Do I need a permit to build a traditional nipa hut?

No, traditional indigenous family dwellings—defined as dwellings for the owner's family made of native materials like bamboo or nipa costing no more than 15,000 pesos—are exempt from building permit fees.

What happens if I start construction without a permit?

It is unlawful to construct or alter a building without a permit. Violators face fines of up to 20,000 pesos, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.

How long is a building permit valid?

A permit becomes null and void if work does not start within one year from the date of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 120 days.

Can a Building Official enter my property to inspect it?

Yes, a Building Official may enter any building or premises at reasonable times to inspect and verify compliance with the Code and the issued permit.

What is the minimum ceiling height for a habitable room?

Habitable rooms with artificial ventilation must have a ceiling height of at least 2.40 meters; those with natural ventilation must be at least 2.70 meters.

Can I appeal a decision made by the Building Official?

Yes, you may file an appeal with the Secretary within 15 days of receiving notice of a permit denial, suspension, or revocation.

PD 1096 - National Building Code of the Philippines (1977) - legal basis — PH Earthquake Recording Instrumentation for Buildings

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1096

- ADOPTING A NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES THEREBY REVISING

REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED SIXTY-FIVE HUNDRED FORTY-ONE

WHEREAS,

the country's accelerating economic and physical development, coupled

with urbanization and population growth, makes imperative the

formulation and adoption of a uniform building code which shall embody

up-to-date and modern technical knowledge on building design,

construction, use, occupancy and maintenance;

WHEREAS, while there is Republic Act No. 6541, entitled "An Act to

Ordain and Institute a National Building Code of the Philippines", the

same does not conform with the developmental goals and infrastructure

program of the Government and does not adequately provide for all the

technological requirements of buildings and structures, in terms of

up-to-date design and construction standards and criteria;

WHEREAS, in the formulation of a new national building code, it is

desire and policy of the Government to avail of and harness the

technical expertise and professional know-how to men not only in the

public but in the private sectors as well.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines,

by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby

order and decree the revision of Republic Act. No. 6541 to read as

follows:

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CHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 101. Title. —

This Decree shall be known as the "National Building Code of the

Philippines" and shall hereinafter be referred to as the "Code".

Section 102. Declaration of Policy. —

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State to safeguard life,

health, property, and public welfare, consistent with the principles of

sound environmental management and control; and to this end, make it

the purpose of this Code to provide for all buildings and structures, a

framework of minimum standards and requirements to regulate and control

their location, site, design quality of materials, construction, use,

occupancy, and maintenance.

Section 103. Scope and Application. —

(a) The provisions of this Code shall apply to the

design, location, sitting, construction, alteration, repair,

conversion, use, occupancy, maintenance, moving, demolition of, and

addition to public and private buildings and structures, except

traditional indigenous family dwellings as defined herein.

(b) Building and/or structures constructed before the

approval of this Code shall not be affected thereby except when

alterations, additions, conversions or repairs are to be made therein

in which case, this Code shall apply only to portions to be altered,

added, converted or repaired.

Section 104. General Building Requirements. —

(a) All buildings or structures as well as accessory

facilities thereto shall conform in all respects to the principles of

the safe construction and must be suited to the purpose for which they

are designed.

(b) Buildings or structures intended to be used for

the manufacture and/or production of any kind of article or product

shall observe adequate environmental safeguards.

well as all facilities found therein shall be maintained in safe,

sanitary and good working condition.

Section 105. Site Requirements. —

The land or site upon which will be constructed any building or

structure, or any ancillary or auxiliary facility thereto, shall be

sanitary, hygienic or safe. In the case of sites or buildings intended

for use as human habitation or abode, the same shall be at a safe

distance, as determined by competent authorities, from streams or

bodies of water and/or sources ofr considered to be polluted; from a

volcano or volcanic site and/or any other building considered to be a

potential source of fire or explosion.

Section 106. Definitions. —

As used in this Code, the words, terms and phrases enumerated in Annex

"A" hereof shall have the meaning or definition, correspondingly

provided therein.

CHAPTER II

ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

Section 201. Responsibility for Administration and

Enforcement. —

The administration and enforcement of the provisions of this Code

including the imposition of penalties for administrative violations

thereof is hereby vested in the Secretary of Public Works,

Transportation and Communications, hereinafter referred to as the

"Secretary".

Section 202. Technical Staff—

The Secretary is hereby authorized to constitute and provide in his

Department a professional staff composed of highly qualified

architects, engineers and technicians who possess diversified and

professional experience in the field of building design and

construction.

Section 203. General Powers and Functions of the

Secretary under this Code. —

For purposes of carrying out the provisions of this Code, the Secretary

shall exercise the following general powers and functions:

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(1) Formulate policies, plans, standards and

guidelines on building design, construction, use occupancy and

maintenance, in accordance with this Code.

(2) Issue and promulgate rules and regulations to

implement the provisions of this Code and ensure compliance with

policies, plans, standards and guidelines formulated under paragraph 1

of this Section.

(3) Evaluate, review, approve and/or take final

action on changes and/or amendments to existing Referral Codes as well

as on the incorporation of other referral codes which are not yet

expressly made part of this Code.

(4) Prescribe and fix the amount of fees and other

charges that the Building Official shall collect in connection with the

performance of regulatory functions.

Section 204. Professional and Technical Assistance. —

The Secretary with the assistance of his technical staff shall provide

such professional, technical, scientific and other services including

testing laboratories and facilities as may be required to carry out the

provisions of this Code; Provided that the Secretary may secure such

services as he may deem necessary from other agencies of the National

Government and may make arrangement for the compensation of such

services. He may also engage and compensate within appropriations

available therefor, the services of such number of consultants, experts

and advisers on full or part-time basis, as may be necessary, coming

from the government or private businesses, entities or associations to

carry out the provisions of this Code.

Section 205. Building Officials. —

Except as otherwise provided herein, the Building Official shall be

responsible for carrying out the provisions of this Code in the field

as well as the enforcement of orders and decisions made pursuant

thereto.

Due to the exigencies of the service, the Secretary may designate

incumbent Public Works District Engineers, City Engineers and Municipal

Engineers act as Building Officials in their respective areas of

jurisdiction.

The designation made by the Secretary under this Section shall continue

until regular positions of Building Official are provided or unless

sooner terminated for causes provided by law or decree.

Section 206. Qualifications of Building Officials. —

No person shall be appointed as a Building Official unless he possesses

the following qualifications:

1. A Filipino citizen and of good moral character.

2. A duly registered architect or civil engineer.

3. A member of good standing of a duly accredited

organization of his profession for not less than two years.

4. Has at least five years of diversified and

professional experience in building design and construction.

Section 207. Duties of a Building Official. —

In his respective territorial jurisdiction, the Building Official shall

be primarily responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of this

Code as well as of the implementing rules and regulations issued

therefor. He is the official charged with the duties of issuing

building permits.

In the performance of his duties, a Building Official may enter any

building or its premises at all reasonable times to inspect and

determine compliance with the requirements of this Code, and the terms

and conditions provided for in the building permit as issued.

When any building work is found to be contrary to the provisions of

this Code, the Building Official may order the work stopped and

prescribe the terms and/or conditions when the work will be allowed to

resume. Likewise, the Building Official is authorized to order the

discontinuance of the occupancy or use of any building or structure or

portion thereof found to be occupied or used contrary to the provisions

of this Code.

Section 208. Fees. —

Every Building Official shall keep a permanent record and accurate

account of all fees and other charges fixed and authorized by the

Secretary to be collected and received under this Code.

Subject to existing budgetary, accounting and auditing rules and

regulations, the Building Official is hereby authorized to retain not

more than twenty percent of his collection for the operating expenses

of his office.

The remaining eighty percent shall be deposited with the provincial,

city or municipal treasurer and shall accrue to the General Fund of the

province, city or municipality concerned.

Section 209. Exemption. —

Public buildings and traditional indigenous family dwelling shall be

exempt from payment of building permit fees.

As used in this Code, the term "additional indigenous family dwelling"

means a dwelling intended for the use and occupancy by the family of

the owner only and constructed of native materials such as bamboo,

nipa, logs, or lumber, the total cost of which does not exceed fifteen

thousand pesos.

Section 210. Use of Income from Fees. —

Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, the Secretary is

hereby authorized to prescribe the procedures for the use of all net

income realized by the office of the Building Official from the

collection of fees and charges not exceeding twenty percent thereof in

accordance with Section 208.

Such income may be used to cover necessary operating expenses including

the purchase of equipment, supplies and materials, travelling expenses,

obligation expenses and sheriff's fees and payment of other prior

years' obligations not adequately funded, subject to existing budgetary

and auditing rules and regulations.

Section 211. Implementing Rules and Regulations. —

In the implementation of the provisions of this Code, the Secretary

shall formulate necessary rules and regulations and adopt design and

construction standards and criteria for buildings and other structures.

Such standards, rules and regulations shall take effect after their

publication once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of

general circulation.

Section 212. Administrative Fines. —

For the violation of any of the provisions of this Code or any of the

rules or regulations issued thereunder the Secretary is hereby

empowered to prescribe and impose fines not exceeding ten thousand

pesos.

Section 213. Penal Provisions. —

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation, to erect,

construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert,

demolish, equip, use, occupy, or maintain any building or structure or

cause the same to be done contrary to or in violation of any provision

of this Code.

Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any of the provisions

of this Code and/or commit any act hereby declared to be unlawful shall

upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than twenty thousand

pesos or by imprisonment of not more than two years or by both such

fine and imprisonment: Provided, that in the case of a corporation

firm, partnership or association, the penalty shall be imposed upon its

officials responsible for such violation and in case the guilty party

is an alien, he shall immediately be deported after payment of the fine

and/or service of his sentence.

Section 214. Dangerous and Ruinous Buildings or

Structures. —

Dangerous buildings are those which are herein declared as such or are

structurally unsafe or not provided with safe egress, or which

constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life, or

which in relation to existing use, constitute a hazard to safety or

health or public welfare because of inadequate maintenance,

dilapidation, obsolescence, or abandonment; or which otherwise

contribute to the pollution of the site or the community to an

intolerable degree.

Section 215. Abatement of Dangerous Buildings. —

When any building or structure is found or declared to be dangerous or

ruinous, the Building Official shall order its repair, vacation or

demolition depending upon the degree of danger to life, health, or

safety. This is without prejudice to further action that may be taken

under the provisions of Articles 482 and 694 to 707 of the Civil Code

of the Philippines.

