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

The professional practice course is a gateway to the project:

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

PHILIPPINE REGULATORY BOARD OF ARCHITECTURE

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

VALID AND SUBSISTING PHILIPPINE LAWS ON:

1. PHYSICAL PLANNING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT
(Master Development Planning, Subdivision Planning,
Site Planning, etc.)

VALID & SUBSISTING PHILIPPINE LAWS ON ALL

PHASES OR STAGES OF ACTIVITY Relative to Any
SUBDIVISION or BUILDING Project
• The Revised Penal Code (Act 3815) & its IRR;
• The New Civil Code (RA 386) and its IRR;
• Tax Laws;
• R.A. No. 7160 (The Local Government Code of 1991);
• The Various Environmental Laws;
• R.A. No. 8981 (The PRC Modernization Act of 2000 &
its IRR;
• the Pertinent Professional Regulatory Laws/ PRLs
(such as R.A. No. 9266 and its 2004 IRR)
PROJECT PHASES • the applicable LGU Ordinances
RA 8981. PRC MODERNIZATION ACT
In fulfillment of its legal mandate, the PRC performs
two important functions, which are:
• to conduct and administer licensure examinations to
aspiring professionals, and
• to regulate and supervise the practice of the
professions exercised in partnership with the forty-
three (43) Professional Regulatory Boards (PRBs) in
the fields of health, business, education, social
sciences, engineering, and technology.
Professional Regulation Commission: A three-person
commission to be known as the Professional Regulation
Commission shall be attached to the Office of the President for
general direction and Coordination.
The PRC Composition The commission shall be headed by
one
(1) full-time chairperson
(2) full-time commissioners, all to be appointed by the
President for a term of seven (7) years without reappointment to
start from the time they assume office.
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION (but not
limited to)
• To administer, implement and enforce the regulatory
policies of the national government.
• To perform any and all acts, enter into contracts, make
such rules and regulations, and issue such orders and
other administrative issuances, as may be necessary,
in the execution and implementation of its functions
and the improvement of its services.
• To review, revise, and approve resolutions, embodying
policies promulgated by the Professional Regulatory
Boards
• To administer and conduct the licensure examinations
of the various regulatory boards.
• adopt measures to preserve the integrity and
inviolability of licensure examinations.
• publish the list of successful examinees; provide
schools, colleges, and universities, public and private,
offering courses for licensure examinations,
• and impose the penalty of suspension or prohibition
from taking licensure examinations to any examinee
charged and found guilty of violating the rules and
regulations.
• Issue certificates of registration/professional license,
RA 386. CIVIL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 386: AN ACT TO ORDAIN AND
INSTITUTE THE CIVIL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
The civil code of the Philippines is the basic law
governing persons and family relations, property and property
rights, ownership of modifications, the modes of acquiring
ownership, and the obligations and contracts.
Samples of the articles in this document that are
related to our practice, but not limited to:
• Article 1713. - By the contract for a piece of work the
contractor binds himself to execute a piece of work for
the employer, in consideration of a certain price or
compensation. The contractor may either employ only
his labor or skill or also furnish the material. (1588a)
(pertains to the contract that is agreed upon by the
architect/contractor and the proprietor).
• Article 1714. - If the contractor agrees to produce the
work from material furnished by him, he shall deliver
the thing produced to the employer and transfer
dominion over the thing. This contract shall be
governed by the following articles as well as by the
pertinent provisions on the warranty of title and against
hidden defects and the payment of the price in a
contract of sale. (n) (pertains to the quality of work that
is agreed upon by the architect/contractor and the
proprietor).
• Article 1723. The engineer or architect who drew up
the plans and specifications for a building is liable for
damages if, within fifteen years from the completion of
the structure, the same should collapse by reason of a
defect in those plans and specifications, or due to the
defects in the ground. The contractor is likewise
responsible for the damages if the edifice falls, within
the same period, on account of defects in the
construction or the use of materials of inferior quality
furnished by him, or due to any violation of the terms of
the contract. If the engineer or architect supervises the
construction, he shall be solidarily liable to the
contractor.
Acceptance of the building, after completion, does not
imply a waiver of any of the cause of action by reason
of any defect mentioned in the preceding paragraph.
The action must be brought within ten years following
the collapse of the building. (n)
RA 9266. THE ARCHITECTURE ACT OF 2004
An act providing for a more responsive and
comprehensive regulation for the registration, licensing, and
practice of architecture, repealing for this purpose Republic Act
No. 545, as amended, otherwise known as "an act to regulate
the practice of architecture in the Philippines," and for other
purposes.
Hundreds of professional architects are being
produced by the country every year, as the number of
professional architects is registered every year, and the
government needs to monitor the regulation of the influx of
architects and other professions and thus the R.A. 545 was
created in 1950. fast forward to 2004 where the updated
version, R.A. 9266 is created.

ARTICLE 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS
(Terms to remember and their definitions)
• ARCHITECT – professionally qualified, registered, and
licensed, with a Certificate of Registration and
Professional Identification (ID) Card issued by the
Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture (the
“Board”) and the Professional Regulation
Commission (the “Commission”).
• Architects are advocates of Sustainability, Welfare,
and Culture, in terms of Space, Form, and Historical
Context.
• FUNCTIONS OF THE ARCHITECT
1. ARCHITECT-OF-RECORD: directly and
professionally responsible for the total design of
the project, and civil liability for
the plans, specifications, and contract
documents.
2. ARCHITECT-IN-CHARGE OF CONSTRUCTION:
directly and professionally responsible and liable
for the construction supervision.
3. CONSULTING ARCHITECT: With exceptional or
recognized expertise or specialization in any
branch of architecture.
GENERAL PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE: the act
of planning and architectural designing, structural
conceptualization, specifying, supervising, and giving
general administration and responsible direction to the
erection, enlargement, or alterations of buildings, and
building environments and architectural design in
engineering structures or any part thereof.
SCOPE OF THE PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE:
encompasses the provision of professional services in
connection with the site and physical planning and the
design, construction, enlargement, conservation,
renovation, remodeling, restoration, or alteration of
a building or group of buildings.
SERVICES MAY INCLUDE, BUT
ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
a. planning, architectural designing and structural
conceptualization;
b. consultation, consultancy, giving oral or written
advice and directions, conferences, evaluations,
investigations, quality surveys, appraisals and
adjustments, architectural and operational
planning, site analysis and other predesign
services;
c. schematic design, design development, contract
documents and construction phases including
professional consultancies;
d. preparation of preliminary, technical, economic
and financial feasibility studies of plans, models
and project promotional services;
e. preparation of architectural plans, specifications,
bill of materials, cost estimates, general
conditions and bidding documents;
f. construction and project management, giving
general management, administration,
supervision, coordination and responsible
direction or the planning, architectural designing,
construction, reconstruction,
erection, enlargement or demolition, renovation,
repair, orderly removal, remodeling, alteration,
preservation or restoration of buildings or
structures or complex buildings, including all their
components, sites and environs, intended
for private or public use;
g. the planning, architectural lay-outing and
utilization of spaces within and surrounding such
buildings or structures, housing design and
community architecture, architectural interiors
and space planning , architectural detailing,
architectural lighting, acoustics, architectural lay-
outing of mechanical, electrical, electronic,
sanitary, plumbing, communications and other
utility systems, equipment and fixtures;
h. building programming, building administration,
construction arbitration and architectural
conservation and restoration
i. all works which relate to the scientific, aesthetic
and orderly coordination of all works and
branches of the work, systems and processes
necessary for the production of a complete
building or structure, whether for public or private
use, in order to enhance and safeguard life, health
and property and the promotion and enrichment
of the quality of life, the architectural design of
engineering structures or any part thereof; and
j. all other works, projects and activities which
require the professional competence of an
architect, including teaching
of architectural subjects and architectural
computer-aided design.
ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTS: means
architectural drawings, specifications, and other
outputs of an Architect that only an Architect can sign
and seal consisting, among others, of:
a. vicinity maps
b. site development plans
c. architectural program QUALIFICATIONS OF APPLICANT FOR
d. Perspective drawings EXAMINATION: Any person applying for examination
e. architectural floor plans shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board that:
f. elevations a. Filipino citizen or qualified foreigner
g. sections b. Good moral character
h. ceiling plans c. Holder of BS Architecture
i. schedules d. 2 years diversified experience (3,840 hours)
j. detailed drawings (DAE- Diversified Architectural Experience),
k. technical specifications Master’s Degree holder is credited 1 year
l. cost estimates e. Not convicted of any criminal offense
m. and other instruments of service in any form.
EXAMINATION SUBJECTS
ARCHITECTURAL PLANS DAY 1
• means two (2)-dimensional representations ▪ History and Theory of Architecture
reflecting a proposed development/ ▪ Principles of Planning and Architectural
redevelopment of an enclosed/ semi- Practice
enclosed or open area showing features or ▪ Structural Design
elements such as columns, walls, partitions, ▪ Building Materials, Architectural
ceiling, stairs, doors, windows, floors, roof, Specifications & Methods of
room designations, door and window call- Construction
outs, the architectural layout of equipment, ▪ Utilities
furnishings, furniture and the like, ▪ Urban Design and Architectural
specifications callouts, elevation references, Interiors
drawing references and the like; DAY 2
• the architectural plan is the representation of ▪ Architectural Design and Site Planning
a lateral section for a proposed building/
structure (running parallel to the ground) and Examination Passing grade requirements:
at a height of from 1.0 – 1.5 meters above the GWA of 70%, no grade lower than 50%
finished floor; Results out in 30 days\
• the term may also collectively refer to Oath-taking required.
other architectural designs such as cross/
longitudinal sections, elevations, roof plans, SEAL, ISSUANCE, AND USE OF SEAL
reflected ceiling plans; A duly licensed architect shall affix the seal
• detailed sections and elevations showing prescribed by the Board bearing the:
architectural interiors, detailed architectural a. Registrant’s name
designs, door and window schedules, other b. Registration number
architectural finishing schedules, and the like. c. Title “Architect:
On all architectural plans, drawings,
ARTICLE 2: PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY specifications, and all other contract
BOARD OF ARCHITECTURE (PRBoA) documents prepared by or under his/her
direct supervision.
ARTICLE 3: EXAMINATION, REGISTRATION, AND a. Architectural drawings
LICENSURE
" SEC. 12. Examination Required. – All applicants for CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION: a certificate
registration for the practice of architecture shall be bearing a registration number, issued to an individual,
required to undergo a licensure examination to be by the Professional Regulation Commission through
given by the Board in such places and dates as the the Board of Architecture, signifying that the individual
Commission may designate in accordance with the has successfully passed the Licensure Examination
provisions of Republic Act No. 8981. " and is registered to practice his/her profession as an
Architect.
Article III mainly tackles the processes of acquiring a
Professional License as an Architect such as the REFUSAL TO ISSUE CERTIFICATE OR
Licensure Examinations, requirements, and process of REGISTRATION AND PROFESSIONAL
registration and Licensure. IDENTIFICATION CARD
The Board of Examiners shall refuse to issue
or renew a Certificate of Registration and
Professional ID Card:
 A. To any person convicted by a court of
any criminal offense involving moral
turpitude
B. To any person guilty of immoral or
dishonorable conduct
C. To any person of unsound mind
The Board in the written statement shall state
the period for the deferment of the registration
if the offense or act committed does not call
for an indefinite period and/or perpetual
deprivation of the chance to register.
SUSPENSION/ REVOCATION OF COR AND ID
a. Signed contract documents not authored by
him/her.
b. Paid to secure Certificate of Registration
c. Impersonated or practiced under a fictitious name.
d. Aided in the practice of a person not authorized to
practice.
e. Undertaken services without a service agreement.
f. Violations of the Act and its IRR, Code of Ethical
Conduct, and SPP
ARTICLE 4: PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE
No person shall:
a. practice architecture in this country,
b. or engage in preparing architectural plans, and
specifications.
c. or preliminary data for the erection
d. or alteration of any building located within the
boundaries of this country,
e. or use the title “Architect”,
f. or display the word “Architect” together with
another word,
g. or display or use any title, sign, card,
advertisement,
h. or other device to indicate such a person's
practices.
i. or offers to practice architecture,
unless such a person is a licensed and registered
architect.
A FOREIGN ARCHITECT or ANY PERSON not
authorized to practice architecture in the Philippines,
who shall stay in the country and perform any of the
activities mentioned in Sections 3 and 4 of R.A. No.
9266, or any other activity analogous thereto, in
connection with the construction of any building/
structure/ edifice or land development project, shall be
deemed engaged in the unauthorized practice of
architecture, and shall, therefore, be criminally liable
under R.A. No. 9266 and this “IRR of the Architecture
Act of 2004”.
RECIPROCITY REQUIREMENTS
o RECIPROCITY: the practice of exchanging
things with others for mutual benefit,
especially privileges granted by one country
or organization to another.
A person who is not a citizen of the
Philippines shall not be allowed to take the
licensure examination unless he/she can
prove that his/her country admits Filipino
citizens to practice the same profession
without restriction or allows them to practice it
after passing the examination.
TEMPORARY SPECIAL PERMIT
Foreign Architects/Consultants who want to practice
Architecture or any activity related to the profession
shall fulfill these requirements to fully practice
architecture in our country.
o Reciprocity requirements
o Qualified to practice in own country.
o Expertise and technology transfer
o With Filipino counterpart
o DOLE and PRC permits
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER: refers to contracts or
arrangements involving the transfer of systematic
knowledge for the manufacture of a product, the
application of a process, or rendering of a service
including management contracts; and the transfer,
assignment, or licensing of all forms of intellectual
property rights.
FILIPINO COUNTERPART: the local Philippine
architect, partnership or corporation that must work in
association with a foreign architect, partnership, or
corporation, on a project on Philippine soil.
PD 1096: NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE
PHILIPPINES
RULE 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS
PURPOSE OF THE CODE: To provide a framework of
minimum standards and requirements for all buildings
to regulate their location, design, quality of materials,
construction, and use.
SCOPE OF APPLICATION: The National Building
Code (NBC) applies to the design, location, siting,
construction, alteration, repair, conversion, use,
occupancy, maintenance, moving, demolition of and
addition to public and private buildings, except
traditional dwellings and BP 220 projects.
SECTION 101: TITLE
These Rules shall be known and cited as
the “Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations
of the National Building Code of the Philippines (P.D.
1096)” and shall be referred to as the “IRR”.

