT SIZE Combined Table 6 & 7. Minimum Lot Area & Minimum Lot Frontage
RANGE OPEN MARKET MEDIUM-COST LOT AREA LOT FRONTAGE
(has) TYPES OF (sq.m) (m)
2.5 & below Major, Minor, Motor Court, Major, Minor, Motor HOUSING OPEN MEDIUM- OPEN MARKET /
Alley Court, Pathwalk MARKET COST MEDIUM-COST
Above 2.5 – 5 Major, Collector, Minor, Single Detached** 120 100
-do-
Motor Court, Alley Corner Lot 12
Above 5 – 10 Major, Collector, Minor, Regular Lot 10
-do-
Motor Court, Pathwalk Irregular Lot 6
Above 10 – 15 -do- -do- Interior Lot 3
Above 15 – 30 -do- -do- Duplex/ Single 96 80 8
Above 30 -do- -do- Attached*
Rowhouses* 60 50 4
Table 4. RROW
RROW (m) Floor Area Requirement
PROJECT SIZE
Min floor area req for single-family dwelling
RANGE
OPEN MARKET MEDIUM-COST  42 sq.m (open market)
(has)
Major Collector Minor Major Collector Minor  30 sq.m (medium-cost)
2.5 & below 10 - 8 10 - 8
Above 2.5 – 5 12 10 8 10 - 8 Minimum Setbacks
Above 5 – 10 12 10 8 12 10 8  Front: 3.00 m
Above 10 – 15 12 10 8 12 10 8  Side: 2.00 m
Above 15 – 30 15 12 10 12 10 8  Rear: 2.00 m
Above 30 15 12 10 15 12 10
RROW Carriageway RROW Carriageway Minimum Level of Completion
Motor Court 6 5 6 5  Complete house for all types
Alley 2 2 2 2
 6.50 m Service Road allowed where RROW is wider than prescribed
standard for interconnecting road Utilities
SOCIALIZED ECONOMIC OPEN MARKET
Planting Strips Water Supply 150 LCPD or 150 LCPD for 150 LCPD for
Table 5. Width of Planting Strips & Sidewalks Handpump Household Household
OPEN MARKET / MEDIUM-COST Connection Connection
ROW Drainage Lined Open Canal Underground for Underground
Planting Strip Sidewalk
(m) Major Roads Lined Open for
(m) (m)
15 1.30 1.20 Others
12 0.80 1.20
10 0.80 1.20
8 0.40 0.60
6 (Service Road) Optional Optional
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3. Right to a Healthful Environment

RA 4726 4. Environmental Impact Statements
THE CONDOMINIUM ACT
Environmental Impact Statement Outline by DENR
1.0 Name & Address of Project Proponent
TERM DEFINITION 2.0 Type of Project
CONDOMINIUM Interest in real property consisting of separate interest in 3.0 Overview Summary
a unit in residential, industrial, or commercial building & 4.0 The Project Setting
an undivided interest in the land on which is located & 5.0 The Proposal
other common areas 6.0 A Brief History of Past Environmental Conditions & a Description of the
Existing Environmental & Resource Use
CONDOMINIUM Holders of separate interests & portions of common areas 7.0 Future Environmental Conditions without the Project (5 Year Projection)
CORPORATION 8.0 Prediction & Assessment of Impacts
9.0 Contingency Plans
CONDOMINIUM Entire parcel of real property to be divided into 10.0 Environmental Briefings & Monitoring
PROJECT condominiums 11.0 Mitigation Measures
12.0 Residual/ Unavoidable Impacts
UNIT Part of the condominium project intended for any type of
13.0 Information Deficiencies
independent use or ownership, including 1 or more rooms
14.0 Appendices
or spaces located in 1 or more floors
15.0 Consultation & Comments including Public Recommendation
COMMON AREAS Entire project excepting all units separately granted or
held or reserved
Title I Air Quality Management
Title II Water Quality Management
Master Deed/Declaration of Restrictions
Title III Land Use Management
 Boundaries of the unit
Title IV Natural Resources Management & Conservation
 Ownership of common areas
Title V Waste Management
 Non-exclusive easement for ingress, egress, & support
Title VI Miscellaneous
 Refurbishing
 Right to mortgage, sell Tourism Development Guidelines & Standards

PD 1151
PHILIPPINE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
June 6, 1977
Urbanization with Environmental Protection