Section 216. Other Remedies. —

The rights, actions and remedies provided in this Code shall be in

addition to any and all other rights of action and remedies that may be

available under existing laws.

CHAPTER III

PERMITS AND INSPECTION

Section 301. Building Permits. —

No person, firm or corporation, including any agency or instrumentality

of the government shall erect, construct, alter, repair, move, convert

or demolish any building or structure 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 is located or

the building work is to be done.

Section 302. Application for permits. —

In order to obtain a building permit, the applicant shall file an

application therefor in writing and on the prescribed form from the

office of the Building Official. Every application shall provide at

least the following information:

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(1) A description of the work to be covered by the

permit applied for;

(2) Certified true copy of the TCT covering the lot

on which the proposed work is to be done. If the applicant is not the

registered owner, in addition to the TCT, a copy of the contract of

lease shall be submitted;

(3) The use or occupancy for which the proposal work

is intended;

(4) Estimated cost of the proposed work.

To be submitted together with such application are at least five sets

of corresponding plans and specifications prepared, signed and sealed

by a duly mechanical engineer in case of mechanical plans, and by a

registered electrical engineer in case of electrical plans, except in

those cases exempted or not required by the Building Official under

this Code.

Section 303. Processing of Building Permits. —

The processing of building permits shall be under the overall

administrative control and supervision of the Building Official and his

technical staff of qualified professionals.

In processing an application for a building permit, the Building

Official shall see to it that the applicant satisfies and conforms with

approved standard requirements on zonings and land use, lines and

grades, structural design, sanitary and sewerage, environmental health,

electrical and mechanical safety as well as with other rules and

regulations promulgated in accordance with the provisions of this Code.

Section 304. Issuance of Building Permits. —

When satisfied that the work described in an application for building

permit and the plans and specifications submitted therewith, conform to

the requirements of this Code and other pertinent rules and

regulations, the Building Official shall, within fifteen days from

payment of the required fees by the applicant, issue the building

permit applied for.

The Building Official may issue a permit for the construction of only a

part or portion of a building or structure whenever the plans and

specifications submitted together with the application do not cover the

entire building or structure.

Approved plans and specifications shall not be changed, modified or

altered without the approval of the Building Official and the work

shall be done strictly in accordance thereto.

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 this Code.

Whenever the issuance of a permit is based on approved plans and

specifications which are subsequently found defective, the Building

Official is not precluded from requiring permittee to effect the

necessary corrections in said plans and specifications or from

preventing or ordering the stoppage of any or all building operations

being carried on thereunder which are in violation of this Code.

A building permit issued under the provisions of this Code shall expire

and become null and void if the building or work authorized therein is

not commenced within a period of one year from the date of such permit,

or if the building or work so authorized is suspended or abandoned at

any time after it has been commenced, for a period of 120 days.

Section 306. Non-Issuance, Suspension or Revocation

of Building Permits. —

The Building Official may order or cause the non-issuance, suspension

or revocation of building permits on any or all of the following

reasons or grounds:

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(a) Errors found in the plans and specifications;

(b) In correct or inaccurate data or information

supplied;

or of any rule or regulation.

Notice of non-issuance, suspension or revocation of building permits

shall always be made in writing, stating the reason or grounds therefor.

Section 307. Appeal. —

Within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of advice of the

non-issuance, suspension or revocation of permits, the

applicant/permittee may file an appeal with the Secretary who shall

render his decision within fifteen days from date of receipt of notice

of appeal. The decision of the Secretary shall be final subject only to

review by the Office of the President.

Section 308. Inspection and Supervision of Work. —

The owner of the Building who is issued or granted a building permit

under this Code shall engage the services of a duly licensed architect

or civil engineer to undertake the full time inspection and supervision

of the construction work.

Such architect or civil engineer may or may not be the same architect

or civil engineer who is responsible for the design of the building.

It is understood however that in either case, the designing architect

or civil engineer is not precluded from conducting inspection of the

construction work to check and determine compliance with the plans and

specifications of the building as submitted.

There shall be kept at the jobsite at all times a logbook wherein the

actual progress of construction including tests conducted, weather

conditions and other pertinent data are to be recorded.

Upon completion of the construction, the said licensed architect or

civil engineer shall submit the logbook, duly signed and sealed, to the

Building Official. He shall also prepare and submit a Certificate of

Completion of the project stating that the construction of building

conforms to the provisions of this Code as well as with the approved

plans and specifications.

Section 309. Certificate of Occupancy. —

No building or structure shall be used or occupied and no change in the

existing use or occupancy classification of a building or structure or

portion thereof shall be made until the Building Official has issued a

Certificate of Occupancy therefor as provided in this Code.

A certificate of Occupancy shall be issued by the Building Official

within thirty (30) days if after final inspection and submittal of a

Certificate of Completion referred to in the preceding section, it is

found that the building or structure complies with the provisions of

this Code.

The Certificate of Occupancy shall be posted or displayed in a

conspicuous place on the premises and shall not be removed except upon

order of the Building Official.

The non-issuance, suspension and revocation of Certificates of

Occupancy and the procedure for appeal therefrom shall be governed in

so far as applicable, by the provisions of Section 306 and 307 of this

Code.

CHAPTER IV

TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

Section 401. Types of Construction. —

For purposes of this Code, all buildings proposed for construction

shall be classified or identified according to the following

types:

(1) Type I — Type I buildings shall be a wood

construction. The structural elements may be any of the materials

permitted by this Code.

(2) Type II — Type II buildings 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.

(3) Type III — Type III buildings shall be of masonry

and wood construction. Structural elements may be any of the materials

permitted by this Code: Provided, that the building shall be one-hour

fire-resistive throughout. Exterior walls shall be of incombustible

fire-resistive construction.

(4) Type IV — Type IV buildings shall be of steel,

iron, concrete, or masonry construction. 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.

(5) Type V — Type V buildings shall be

fire-resistive. The structural elements shall be of steel, iron,

concrete, or masonry construction. Walls, ceilings, and permanent

partitions shall be of incombustible fire-resistive construction.

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 is approved by the Building Official upon showing that the new

or proposed construction is less hazardous, based on life and fire

risk, than the existing construction.

Section 403. Requirements on Type of Construction. —

Subject to the provisions of this Chapter, the Secretary shall

prescribe standards for each type of construction, and promulgate rules

and regulations therefor, relating to structural framework, exterior

walls and openings, interior walls and enclosures, floors, exists, and

stairs construction, and roofs.

CHAPTER V

REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE ZONES

Section 501. Fire Zones Defined. —

Fire zones are areas within which only certain types of buildings are

permitted to be constructed based on their use or occupancy, type of

construction, and resistance to fire.

Section 502. Buildings located in more than One Fire

Zone. —

A building or structure which is located partly in one fire zone and

partly in another shall be considered to be in the more highly

restrictive fire zone, when more than one-third of its total floor area

is located in such zone.

Section 503. Moved Building. —

Any building or structure moved within or into any fire zone shall be

made to comply with all the requirements for buildings in that fire

zone.

Section 504. Temporary Buildings. —

Temporary building such as reviewing stands and other miscellaneous

structures conforming to the requirements of this 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.

Section 505. Center Lines of Streets. —

For the purpose of this Chapter, the center line of an 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. —

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:

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(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;

provided that in any 12-month period, the value of the work does not

exceed twenty percent 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 Sub-section 604 (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 twenty percent of the

replacement cost of the building or structure.

Section 507. Designation of Fire Zones. —

The Secretary shall promulgate specific restriction for each type of

Fire Zone. Cities and municipalities shall be divided into such Fire

Zones in accordance with local, physical, and spatial framework plans

submitted by city or municipal planning and/or development bodies.

CHAPTER VI

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, three-hours,

four-hours, etc.

Section 603. Fire-Resistive Standards. —

All materials of construction, and assemblies or combinations thereof

shall be classified according to their fire-retardant or flame-spread

ratings as determined by general accepted testing methods and/or by the

Secretary.

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, fire-resistive walls and partitions, fire-resistive

floor or roof ceiling, fire-resistive assemblies for protection of

openings and fire-retardant roof coverings.

CHAPTER VII

CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENT OF ALL BUILDINGS BY USE OF

OCCUPANCY

Section 701. Occupancy Classified. —

(a) Buildings proposed for construction shall be

identified according to their use or the character of its occupancy and

shall be classified as follows:

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(1) Group A — Residential Dwellings

Group A Occupancies shall be dwellings.

(2) 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 ten persons.

(3) 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.

(4) Group D — Institutional

Group D Occupancies shall include:

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Division 1 — Mental hospitals, mental sanitaria, jails, prisons,

reformatories, and buildings where personal liberties of inmates are

similarly restrained.sa d

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.

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.

(5) Group E — Business and Mercantile

Group E Occupancies shall include:

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Division 1 — Gasoline filling and service stations, storage garages and

boot 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 —rcraft hangers and open parking garage with no repair work

is done except exchange of parts and maintenance requiring no open

flame, welding or the use of highly flammable liquids.

(6) 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 sale rooms for

incombustible and non-explosive materials.

(7) Group G — Storage and Hazardous

Group G Occupancies shall include:

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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 material is store.

Division 4 — Repair garages.

Division 5 —rcraft repair hangers.

(8) Group H — Assembly Other Than Group 1

Group H Occupancies shall include:

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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 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.

Division 4 — Stadia, reviewing stands, amusement park structures not

included within Group I or in Division 1, 2, and 3 of this Group.

(9) Group I — Assembly Occupant Load 1000 or More

Group I Occupancies shall be any assembly building

with an age and an occupant

load of 1000 or more in the building.

(10) Group J — Accessory

Group J Occupancies shall include:

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Division 1 — Private garage, carports, sheds and agriculture buildings.

Division 2 — Fences over 1.80 meters high, tanks, and towers.

(b) 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. Change 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 in a different group of occupancies, unless

such building is made to comply with the requirements of this 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 or purposes set

forth 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. —

(a) 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 pertaining to any of the type of occupancy found therein

except in the following:

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(1) When a one-storey building houses more than one

occupancy, each portion of the building shall conform to the

requirement of the particular occupancy housed therein and;

(2) Where minor accessory uses do not occupy more

than ten percent of the area of any floor or a building, nor more than

ten percent of the basic area permitted in the occupancy requirements,

in which case, the major use of the building determine the occupancy

classification.

(b) 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.