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE 1096 = NATIONAL
BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
SECTION 103: SCOPE AND APPLICATION
The scope of this IRR shall cover the following
disciplines:
a. Architectural
b. Civil/ Structural
c. Electrical
d. Mechanical
e. Sanitary and Plumbing
f. Electronics
SECTION 106: DEFINITIONS
Addition- Any new construction which increases the
height and/or floor area of existing buildings/structures.
Building Official- the Executive Officer of the OBO
appointed by the Secretary.
Building Permit- A document issued by the Building
Official (BO) to an owner/applicant to proceed with the
construction, installation, addition, alteration,
renovation, conversion, repair, moving, demolition or
other work activity.
Conversion- A change in the use or occupancy of
buildings/structures or any portion/s thereof, which has
different requirements.
Demolition- The systematic dismantling or destruction
of a building/ structure, in whole or in part.
Renovation- Any physical change made on
buildings/structures to increase the value, quality,
and/or to improve the aesthetic.
RULE 2: ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 201: RESPONSIBILITY FOR
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
The administration and enforcement of the provisions
of the Code and this IRR, including the imposition of
penalties for administrative violations thereof, is hereby
vested in the Secretary.
o SECRETARY = Head or Chief Executive
Officer of DPWH.
o DPWH = Department of Public Works and
Highways
SECTION 202: TECHNICAL STAFF
The National Building Code Development Office
(NBCDO) shall serve as the technical staff of the
Secretary. The functions thereof are as follows:
1. Assist the Secretary in the administration
and enforcement of the provisions of the Code and its
IRR.
2. Review, evaluate and take final action on
various technical and legal problems forwarded to
the Office of the Secretary.
3. Conduct seminar/workshops on the Code, its IRR,
and Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 (Accessibility Law).
4. Undertake such other duties and tasks as may be
assigned by the Secretary from time to time.
SECTION 203: GENERAL POWERS AND
FUNCTIONS OF THE SECRETARY
o Formulate policies, plans, standards and
guidelines on building design, construction,
use, occupancy and maintenance, in
accordance with the Code.
o Issue and promulgate additional rules and
regulations to implement the provisions of the
Code and ensure compliance with policies
and guidelines and to guide the actions of the
Building Official in the performance of his
duties and responsibilities.
o Exercise appellate jurisdiction over the
decisions and orders of the Building
Official. The order or
decision of the Secretary shall be final and
executory subject only to review by the Office
of the
President of the Republic.
o Evaluate, review, approve and/or take final
action on changes and/or amendments to
existing Referral Codes
o Prescribe and impose the amount of fees and
other charges
o Appoint a Building Official, in all Cities and
Municipalities.
SECTION 205: BUILDING OFFICIALS
o The Building Official shall be responsible for
carrying out the provisions of the Code.
o shall continue to act as the Building Official
until such time that the Secretary appoints
the Building Official.
o Offices of the Building Officials already
established, separate and distinct from the
office of the City/Municipal Engineers in
cities.
SECTION 206: QUALITIES OF THE BUILDING
OFFICIALS
No person shall be appointed as a Building Official
unless he possesses the following qualifications:
a. A Filipino citizen and of good moral character.
b. A duly registered architect or civil engineer.
c. A member of good standing of a duly
accredited organization of his profession for
not less than five (5) years endorsed or
recommended by the accredited professional
organization.
d. Has at least five (5) years of diversified and
professional experience in building design and
construction.
 e. Has attended and completed a seminar
workshop on PD 1096 and its IRR conducted
by the DPWH.
SECTION 207: DUTIES OF THE BUILDING
OFFICIALS
The Building Official shall have the following duties:
1. Be primarily responsible for the enforcement of
the provisions of the Code and its IRR,
2. Have overall administrative control and/or
supervision over all works pertinent to
buildings/structures in his area of
responsibility and shall be charged with the
processing of all permit applications and
certificates as well as the issuance of the same.
3. Ensure that all changes, modifications, and
alterations in the design plans during the
construction
phase shall not start until the modified design
plan has been evaluated and the necessary
amendatory permit issued.
4. Undertake annual inspections of all
buildings/structures and keep an up-to-date
record of their status.
5. Upon complaint or motu propio and after due
notice/s and hearing, initiate action towards:
a. non-issuance, suspension, revocation and/or
invalidation of a building permit or certificate of
occupancy;
b. Issuance of work stoppage order, or an order
for discontinuance of the use or occupancy of the
building/structure or portion thereof;
c. Declaration of a building/ structure as ruinous
or dangerous, and/or
d. The imposition of appropriate fines/penalties.
6. Submit a quarterly situational report to the
Secretary through the NBCDO, on the status of all
existing, ongoing, and proposed public as well as
private building/structure activities. (See
Communication
7. Undertake such other duties and tasks as may be
assigned by the Secretary from time to time.
OTHER NOTABLE CONTENTS OF RULE 2
FEES
▪ The DPWH Secretary prescribes the fees
▪ The Building Official collects the fees.
FEE EXEMPTIONS
▪ Public buildings
▪ Traditional family dwellings
▪ A dwelling intended for the use by one family and
constructed of native materials (bamboo, nipa, logs,
lumber), the total cost of which does not exceed
PHP15,000.
PROHIBITED ACTS
▪ Proceeding with work without a permit
▪ Unauthorized deviations from the drawings during
construction
▪ Non-compliance with work stoppage order
▪ Non-compliance with the order to demolish.
Use of a building without securing a Certificate of
Occupancy
▪ Change in use without the corresponding
Certification of Change of Use
▪ Failure to post Cert. of Occupancy
▪ Change in type of construction without permit.
DANGEROUS BUILDINGS
▪ Structural hazard
▪ Fire hazard
▪ Unsafe electrical wiring
▪ Unsafe mechanical installation
▪ Inadequate sanitation and health facilities
▪ Architectural deficiency
OPTIONS FOR DANGEROUS BLDGS
▪ Repair
▪ Vacation
▪ Demolition
RULE 3: PERMITS AND INSPECTION
SECTION 301: BUILDING PERMITS
1. No person, firm or corporation, including any
agency or instrumentality of the government shall
construct, alter, repair, convert, use, occupy,
move, demolish and add any building/structure or
any portion thereof or cause the same to be done,
without first obtaining a building permit therefor
from the Building Official assigned in the place
where the subject building/structure is located or
to be done. The prescribed application for building
permit form (NBC Form B-01) shall be used by all
applicants.
2. Permits supplementary to a Building Permit shall
be applied for and issued by the Building Official.
These include Ancillary and Accessory Permits.
BUILDING PERMIT- A written authorization granted
by the Building Official to an applicant allowing him to
proceed with construction after plans, specifications,
and other pertinent documents are in conformity with
the Code.
WHEN IS A PERMIT REQUIRED?
1. Before constructing, altering, repairing,
converting, moving, adding to, or demolishing a
building.
2. Permits supplementary to a Building Permit shall
be applied for and issued by the Building Official.
These include Ancillary and Accessory Permits.
 a. Ancillary Permits
i. Architectural Permit
ii. Civil/Structural Permit
iii. Electrical Permit
iv. Mechanical Permit
v. Sanitary Permit
vi. Plumbing Permit
vii. Electronics Permit
EXEMPTION FROM BUILDING PERMITS
A building permit shall not be required for the following
minor constructions and repairs, provided these shall
not violate any provision of the Code and this IRR.
a. Minor Constructions
• Sheds, outhouses, greenhouses, children’s
playhouses, aviaries, poultry houses and the
like, not exceeding 6.00 sq. meters in total area,
provided they are completely detached from any
other building and are intended only for the
private use of the owner.
• Addition of open terraces or patios resting
directly on the ground, not exceeding 20.00 sq.
meters in total floor area, exclusively for the
private use of the owner.
• Installation of window grilles.
• Garden pools for the habitation of water plants
and/or aquarium fish not exceeding 500
millimeters in depth and exclusively for private
use.
• Garden masonry walls other than party walls not
exceeding 1.20 meters in height, footpaths,
residential garden walks, and/or driveways.
b. Repair Works
• Repair works not affecting or involving any
structural member, such as the replacement of
deteriorated roofing sheets or tiles, gutters,
downspouts, fascia, ceilings, and/or sidings.
• Repair and/or replacement of non-load-bearing
partition walls.
• Repair and/or replacement of any interior
portion or a house not involving addition or
alteration.
• Repair and/or replacement work of doors and
windows.
• Repair and/or replacement work of flooring.
• Repair of perimeter fence and walls.
• Repair and/or replacement of plumbing fixtures,
fittings, or piping, such as toilet bowls, sinks,
lavatories, urinals, bidets, pipes, faucets, and
valves for single detached dwellings and
duplexes.
SECTION 302: APPLICATION FOR PERMITS
1. Any person desiring to obtain a building permit and
any ancillary/accessory permit/s together with a
Building Permit shall file application/s therefor on
the prescribed application forms.
• Architectural Documents
Architectural Plans/ Drawings
a. Vicinity Map/ Location Map
- commercial, industrial, and institutional
complex: 2km radius
- residential buildings: .5 km radius
to any convenient scale showing prominent
landmarks or major thoroughfares for easy
reference.
b. other drawings relevant for building
permit application (Details,Schedule of
Doors and Windows, Schedule of
Finishes (please see P.D. 1096 on the
full list of drawings)
SECTION 304: ISSUANCE OF PERMITS
ISSUANCE: If the submitted plans and other
requirements conform to the standards of the code,
and the fees were paid, The Building Official shall
within fifteen (15) days from payment, issue the
building permit applied for.
LIABILITY CLAUSE:
a. Article 1723 of the Civil Code states that the
engineer or architect who drew up the plans and
specifications is liable for 15 years
from completion of the building should it collapse
due to defects in the plans or the ground.
b. In case the building collapses due to defects in
construction or the use of inferior materials,
the contractor, along with the construction
supervisor, shall be liable.
SECTION 305: VALIDITY OF BUILDING PERMITS
• The issuance of a building permit shall not be
construed as an approval or authorization to the
permittee to disregard or violate any of the
provisions of the Code.
• A building permit issued under the provisions of
the Code shall expire and become null and void
if the building or work authorized therein is not
commenced within a period of one (1) year after
the issuance of the building permit,
• or is suspended or abandoned at any time after it
has been commenced for a period of one
hundred twenty (120) days.
RULE 4: TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
SECTION 401: TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
all buildings proposed for construction shall be
classified according to the following types:
• Type I - shall be of wood construction. The
structural elements may be any of the materials
permitted by the Code.
 • Type II - shall be of wood construction with
protective fire-resistant materials and one-hour
fire-resistive throughout, except, that permanent
non-bearing partitions may use fire-retardant
treated wood within the framing assembly with
one-hour resistivity.
• Type III - shall be of masonry and wood
construction. Structural elements may be any of
the materials permitted by the Code provided,
that the building shall be one-hour fire-resistive
throughout. Exterior walls shall be of
incombustible fire-resistive construction.
• Type IV - shall be steel, iron, concrete, or
masonry construction, and walls, ceiling, and
permanent partitions shall be of incombustible
fire-resistive construction, except, that
permanent non-bearing partitions of one-hour
fire-resistive construction may use fire-retardant-
treated wood within the framing assembly.
• Type V - shall be four-hour fire-
resistive throughout and the structural elements
shall be of steel, iron, concrete, or masonry
construction.
notes: Fire-resistance rating refers to the time
in hours that a material or construction will withs
tand exposure to fire.
SECTION 402: CHANGES IN TYPES
No change shall be made in the type of construction of
any building which would place the building in a
different sub-type or type of construction unless such