1. Harmony Between Man & Nature

 Present & future concerns
 Human dignity & well-being
2. Goals
 Each generation as trustee & guardian
 Safe, decent, healthful, productive, & aesthetic environment
 Exploitation without degradation
 Preservation of historical & cultural heritage
 Balance between population & resource use
 Utilization of renewable & non-renewable resources
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For inorganic waste, modified land fill; compacted & covered with soil layer
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OTHER RELATED LAND USE LAWS

*Trees w/ trunks >4" = preserved
PD 933 – Creating the Human Settlements Commission (1976)
EO 648 – Re-organizing the Human Settlements Regulatory Commission (1981)
EO 90 – Identifying the agencies for the National Shelter Program and Creating the HUDCC
(1986)
EO 72 – Providing for the Preparation and Implementation of CLUPs of LGUs (1993)
RA 7160 – Local Government Code (1991)
RA 7279 – Urban Development and Housing Act (1992)
RA 8435 – Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (1997

PD 1216 – Defining Open Spaces in Residential Subdivisions

PD 1616 – Architectural Guidelines for Intramuros
PD 1308 – Regulating the Practice of Environmental Planning
PD 1594 – Prescribing Policies, Guidelines, Rules & Regulations for Government Infrastructure
Contracts
RA 49 – Intellectual Property Rights LAND USES
R-1 – Low Density Residential R-2 – Medium Density Residential
LAND USE PLANNING R-3 – High Density Residential C-1 – Minor Commercial
Art & science of ordering & managing the use of land & its environment and the C-2 – Major Commercial C-3 – Metropolitan Commercial
character and siting of buildings & communication routes I-1 – Light Industrial I-2 – Medium Industrial
Institutional Parks & Recreation
“Systematic approach for identify, classifying, and locating urban land, which is Agricultural Fishpond
achieved by analyzing the socio-economic needs of the population in consideration TRU – Transport & Utilities Area CUL – Cultural Area
of the physical and natural attributes of the city/municipality.” – National Urban
CEM – Cementery Area Military Zone
Development and Housing Framework

COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Integrated series of decision documents including maps, charts, and other
materials embodying the goals, objectives, and policy guidelines for over-
all socio-economic growth of an area

LAND BASED CLASSIFICATION STANDARD COLORS

BY ACTIVITY BY FUNCTION
YELLOW Residential Residence or Accommodation
RED Shopping, Business, Trade General Sales or Services
Industrial, Manufacturing, Manufacturing & Wholesale
PURPLE
Waste Mgt. Trade
Social, Institutional, Educ, Public Admin, Health,
BLUE
Infrastructure Institutional
GRAY Travel or Movement Transpo, Comm, Info, Utilities
LIGHT GREEN Leisure Arts, Entertainment, Recreation
FOREST Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing,
Natural Resources
GREEN Hunting
DARK CYAN -- Construction-Related Business
WHITE No Human Activity --

HERITAGE PRESERVATION
UNESCO: Paris, October 17 – November 21, 1972
Cultural Heritage
TERM DEFINITION
Architectural works, etc which are of outstanding
universal value from the point of view of history,
MONUMENTS
art, or science
Groups of separate or connected buildings which,
because of their architecture, their homogeneity or
GROUPS OF their place in the landscape, are of outstanding
BUILDINGS universal value from the point of view of history, art,
or science
Works of man and/or nature, including
archaeological sites, which are of outstanding
SITES
universal value from the historical, aesthetic,
ethnological, or anthropological point of view
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Natural features consisting of physical &
biological formations which are of outstanding
NATURAL
universal value from the aesthetic or scientific point
HERITAGE
of view
Precisely delineated areas which constitute the
GEOLOGICAL & habitat of threatened species of animals & plants
PHYSIOGRAPHICAL of outstanding universal value from the point of
FORMATIONS view of science or conservation
Precisely delineated areas of outstanding
universal value from the point of view of science,
NATURAL SITES
conservation, or natural beauty
International Charter for the Conservation & Restoration of Monuments &
Sites (ICOMOS)
“The intention in conserving & restoring monuments is to safeguard them no less
as works of art than as historical evidence.”
Conservation Means to safeguard heritage, with the view to suitably adapting it
to the society’s needs, by a series of technical, legislative,
financial, fiscal, educational, & other measures
Restoration Meant as a technical means of intervention, with the aim of
maintaining intact the above heritage & transmitting it to the
future in all its integrity
ICOMOS Provisions on Conservation
 Maintenance on a permanent basis
 Retaining of layout & decorations
 Movement of monuments
 Movement of monuments integral parts
ICOMOS Provisions on Restoration
 Aim is to reveal aesthetic & historical value
 Respect for original materials & authentic documents
 Preceded & followed by archaeological & historical study
 Use of modern in place of traditional techniques
 Valid contributions of all periods
 Unity not the aim
 Replacement of missing parts
 Addition of new parts
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Basic Conservation Principles Additional Notes:

 PTR – renewed every year
 “The least intervention is the best conservation.”  IAPOA – renewed every 6 months
 “It is better to preserve than to repair, better to repair than to restore, better to  PRC ID – renewed every 3 years on your birthday
restore than to reconstruct.”
 “Any form of restoration should follow predetermined lines. It must include criticism
& objectivity; it cannot vary according to whoever carries it out.”  Soil bearing Test is required for structures 3 stories and above
 “We do not restore the monument, but we restore the materials of the monument.”  Development
 “Restoration is not carried out to return the work of art to its primitive splendor.” o Physical operations on any part of a land
 The Principle of Reversibility: “Whatever added to or applied on the monument o Change in economic state of the land
must be reserved or taken out in cases of negative effects” o Use, profitability or effectivity
 “Conservation is part of positive development; modernization does not necessarily  New Development – new physical development
mean progress; conservation does not displace, it attracts.”  Redevelopment – physical renovation, rehabilitation, retrofit
 “Restoration must never be: an imitation, a falsification, and in competition with the  Carrying capacity – population that can be supported
original.”
 “Restoration should be more utilitarian than romantic.”  Development Potential of the Lot – maximum extent of physical
 “Restoration is not luxury (over-restoration); not nostalgic (over-romantic); not a development that may be introduced into the lot
masking (superficial)  Development Controls
 “The basic purpose of preservation is not to arrest time but to mediate with the o Private – restrictive covenants; deed restrictions
forces of change” o Public – uphold the safety and welfare of the citizenry and
 “It is to understand the present as a product of the past & a modifier of the future.” property; preserve civic identity
 300 mm – minimum width of planting strip
Dynamic Restoration Techniques
Comprehensive Development Plan – for the general welfare of citizens
TERM DEFINITION CLUP CDP
Reassembly of fallen fragments; substitute materials for Provided by Local “Sanggunian” Local Development Council
ANASTYLOSIS missing elements Implementation Tool zoning ordinance investment plan
Duration Long-term Short to medium term
SUBSTITUTION Replacing original with replica Function Manages land & territory Promote general welfare to
local citizenry
RELOCATION Removal or transfer from hazardous to safe place Coverage 4 planning areas 5 development sectors
Mayor Covers Mayor
TOTAL PROTECTION Enclosing to protect from elements Vice Mayor Brgy. Captains
SHED Ex-Councilors Local Chairman of
Elected Councilors Committee on
TRACES OF TIME Leaving traces of various periods on the face of the Appropriations
object Local Congressmen
PROJECTION OF Intended to show a virtual reality of the complete
EXTANT FEATURES original structure

INTEGRATION OF --
MODERN
STRUCTURES
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Low Rise: 1-5 storeys (3-15 meters) Basis: elevator

Medium Rise: 6-15 storeys (18-45 meters)
High Rise: 16 and above (48 meters and above)

Fire Load – combustible materials of its construction plus its combustible contents
Occupancy Kg/sqm
Residential 25
Office 25-50
Factory Up to 150
Assembly 25-50
Storage Up to 500

 Burn Rate - directly proportional to (Window Area) x (Sq.Rt of Height)

 Flame Trajectory is worst for the most horizontally configured windows
 Fire Trap – lacks adequate exits/escapes
 Fire Alarm Controlling Unit (FACU)- controlling component of FAS
 Smoke proof vestibules shall have a 1.5 hr FR
 The top of the exhaust of a mechanically ventilated smoke-proof vestibule
shall not be more than 6 inches from the ceiling

 Universal Design – Robert Mace

 Selwyn Goldsmith – invented the dropped curbs

 Disability – action that can be done resulting from an impairment

 Handicap - disadvantage for a given individual, resulting from impairment
 Barrier Free Design – refers to building design implements/medications
so that it can be used

 10m road – needs a central aisle

 13mm (1/2 inch) – maximum spacing between steel gratings for drainage

 Offset pavers – round bullets; platform edge indicator; above

ground/below ground
 Blister – indicates where the sidewalk ends
 Lozenge – used at bus stop edge
 Corduroy – used for areas with sudden edge in elevation
 Tactile strip – 0.3m minimum length
 Stair nosing color should be contrasting with the stairs
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