Occupancy separation shall be classified as "One-Hour Fire-Resistive",

"Two-Hour Fire Resistive", "Three-Hour Fire-Resistive" and "Four-Hour

Fire-Resistive:

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(1) A "One-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation"

shall be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction. All

openings in such separation shall be protected by a fire-assembly

having a one-hour fire-resistive rating.

(2) A "Two-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation"

shall be of not less than two-hour fire-resistive construction. All

openings in such separation shall be protected by a fire-assembly

having a two-hour fire-resistive rating.

(3) A "Three-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy

Separation" shall be of not less than three-hour fire-resistive

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 three-hour fire-resistive

occupancy separation wall in any one-storey shall not exceed 25 per

cent of the length of the wall in that storey and no single opening

shall have an area greater than 10.00 square 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.

(4) A "Four-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation"

shall have no openings therein and shall be of not less than four-hour

fire resistive construction.

(d) 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 member

supporting the separation shall be protected by an equivalent

fire-resistive construction.

Section 704. Location of Property. —

(a) General.

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.

For the purpose of this Section, the center line of an adjoining street

or alley shall be considered an adjacent property line.

Eaves over required windows shall not be less than 750 millimeters from

the side and rear property lines.

(b) 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

one-third the distance from an assumed vertical plane located where the

fire-resistive protection of openings is first required to the location

on property whichever is the least restrictive. Distance shall be

measured at right angles from the property line. When openings in

exterior walls are required to be protected due to distance from

property line, the sum of the areas of such openings in any storey

shall not exceed 50 percent of the total area of the wall in that

storey.

Containing Courts

For the purpose of determining the required wall and opening

protection, buildings on the same property and court walls shall be

assumed to have a property line between them. When a new building is to

be erected on the same property with an existing building, the assume

property line from the existing building shall be the distance to the

property line for each occupancy as set forth by the Secretary.

Provided, that two or more buildings on the same property may be

considered as one building if the aggregate area of such building is

within the limits of allowable floor areas for a single building, and

when the buildings so considered, house different occupancies or are of

different types of construction, the area shall be that allowed for the

most restrictive occupancy or construction.

Section 705. Allowable Floor Areas. —

The allowable floor areas for one-storey building and buildings over

one-storey shall not exceed the limits prescribed by the Secretary for

each occupancy groups and/or types of construction.

For purposes of this Section, each portion of a building separation by

one or more area separation walls may be considered a separate building

provided the area separation walls meet the requirements prescribed

therefor by the Secretary.

Section 706. Allowable Floor Area Increases. —

The floor areas hereinabove provided may be increased in certain

specific instances and under appropriate conditions, based on the

existence of public space, streets or yards extending along and

adjoining two or more sides of the building or structure subject to the

approval of the Building Official.

Section 707. Maximum Height of Buildings. —

The maximum height and number of storeys of every building shall be

dependent upon the character of occupancy and the type of construction

as determined by the Secretary considering population density, building

bulk, widths of streets and car parking requirements. The height shall

be measured from the highest adjoining sidewalk or ground surface:

Provided, that the height measured from the lowest adjoining surface

shall not exceed such maximum height by more than 3.00 meters: Except,

that towers, spires, and steeples, erected as part of a building and

not used for habitation or storage are limited as to height only by

structural design if completely of incombustible materials, or may

extend not to exceed 6.00 meters above the height limits for each

occupancy group if of combustible materials.

Section 708. Minimum Requirements for Group A

Dwellings. —

(a) Dwelling Location and Lot Occupancy.

The dwelling shall occupy not more than ninety percent of a corner lot

and eighty percent of an inside lot, and subject to the provisions on

Easement on Light and View of the Civil Code of the Philippines, shall

be at least 2 meters from the property line.

(b) Light and Ventilation.

Every dwelling shall be so constructed and arranged as to provide

adequate light and ventilation as provided under Section 805, of this

Code.

Every dwelling shall be provided with at least one sanitary toilet and

adequate washing and drainage facilities.

(d) Foundation.

Footing shall be of sufficient size and strength to support the load of

the dwelling and shall be at least 250 millimeters thick and 600

millimeters below the surface of the ground.

(e) Post.

The dimensions of wooden post shall be those found in Table 708-A

Dimensions of Wooden Posts (Annex B-1). Each post shall be anchored to

such footing by strap and bolts of adequate size.

(f) Floor.

The live load of the first floor shall be at least 200 kilograms per

square meter and for the second floor, at least 150 kilograms per

square meter.

(g) Roof

The wind load for roofs shall be at least 120 kilograms per square

meter for vertical projection.

(h) Stairs.

Stairs shall be at least 750 millimeters in clear width, with a rise of

200 millimeters and a minimum run of 200 millimeters.

(i) Entrance and Exit.

There shall be at least one entrance and another one for exit.

(j) Electrical Requirements.

All electrical installation shall conform to the requirements of the

Philippine Electrical Code.

(k) Mechanical Requirements.

Mechanical systems and/or equipment installation shall be subject to

the requirement of the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Code.

Section 709. Requirements for Other Group

Occupancies. —

Subject to the provisions of this Code, the Secretary shall promulgate

rules and regulations for each of the other Group Occupancies covering:

allowable construction, height, and area; location on property, exit

facilities, light, ventilation, and sanitation; enclosures of vertical

openings; fire extinguishing systems; and special hazards.

CHAPTER VIII

LIGHT AND VENTILATION

Section 801. General Requirements of Light and

Ventilation. —

(a) Subject to the provisions of the Civil Code of

the Philippines on Basement of Light and View and to the provisions of

this part of the Code, every building shall be designed, constructed,

and equipped to provide adequate light and ventilation.

(b) All buildings shall face a street or public alley

or a private street which has been duly approved.

to reduce the size of any room or the relative area of windows to less

than that provided for buildings under this Code, or to create an

additional room, unless such additional room conforms to the

requirements of this Code.

(d) No building shall be enlarged so that the

dimensions of the required court or yard would be less than that

prescribed for such building.

Section 802. Measurement of Site Occupancy. —

(a) The measurement of site occupancy or lot

occupancy shall be taken at the ground level and shall be exclusive of

courts, yards, and light wells.

(b) Courts, yards, and light wells shall be measured

clear of all projections from the walls enclosing such wells or yards

with the exception of roof leaders, wall copings, sills, or steel fire

escapes not exceeding 1.20 meters in width.

Section 803. Percentage of Site Occupancy. —

(a) Maximum site occupancy shall be governed by the

use, type of construction, and height of the building and the use,

area, nature, and location of the site; and subject to the provisions

of the local zoning requirements and in accordance with the rules and

regulations promulgated by the Secretary.

Section 804. Size and Dimensions of Courts. —

(a) Minimum size of courts and their least dimensions

shall be governed by the use, type of construction, and height of the

building as provided in the rules and regulations promulgated by the

Secretary, provided that the minimum horizontal dimension of court

shall be not less than 2.00 meters.

(b) All inner courts shall be connected to a street

or yard, either by a passageway with a minimum width of 1.20 meters or

by a door through a room or rooms.

Section 805. Ceiling Heights. —

(a) Habitable rooms provided with artificial

ventilation have ceiling heights not less than 2.40 meters measured

from the floor to the ceiling; Provided that for buildings of more than

one-storey, the minimum ceiling height of the first storey shall be

2.70 meters and that for the second storey 2.40 meters and succeeding

storeys shall have an unobstructed typical head-room clearance of not

less than 2.10 meters above the finished floor. Above stated rooms with

a natural ventilation shall have ceiling height not less than 2.70

meters.

(b) Mezzanine floors shall have a clear ceiling

height not less than 1.80 meters above and below it.

Section 806. Size and Dimensions of Rooms.—

(a) Minimum sizes of rooms and their least horizontal

dimensions shall be as follows:

:red

1. Rooms for Human Habitations — 6.00 square meters

with at least dimensions of 2.00

2. Kitchens — 3.00 square meters with at least

dimension of 1.50 meters;

3. Bath and toilet — 1.20 square meters with at least

dimension of 0.90 meters.

Section 807. Air Space Requirements in Determining

the Size of Rooms. —

(a) Minimumr space shall be provided as follows:

:red

1. School Rooms — 3.00 cubic meters with 1.00 square

meter of floor area per person;

2. Workshops, Factories, and Offices — 12.00 cubic

meters ofr space per person;

3. Habitable rooms — 14.00 cubic meters ofr space per

person.

Section 808. Window Openings. —

(a) Every room intended for any use, not provided

with artificial ventilation system as herein specified in this Code,

shall be provided with a window or windows with a total free area of

openings equal to at least ten percent of the floor area of room, and

such window shall open directly to a court, yard, public street or

alley, or open water courses.

Section 809. Vent Shafts. —

(a) Ventilation or vent shafts shall have a

horizontal cross-sectional area of not less than 0.10 square meter for

every meter of height of shaft but in no case shall the area be less

than 1.00 square meter. No vent shaft shall have its least dimension

less than 600 millimeters.

(b) Skylights — Unless open to the outerr at the top

for its full area, vent shaft shall be covered by a skylight having a

net free area or fixed louver openings equal to the maximum required

shaft area.

horizontal duct or intake at a point below the lowest window opening.

Such duct or intake shall have a minimum unobstructed cross-sectional

area of not less than 0.30 square meter with a minimum dimension of 300

millimeters. The openings to the duct or intake shall not be less than

300 millimeters above the bottom of the shaft and the street surface or

level of court at the respective ends of the duct or intake.

Section 810. Ventilation Skylights. —

(a) Skylights shall have glass area not less than

that required for the windows that are replaced. They shall be equipped

with movable sashes or louvers with an aggregate net free area not less

than that required for openable parts in the window that are replaced

or provided with approved artificial ventilation of equivalent

effectiveness.

Section 811. Artificial Ventilation. —

(a) Rooms or spaces housing industrial or heating

equipment shall be provided with artificial means of ventilation to

prevent excessive accumulation of hot and/or pollutedr;

(b) Whenever artificial ventilation is required, the

equipment shall be designed and constructed to meet the following

minimum requirements inr changes:

:red

1. For rooms entirely above grade and used for

office, clerical, or administrative purposes, or as stores, sales

rooms, restaurants, markets, factories, workshops, or machinery rooms,

not less than three changes ofr per hour shall be provided.

2. For rooms entirely above grade and used as

bakeries, hotel or restaurant kitchens, laundries other than accessory

to dwellings, and boiler rooms — not less than ten changes ofr per hour

shall be provided.