building is made to comply with the requirements for
such sub-type of construction: Except when the
changes are approved by the Building Official upon
showing that the new or proposed construction is less
hazardous,
SECTION 403. REQUIREMENTS ON TYPE OF
CONSTRUCTION
The following standards are prescribed:
1. Fire Resistive Requirements
a. Exterior bearing and non-bearing walls of
Types II and III Constructions shall have one
hour fire-resistive rating, while those of Types
IV and V shall have four-hour fire-resistive
rating.
b. Interior bearing walls, permanent partitions,
floors, and roofs of Types II, III and IV
Construction shall have one-hour fire-
resistive rating while those of Type V shall
have threehour fire-resistive rating for bearing
walls and one-hour fire-resistive rating for
vertical openings, floors and roofs. c.
Structural frames of Types II and III
Construction shall have one-hour fire-
resistive rating, while those of Type IV shall
have two-hour fire-resistive rating and those
of Type V shall have three hour fire-resistive
rating.
d. Exterior doors and windows shall have one
hour fire-resistive rating for all Types. 50
2. Interior Wall and Ceiling Finishes
a. Finishes for interior walls and ceilings of
any building shall be classified according to
their flame-spread characteristic using
generally accepted engineering standards.
The smoke density shall not be greater than
that obtained from the burning of untreated
wood under similar conditions when tested in
accordance with the “Tunnel Test” in the way
intended for use. The products of combustion
shall be no more toxic than the burning of
untreated wood under similar conditions.
These finishes include interior wainscoting,
paneling, or other finish applied structurally or
for decoration, acoustical correction, frames
and trims of doors and windows, surface
insulation, or similar purposes.
b. Requirements for flame-spread
characteristics of finishes shall not apply to
frames and trim of doors and windows and to
materials that are less than 1.00 millimeters in
thickness cemented to the surface of walls or
ceilings.
c. Materials required to be flame-spread
proofed shall be treated with a flame-
retardant having a flame-spread of fifty (50) or
less as determined by the “Tunnel Test”.
3. Standards for materials used in structural
framework, exterior walls and openings, floors, exits,
stairs & and roofs shall be governed by the pertinent
provision of the Fire Code of the Philippines.
RULE 5: REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE ZONES
SECTION 501: FIRE ZONES DEFINED
Fire zones are areas within which only certain types of
buildings/structures are permitted to be constructed
based on their use or occupancy, type of construction,
and resistance to fire.
(you can also refer to section 507 for DESIGNATION
OF FIRE ZONES)
The legislative body of the LGU may enact ordinances
for the purpose of designating fire zones
based on the parameters and guidelines set forth in
this Section.
a. Non-Fire Restricted Zones: without fire-resistivity
measures, often located in the countryside or rural
areas where commercial and industrial and other
buildings are sparsely constructed, may be clustered in
small groups like farmlands wherein dwellings are built
of indigenous materials such as bamboo, sawali, nipa,
cogon, palm leaves and wood up to Types I and II
Construction as classified
b. Fire Restrictive Zones: fire-resistivity measures for
exterior walls of at least two-hour fire resistivity. Usual
locations in suburban areas are permitted to be built
with at least one-hour fire-resistivity.
c. Highly Fire Restrictive Zones: highly fire-resistive
or non-combustible buildings/structures construction
assemblies of no less than three to four-hour fire-
resistive construction materials are used throughout,
including exterior walls. Only Types IV and V
Constructions are permitted in the areas.
SECTION 502: BUILDINGS LOCATED IN MORE
THAN ONE FIRE ZONE
A building/structure that is located partly in one (1) fire
zone and partly in another shall be considered to be
in the more highly restrictive fire zone when more
than one-third (1/3) of its total floor area is located in
such zone.
SECTION 503. MOVED BUILDINGS
1. Any building/structure moved within or into any fire
zone shall be made to comply with all the requirements
for buildings/structures in that fire zone.
2. This shall also apply to pre-engineered or
prefabricated buildings/structures that may be
dismantled and re-assembled.
SECTION 504. TEMPORARY BUILDINGS/
STRUCTURES
1. Temporary buildings such as reviewing stands and
other miscellaneous structures conforming to the
requirements of the Code, and sheds, canopies and
fences used for the protection of the public around and
in conjunction with construction work, may be erected
in the fire zones by special permit from the Building
Official for a limited period of time, and such buildings
or structures shall be completely removed upon the
expiration of the time limit stated in such permits.
2. Erection of temporary buildings/structures to be
located in restrictive and highly restrictive zones and
which do not conform with the type of construction
allowed or permitted within such zones may be allowed
by the Building Official for a given period of time
provided that, fire protective/preventive measures and
fire suppression facilities are adequate.
SECTION 505. CENTER LINES OF STREETS
The center line of adjoining street or alley may be
considered an adjacent property line. Distances shall
be measured at right angles to the street or alley.
SECTION 506. RESTRICTIONS ON EXISTING
BUILDINGS
1. Existing buildings or structures in fire zones that do
not comply with the requirements for a new building
erected therein shall not hereafter be enlarged, altered,
remodeled, repaired or moved except as follows:
a. Such building is entirely demolished;
b. Such building is to be moved outside the limits of the
more highly restrictive Fire Zone to a zone where the
building meets the minimum standards; 52
c. Changes, alterations and repairs may be made
provided that in any 12- month period, the value of the
work does not exceed 20% of the value of the existing
building, and provided that, such changes do not add
additional combustible material, and do not, in the
opinion of the Building Official, increase the fire hazard;
d. Additions thereto are separated from the existing
building by fire walls, as set forth in Section 506 (b);
e. Damage from fire or earthquake, typhoons or any
fortuitous event may be repaired, using the same kind
of materials of which the building or structure was
originally constructed, provided that, the cost of such
repair shall not exceed 20% of the replacement cost of
the building or structure.
SECTION 507. DESIGNATION OF FIRE ZONES
The legislative body of the LGU may enact
ordinances for the purpose of designating fire zones
based on the parameters and guidelines set forth in
this Section.
1. Designation of Fire Zones is purposely for
management, prevention, control and suppression of
conflagration that may occur in population centers. The
designation of fire zones is as follows:
a. Non-Fire Restricted Zones: These are
areas where siting of buildings/structures are
permitted without fire-resistivity measures,
often located in the country sides or rural
areas where commercial and industrial and
other buildings are sparsely constructed, or
may be clustered in small groups like farm
lands wherein dwellings are built of
indigenous materials such as bamboo,
sawali, nipa, cogon, palm leaves and wood up
to Types I and II Construction as classified in
Section 401 of the Code.
b. Fire Restrictive Zones: Areas wherein
siting of buildings/structures are permitted
within prescribed fire-resistivity measures for
exterior walls of at least two-hour fire
resistivity. Usual locations in suburban areas
are permitted to be built with at least one-hour
fire-resistivity throughout as Types II, III to IV
Constructions as prescribed in Section 401 of
the Code.
c. Highly Fire Restrictive Zones: Areas
wherein highly fire- resistive or non-
combustible buildings/structures and/or
construction assemblies of no less than three
to four-hour fire-resistive construction
materials are used throughout, including
 exterior walls. Only Types IV and V
Constructions are permitted in the areas.
RULE 6: FIRE-RESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS IN
CONSTRUCTION
SECTION 601: FIRE- RESISTIVE RATING DEFINED
Fire-resistive rating means the degree to which a
material can withstand fire as determined by
generally recognized and accepted testing methods.
SECTION 602: FIRE-RESISTIVE TIME PERIOD
RATING
Fire-resistive time period rating is the length of
time a material can withstand being burned which
may be one- hour, two- hours, four- hours, etc.
SECTION 603: FIRE-RESISTIVE STANDARDS
All materials of construction, and type of materials and
assemblies or combinations thereof shall
conform to the following fire-resistive ratings:
SECTION 604: FIRE-RESISTIVE REGULATIONS
The Secretary shall prescribe standards and
promulgate rules and regulations on the testing of
construction materials for flame-spread characteristics,
tests on fire damages, fire tests of building construction
and materials, door assemblies and tinclad fire doors
and window assemblies, the installation of fire doors
and windows and smoke and fire detectors for fire
protective signaling system, application and use of
controlled interior finish, fire-resistive protection for
structural members, fireresistive walls and partitions,
fire-resistive floor or roof ceiling, fire-resistive
assemblies for protection of openings and fire-
retardant roof coverings.
RULE 7: CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL
REQUIREMENTS OF ALL BUILDINGS BY USE OR
OCCUPANCY
SECTION 701: OCCUPANCY CLASSIFIED
1. There are 10 Groups of Occupancies sub-divided
into 25 Divisions. The accompanying matrix shows
the Groupings and Divisions and the
corresponding uses. The final column indicates
the Zoning Classification.
a. Buildings proposed for construction shall be
identified according to their use or the character of
its occupancy and shall be classified as follows:
i. Group A – Residential Dwellings- Group
A Occupancies shall include:
▪ Division 1- Residential
building/structure for exclusive use of
single family occupants including school
or company staff housing; single
(nuclear) family dwellings; churches or
similar places of worship; church
rectories; community facilities and
social centers; parks, playgrounds,
pocket parks, parkways, promenades
and play lots; clubhouses and
recreational uses such as golf courses,
tennis courts, basketball courts,
swimming pools and similar uses
operated by the government or private
individuals as membership
organizations for the benefit of their
members, families, and guests and not
operated primarily for gain.
▪ Division 2- Residential building for the
exclusive use of non-leasing occupants
not exceeding 10 persons including
single-attached or duplex or
townhouses, each privately-owned;
school dormitories (on campus);
convents and monasteries; military or
police barracks/dormitories; pre-
schools, elementary and high schools,
provided that they do not exceed 16
classrooms; outpatient clinics, family
planning clinics, lying-in clinics,
diagnostics clinics, medical and clinical
laboratories; branch library and
museums; steam/dry cleaning outlets;
party needs and accessories (leasing of
tables and chairs, etc.).
ii. Group B – Residentials, Hotels and
Apartments- Group B Occupancies shall be
multiple dwelling units including boarding or
lodging houses, hotels, apartment buildings,
row houses, convents, monasteries and
other similar building each of which
accommodates more than 10 persons.
iii. Group C – Education and Recreation-
Group C Occupancies shall be buildings
used for school or day-care purposes,
involving assemblage for instruction,
education, or recreation, and not classified in
Group I or in Division 1 and 2 or Group H
Occupancies.
 iv. Group D – Institutional- Group D
Occupancies shall include:
▪ Division 1 - Mental hospitals, mental
sanitaria, jails, prisons, reformatories,
and buildings were personal liberties
of inmates are similarly restrained.
▪ Division 2 - Nurseries for full-time
care of children under kindergarten
age, hospitals, sanitaria, nursing
homes with non-ambulatory patients,
and similar buildings each
accommodating more than five
persons. 55
▪ Division 3 - Nursing homes for
ambulatory patients, homes for
children of kindergarten age or over,
each accommodating more than five
persons: Provided, that Group D
Occupancies shall not include
buildings used only for private or
family group dwelling purposes.
v. Group E - Business and Mercantile-
Group E Occupancies shall include:
▪ Division 1- Gasoline filling and
service stations, storage garages and
boat storage structures where no
work is done except exchange of
parts and maintenance requiring no
open flame, welding, or the use of
highly flammable liquids.
▪ Division 2- Wholesale and retail
stores, office buildings, drinking and
dining establishments having an
occupant load of less than one
hundred persons, printing plants,
police and fire stations, factories and
workshops using not highly
flammable or combustible materials
and paint stores without bulk
handlings.
▪ Division 3- Aircraft hangars and open
parking garages where no repair work
is done except exchange of parts and
maintenance requiring no open
flame, welding or the use of highly
flammable liquids.
vi. Group F – Industrial- Group F
Occupancies shall include: ice plants,
power plants, pumping plants, cold
storage, and creameries, factories, and
workshops using incombustible and non-
explosive materials, and storage and
sales rooms for incombustible and non-
explosive materials.
vii. Group G - Storage and Hazardous-
Groups G Occupancies shall include:
▪ Division 1- Storage and handling of
hazardous and highly flammable
material.
▪ Division 2- Storage and handling of
flammable materials, dry cleaning
plants using flammable liquids; paint
stores with bulk handling, paint
shops and spray painting rooms.
▪ Division 3- Wood working
establishments, planning mills and
box factories, shops, factories where
loose combustible fibers or dust are
manufactured, processed or
generated; warehouses where
highly combustible materials is
stored.
▪ Division 4- Repair garages.
▪ Division 5- Aircraft repair hangars.
viii. Group H - Assembly Other Than Group
I- Group H Occupancies shall include:
▪ Division 1- Any assembly building
with a stage and an occupant load of
less than 1000 in the building.
▪ Division 2- Any assembly building
without a stage and having an
occupant load of 300 or more in the
building.
▪ Division 3- Any assembly building
without a stage and having an
occupant load of less than 300 in the
building. 56
▪ Division 4- Stadia, reviewing
stands, and amusement park
structures not included within Group
I or in Division 1, 2, and 3 of this
Group.
ix. Group I – Assembly Occupant Load
1000 or More- Group I Occupancies shall be
any assembly building with a stage and an
occupant load of 1000 or more in the building.
x. Group J – Accessory- Group J
Occupancies shall include:
▪ Division 1- Agricultural structures.
▪ Division 2- Private garages,
carports, fences over 1.80 meters
high, tanks, swimming pools and
towers.
▪ Division 3- Stages, platforms,
pelota, tennis, badminton or
basketball courts, tombs,
mausoleums, niches, aviaries,
aquariums, zoo structures, banks
and record vaults Other
subgroupings or divisions within
Groups A to J may be determined by
the Secretary. Any other occupancy
not mentioned specifically in this
 Section, or about which there is any
question, shall be included in the
Group which it most nearly
resembles based on the existing or
proposed life and fire hazard.
SECTION 702: CHANGES IN USE
No change shall be made in the character of
occupancy or use of any building which would place
the building in a different division of the same group of
occupancy or a different group of occupancies unless
such building is made to comply with the requirements
of the Code for such division or group of occupancy.
The character of occupancy of existing buildings may
be changed subject to the approval of the Building
Official and the building may be occupied for purposes
outlined in other Groups: Provided the new or
proposed use is less hazardous, based on life and fire
risk, than the existing use.
SECTION 703. MIXED OCCUPANCY
1. General Requirements- When a building is of
mixed occupancy or used for more than one
occupancy, the whole building shall be subject to the
most restrictive requirement about any of the types of
occupancy found therein except in the following:
a. When a one-story building houses more
than one occupancy, each portion of the
building shall conform to the requirement of
the particular occupancy housed therein and.
b. Where minor accessory uses do not
occupy more than 10% of the area of any floor
or a building, nor more than 10% of the basic
area permitted in the occupancy
requirements, in which case, the major use of
the building shall determine the occupancy
classification.
2. Forms of Occupancy Separation- Occupancy
separations shall be vertical or horizontal or both, or
when necessary, of such other forms as may be
required to afford a complete separation between the
various occupancy divisions in the building.
3. Types of Occupancy Separation- Occupancy
separation shall be classified as “One-Hour Fire-
Resistive”, “Two-Hour Fire-Resistive”, “Three-Hour
Fire-Resistive” and “Four-Hour Fire-Resistive.”
a. A “One-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy
Separation” shall be of not less than one-
hour fireresistive construction. All openings in
such separation shall be protected by a fire-
assembly having a one-hour fire-resistive
rating.
b. A “Two-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy
Separation” shall be of not less than two-
hour fireresistive construction. All openings in
such separation shall be protected by a fire
assembly having a two-hour fire-resistive
rating.
c. A “Three-Hour Fire-Resistive
Occupancy Separation” shall be of not less
than three-hour fireresistive construction. All
openings in walls forming such separation
shall be protected by a fire assembly having
a three-hour fire-resistive rating. The total
width of all openings in any threehour fire-
resistive occupancy separation wall in any
one-story shall not exceed 25% of the length
of the wall in that story and no single opening
shall have an area greater than 10.00 sq.
meters. All openings in floors forming a
“Three-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy
Separation” shall be protected by vertical
enclosures extending above and below such
openings. The walls of such vertical
enclosures shall be of not less than two-hour
fire-resistive construction, and all openings
therein shall be protected by a fire assembly
having a three-hour fire-resistive rating.
d. A “Four-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy
Separation” shall have no openings therein
and shall be of not less than four-hour fire-
resistive construction. 22
4. Fire Rating for Occupancy Separation-
Occupancy Separations shall be provided between
groups, subgroupings, or divisions of occupancies.
The Secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations
for appropriate occupancy separations in buildings of
mixed occupancy; Provided, that, where any
occupancy separation is required, the minimum shall
be a “One-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy
Separation”; and where the occupancy separation is
horizontal, structural members supporting the
separation shall be protected by an equivalent fire-
resistive construction.
SECTION 704: LOCATION ON PROPERTY
1. General
a. No building shall be constructed unless it
adjoins or has direct access to a public space,
yard or street on at least one of its sides.
b. For the purpose of this Section, the centerline
of an adjoining street or alley shall be considered
an adjacent property line.
c. Eaves over required windows shall not be less
than 750 millimeters from the side and rear
property lines
2. Fire resistance of Walls
Exterior walls shall have fire resistance and
opening protection in accordance with the
requirements set forth by the Secretary.
Projections beyond the exterior wall shall not
exceed beyond a point onethird the distance from
 an assumed vertical plane located where the fire- measured horizontally from the property line
resistive protection of openings is first required to with a firewall to the outermost faces of the
the location on the property whichever is the least opposite exterior walls of the
restrictive. Distance shall be measured at right building/structure; Provided, that the
angles from the property line. When openings in applicable stipulations of
exterior walls are required to be protected due to the Fire Code are strictly followed.
distance from the property line, the sum of the
areas of such openings in any storey shall not RIGHT OF WAY- No building shall be constructed
exceed 50% of the total area of the wall in that unless it adjoins or has direct access to a public space,
story. yard, or street on at least one of its sides.
3. Buildings on Same Property and Buildings
Containing Courts EAVES OVER WINDOWS- Eaves over required
To determine the required wall and opening windows shall not be less than 750 millimeters from the
protection, buildings on the same property and side and rear property lines.
court walls shall be assumed to have a property
line between them. When a new building is to be FIREWALLS- fireproof barrier used to prevent the
erected on the same property as an existing spread of fire between or through buildings.
building, the assumed property line from the
existing building shall be the distance to the Why are firewalls important? Because when they are
property line for each occupancy as set forth by built, the building or part of the building extends into the
the Secretary; Provided, that two or more buildings setbacks.
on the same property may be considered as one
building if the aggregate area of such building is ALLOWABLE FIREWALLS
within the limits of allowable floor areas for a single R1 - no firewalls allowed, However, an abutment up to
building, and when the buildings so considered, 3.20m high is OK for carports provided that above
house different occupancies or are of different 1.50m, the abutment shall be constructed of
types of construction, the area shall be that perforated concrete blocks.
allowed for the most restrictive occupancy or
construction.
4. Building Footprint and Firewall Requirements
a. The following rules shall be observed in the
determination of the Allowable Maximum Building
Footprint (AMBF) for buildings and related
habitable structures.
If the stated rules are compared with (1) Rule
VIII Table VIII.1.- Reference Table on Percentage
of Site Occupancy and Maximum Allowable
Construction Area (MACA); (2) Rule VIII Tables
VIII.2. and VIII.3. (setbacks, yards and courts); or
(3) with the applicable stipulations under this Rule
and with the applicable stipulations of the Fire R2 - Maximum 80% of the length of side property line.
Code, the more stringent but applicable regulation
out of the aforementioned rules should be
observed.
b. If without a firewall, the footprint of a
proposed building/structure shall be measured
horizontally from the property line to the outermost
faces of the exterior walls of the building/structure;
Provided, that the distance measured from the
property line shall conform with the applicable
stipulations of this Rule and Rule VIII; The
resultant area established at grade level upon
which the proposed building/structure may stand
shall be the AMBF; R3 - Two configurations are allowed:
c. Footprint Based on Firewall Provisions ▪ Option A:
If with a firewall on one (1) side, the footprint Two sides
of a proposed building/structure shall be Maximum 85% of each side
 Total should not exceed 65% of lot perimeter
Two storeys high only
▪ Option B:
One side + Rear
90% of side or rear (up to 100% for rear if only
4m)
Total should not exceed 50% of lot perimeter
Two storeys high for side, 3.20m high for rear
R4 - Two sides
▪ Maximum 85% of each side
▪ Total should not exceed 50% of lot perimeter
▪ Maximum height: three storeys
R5 - Two sides
▪ Option A: Two sides
Maximum 75% of each side
Total should not exceed 50% of lot perimeter
Maximum height: 8 storeys
▪ Option B: One side + Rear
Maximum 65% of side and 50% of rear
Total should not exceed 60% of lot perimeter
Maximum height: 8 storeys for side, 14m for
rear
FIREWALLS FOR: Commercial, institutional, and
industrial:
▪ Firewalls allowed on the ff. conditions:
▪ Provide sprinkler system
▪ Install fire-retardant or fire-suppression devices
▪ Maximum 70% of lot perimeter
▪ RROW setbacks are complied with.
SECTION 705: ALLOWABLE FLOOR AREAS
TOTAL GROSS FLOOR AREA (TGFA)
▪ Total gross floor area
▪ The total floor space inside the building
▪ Keyword: inside/enclosed
▪ Includes services/parking (unlike GFA)
ALLOWABLE MAX, TGFA
• See Table VII.1; Allowable Maximum Total
Gross Floor Area (TGFA) Based on the allowed
Percentage of Site Occupancy (PSO) of the
Total Lot Area (TLA)
• Format: Number of floors x footprint
• Depends on the ff.:
- Lot type
- Zoning
- Use of firewalls.
SECTION 706: MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF BUILDINGS
BUILDING HEIGHT LIMIT (BHL)
The maximum height and number of storeys of a
proposed building shall be dependent upon:
• the character of use or occupancy
• the type of construction
• end-user population density
• light and ventiolation
• width of RROW
• land use plan and zoning
• geological
• hydrological
• meteoritical
• topographical
•
HOW IS BUILDING HEIGHT MEASURED?
• From established grade line to the topmost
portion of the building
• Excludes allowed projections above the roof,
like- SIgnages - Masts
- Antenna/ Telecom Tower
•
ESTABLISHING THE GRADE LINE
Grade line = highest adjoining sidewalk or natural
grade line
But if grade is sloping:
- if less than 3 meters diff., take highest grade
- If more than 3 meters diff., take the average
ESTABLISHING THE TOP OF THE BUILDING
▪ If roof is flat, top = rooftop
▪ If roof is sloping, top = middle of roof height
HEIGHT LIMIT PROJECTIONS
Towers, spires and steeples
▪ If made of combustible materials, 6.0m above BHL
▪ If made of incombustible materials, limited only by
structural design.