3. For auditorium and other rooms used for assembly

purposes, with seats or other accommodations — not less than 0.03 cubic

meter ofr per minute shall be supplied for each person.

4. For wards and dormitories of institutional

buildings — not less than 0.45 cubic meter ofr per minute shall be

supplied for each person accommodated.

5. For other rooms or spaces not specifically covered

under this Section of the Code, applicable provisions of the Philippine

Mechanical Engineering Code, shall be followed.

CHAPTER IX

SANITATION

Section 901. General. —

Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Civil Code of the

Philippines on Property, Ownership, and its Modification, all buildings

hereafter erected, altered, remodeled, relocated or repaired for human

habitation shall be provided with adequate and potable water supply,

plumbing installation, and suitable wastewater treatment or disposal

system, storm water drainage, pest and vermin control, noise abatement

device, and such other measures required for the protection and

promotion of health of persons occupying the premises and other living

nearby.

Section 902. Water Supply System. —

(a) Whenever available, the potable water

requirements for a building used for human habitation shall be supplied

from existing municipal or city waterworks system.

(b) The quality of drinking water from meteoric,

surface or underground sources shall conform to the criteria set in the

latest approved National Standards for Drinking Water.

deepwells for the abstraction of groundwater shall be subject to the

provisions of the Water Code of the Philippines.

(d) The design, construction and operation of

independent waterworks, systems of private housing subdivisions or

industrial estates shall be governed by existing laws relating to local

waterworks system.

(e) The water piping installations inside buildings

and premises shall conform to the provisions of the National Plumbing

Code of the Philippines.

Section 903. Wastewater Disposal System. —

(a) Sanitary sewage from buildings and neutralized or

pre-treated industrial wastewater shall be discharged directly into the

nearest street sanitary sewer main of existing municipal or city

sanitary sewerage system in accordance with the criteria set by the

Code on Sanitation and the National Pollution Control Commission.

(b) All buildings located in areas where there are no

available sanitary sewerage system shall dispose their sewage "Imhoff"

or septic tank and subsurface absorption filed.

inside buildings and premises shall conform to the provisions of the

National Plumbing Code.

Section 904. Storm Drainage System. —

(a) Rain water drainage shall not discharge to the

sanitary sewer system.

(b) Adequate provisions shall be made to drain low

areas in buildings and their premises.

Section 905. Pest and Vermin Control. —

(a) All buildings with hollow and/or wood

construction shall be provided with rat proofing.

(b) Garbage bins and receptacles shall be provided

with ready means for cleaning and with positive protection against

entry of pest and vermins.

ventilation shall be properly screened.

Section 906. Noise Pollution Control. —

Industrial establishments shall be provided with positive noise

abatement devices to tone down the noise level of equipment and

machineries to acceptable limits set down by the Department of Labor

and the National Pollution Control Commission.

Section 907. Pipe Materials. —

All pipe materials to be used in buildings shall conform to the

Standard Specifications of the Philippine Standard Council.

CHAPTER X

BUILDING PROJECTION OVER PUBLIC STREETS

Section 1001. General Requirements. —

(a) No part of any building or structure or any of

its appendages shall project beyond the property line of the building

site, except as provided in this Code.

(b) The projection of any structure or appendage over

a public property shall be the distance measured horizontally from the

property line to the outermost point of the projection.

Section 1002. Projection into Alleys or Streets. —

(a) No part of any structure or its appendage shall

project into any alley or street, national road or public highway

except as provided in this Code.

(b) Footings located at least 2.40 meters below grade

along national roads or public highway may project not more than 300

millimeters beyond the property line.

public sidewalk areas to a width not exceeding 500 millimeters;

provided, that the top of the said foundations is not less than 600

millimeters below the established grade; and provided further, that

said projections does not obstruct any existing utility such as power,

communication, gas, water, or sewer lines, unless the owner concerned

shall pay the corresponding entities for the rerouting of the parts of

the affected utilities.

Section 1003. Projection of Balconies and Appendages

Over Streets. —

(a) The extent of any projection over an alley or

street shall be uniform within a block and shall conform to the

limitations set forth in Table 1003-A; Projection of Balconies and

Appendages (Annex B-2);

(b) The clearance between the established grade of

the street and/or sidewalk and the lowest under surface of any part of

the balcony shall not be less than 3.00 meters.

Section 1004. Arcades. —

(a) Whenever required by existing building and zoning

regulations, arcades shall be constructed on sidewalks of streets. The

width of the arcade and its height shall be uniform throughout the

street provided, that in no case, shall an arcade be less than 3.00

meters above the established sidewalk grade.

Section 1005. Canopies (Marquees). —

(a) Definition. — A canopy or marquee is a permanent

roofed structure above a door attached to and supported by the building

and projecting over a wall or sidewalk. This includes any object or

decoration attached thereto.

(b) Projection and Clearance. — The horizontal

clearance between the outermost edge of the marquee and the carb line

shall be not less than 300 millimeters. The vertical clearance between

the pavement or ground line and the under surface of any part of the

marquee shall not be less than 3.00 meters.

incombustible material or materials of not less than two-hours

fire-resistive construction. It shall be provided with necessary

drainage facility.

(d) Location. — Every marquee shall be so located as

not to interfere with the operation of any exterior standpipe

connection or to obstruct the clear passage from stairway exits from

the building or the installation or maintenance of electroliers.

Section 1006. Movable Awnings or Hoods. —

(a) Definition. — An awning is a movable shelter

supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and of a type

which can be retracted, folded, or collapsed against the face of a

supporting building.

(b) Clearance. — The horizontal clearance between the

awning and the curb line shall not be less than 300 millimeters. The

vertical clearance between the undermost surface of the awning and the

pavement or ground line shall be not less than 2.40 meters. Collapsible

awnings shall be so designated that they shall not block a required

exit when collapsed or folded.

Section 1007. Doors, Windows, and the like. —

Doors, windows and the like less than 2.40 meters above the pavement or

ground line shall not, when fully opened or upon opening, project

beyond the property line except fire exit doors.

Section 1008. Corner Buildings with Chaflans. —

(a) Every corner building or solid fence on a public

street or alley less than 3.60 meter in width shall be truncated at the

corner. The face of the triangle so formed shall be at right angles to

the bisector of the angle of the intersection of the street lines;

provided, that in no case, the Secretary shall determine the size and

form of the chaflan.

(b) If the building is arcaded, no chaflan is

required notwithstanding the width of the public street or alley, less

than 12.00 meters.

CHAPTER XI

PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS DURING CONSTRUCTION OR DEMOLITION

Section 1101. General

Requirement. —

(a) No person shall use or occupy a street, alley or

public sidewalk for the performance of work covered by a building

permit except in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.

(b) No person shall perform any work on any building

or structure adjacent to a public way in general use for pedestrian

travel, unless the pedestrians are protected as specified in this

Chapter.

public property, including fence, canopies, and walkways, shall be

adequately lighted, between sunset and sunrise.

Section 1102. Storage in Public Property. —

Materials and equipment necessary for work to be done under a permit

when placed or stored on public property shall not obstruct free and

convenient approach to and used of any fire hydrant, fire or police

alarm box, utility box, catch basin, or manhole and shall not interfere

with any drainage of any street or alley gutter.

Section 1103. Mixing Mortar or Public Property. —

The mixing of mortar, concrete, or similar materials on public streets

shall not be allowed.

Section 1104. Protection of Utilities. —

All public or private utilities above or below the ground shall be

protected from any damage by any work being done under the permit. The

protection shall be maintained while such work is being done and shall

not obstruct the normal functioning of any such utility.

Section 1105. Walkway. —

(a) When the Building Official authorizes a sidewalk

to be fenced or closed, or in case there is no sidewalk in front of the

building site during construction or demolition, a temporary walkway of

not less than 1.20 meters wide shall be provided.

(b) The walkway shall be capable of supporting a

uniform live load of 650 kilograms per square meter. A durable wearing

surface shall be provided throughout the construction period.

Section 1106. Pedestrian Protection. —

(a) Protection Required. — Pedestrian traffic shall

be protected by a railing on the street side when the walkway extends

into the roadway, by a railing when adjacent to excavations, and by

such as set forth in Table 1106-A: Type of Projection Required for

Pedestrians (Annex B-2)

(b) Railings. — Adequate railings when required shall

be built substantially strong and should be at least 1.00 meter in

height.

material, not less than 2.40 meters in height above grade, and be

placed on the side of the walkway nearest to the building site. Fences

shall enclose entirely the building site. Openings in such fences shall

be provided with doors which shall be keep closed at all times.

(d) Canopies. — The protective canopy shall have a

clear height of 2.40 meters above the railway, and shall be

structurally safe. Every canopy shall have a solid fence built along

its entire length on the construction side. If materials are stored or

work is done on top of the canopy, the edge along the street shall be

protected by a tight curb board not less than 300 millimeters high and

an railing not less than 1.00 meter high shall be provided. The entire

structure shall be designed to carry the loads imposed upon it:

Provided, that the live load shall be not less than 600 kilograms per

square meter.

Section 1107. Maintenance and Removal of Protective

Devices. —

(a) Maintenance. — All protective devices shall be

properly maintained in place and kept in good order for the entire

length of time pedestrians may be endangered.

(b) Removal. — Every protective fence or canopy shall

be removed within 30 days after such protection is no longer required

as determined by the Building Official.

Section 1108. Demolition. —

(a) The work of demolishing any building shall not be

commended until all the necessary pedestrian protective structures are

in place.

(b) The Building Official may require the permittee

to submit plans, specifications and complete schedule of demolition.

When so required, no work shall be done until such plans,

specifications and schedule are approved by the Building Official.

CHAPTER XII

GENERAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

Section 1201. General Requirements. —

Buildings proposed for construction shall comply with all the

regulations and specifications herein set forth governing quality,

characteristics and properties of materials, methods of design and

construction, type of occupancy and classification.

All other matters relative to the structural design of all buildings

and other structures not provided for in this Chapter shall conform

with the provisions of the National Structural Code of Buildings, as

adopted and promulgated by the Board of Civil Engineering pursuant to

the Republic Act Number 544, as amended, other wise known as the "Civil

Engineering Law".

Section 1202 Excavation, Foundation and Retaining

Walls. —

(a) Subject to the provisions of Articles 684 to 686

of the Civil Code of the Philippines on lateral and subjacent support,

the design and quality of materials used structurally in excavation,

footings, and in foundations shall conform to accepted engineering

practice.

(b) Excavation and Fills

(1) Excavation or fills for buildings or structures

shall be so constructed or protected that they do not endanger life or

property.

(2) Whenever the depth of excavation for any

construction is such that the lateral and subjacent support of the

adjoining property or existing structure thereon would be affected in a

manner that the stability or safety of the same is endangered, the

person undertaking or causing the excavation to be undertaken shall be

responsible for the expense of underpinning or extending the foundation

or footings of the aforementioned property or structure.

(3) Excavation and other similar disturbances made on

public property shall, unless otherwise excluded by the Building

Official, be restored immediately to its former condition within 48

hours from the start of such excavation and disturbances by whosoever

caused such excavation or disturbance.

(1) Footings and foundations shall be of the

appropriate type, of adequate size, and capacity in order to safely

sustain the superimposed loads under seismic or any conditions of

external forces that may affect the safety or stability of the

structure. It shall be the responsibility of the architect and/or

engineer to adopt the type and design of the same in accordance with

the standards set forth by the Secretary.

(2) Whenever or wherever there exists in the site of

the construction an abrupt change in the ground levels or level of the

foundation such that instability of the soil could result, retaining

walls shall be provided and such shall be of adequate design and type

of construction as prescribed by the Secretary.

Section 1203. Veneer. —

(a) Definition. — Veneer is a non structural facing

of brick, concrete, tile, metal, plastic, glass, or other similar

approved materials attached to a backing or structural components of

the building for the purpose of ornamentation, protection, or enclosure

that may be adhered, integrated, or anchored either on the interior or

exterior of the building or structure.

(b) Design Requirements. — The design of all veneer

shall comply with the following:

:red

(1) Veneer shall support no load other than its own

weight and the vertical dead load of veneer immediately above.

(2) Surfaces to which veneer is attached shall be

designed to support the additional vertical and lateral loads imposed

by the veneer.

(3) Consideration shall be given to differential

movements of the supports including those caused by temperature

changes, shrinkage, creep, and deflection.

(4) Adhered veneer and its backing shall be designed

to have a bond to the supporting elements sufficient seismic effects on

the total assemblage.

(5) Anchored veneer and its attachment shall be

designed to resist horizontal forces equal to twice the weight of the

veneer.

(6) Anchors supports and ties shall be

non-combustible and corrosion-resistant.

Section 1204. Enclosure of Vertical Openings. —

(a) General. — Vertical openings shall be enclosed

depending upon the fire-resistive requirements of a particular type of

construction as set forth in this Code.

(b) Elevator Enclosures. — Walls and partitions

enclosing elevators and escalators shall be of not less than the

fire-resistive construction required under the Types of Construction.

Enclosing Walls of elevator shafts may consist of wire glass set in

metal frames on the entrance side only. Elevator shafts extending

through more than two storeys shall be equipped with an approved means

of adequate ventilation to and through the main roof of the building:

Provided, that in those buildings housing Groups F and G Occupancies

equipped with automatic fire-extinguishing systems throughout,

enclosures shall not be required for escalators: Provided, further that

the top of the escalator opening at each storey shall be provided with

a draft curtain. Such draft curtain shall enclose the perimeter of the

unenclosed opening and shall extend from the ceiling downward at least

300 millimeters on all sides. Automatic sprinkles shall be provided

around the perimeter of the opening and within a 600 millimeters of the

draft curtain. The distance between the sprinkles shall not exceed 1.80

meters center-to-center.

chutes, and other vertical openings not covered in paragraph (b) above

shall have enclosing walls conforming to the requirements specified

under the type of construction of the building in which they are

located. In other than Group A Occupancies rubbish and linen chutes

shall terminate in rooms separated from the remainder of the building

by a One-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation. Openings into the

chutes shall not be located in required exit corridors or stairways.

(d) Air Ducts. —r ducts passing through a floor shall

be enclosed in a shaft. The shaft shall be as required in this Code for

vertical openings. Dampers shall be installed where ducts pierce the

shaft enclosure walls.r ducts in Group A Occupancies need not be

enclosed in a shaft if conforming to the mechanical provisions of this

Code.

Section 1205. Floor Construction. —

(a) Floors shall be of such materials and

construction as specified under Chapter 5 —

(b) Fire Zones and Fire-Resistive Standards and under

Chapter 6 — Types of Construction.

(b) All floors shall be so framed and secure into the

framework and supporting walls as to form an integral part of the whole

building.

provide means to keep the beam and girders from lateral buckling.

Section 1206. Roof Construction and Covering. —

(a) Roof Covering. — Roof covering for all buildings

shall be either fire-retardant or ordinary depending upon the

fire-resistive requirements of the particular type of construction. The

use of combustible roof insulation shall be permitted in all types of

construction provided it is covered with approved roof covering applied

directly thereto.

(b) Roof Trusses. — All roofs shall be so framed and

tied into the framework and supporting walls so as to form an integral

part of the whole building. Roof trusses shall have all joints well

fitted and shall have all tension members well tightened before any

load is placed in the truss. Diagonal and sway bracing shall be used to

brace all roof trusses. The allowable working stresses of materials in

trusses shall conform to this Code. Camber shall be provided to prevent

sagging.

(1) Access. — An attic access opening shall be

provided in the ceiling of the top floor of buildings with a

combustible ceiling or roof construction. The opening shall be located

in a corridor or hallway of buildings of three or more storeys in

height, and readily accessible in buildings of any height. An opening

shall not be less than 600 millimeters square or 600 millimeters in

diameter. The minimum clear headroom of 800 millimeters shall be

provided above the access opening. For ladder requirements, refer to

the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Code.

(2) Area Separation. — Enclosed attic spaces of

combustible construction shall be divided into horizontal areas not

exceeding 250 square meters by fire-resistive partitions extending from

the ceiling to the roof. Except, that where the entire attic is

equipped with an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system, the

attic space may be divided into areas not to exceed 750 square meters.

Openings in the partitions shall be protected by self-closing doors.

(3) Draft Stops. — Regardless of the type of

construction, draft stops shall be installed in trusses roofs, between

roof and bottom chords or trusses, in all buildings exceeding 2000

square meters. Draft stops shall be constructed as for attic area

separations.

(4) Ventilation. — Enclosed attics including rafter

spaces formed where ceilings are applied direct to the underside or

roof rafters, shall be provided with adequate ventilation protected

against the entrance of rain.

(d) Roof Drainage System.

(1) Roof Drains. — Roof drains shall be installed at

low points of the roof and shall be adequate in size to discharge all

tributary waters.

(2) Overflow Drains and Scuppers. — Where roof drains

are required, adequate overflow drains shall be provided.

(3) Concealed Piping. — Roof drains and overflow

drains, when concealed within the construction of the building, shall

be installed in accordance with the provisions of the National Plumbing

Code.

(4) Over Public Property. — Roof drainage water from

a building shall not be permitted to flow over public property, except

for Group A and J Occupancies.

(e) Flashing. — Flashing and counter flashing shall

be provided at the juncture of the roof and vertical surfaces.

Section 1207. Stairs, Exits and Occupant Loads. —

(a) General. — The construction of stairs and exits

shall conform to the occupant load requirements of buildings, reviewing

stands, bleachers and grandstands:

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(1) Determinations of Occupant Loads. — The Occupant

load permitted in any building or portion thereof shall be determined

by dividing the floor area assigned to that use by the unit area

allowed per occupant as determined by the Secretary.

(2) Exit Requirements. — Exit requirements of a

building or portion thereof used for different purposes shall be

determined by the occupant load which gives the largest number of

persons. No obstruction shall be placed in the required width of an

exit except projections permitted by this Code.

(3) Posting of Room Capacity. — Any room having an

occupant load of more than 50 where fixed seats are not installed, and

which is used for classroom, assembly, or similar purpose shall have

the capacity of the room posted in a conspicuous place near the main

exit from the room.

(4) Changes in Elevation. — Except in Groups A

Occupancies, changes in floor elevations of less than 300 millimeters

along any exit serving a tributary occupant load of 10 or more shall be

by means of ramps.

(b) Exits

(1) Number of Exits. — Every building or usable

portion thereof shall have at least one exit. In all occupancies,

floors above the first storey having an occupant load of more than 10

shall not have less than two exits. Each mezzanine floor used for other

than storage purposes, if greater in area than 185 square meters or

more than 18.00 meters in any dimension, shall have at least than two

stairways to an adjacent floor. Every storey or portion thereof, having

an occupant load of 500 to 999 shall have at least three exits. Every

storey or portion thereof having an occupant load of 1000 or more shall

have at least four (4) exits. The number of exits required from any

storey of a building shall be determined by using the occupant loads of

floors which exit through by using the occupant loads of floors which

exit through the level under consideration as follows: 50 percent of

the occupant load in the first adjacent storey above (and the first

adjacent storey below, when a storey below exits through the level

under consideration) and 25 percent of the occupant load in the storey

immediately beyond the first adjacent storey. The maximum number of

exits required for any storey shall be maintained until egress is

provided from the structures. For purposes of this Section basement or

cellars and occupied roofs shall be provided with exits as required for

storeys. Floors above the second storey, basements and cellars used for

other than service of the building shall have not less than two exits.

(2) Width. — The total width of exits in meters shall

not be less than the total occupant load served divided by 165. Such

width of exits shall be divided approximately equally among the

separate exits. The total exit width required from any storey of a

building shall be determined by using the occupant load of that storey

plus the percentage of the occupant loads of floors which exits through

the level under consideration as follows: fifty (50) per cent of the

occupant load in the first adjacent storey above (and the first

adjacent storey below when a storey below exits through the level under

consideration) and twenty five per cent of the occupant load in the

storey immediately beyond the first adjacent storey. The maximum exit

width from any storey of a building shall be maintained.

(3) Arrangement of Exits. — If only two exits are

required they shall be placed a distance apart to not less than

one-fifth of the perimeter of the area served measured in a straight

line between exits. Where three or more exits are required they shall

be arranged a reasonable distance apart so that if one becomes blocked,

the others will be available.

(4) Distance to Exits. — No point in a building

without a sprinkle system shall be more than 45.00 meters from an

exterior exit door, a horizontal exit, exit passageway, or an enclosed

stairway, measured along the line of travel. In a building equipped

with a complete automatic fire extinguishing system the distance from

exits may be increased to 60.00 meters.

every exit door serving an area having an occupant load of more than 10

or serving hazardous rooms or areas.