BHL BASED ON RROW- BASED LIMITATIONS

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

PARKING REQUIREMENTS

• Given in Table VII.4 on p.100

• d Based on occupancy and lot/floor areas
OFF-SITE PARKING LOTS
▪ If a multi-floor parking garage is located within a STAIRS
200-meter radius of the building, 20% of the required ▪ Minimum width: 750mm
parking provisions may be served the multi-floor ▪ Maximum riser: 200mm
parking garage. ▪ Minimum tread: 200mm
Note: These riser/tread dimensions do not match
OFF-SITE PARKING LOTS the general dimensions prescribed in Rule 12
Reserved or leased parking slots may also serve the
parking requirements if: ENTRANCE + EXIT
▪ The slots are in a permanent parking building ▪ At least one entrance, and another one for exit
and not in a vacant parking lot.
▪ The said parking building is: SECTION 709: REQUIREMENTS FOR OTHER
▪ Not more than 100m away, if residential GROUP OCCUPANCIES
▪ Not more than 200m away, if commercial Subject to the provisions of the Code, the
Secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations for
MANEUVERING SPACE each of the other Group Occupancies covering:
▪ Using the RROW as a maneuvering space is not allowable construction, height, and area; location on
allowed property, exit facilities, light and ventilation, sanitation;
▪ To prevent this, direct access of enclosures of vertical openings; fire extinguishing
parking/loading/utility slots to the RROW shall be systems; and special hazards.
disallowed.
DEVELOPMENTAL CONTROLS
TRAFFIC-GENERATING BUILDINGS TERMS DEFINED
▪ Example: shopping malls ▪ TLA = Total lot area
▪ The distance between such buildings and major ▪ PSO = Percentage of site occupancy
road intersections is regulated - The part of the lot occupied by the building
▪ The building ingress and the intersection shall be (A.K.A. building footprint expressed in %)
at least 50m apart (measured between the two ▪ TOSL = Total open space within lot
nearest curbs). - The part of the lot NOT occupied by the
building
FRONT YARDS AS PARKING *TLA = PSO + TOSL
▪ Not allowed for the following:
▪ R2 Maximum ▪ USA = Unpaved surface area
▪ R3 Maximum - The portion of the open space that is unpaved
▪ GI ▪ ISA = Impervious surface area
▪ C1, C2 and C3 - The portion of the open space that is paved
▪ 50% of front yard may be used as parking for R2 ▪ Since “open space” = TOSL,
Basic and R3 Basic *TOSL = USA + ISA
▪ MACA = MACA stands for Maximum Allowable
SECTION 708: MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR Construction Area
GROUP A DWELLINGS - PSO + ISA
LIGHT AND VENTILATION - Hence, TLA = MACA + USA
Every dwelling shall be provided with adequate light
and ventilation. (see Rule VIII) BUILDING BULK
▪ A volume quantity
SANITATION ▪ In the simplest sense,
▪ At least one sanitary toilet and adequate washing ▪ Building bulk = Footprint x Height
and draining facilities ▪ However, the Code prescribes several different
methods for determining this quantity
FOUNDATION
▪Footings should be at least 250mm thick METHOD 1: AMBF PROJECTION
▪ At least 600mm below the surface of the ground ▪ Determine the AMBF
▪ Determine the BHL (in meters)
STRUCTURAL LOADS ▪ AMBF x BHL = Building bulk
▪ First floor live load: 200kg/sqm
▪ Second floor live load: 150kg/sqm METHOD 2: FLAR
▪ Wind load for roofs: 120kg/sqm (vertical) ▪ FLAR : Floor to lot area ratio
▪ Total floor area / lot area
▪ For example, a FLAR designation of 1.50 means
that a lot measuring 100sqm may accommodate a
building whose total floor area is 150sqm.
▪ In a way, FLAR tells us how many lots can fit inside
the building.
Refer to TABLE VIII.1 Reference Table of Maximum
Allowable PSO, Maximum Allowable ISA, the MACA,
the Minimum USA and the TOSL by Type of Land
Use Zoning per lot
LOT TYPES

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

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

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

RULE 8: LIGHT AND VENTILATION

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

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

COURTS
▪ Minimum dimension: 2.00m
▪ Hence, minimum area: 4.00sqm
▪ All inner courts shall be connected to a street or
yard by a passageway at least 1.20m wide
 JOINING OF COURTS
▪ Minimum dimension may be reduced to 1.50m in
cluster living units with adjacent courts
▪ Minimum area per court: 3.00sqm
▪ Separation wall: 2.00m high maximum
MINIMUM CEILING HEIGHTS
MINIMUM ROOM SIZES
RA9514: FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
PURPOSE OF THE CODE: A fire code is a set of
requirements for all buildings in an area, may it be
Residential, commercial, and industrial building types.
These regulations are there to insure the
safety of all occupants of the building at all time.
Fire suppression, proper fire safety storage,
emergency preparedness, the way hazardous and
combustible materials are handled, the conduct of the
business that may pose fire hazards, and the design,
operation and maintenance of the building all fall under
the umbrella of fire safety codes.
RULE 1: INTERPRETATION
“It is the policy of the State to ensure public safety,
promote economic development through
the prevention and suppression of all kinds of
destructive fires, and promote the professionalization
of the Fire Service as a profession. Towards this end,
the State shall enforce all laws, rules and regulations
to ensure adherence to standard fire prevention and
safety measures, and promote accountability in the fire
protection and prevention service.”
RULE 2: COVERAGE
This IRR shall cover the following:
A. All persons, either natural or juridical;
B. All buildings, facilities or structures and their
premises, erected or constructed before and after the
effectivity hereof;
C. Design and installation of mechanical, electronics
and electrical systems relative to fire protection;
D. Manufacturing, storage, handling and/or use, and
transportation of explosives and/ or
combustible/flammable liquids and gases, toxic and
other hazardous materials and operations, and their
wastes;
E. Fire safety planning, design, construction, repair,
maintenance, rehabilitation and demolition;
F. Fire protective and warning equipment or systems;
G. All land transportation vehicles and
equipment, ships or vessels docked at piers or
wharves or anchored in seaports; and
H. Petroleum industry installations.
RULE 3: DEFINITION OF TERMS
Automatic Fire Suppression System (AFSS). An
integrated system of underground or overhead piping
connected to a source of extinguishing agent or
medium,
Building Administrator. Any person who is
authorized to act as an agent or representative of the
owner of the building
City/Municipal Fire Marshal (C/MFM). The duly
designated head of the City or Municipal Fire Station
including those designated as “Officer-in-Charge” or in
“Acting” capacity.
Damper. A device used in heating, ventilating and air
conditioning (HVAC) ducts to prevent the spread of fire
or smoke inside the ductwork. It automatically closes
upon detection of heat and smoke. They can be
opened or closed from a remote fire command station
if required.
Exit. That portion of means of egress that is separated
from all other spaces of a building or structure by
construction, location, or equipment as required to
provide a protected way of travel to the exit discharge
That portion of means of egress that leads to an Exit
Access. exit.
Exit Discharge. That portion of a means of egress
between the termination of an exit and a public way.
Fire Alarm. Any visual or audible signal produced by a
device or system to warn the occupants of the building
or firefighting elements of the presence or danger of
fire.
Fire Alerting System. A fire alarm system activated by
the presence of fire, where the signal is transmitted to
designated locations instead of sounding a general
alarm.
Fire Lane. The portion of a roadway or public way that
should be kept open and unobstructed at all times for
the expedient conduct of firefighting operations.
Fire Trap. A building unsafe in case of fire because it
will burn easily or because it lacks adequate exits or
fire escapes.
Hose Box. A box or cabinet where fire hoses, valves
and other equipment are stored and arranged for
firefighting.
RULE 8: FIRE SAFETY ENFORCES
FIRE SAFETY INSPECTOR: REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 8.1.1.1 FIRE SAFETY INSPECTORS
A. Uniformed Personnel
1. Shall be licensed Engineer (Civil, Electrical,
Mechanical, Chemical, Sanitary and Electronics) with
at least one (1) year in the BFP service; or
2. Shall be architect with at least one (1) year in the
BFP service; or
3. Shall be graduate of any baccalaureate degree
course with at least three (3) years in the BFP service.
B. Non-Uniformed Personnel
Appointed as Engineers with at least one (1) year in the
BFP service.
C. Must have undergone and completed prescribed
training on fire safety enforcement and other relevant
fire safety training.
SECTION 8.1.1.2 PLAN EVALUATORS
A. Must be licensed Architect or Engineer; and
B. Shall have undergone and completed prescribed
training
C. In cases where there is no licensed engineer or
architect in a specific jurisdiction, a graduate of any
baccalaureate degree with relevant fire safety and
building plan evaluation training shall be designated as
plan evaluator.
FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS: RESPONSIBILITIES
FUNCTIONS OF FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS
DIVISION 1. RESPONSIBILITIES OF DESIGNATED
FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS
SECTION 8.2.1.1 FIRE SAFETY INSPECTORS
The following shall be the main duties and
responsibilities of Fire Safety Inspectors:
A. Inspect any building, structure or facility
B. Assess compliance with the fire safety
requirements,
C. Testify in any judicial and quasi-judicial bodies
D. Conduct fire safety lectures, seminars/workshop
and drills; and
E. Prepare necessary documents and maintain files
and/or records.
SECTION 8.2.1.2 PLAN EVALUATORS
The following shall be the main duties and
responsibilities of Plan Evaluators:
A. Review and evaluate building plans and
specifications including fire protection system
B. Conduct site verification and inspection
SECTION 8.2.1.3 CHIEF, FIRE SAFETY
ENFORCEMENT SECTION/UNIT (FSES/U)
The following shall be the main duties and
responsibilities of the Chief, FSES/U:
A. Review and evaluate reports submitted by the Fire
Safety Enforcers and recommend approval to the
concerned C/MFM having jurisdiction;
B. Assist the C/MFM having jurisdiction in
implementing fire safety measures and education
programs;
C. Supervise/monitor the activities of the fire safety
inspectors to ensure that inspection is conducted in
accordance with the standards and existing rules and
regulations;
D. Recommend to the C/MFM the filing of appropriate
charges against the violator of RA 9514 and its RIRR;
E. Testify in any judicial and quasi-judicial bodies on
matters relating to RA 9514 and its RIRR and/or in
account of his/her duties and functions as Chief,
FSES/U when needed; and
F. Perform such other functions mentioned under RA
9514 and its RIRR.
ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTARATION OF FIRE
SAFETY MEASURES
A. Inspection of all buildings, structures, facilities and
premises.
B. Fire safety inspection shall be conducted as a
prerequisite to grants of permits and/or licenses
C. The C/MFM having jurisdiction shall review, evaluate
and assess plans,
RULE 10: FIRE SAFETY MEASURES
CHAPTER 1: COVERAGE
 This Rule covers the fire safety measures for
buildings, structures and facilities, hazardous
materials and wastes, hazardous operations and
processes, and miscellaneous hazardous premises
and/or conditions that by its very nature or relation to
life, property and environment pose threat or danger.
DIVISION 2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
A. Every building or structure, new or old, designed for
human occupancy shall be provided with exits The
design of exits and other fire safety construction shall
be such that reliance for safety of life in case of fire or
other emergencies will not depend solely on any single
fire safety construction.
B. Every building or structure shall be designed,
constructed, equipped, maintained and operated to
avoid danger to lives and ensure safety of its
occupants from fire, smoke, vapor and fumes, during
the period of escape from the building or structure.
C. Every building or structure shall be provided with
exits of kind, number, location and capacity appropriate
to the individual building or structure
D. Every exit of buildings or structures shall be
arranged and maintained to provide free and
unobstructed egress from all parts thereof at all times.
No lock or fastening device that would prevent escape
from the inside of any building
E. Every exit shall be clearly visible. The route to the
exit shall be conspicuously marked in such to a place
of safety outside is unmistakable.
F. All means of egress shall be provided with adequate
and reliable illumination.
G. Fire alarm systems or devices shall be provided in
every building or structure of such size,
arrangement, or occupancy, to provide adequate
warning to occupants.
DIVISION 2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
DIVISION 3. CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANCY
A. A building or structure, or portion of buildings or
structure, shall be classified as follows:
1. Assembly occupancies include all buildings or portions of
buildings used for gathering together of fifty (50) or more
persons for such purposes as deliberation, worship,
entertainment, eating, drinking, amusement, awaiting
transportation, or similar uses.
2. Educational occupancies include all buildings or portions
thereof used for the gathering of group of six (6) or more
persons for purposes of instruction.
Examples: Schools; Universities; Colleges;
Academies; Nursery schools; Kindergartens; and
Child Day Care facilities.
3. Health Care facilities are those used for purpose of medical
or other treatment or care of persons where such occupants
are mostly incapable of self preservation because of age,
physical or mental disability, or because of security
measures not under the occupants’ control.
Examples: hospitals; nursing homes; birth
centers; and residential custodial care centers
such as nurseries, homes for the aged and the
like.
4. Detention and Correctional
buildings are those used to house one or more persons
under varied degrees of restraint or security where such
occupants are mostly incapable of self-preservation
because of security measures not under the occupants’
control.
SECTION 10.2.5.1 APPLICATION
A. Means of egress for both new and existing buildings
shall comply with this
Division except as may be modified for individual
occupancies by
Divisions 8 through 17 of this Chapter.
B. Any change, alteration or addition that would reduce
the means of
egress below the requirements for new buildings is
prohibited.
DEFINITIONS
MEANS OF EGRESS- is a continuous and
unobstructed route of exit from one point in a building,
structure, or facility to a public way.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
PERMISSIBLE EXIT COMPONENTS - An Exit shall
consist of the approved components that are
described, regulated ad limited as to use.
DOORS
STAIRS, SMOKEPROOF ENCLOSURES
OUTSIDE STAIRS
HORIZONTAL EXITS
RAMPS
EXIT PASSAGEWAY
FIRE ESCAPE STAIRS, FIRE ESCAPE LADDERS
AND SLIDES ESCAPES
Exit components shall be constructed as an integral
part of the building or shall be permanently affixed
thereto.