(1) Swing. — Exit door shall swing in the direction

of exit travel when serving any hazardous areas or when serving an

occupant load of 50 or more. Double acting doors shall not be used as

exits serving a tributary occupant load of more than 100; nor shall

they be used as a part of fire assembly, nor equipped with public

hardware. A double acting door shall be provided with a view panel of

not less than 1,300 square centimeters.

(2) Type of Lock or Latch. — Exit door shall be

openable from the inside without the use of a key or any special

knowledge or effort: Except, that this requirement shall not apply to

exterior exit doors in a Group E or F Occupancy if there is a

conspicuous, readily visible and durable sign on or adjacent to the

door, stating that the door is to remain unlocked during business

hours. The locking device must be of a type that will readily be

distinguishable as locked. Flush bolts or surface bolts are prohibited.

(3) Width and Height. — Every required exit doorway

shall be of a size as to permit the installation of a door not less

than 900 millimeters in width and not less than 2.00 meters in height.

When installation in exit doorways, exit doors shall be capable of

openings at least 90 decrees and shall be so mounted that the clear

width of the exit way is not less than 700 millimeters. In computing

the required exit width the net dimension of the exitway shall be used.

(4) Door Leaf Width. — No leaf of an exit door shall

exceed 1.20 meters in width.

(5) Special Doors. — Revolving, sliding, and overhead

doors shall not be used as required exits.

(6) Egress from Door. — Every required exit door

shall give immediate access to an approved means of egress from the

building.

(7) Change in Floor Level at Doors. — Regardless of

the occupant load there shall be a floor or landing on each side of an

exit door. The floor or landing shall be leveled with, or not more than

50 millimeters lower than the threshold of the doorway: Except, that in

Group A and B occupancies, a door may open on the top step of a flight

of stairs or an exterior landing provided the door does not swing over

the top step or exterior landing and the landing is not more than 200

millimeters below the floor level.

(8) Door Identification. — Glass doors shall conform

to the requirements in Section 1005. Other exit doors shall be so

marked that they are already distinguishable from the adjacent

construction.

(9) Additional Doors. — When additional doors are

provided for egress purposes, they shall conform to all provisions in

the following cases: Approved revolving doors having leaves which will

collapse under opposing pressures may be used in exit situations:

Provided: That such doors have a minimum width of 2.00 meters or they

are not used in occupancies where exits are required to be equipped

with panic hardware or at least one conforming exit door is located

adjacent to each revolving doors installed in a building and the

revolving door shall not be considered to provide any exit width.

(d) Corridors and Exterior Exit Balconies. — The

provisions herein shall apply to every corridor and exterior exit

balcony serving as required exit for an occupant load of more than ten.

(1) Width. — Every corridor or exit balcony shall not

be less than 1.10 meters in width.

(2) Projections. — The required width of corridors

and exterior exit balconies shall be an obstructed: Except that trim

handrails, and doors when fully opened shall not reduce the required

width by more than 200 millimeters. Doors in any position shall not

reduce the required width of the corridor by more than one-half.

(3) Access to Exits. — When more than one exit is

required, they shall be arranged to allow going to either direction

from any point dead ends permitted by this Code.

(4) Dead Ends. — Corridors and exterior exit

balconies with dead ends are permitted when the dead end does not

exceed 6.00 meters in length.

(5) Construction. — Walls and ceilings of corridors

shall not be less than one-hour fire-resistive construction. Provided,

that this requirement shall not apply to exterior exit balconies,

railings, and corridors of one-storey building housing a Group E and F

Occupancy occupied by one tenant only and which serves an occupant load

of 30 or less, nor to corridors, formed by temporary partitions.

Exterior exit balconies cannot project into an area where protected

openings are required.

(6) Openings. — When corridor wall are required to be

one-hour fire-resistive construction, every interior door opening shall

be protected as set forth in generally recognized and accepted

requirements for dual purpose fire exit doors. Other interior openings

except ventilation louvers equipped with approved automatic fire

shutter shall be 7 millimeters thick fixed wire glass set in steel

frames. The total area of all openings other than doors, in any portion

of an interior corridor wall shall not exceed twenty-five percent of

the area of the corridor wall of the room being separated from the

corridor.

(e) Stairways. — Except stairs or ladders used only

to access, equipment, every stairway serving any building or portion

thereof shall conform to the following requirements:

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(1) Width. — Stairways serving an occupant load of

more than 50 shall not be less than 1.10 meters. Stairways serving an

occupant load of 50 or less may be 900 millimeters wide. Private

stairways serving an occupant load of less than 10 may be 750

millimeters. Trim and handrails shall not reduce the required width by

more than 100 millimeters.

(2) Rise and Run. — The rise of every step in a

stairway shall not exceed 200 millimeters and the run shall not less

than 250 millimeters. The maximum variations in the height of risers

and the width of treads in any one flight shall be 5 millimeters:

Except, in case of private stairways serving an occupant load of less

than 10, the rise may be 200 millimeters and the run may be 250

millimeters, except as provided in sub-paragraph (3) below.

(3) Winding Stairways. — In Group A Occupancy and in

private stairways in Group B Occupancies, winders may be used if the

required width of run is provided at a point not more than 300

millimeters from the side of the stairway where the treads are narrower

but in no case shall any width of run be less than 150 millimeters at

any point.

(4) Circular Stairways. — Circular stairs may be used

as an exit provided the minimum width of run is not less than 250

millimeters. All treads in any one flight between landings shall have

identical dimensions within a 5 millimeter tolerance.

(5) Landing. — Every landing shall have a dimension

measured in the direction of travel equal to the width of the stairway.

Such dimension need not exceed 1.20 meters when the stairs has a

straight run. Landings when provided shall not be reduced in width by

more than 100 millimeters by a door when fully open.

(6) Basement Stairways. — Where a basement stairway

and a stairway to an upper storey terminate in the same exit enclosure,

an approved barrier shall be provided to prevent persons from

continuing on to the basements. Directional exit signs shall be

provided as specified in this Code.

(7) Distance Between Landings. — There shall be not

more than 3.60 meters vertical distance between landings.

(8) Handrails. — Stairways shall have handrails on

each side and every stairway required to be more than 3.00 meters in

width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate handrail

for each 3.00 meters of required width. Intermediate handrail shall be

spaced approximately equal within the entire width of the stairway.

Handrails shall be placed not less than 800 millimeters nor more than

900 millimeters above the nosing of treads and ends of handrails shall

be returned or shall terminate in nowel posts or safety terminals:

Except, in the following cases: Stairways 1.10 meters or less in width

and stairway serving one individual dwelling unit in Group A or B

Occupancies may have one handrail, except that such stairway open on

one or both sides shall have handrails provided on the open side or

sides: or stairway having less than four risers need not have handrails.

(9) Exterior Stairway Protection. — All openings in

the exterior wall below or within 3.00 meters, measured horizontally of

an exterior exit stairway serving a building over two storeys in height

shall be protected by a self-closing fire assembly having a

three-fourths hour fire-resistive rating: Except, that opening may be

unprotected when two separated exterior stairways serve an exterior

exit balcony.

(10) Stairway Construction-Exterior. — Exterior

stairway shall be of incombustible material: Except, that on Type III

buildings which do not exceed two storeys in height, which are located

in less fire-restrictive Fire Zones, as well as on Type I buildings may

be of wood not less than 50 millimeters in nominal thickness. Exterior

stairs shall be protected as required for exterior walls due to

location on property as specified in this Code. Exterior stairways

shall not project into an area where openings are required to be

protected. Where there is enclosed usable space under stairs, the walls

and soffits of the enclosed space shall be protected on the enclosed

side as required for one-hour fire-resistive construction.

(11) Stairway to Roof— In every building four or

more storeys in height, one stairway shall extend to the roof unless

the roof has C slope greater than 1 in 3.

(12) Headroom. — Every required stairway shall have a

headroom clearance of not less than 2.00 meters. Such clearance shall

be established by measuring vertically from a plane parallel and

tangent to the stairway tread nosing to the soffit above all points.

(f) Ramps. — A ramp conforming to the provisions of

this Code may be used as an exit. The width of ramps shall be as

required for corridors.

(g) Horizontal Exit. — If conforming to the

provisions of this Code, a horizontal exit may be considered as the

required exit. All openings in a separation wall shall be protected by

a fire assembly having a fire-resistive rating not less than the

occupant load served by such exit. The capacity shall be determined by

allowing 0.30 square meter of net floor area per ambulatory occupant

and 1.90 square meters per non-ambulatory occupant. The dispersal area

into which the horizontal exit loads shall be provided with exits as

required by this Code.

(h) Exit Enclosures. — Every interior stairway,

ramp, or escalator shall be enclosed as specified in this Code: Except,

that in other than Group D Occupancies, as an enclosure will not be

required for stairway, ramp, or escalator serving only one adjacent

floor and not connected with corridors or stairways serving other

floors. Stairs in Group A Occupancies need not be enclosed.

(1) Enclosure walls shall not be less than two-hour

fire-resistive construction. There shall be no openings into exit

enclosures except exit doorways and openings in exterior walls. All

exit doors in an exit enclosure shall be appropriately protected.

(2) Stairway and ramp enclosures shall include

landings and parts of floors connecting stairway flights and shall

include a corridor on the ground floor leading from the stairway to the

exterior of the building. Enclosed corridors of passageways are not

required from unenclosed stairways.

(3) A stairway in an exit enclosure shall not

continue below the grade level exit unless an approved barrier is

provided at the ground floor level to prevent persons from accidentally

continuing into the basement.

(4) There shall be no enclosed usable space under

stairways in an exit enclosure, nor shall the open space under such

stairways be used for any purpose.

(i) Smokeproof Enclosures

A smokeproof enclosure shall consist of a vestibule and a continuous

stairway enclosed from the highest point to the lowest point by walls

of two-hour fire-resistive construction. In building five storeys or

more height, one of the required exits shall be a smokeproof enclosure.

(1) Stairs in smokeproof enclosures shall be of

incombustible construction.

(2) There shall be no openings in smokeproof

enclosures, except exit doorways and openings in exterior walls. There

shall be no openings directly into the interior of the building. Access

shall be through a vestibule with one wall at least fifty percent open

to the exterior and having an exit door from the interior of the

building and exit door leading to the smokeproof enclosure. In lieu of

a vestibule, access may be by way of an open exterior balcony of

incombustible materials.

(3) The opening from the building to the vestibule or

balcony shall be protected with a self-closing fire assembly having

one-hour fire-resistive rating. The opening from the vestibule or

balcony to the stair tower shall be protected by a self-closing fire

assembly having a one-hour fire-resistive rating.