MEANS OF EGRESS consists of THREE (3)

separate distinct parts:

CONSTRUCTION AND COMPARTMENTATION

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

PROTECTIVE ENCLOSURE OF EXITS - The

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

Where the building or facility includes additions or

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

ANY OPENING in the separation wall/construction

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

The number of means of Egress from any balcony,

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

NUMBER OF MEANS OF EGRESS

When the occupant load for any storey or portion
thereof is MORE THAN FIVE HUNDRED (500) but
not more than ONE THOUSAND (1000), The means
of egress shall not be less than THREE(3); in excess
thereof, the means of egress shall not be less than
FOUR(4)

ARRANGEMENT OF EXITS
When TWO(2) exits or exit access doors are required,
they shall be located at a distance from one
another NOT LESS THAN ONE_HALF (1/2) of the
length of the maximum over-all diagonal dimension of
the building or area to be served, measured in a
straight line between the nearest edge of the exit doors
or exit access doors.
In buildings protected throughout by an approved
supervised automatic sprinkler system, the minimum
separation distance between TWO exits or exits
access doors measured in accordance with paragraph
b hereof shall NOT BE LESS THAN ONE THIRD
(1/3) the length of the maximum overall diagonal
dimension of the building or are ato be served.
DEAD END LIMITS
Means of egress shall be so arranged that there
are NO DEAD-END POCKETS, hallways, corridors,
passage ways or courts whose depth exceeds the
limits specified in individual occupancies by division 8
through 17
Interlocking or scissor stairs shall be considered only
as a SINGLE EXIT for new buildings
MEASUREMENT OF TRAVEL DISTANCE TO EXIT
The travel distance to an exit shall be measured on the
floor or other walking surface along the center line of
the natural path of travel, Starting from the most remote
point subject to occupancy, curving around any corner
or construction with a 30 cm clearance therefrom and
ending at the center of the doorway or other point at
which the exit begins. where measurement includes
stairs, it shall be taken in the place of the tread nosing.
DIVISION 5: MEANS OF EGRESS
ACCESS TO EXITS
A door from a room to an exit or to a way of exit
access shall be of the side-hinged, swinging type. It
shall swing with exit travel
 DISCHARGE FROM EXITS
All exits shall terminate directly at a public way or at
an exit discharge. Yards, courts, open space, or other
portions of the exit discharge shall be of required width
and size to provide all occupants with a safe access
to a public way

Stairs and other exits shall be so arranged the

egress. Exit stairs that continue beyond the floor of
discharge shall be interrupted at the floor of discharge by
partitions, doors, or other effective means.

SWING AND FORCE TO OPEN

Doors shall not open directly onto a stair
without a landing. The landing shall have a
width not less than the width of the door

HEADROOM
The minimum headroom shall not be less than
two meters (2m) nor any projection from the
ceiling be less than two (2m) from the floor.

LOCKS, LATCHES, ALARM DEVICES

DOORS
Any DOOR in a means of egress shall be of
the side hinged or pivoted-swinging type.
latch or other fastening device on a door shall
be provided with a knob, handle, panic bar, or
other simple type releasing device. The method
f operation of which is obvious, even in
darkness

Doors required to be of the side hinged or

pivoted swinging type shall swing in the
direction of egress travel where serving a room
or area with an occupant load of 50 or more
persons.
 SWING AND FORCE TO OPEN
During its swing, any door in a means of egress
shall leave not less than 1/2 of the required width of
an aisle, corridor, passageway, or landing
unobstructed and shall not project more than 178mm into
the required width of an aisle, corridor, passageway, or
landing, when fully open.

Door Width
Width and Floor Level
Door Openings in means of egress shall not be
less 71 cm in clear width. When a pair of doors
is provided, not less than one of the doors shall
provide at least 71cm clear width opening.

No single door in a doorway shall exceed 122cm

in width.
 SMOKE PROOF ENCLOSURES Any permanently installed stair outside of the
A smokeproof enclosure shall be enclosed from building being served is acceptable as a means
the highest point to the lowest point by barriers of egress under the same condition
having 2-hour fire resistance ratings, where a
vestibule is used, it shall be within the 2-hour
rated enclosure and shall be considered part of
the smoke proof enclosure.

DISCHARGE
Every smokeproof enclosure shall discharge into
a public way, into a yard or court having direct
access to a public way, or into an exit
passageway. Such exit passageways shall be
without openings, other than the entrance to the
smokeproof enclosure and the door to the outside yard,
court or public way. The exit passageway shall be
separated from the remainder of the building by a 2-hour
fire resistance rating.

OUTSIDE STAIRS
 • Acquired congenital mental impairments

The provision of adequate space for wheelchair

maneuvering generally insure adequate space for
disabled persons equipped with other technical aids or
accompanied by assistants.

The following anthropometric data shall serve as

guides for design.

The length of wheelchairs varies from 1.10m - 1.30 m

width of wheelchairs is from .60m - .75 m

A circle of 1.50m in Diameter is a suitable guide in the

planning of wheelchair turning spaces

BP344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW

An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by
Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments and
Public Utilities to Install Facilities and Other Devices

PURPOSE:" No group of people shall be deprived of

full participation and enjoyment of the environment or
be made unequal with the rest due to any disability. "
provide for minimum requirements and standards to
make buildings, facilities, and utilities for public use
accessible to disabled persons.

SCOPE
• Public and Private buildings and related
structures for Public Use
• Streets and highways and public utilities
• Public Transport terminals
The comfortable reach of persons confined to
APPLICATION wheelchairs is from 0.70 - 1.20m above the floor and
Public and Private buildings and related structures for not less than .40m from room corners.
Public Use. No Permit for the construction, repair or
renovation of public and private buildings and related
structures for public use, whether owned or leased,
shall be granted or issued, unless the owner thereof
shall have provided in the places and specifications
submitted for approval barrier-free facilities and
accessibility features as provided in these rules and
under the following criteria.

CATEGORIES OF DISABLED PERSONS

This Dictates the varied measures to be adopted in
order to create as accessible environment for the
handicapped. Disabled persons under these rules may
be classified into those who have:
• Confinement to wheelchairs The comfortable clearance for knee and leg
• Requiring the use of braces, crutches, artificial space under tables for wheelchair users is .70m.
supports
• impaired hearing or sight Counter height shall be placed at a level comfortable
• Condition of ageing to disabled persons reach
BASIC PHYSICAL PLANNING REQUIREMENTS
No group of people shall be deprived of full
participation and enjoyment of the environment or be
made unequal with the rest due to any disability. To
achieve this goal adopted by the United Nations,
certain basic principles shall be applied:
ACCESSIBILITY - The built environment shall be
designed so that it shall be accessible to all people,
This means that no criteria shall impede the use of
facilities by either handicapped or non-disabled
citizens
REACHABILITY - Provisions shall be adapted and
introduced to the physical environment so that as many
places or buildings as possible can be reached by all.
USABILITY - Built environments shall be designed so
that all persons, whether they be disabled or not, may
use and enjoy it.
ORIENTATION -Finding a person's way outside and
inside a building or open space shall be made easy for
everyone.
SAFETY - Designing for safety ensures that people
shall be able to move about with fewer hazards to life
and health.
WORKABILITY AND EFFICIENCY - The built
environment shall be designed to allow disabled
citizens to participate and continue development goals.
ARCHITECTURAL FACILITIES AND FEATURES
• Stairs
• Walkways
• Corridors
• Doors and Entrances
• Washrooms and Toilets
• Lifts/Elevators
• Ramps
• Parking Areas
• Switches, Controls and Buzzers
• Handrails
• Thresholds
• Floor Finishes
• Drinking Fountains
• Public Telephones
• Seating Accommodations
SPECIAL FACILITIES STANDARDS
1. AUDITORIUMS, ASSEMBLY HALLS. THEATERS
AND RELATED FACILITIES:
a. Seating for the disabled shall be accessible from the
main lobby to primary entrances, together with related
toilet facilities.
b. In all assembly places where seating
accommodation is provided, there shall be spaces for
disabled persons as provided.
c. When the seating capacity exceeds 500, an
additional wheelchair seating space shall be provided
for each total seating capacity increase of 100 seats
d. Readily removable seats maybe installed in these
spaces when such spaces are not required to
accommodate wheelchair users.
INDIVIDUALS LIABLE FOR ANY VIOLATION OF THE
ACT
1. FOR BUILDINGS/ ESTABLISHMENTS/
STRUCTURE
• Owner or operator of the building
• Establishment or structure Contractor
• Architect
• Engineer
• Building Official
• Other public official in charge with issuance of
permit
ILLUSTRATION FOR MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
A. OUTSIDE AND AROUND BUILDINGS
1. DROPPED CURBS
1.1 Changes in level walkways should be by a dropped
curb.
1.2 Dropped curbs should be provided at pedestrian
crossings and at the end of walkways of a private street
or access road.
1.3 Dropped curbs at crossings have a width
corresponding to the width of the crossing; otherwise,
the minimum width is 0.90 m.
1.4 Dropped curbs shall be ramped towards adjoining
curbs with a gradient not more than 1:12.
1.5 Dropped curbs shall be sloped towards the road
with a maximum cross gradient of 1:20 to prevent water
from collecting at the walkway.
1.6 The lowest point of a dropped curb should not
exceed 25 mm from the road or gutter.

2. CURB CUT-OUTS
2.1 Curb cut-outs should only be allowed when it will
not obstruct a walkway or in any way lessen the width
of a walkway.
2.2 The minimum width of a curb cut-out should be
0.90 M.
2.3 Curb cut-outs should have a gradient not more than
1:12.
3. WALKWAYS AND PASSAGEWAYS
3.1 Walkways should be kept as level as possible and
provided with slip-resistant material.
3.2 Whenever and wherever possible, walkways
should have a gradient no more than 1:20 or 5%.
3.3 Walkways should have a maximum cross gradient
of 1:100.
3.4 Walkways should have a minimum width of 1.20
meters.
3.5 If possible, gratings should never be located along
walkways. When occurring along walkways, grating
openings should have a maximum dimension of 13 mm
x 13 mm and shall not project more than 6.5 mm above
the level of the walkway.
3.6 Walkways should have a continuing surface
without abrupt pitches in angle or interruptions by
cracks or breaks creating edges above 6.50 mm.
3.7 In lengthy or busy walkways, spaces should be
provided at some point along the route so that a
wheelchair may pass another or turn around. These
spaces should have a minimum dimension of 1.50 m
and should be spaced at a maximum distance of 12:00
m between stops.
3.8 To guide the blind, walkways should as much as
possible follow straightforward routes with right angle
turns.
3.9 Where planting is provided adjacent to the
walkway, regular maintenance is essential to ensure
branches of trees or shrubs do not overhang walkways
or paths, as not only do these present a particular
danger to the blind, but they also reduce the effective
footways width available to pedestrians generally.
3.10 Walkway headroom should not be less than 2.0 m
and preferably higher.
3.11 Passageways for the disabled should not be
obstructed by street furniture, bollards, sign posts or
columns along the defined route, as they can be
hazardous.

4. HANDRAILS
4.1 Handrails should be installed at both sides of
ramps and stairs and at the outer edges of dropped
curbs. Handrails at dropped curbs should not be
installed beyond the width of any crossing so as not to
obstruct pedestrian flow.
4.2 Handrails shall be installed at 0.90 m and 0.70 m
above steps or ramps. Handrails for protection at great
heights may be installed at 1.0 m to 1.06 m.
4.3 A 0.30 m long extension of the handrail should be
provided at the start and end of ramps and stairs.
4.4 Handrails that require full grip should have a
dimension of 30 mm to 50 mm.
4.5 Handrails attached to walls should have a
clearance no less than 50 mm from the wall. Handrails
on ledges should have a clearance not less than 40
mm.
5. OPEN SPACES
5.1 Where open spaces are provided, the blind can
become particularly disoriented. Therefore, it is
extremely helpful if any walkway or paths can be given
defined edges either by the use of planters with dwarf
walls, or a grass verge, or similar, which provides a
texture different from the path.
6. SIGNAGES
6.1 Directional and informational signs should be
located at points conveniently seen even by a person
on a wheelchair and those with visual impairments;
6.2 Signs should be kept simple and easy to
understand; signages should be made of contrasting
colors and contrasting gray matter to make detection
and reading easy;
7. CROSSINGS
7.1 In order to reduce the exposure time to vehicular
traffic, all at grade crossing should
7.1.1 Be as near perpendicular to the
carriageway as possible.
7.1.2 Be located at the narrowest, most
convenient part of the carriageway.
7.1.3 Have central refuges of at least 1.5 m in
depth and preferably 2 m, provided as a midcrossing
shelter, where the width of carriageway to be crossed
exceeds 10 m.
7.2 All crossings should be located close if not
contiguous with the normal pedestrian desire line.

7.3 Provide tactile blocks in the immediate vicinity of
crossings as an aid to the blind. The tactile surface has
to be sufficiently high enough to be felt through the sole
of the shoe but low enough not to cause pedestrian to
trip, or to effect the mobility of wheelchair users. See
details of recommended pairing slabs below.
B. PARKING
1. PARKING AREAS
1.1 Parking spaces for the disabled should allow
enough space for a person to transfer to a wheelchair
from a vehicle;
1.2 Accessible parking spaces should be located as
close as possible to building entrances or to accessible
entrances;
1.3 Whenever and wherever possible, accessible
parking spaces should be perpendicular or to an angle
to the road or circulation aisles;
1.4 Accessible parking slots should have a minimum
width of 3.70 m.;
1.5 A walkway from accessible spaces of 1.20 m. clear
width shall be provided between the front ends of
parked cars;
1.6 Provide dropped curbs or curb cut-outs to the
parking level where access walkways are raised;
1.7 Pavement markings, signs or other means shall be
provided to delineate parking spaces for the
handicapped;
1.8 Parking spaces for the disabled should never be
located at ramped or sloping areas
INSIDE BUILDING AND STRUCTURES
1. ENTRANCES
1.1 Entrances should be accessible from arrival and
departure points to the interior lobby
 2.6 Handrails will be provided on both sides of the ramp at 0.70
m. and 0.90 m. from the ramp level;
1.2 One (1) entrance level should be provided where
elevators are accessible;
1.3 In case entrances are not on the same level of the
site arrival grade, ramps should be provided as access
to the entrance level;

2.7 Ramps shall be equipped with curbs on both sides with a

minimum height of 0.10 m.;

2. RAMPS
2.2 Changes in level require a ramp except when
served by a dropped curb, an elevator, or other
mechanical device.
2.2 Ramps shall have a minimum clear width of 1.20
m.
2.3 The maximum gradient shall be 1:12.
2.4 The length of a ramp should not exceed 6:00 m. if
the gradient is 1:12; longer ramps whose gradient is
1:12 shall be provided with landings not less than 1.50 2.8 Any ramp with a rise greater than 0.20 m. and leads
m. down towards an area where vehicular traffic is
2.5 A level area not less than 1.80 m. should be possible, should have a railing across the full width of
provided at the top and bottom of any ramp. its lower end, not less than 1.80 meters from the foot
of the ramp;

3. DOORS
3.1 All doors shall have a minimum clear width of 0.80
m;
3.2 Clear openings shall be measured between the
surface of the fully open door at the hinge and the door
jamb at the stop;
3.3 Doors should be operable by a pressure or force
not more than 4.0 kg; the closing device pressure an
interior door shall not exceed 1 kg.;
3.4 A minimum clear level space of 1.50 m x 1.50 m
shall be provided before and extending beyond a door;
EXCEPTION: where a door shall open onto but not into
a corridor, the required clear, level space on the
corridor side of the door may be a minimum of 1.20 m.
corridor width.
3.5 Protection should be provided from doors that
swing into corridors.

4. THRESHOLDS
4.1 Thresholds shall be kept to a minimum; whenever
necessary, thresholds and sliding door tracks shall
have a maximum height of 25 mm and preferably
ramped;

7. CORRIDORS
7.1 Corridors shall have minimum clear width of 1.20
m.; waiting areas and other facilities or spaces shall not
obstruct the minimum clearance requirement;
7.2 Recesses or turnabout spaces should be provided
for wheelchairs to turn around or to enable another
wheelchair to pass; these spaces shall have a
minimum area of 1.50 m x 1.50 m. and shall be spaced
at a maximum of 12.00 m.;
7.3 Turnabout spaces should also be provided at or
within 3.50 m. of every dead end;
3.6 Outswinging doors should be provided at storage
rooms, closets and accessible restroom stalls;
3.7 Latching or non-latching hardware should not
require wrist action or fine finger manipulation;
3.8 Doorknobs and other hardware should be located
between 0.82 m. and 1.06 m. above then floor; 0.90 is
preferred;
3.9 Vertical pull handles, centered at 1.06 m. above the
floor, are preferred to horizontal pull bars for swing
doors or doors with locking devices;
3.10 Doors along major circulation routes should be
provided with kick plates made of durable materials at
a height of 0.30 m. to 0.40 m; 8. WASHROOMS & TOILETS
8.1. Accessible public washrooms and toilets shall
permit easy passage of a wheelchair and allow the
occupant to enter a stall, close the door and transfer to
the water closet from either a frontal or lateral position;
8.2 Accessible water closet stalls shall have a
minimum area of 1.70 x 1.80 mts. One movable grab
bar and one fixed to the adjacent wall shall be installed
at the accessible water closet stall for lateral mounting;
fixed grab bars on both sides of the wall shall be
installed for stalls for frontal mounting;
8.3 A turning space of 2.25 sq.m. with a minimum
dimension of 1.50 m. for wheelchair shall be provided
for water closet stalls for lateral mounting;

10. ELEVATORS
10.1 Accessible elevators should be located not more than
30.00 m. from the entrance and should be easy to locate with
the aid of signs;

10.2 Accessible elevators shall have a minimum dimension of

1.10 m. x 1.40 m.;