(4) A smokeproof enclosure shall exit into a public

way or into an exit passageway leading to a public way. The exit

passageway shall be without other openings and shall have walls,

floors, and ceilings of two-hour fire-resistance.

(5) A stairway in a smokeproof enclosure shall not

continue below the grade level exit unless an approved barrier is

provided at a ground floor level to prevent persons from accidentally

walking into the basement.

(j) Exit Outlets, Courts, and Passageways

Every exit shall discharge into a public way, exit court, or exit

passageway. Every exit court shall discharge into a public way or an

exit passageway. Passageways shall be without openings other than

required exits and shall have walls, floors, and ceilings of the same

period of fire-resistance as the walls, floors and ceilings of the

building but shall not be less than one-hour fire-resistive

construction.

(1) Width

Every exit court and exit passageway shall be at least as wide as the

required total width of the tributary exits, such required width being

based on the occupant load served. The required width of exit courts or

exit passageway shall be unobstructed except as permitted in corridors.

At any point where the width of an exit court is reduced from any

cause, the reduction in width shall be affected gradually by a

guardrail at least 900 millimeters in height. The guardrail shall make

an angle of not more than 30 degrees with the axis of the exit court.

(2) Slope

The slope of exit courts shall not exceed 1 in 10. The slope of exit

passageway shall not exceed 1 in 8.

(3) Number of Exits

Every exit court shall be provided with exits as required in this Code.

(4) Openings

All openings into an exit court less than 3.00 meters wide shall be

protected by fire assemblies having not less than three-fourth hour

fire-resistive rating. Except, that openings more than 3.00 meters

above the floor of the exit court may be unprotected.

(k) Exit Signs and Illuminations

Exits shall be illuminated at any time the building is occupied with

light having an intensity of not less than 10.7 lux at floor level:

Except, that for Group A Occupancies, the exit illumination shall be

provided with separate circuits or separated sources of power (but not

necessarily separate from exit signs when these are required for exit

signs illumination).

(1) Aisles

Every portion of every building in which are installed seats, tables,

merchandise, equipment, or similar materials shall be provided withsles

leading to an exit.

(1) Width

Everysles shall be not less than 800 millimeters wide if serving only

one side, and not less than 1 meter wide if serving both sides. Such

minimum width shall be measured at the point farthest from an exit,

crosssle, or foyer and shall be increased by 30 millimeters for every

meters in length towards the exit, crosssle or foyer.

(2) Exit Distance

In areas occupied by seats and in Groups H and I Occupancies without

seats, the line travel to an exit door by ansle shall be not more than

45.00 meters. With standard spacing, as specified in this Code,sles

shall be so located that there will be not more than seven seats

between the wall and ansle and not more than fourteen seats

betweensles. The number of seats betweensle may be increased to 30

where exit doors are provided along each sidesle of the row of seats at

the rate of one pair of exit doors for every five rows of seats,

provided further that the distance between seats back to back is at

least one meter. Such exit doors shall provide a minimum clear width of

1.70 meters.

(3) Crosssles

Aisles shall terminate in a crosssle, foyer, or exit. The width of the

crosssle shall be not less than the sum of the required width of the

widestsle plus fifty percent of the total required width of the

remainingsle leading thereto. In Groups C, H and E Occupancies,sle

shall not be provided a dead end greater than 6.00 meters in length.

(4) Vomitories

Vomitories connecting the foyer or main exit with the crosssles shall

have a total width not less than the sum of the required width of the

widestsles leading thereto plus fifty percent of the total required

width of the remainingsles leading thereto.

(5) Slope

The slope portion ofsle shall not exceed a fall 1 in 8.

(m) Seats

(1) Seat Spacing

With standard seating, the spacing of rows of seats from back-to-back

shall not less than 840 millimeters. With continental seating, the

spacing of rows of unoccupied seat shall provide a clear width measured

horizontally, as follows: 450 millimeters clear for rows of 18 seats or

less; 500 millimeters clear for rows of 35 seats or less; 525

millimeters clear for rows of 45 seats or less; and 550 millimeters

clear for rows of 46 seats or more.

(2) Width

The width if any seat be not less than 450 millimeters.

(n) Reviewing Stands, Grandstands, and Bleachers.

(1) Height of Stands

Stands made of combustible framing shall be limited to 11 rows or 2.70

meters in height.

(2) Design Requirements

The minimum unit live load for reviewing stands, grandstands, and

bleachers shall be 500 kilograms per square meter of horizontal

projection for the structure as a whole. Seat and footboards shall be

180 kilograms per linear meter. The sway force, applied to seats, shall

be 35 kilograms per linear meter parallel to the seats and 15 kilograms

per linear meter perpendicular to the seats. Sway forces need not to be

applied simultaneously with other lateral forces.

(3) Spacing Seats

(3.1) Row spacing

The minimum spacing of rows of seats measured from back-to-back shall

be: 600 millimeters for seats without backrests in openr stands; 750

millimeters for seats with backrests, and 850 millimeters for chair

seating.

There shall be a space of not less than 300 millimeters between the

back of each seat and the front of the seat immediately behind it.

(3.2) Rise Between Rows

The maximum rise from one row of seats to the next shall not exceed 400

millimeters.

(3.3) Seating Capacity

For determining the seating capacity of a stand the width of any seat

shall not be less than 450 millimeters nor more than 480

millimeters.

(3.4) Number of Seats Betweensles

The number of seats between any seat and ansle shall not be greater

than 15 for openr stands with seats without backrests in buildings.

(4) Aisles

(4.1) Aisles Required

Aisles shall be provided in all stands: except, thatsles may be omitted

when all the following conditions exists; Seats are without backrests;

the rise from row to row does not exceed 300 millimeters per row; the

number of rows does not exceed 11 in height; the top seating board is

not over 3.00 meters above grade; and the first seating board is not

more than 500 millimeters above grade.

(4.2) Obstructions

No obstruction shall be placed in the required width of anysle or

exitway.

(4.3) Stairs Required

When ansle is elevated more than 200 millimeters above grade, thesle

shall be provided with a stairway or ramp whose width is not less than

the width of thesle.

(4.4) Dead End

No verticalsle shall have a dead end more than 16 rows in depth

regardless of the number of exits required.

(4.5) Width

Aisles shall have a minimum width of 1.10 meters.

(5) Stairs and Ramps

The requirements in this Code shall apply to all stairs and ramps

except for portions that pass through the seating area.

(5.1) Stair Rise and Run

The maximum rise of treads shall not exceed 200 millimeters and the

minimum width of the run shall be 280 millimeters. The maximum

variation in the width of treads in any one flight shall not be more

than 5 millimeters and the maximum variation in one height of two

adjacent rises shall not exceed 5 millimeters.

(5.2) Ramp Slope

The slope of a ramp shall not exceed 1 in 8. Ramps shall be roughened

or shall be of approved nonslip material.

(5.3) Handrails

A ramp with a slope exceeding 1 in 10 shall have handrails. Stairs for

stands shall have handrails. Handrails shall conform to the

requirements of this Code.

(6) Guardrails

(6.1) Guardrails shall be required in all locations

where the top of a seat plank is more than 1.20 meters above the grade

and at the front of stands elevated more than 600 millimeters above

grade. Where only sections of stands are used, guardrails shall be

provided as required in this Code.

(6.2) Railings shall be 1.10 meters above the rear of

a seat plank or 1.10 meters above the rear of the steps in thesle when

the guardrail is parallel and adjacent to thesle: Except, that the

height may be reduced to 900 millimeters for guardrails located in

front of the grandstand.

(6.3) A midrail shall be placed adjacent to any seat

to limit the open distance above the top of any part of a seat to 250

millimeters where the seat is at the extreme end or at the extreme rear

of the bleachers or grandstand. The intervening space shall have one

additional rail midway in the opening: Except, that railings may be

omitted when stands are placed directly against a wall or fence giving

equivalent protection; stairs and ramps shall be provided with

guardrails. Handrails at the front of stands and adjacent to ansle

shall be designed to resist a load of 75 kilograms per linear meter

applied at the top rail. Other handrails shall be designed to resist a

load of 40 kilograms per linear meter.

(7) Foot Boards

Footboards shall be provided for all rows of seats above the third row

or beginning at such point where the seating plank is more than 600

millimeters above grade.

(8) Exits

(8.1) Distance to Exit

The line of travel to an exit shall not be more than 45.00 meters. For

stands with seats without backseats this distance may be measured by

direct line from a seat to the exit from the stand.

(8.2) Aisle Used as Exit

Ansle may be considered as only one exit unless it is continuous at

both ends to a legal building exit or to a safe dispersal area.

(8.3) Two Exits Required

A stand with the first seating board not more than 500 millimeters

above grade of floor may be considered to have two exits when the

bottom of the stand is open at both ends. Every stand or section of a

stand within a building shall have at least two means of egress when

the stand accommodates more than 50 persons. Every openr stand having

seats without backrest shall have at least two means of egress when the

stand accommodates more than 300 persons.

(8.4) Three Exits Required

Three exits shall be required for stands within a building when there

are more than 300 occupants within a stand and for openr stands with

seats without backrests where a stand or section of a stand

accommodates more than 1000 occupants.

(8.5) Four Exits Required

Four exits shall be required when a stand or section of a stand

accommodates more than 1000 occupants: Except, that for an openr stand

with seats without backrests four exits need not be provided unless

there are accommodations for more than 3000 occupants.

(8.6) Width

The total width of exits in meters shall not be less than the total

occupant load served divided by 165: Except, that for openr stands with

seats without backrests the total width of exits in meter shall not be

less than the total occupant load served divided by 500 when existing

by stairs, and divided by 650 when existing by ramps or horizontally.

When both horizontal and stair exits are used, the total width of exits

shall be determined by using both figures as applicable. No exit shall

be less than 1.10 meters in width. Exits shall be located at a

reasonable distance apart. When only two exits are provided, they shall

be spaced not less than one-fifth of the perimeter apart.

(9) Securing of Chairs

Chairs and benches used on raised stands shall be secured to the

platforms upon which they are placed: Except, that when less than 25

chairs are used upon single raised platform the fastening of seat to

the platform may be omitted. When more than 500 loose chairs are used

in connection with athletic events, chairs shall be fastened together

in groups of not less than three, and shall be tied or staked to the

ground.