9. STAIRS
9.1 Tread surfaces should be a slip-resistant material;
nosings may be provided with slip-resistant strips to
further minimize slipping:
9.2 Slanted nosings are preferred to projecting nosings
so as not to pose difficulty for people using crutches or
braces whose feet have a tendency to get caught in the
recessed space or projecting nosings. For the same
reason, open stringers should be avoided.
9.3 The leading edge of each step on both runner and
riser should be marked with a paint or non-skid material
that has a color and gray value which is in high contrast
to the gray value of the rest of the stairs; markings of
this sort would be helpful to the visually impaired as
well as to the fully sighted person;
 10.3 Control panels and emergency system of
accessible elevators shall be within reach of a seated
person; centerline heights for the topmost buttons shall
be between 0.90 m to 1.20 m from the floor;
10.4 Button controls shall be provided with braille signs
to indicate floor level; at each floor, at the door frames
of elevator doors, braille-type signs shall be placed so
that blind persons can be able to discern what floor the
elevator car has stopped and from what level they are
embarking from; for installation heights, see Section
6.6, Signages;
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 2
ARCHITECTURE has been around since the dawn of
time. Yet, the practice of the architect still seems to be unknown,
especially to the general public.
The practice of architecture does not merely involve
drawing, designing and making a work of art, which the general
public commonly assume. Drawing is just one aspect and is only
a medium used to translate an idea from the architect’s mind to
a creation that can be built.
The official definition of architecture can be found
in Republic Act (RA) 9266 or “The Architecture Act of
2004.” This is the art, science, and profession of planning,
designing, and constructing buildings in their totality, with due
account of their environment and in accordance with the
principles of utility, strength, and beauty.
Many other considerations are involved in the creative
process that requires the designer to have a firm grasp and
understanding of many different factors such as the physical
environment, geography, ecology, sustainability, meteorological
conditions of the site, human anthropometrics and even the
heritage of the locality. At least a basic understanding of
different disciplines such as structural, electrical, sanitary, and
mechanical engineering are also required of the architect.
Indeed, architects obtain basic training in these engineering
fields in college. The in-depth application, of course, can only be
done by the corresponding engineering professionals.
Architecture as a profession came about only in 1921
when the first registration of architects was implemented. In
1950, with Manila and the whole country just starting to rebuild
from the ravages of the Second World War, RA 545 or “The
Architecture Law” was enacted to regulate the local practice of
architecture.
Fast forward to March 17, 2004 and RA 9266 was
enacted by Congress. The law provided for a more
comprehensive regulation of the registration, licensing and
practice of architecture, repealing the RA 545 and all other laws
inconsistent with its stipulations.
Public safety is the objective of regulating the design and
construction of buildings. Architects comply, consult and adhere
to existing regulatory laws and all applicable codes in order to
properly protect and safeguard human lives and its surroundings
such as the National Building Code of the Philippines, Fire Code
of the Philippines of 2008, The Accessibility Law, The
Architectural Code and many others. Entrusted with the safety
of human lives vis-à-vis the use of buildings, an architect can be
held liable under Article 1723 of the Civil Code should the
building he/she designed collapse within 15 years from its
completion.
Besides the general practice of architecture, an architect can
also render services in other related fields of architecture
depending on his knowledge and experience such as heritage
conservation, green architecture, sustainable architecture and
so on.
HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
Architecture, as practiced in the Philippines during the
Spanish era, was not by virtue of an academic title. There were
no architectural schools in the country and the only architects
with academic degrees were Spaniards. However, the first
Filipino recorded architect was Felix Roxas y Arroyo of Binondo,
Manila.
For the early 1930`s to the late 50`s, associations of
architects came and went, but three of these survived until the
early 70`s.

Recognizing the need to formally integrate the three
architectural associations, APGA, LPA and PIA each appointed
three representatives to form the Panel of Negotiation in May
1973. To implement the terms of integration agreed upon by the
three architectural organizations, a 15 man Ad-Hoc Commission
was authorized to prepare the Constitution and By-Laws of the
newly integrated association. The new integrated society was
called, the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP).
UAP became the first accredited professional
organization on May 12, 1975 with the professional regulation
commission issuing certificate no. 001 to the UAP as the duly
accredited professional organization for architects in the
Philippines. On June 12, 1976, the UAP informed the Union
Internationale des Architectes (UIA) of the integration of the
three architectural organizations under the United Architects of
the Philippines and requested for recognition of the UIA as its
National Section in the Philippines.
On March 22-25, 1979, the UAP organized a National
Conference on Architectural Education at the Development
Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City. The result of the
Conference was the endorsement of a new ladder-type
curriculum for architectural education, which was approved by
the Ministry of Education and Culture and adopted by schools
and colleges of architecture in the Philippines. The same year
saw the approval of the new Architects` National Code by the
Professional Regulation Commission.
This code was prepared by the UAP as a standard of
ethics and practice of architecture in the Philippines. In
recognition of UAP`s involvement in government program and
activities, the Metro Manila Commission appointed the UAP
members to constitute the Board of Advisers for urban design
and development for Metro Manila.
IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS
Here are important events over the past years relative
to the Regulated Profession of Architecture in the Philippines
(June 1950 thru September 2008)
1. June 1950
Passage of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 544, the Civil Engineering
(CE) law; the law does not mention that civil engineers (CEs)
can prepare, sign and seal architectural plans and documents
2. June 1950
Passage of R.A. No. 545, the organic Architecture law; this
special law specifically mentions that only registered and
licensed architects can prepare, sign and seal architectural
plans and documents
3. June 1956
Passage of R.A. No. 1581, the amended Architecture law; the
amended portion specifically delineate the responsibility and
liability of the architect in contrast to the CE; there is therefore
no overlap in professional function.
4. June 1956
Passage of R.A. No. 1582, the amended CE law; the amended
portion (Sec. 24) specifically delineate the responsibility and
liability of the CE in contrast to the architect; there is therefore
no overlap in professional function
5. 1975
The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP)was formed out
of the union of the Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA), the
League of Philippine Architects (LPA) and the Association of
Philippine Government Architects (APGA)
6. Feb 1977
Promulgation of Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 1096, otherwise
known as the 1977 National Building Code of the Philippines
(NBCP) by Philippine Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos
7. 1979
Publication and dissemination of copies of the Implementing
Rules and Regulations (IRR) of P.D. No. 1096 by the
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and of part
of the IRR of R.A. No. 1581 (the Amended architecture law of
1956) i.e. the Architects’ National Code (otherwise known as the
UAP Documents 200 through 208) were promulgated by the
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in Sep 1979 as part
of the IRR of R.A. No. 1581/545 (the amended/ organic laws on
architecture)
8. mid-1980s
Architects who are Members of the National Legislature i.e.
Batasan Pambansa, led by Arch. Pentong Gaite and the leading
lights of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), lobby for
the passage of a new Architecture law
9. early 1990s
Initial amendments to IRR of P.D. No. 1096; R.A. No. 7160 (The
Local Government Code of 1991) becomes law; surprisingly, its
Article Seven Sec. 477 allows the Municipal/ City Engineers
(MCEs) of local government units (LGUs) who are in charge of
horizontal works, to act simultaneously as the building official
(BO) in charge of vertical works; this turn of events has forged
an apparently unholy alliance
10. Currently, there is a legislative hearing and coordination for
the new and unified building permit. As well as the call of
architects on the overlapping scope work of civil engineers on
the architectural drawings.
THE VIRTUES OF AN ARCHITECT by MARCUS VITRUVIUS
POLLIO
May the Architect be high-minded;
not arrogant, but faithful;
Just, and easy to deal with,
without avarice;
Not let his mind be occupied
in receiving gifts,
But let him preserve his good name
with dignity.
CORE VALUES OF THE ARCHITECT
What is taught in architecture programs, and in highly
respected architectural firms across the nation that other
disciplines do not teach or practice?
Architects are trained in universal design principles,
and how they are applied holistically in the development of a
building, street-scape, or town plan, or in any other design
challenge. This is our critical edge, but only if we stand up as a
profession and enforce those principles in the built environment,
and regain the public’s trust that these things are important to
everyone’s quality of life.
Here are a few historically consistent core values of the
true architect that other building professionals, project
managers, developers, contractors, planners generally do not
share:
Wisdom: Understanding the meaning and application of core
values in the Vitruvian axiom “commodity, firmness, delight”
(firmitas, utilitas and venustas), (Function, Stability, Aesthetics).
Creativity: Continuous use of imagination both in problem
solving, and artistic expression; with drawing, painting, sculpture
and practical study of the sister arts, adding to the richness of
their solutions
Resourcefulness: Modelling design and building technologies
after natures own laws of order, and striving for unique solutions
that wed together the highest ideals of beauty and practical
utility
Leadership: Providing artful guidance and oversight
throughout project, like a conductor leading an orchestra.
Integrity: Ability to uphold authentic building traditions and
architectural principles without copying superficial styles;
expressing truth in material and structure
Prudence: Critical judgment, deep insights and a level of
discretion that comes from a comprehensive understanding of
the whole
Enlightenment: Strong desire to educate the public on the
meaning and value of the architect's work in creating high-
quality, sustainable environments; and to nurture their
apprentices so they might carry the torch of architecture into the
future.
JOBS FOR LICENSED ARCHITECTS (BOARD EXAM
PASSERS)
• ENTRY LEVEL JOBS- Jobs requiring no before
minimal level of experience:
 JUNIOR ARCHITECT – works in a construction
firm and is involved with designing new buildings,
extensions, or alterations to existing buildings, or
advising on the restoration and conservation of
old properties.
 JUNIOR DESIGN ARCHITECT – works under
the senior design architect and helps in rendering
and building proto-types to demonstrate design
concepts.
 Computer-Aided Design (CAD) or Computer-
Aided Design and Draft (CADD) Architect –
uses CAD systems application to create
electronic versions of the technical drawings and
design plans for buildings and machinery.
 BUILDING SURVEYORS – often work on
preventative measures to keep buildings in good
condition and look to make buildings sustainable.
• ADVANCED POSITIONS- Require years of extensive
experience and practice.
 PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT– a licensed
architect who owns an architecture firm or one
who shares an ownership interest with the
other architects in the firm.
• ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT MANAGER
– work closely with the construction project
manager and coordinate the work of the
design team and manage communication
with the client. The issues of budget,
scheduling, and quality-control are the
responsibility of the Project Manager in an
architect's office.
 ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGISTS are
architectural specialists who turn the concept
into reality in the completed construction.
Concerned with the technical side of design,
ensure that an attractive functional building
performs successfully by making sure that the
right materials are used and that building
regulations are met.
 BUILDING CONSERVATION OFFICER –
advises on and promotes the protection of the
historic environment and, in particular, its
long-term care, preservation and
enhancement of enlisted buildings within
conservation areas.
 SENIOR DESIGN ARCHITECT – have
experience in strategic master planning,
and is responsible for managing assigned
architecture projects, including development
of concept drawings and designs, and
meeting client expectations, while ensuring
work is within project scope, meets the project
schedule deadlines and is within budget.
 ARCHITECTURE RESEARCHER –
researches, designs and develops solutions
to highly complex and technical issues,
designs system architecture, workflows,
data flows and databases; recommends
solutions to highly complex problems to
provide technical direction on systems
analysis, design, development and testing.
 ACADEMICIAN – architects who are faculty
members, instructors, and professors in an
institution that offers Architectural course.
• JOBS FOR NON-BOARD PASSERS
 INTERN ARCHITECT or ARCHITECTURAL
INTERN- is a person who has completed a
professional degree in architecture and works
under the supervision of a licensed architect
and preparing for professional registration
exams or licensure as an architect.
 AutoCAD OPERATOR or TECHNICIAN –
uses computer software to help Architects
 and Engineers to prepare blueprints and
drawings. These are very significant in
creating a whole lot of products, which include
manufactured items, structures, and
buildings.
 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCT DESIGNERS –
create a wide range of items, from everyday
products, such as mobile phones, household
appliances and cars, to larger items, such as
industrial tools, equipment and machinery.
• JOBS NOT RELATED TO ARCHITECTURE THAT
GRADUATES CAN APPLY TO
 CALL CENTER AGENT – answers phone
calls and inquiries of clients and provides
customer support, usually to people from
other countries
 ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF – personnel
responsible for the organization and
management of office duties and tasks;
positions that include office secretary,
personal assistant and office clerk.
 FREELANCER WORKING ONLINE – doing
online jobs for clients abroad, such as data
entry, article writing, customer support,
administrative support etc., which mainly
depends on your skills.
• CAREER OPPORTUNITIES ABROAD: There are
plenty of job opportunities overseas for Filipino
Architects, Draftsman, AutoCAD Operators and other
Architectural related positions are available in East
Asia, Australia and the Middle East.