(10) Safe Dispersal Area

Each safe dispersal area shall have at least two exits. If more than

6000 persons are to be accommodated within such an area, there shall be

a minimum of three exits, and for more than 9000 persons there shall be

a minimum of four exits. The aggregate clear width of exits from a safe

dispersal area shall be determined on the bases of not less than one

exit unit of 600 millimeters for each 500 persons to be accommodated

and not exit shall be less than 1.10 meters in width, a reasonable

distance apart that shall be spaced not less than one-fifth of the

perimeter of the area apart from each other.

(o) Special Hazards

(1) Boiler Rooms

Except in Group A Occupancies, every boiler room and every room

containing an incinerator or liquified petroleum gas or liquid

fuel-fired equipment shall be provided with at least two means of

egress, one of which may be a ladder. All interior openings shall be

protected as provided for in this Code.

(2) Cellulose Nitrate Handling

Film laboratories, projection rooms, and nitro-cellulose processing

rooms shall have not less than two exits.

Section 1208. Skylights. —

(a) All skylights shall be constructed with metal

frames except those for Groups A and J Occupancies. Frames of skylights

shall be designed to carry loads required for roofs. All skylights, the

glass of which is set at an angle of less than 45 degrees from the

horizontal, if located above the first storey, shall be set at least

100 millimeters above the roof. Curbs on which the skylights rest shall

be constructed of incombustible materials except for Types 1 or 11

Construction.

(b) Spacing between supports in one direction for

flat wired glass in skylights shall not exceed 625 millimeters.

Corrugated wired glass may have supports 1.50 meters apart in the

direction of the corrugation. All glass in skylights shall be wired

glass: Except, that skylights over vertical shafts extending through

two or more storeys shall be glazed with plain glass as specified in

this Code: Provided, that wire glass may be used in ventilation equal

to not less than one-eight the cross-sectional area of the shaft but

never less than 1.20 meters is provided at the top of such shaft. Any

glass not wire glass shall be protected above and below with a screen

constructed of wire not smaller than 2.5 millimeters in diameter with a

mesh not larger than 25 millimeters. The screen shall be substantially

supported below the glass.

may be constructed of metal frames and plate glass without wire netting.

(d) Ordinary glass may be used in the roof and

skylights for greenhouses, Provided, that height of the greenhouses at

the ridge does not exceed 6.00 meters above the grade. The use of wood

in the frames of skylights will be permitted in greenhouses outside of

highly restrictive Fire Zones if the height of the skylight does not

exceed 6.00 meters above the grade, but in other cases metal frames and

metal sash bars shall be used.

(e) Glass used for the transmission of light, if

placed in floors or sidewalks, shall be supported by metal or

reinforced concrete frames, and such glass shall not be less than 12.5

millimeters in thickness. Any such glass over 100 square centimeters in

area shall have wire mesh embedded in the same or shall be provided

with a wire screen underneath as specified for skylights in this Code.

All portions of the floor lights or sidewalk lights shall be of the

same strength as required for floor is surrounded by a railing not less

than 1.10 meters in height, in which case the construction shall be

calculated for not less than roof loads.

Section 1209. Bays, Porches, and Balconies. —

(a) Walls and floors in bay and oriel windows shall

conform to the construction allowed for exterior walls and floors of

the type of construction of the building to which they are attached.

The roof covering of a bay or oriel window shall conform to the

requirements of the roofing of the main roof. Exterior balconies

attached to or supported by wall required to be of masonry, shall have

brackets or beams constructed of incombustible materials. Railings

shall be provided for balconies, landings, or porches which are more

than 750 millimeters above grade.

Section 1210. Penthouses and Roof Structures. —

(a) Height

No penthouse or other projection above the roof in structures of other

than Type V construction shall exceed 8.40 meters above the roof when

used as an enclosure for tanks or for elevators which run to the roof

and in all other cases shall not extend more than 3.60 meters in height

with the roof.

(b) Area

The aggregate area of all penthouses and other roof structures shall

not exceed one third of the area of the supporting roof.

No penthouse, bulkhead, or any other similar projection above the roof

shall be used for purposes other than shelter of mechanical equipment

or shelter of vertical shaft openings in the roof. A penthouse or

bulkhead used for purposes other than that allowed by this Section

shall conform to the requirements of this Code for an additional storey.

(d) Construction

Roof structures shall be constructed with walls, floors, and roof as

required for the main portion of the building except in the following

cases:

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(1) On Types III and IV constructions, the exterior

walls and roofs of penthouses which are 1.50 meters or more from an

adjacent property line may be of one-hour fire-resistive incombustible

construction.

(2) Walls not less than 1.50 meters from an exterior

wall of a type iv construction may be of one-hour fire-resistive

incombustible construction.

The above restriction shall not prohibit the placing of wood flagpoles

or similar structures on the roof of any building.

(e) Towers and Spires

Towers and spires when enclosed shall have exterior walls as required

for the building to which they attached. Towers not enclosed and which

extend more than 20.00 meters above the grade shall have their

framework constructed of iron, steel, or reinforced concrete. No tower

or spire shall occupy more than one-fourth of the street frontage of

any building to which it is attached and in no case shall the base area

exceed 150 square meters unless it conforms entirely to the type of

construction requirements of the building to which it is attached and

is limited in height as main part of the building. If the area of the

tower and spire exceeds 10.00 square meters any horizontal cross

section, its supporting frames shall extend directly to the ground. The

roof covering of the spires shall be as required for the main room of

the rest of the structure. Skeleton towers used as radio masts, neon

signs, or advertisement frames and placed on the roof of any building

shall be constructed entirely of incombustible materials when more than

7.50 meters in height, and shall be directly supported on an

incombustible framework to the ground. No such skeleton towers shall be

supported on roofs of combustible framings. They shall be designed to

withstand a wind load from any direction in addition to any other loads.

Section 1211. Chimneys, Fireplaces, and Barbecues. —

(a) Chimneys

(1) Structural Design

Chimneys shall be designed, anchored, supported, reinforced,

constructed, and installed in accordance with generally accepted

principles of engineering. Every chimney shall be capable of producing

a draft at the appliance not less than that required for the safe

operation of the appliance connected thereto. No Chimney shall support

any structural load other than its own weight unless it is designed to

act as a supporting member. Chimneys in a wood-framed building shall be

anchored laterally at the ceiling line and at each floor line which is

more than 1.80 meters above grade, except when entirely within the

framework or when designed to be free standing.

(2) Walls

Every masonry chimney shall have walls of masonry units, bricks,

stones, listed masonry chimney units, reinforced concrete or equivalent

solid thickness of hollow masonry and lined with suitable liners in

accordance with the following requirements:

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(2.1) Masonry Chimneys for Residential Type Appliances

Masonry chimneys shall be constructed of masonry units or reinforced

concrete with walls not less than 100 millimeters thick; or of rubble

stone masonry not less than 300 millimeters thick. The chimney liner

shall be in accordance with this Code.

(2.2) Masonry Chimneys for Low Heat Appliances

Masonry chimneys shall be constructed of masonry units or reinforced

concrete with walls not less than 200 millimeters thick: Except, that

rubble stone masonry shall be not less than 300 millimeters thick. The

chimney liner shall be in accordance with this Code.

(2.3) Masonry Chimneys for Medium-Heat Appliances

Masonry chimneys for medium-heat appliances shall be constructed of

solid masonry units of reinforced concrete not less than 200

millimeters thick, Except, that stone masonry shall be not less than

300 millimeters thick and, in addition shall be lined with not less

than 100 millimeters of firebrick laid in a solid bed of fire clay

mortar with solidly filled head, bed, and wall joints, starting not

less than 600 millimeters below the chimney connector entrance.

Chimneys extending 7.50 meters or less above the chimney connector

shall be lined to the top.

(2.4) Masonry Chimneys for High-Heat Appliances

Masonry chimneys for high-heat appliances shall be constructed with

double walls of solid masonry units or reinforced concrete not less

than 200 millimeters in thickness, with anr space of not less than 50

millimeters between walls. The inside of the interior walls shall be of

fire-brick not less than 100 millimeters in thickness laid in a solid

bed of fire clay mortar with solidly filled head, bed, and wall joints.

(2.5) Masonry Chimneys for Incinerators Installed in

Multi-Storey Buildings (Apartment-Type Incinerators)

Chimneys for incinerators installed in multi-storey building using the

chimney passageway as a refuse chute where the horizontal grate area of

combustion chamber does not exceed 0.80 square meter shall have walls

of solid masonry or reinforced concrete, not less than 100 millimeters

thick with a chimney lining as specified in this Code. If the grate

area of such an incinerator exceeds 0.80 square meter, the walls shall

not be less than 100 millimeters of firebrick except that higher than

9.00 meters above the roof of the combustion chamber, common brick

alone 200 millimeters in thickness, may be used.

(2.6) Masonry Chimneys for Commercial and Industrial

Type Incinerators

Masonry chimneys for commercial and industrial type incinerators of a

size designed for not more than 110 kilograms of refuse per hour and

having a horizontal grate area not exceeding 0.50 square meter shall

have walls of solid masonry or reinforced concrete not less than 100

millimeters thick with lining of not less than 100 millimeters of

firebrick, which lining shall extend for not less than 12.00 meters

above the roof of the combustion chamber. If the design capacity of

grate area of such an incinerator exceeds 110 kilograms per hour and

0.80 square meter respectively, walls shall not be less than 200

millimeters thick, lined with not less than 100 millimeters of

firebrick extending the full height of the chimney.

(3) Linings

Fire clay chimney lining shall not be less than 15 millimeters thick.

The lining shall extend from 200 millimeters below the lowest inlet,

or, in the case of fireplace, from the throat of the fireplace to a

point above enclosing masonry walls. Fire clay chimney linings shall be

installed ahead of the construction of the chimney as it is carried up,

carefully bedded one on the other in fire clay mortar, with

close-fitting joints left smooth on the inside. Firebrick not less than

500 millimeters thick may be used in place of fire clay chimney.

(4) Area

No chimney passageway shall be smaller in area than the vent connection

of the appliance attached thereto.

(5) Height

Every masonry chimney shall extend at least 600 millimeters above the

part of the roof through which it passes and at least 600 millimeters

above the highest elevation of any part of a building within 3.00

meters to the chimney.

(6) Corbeling

No masonry chimney shall be corbeled from a wall more than 150

millimeters nor shall a masonry chimney be corbeled from a wall which

is less than 300 millimeters in thickness unless it projects equally on

each side of the wall. In the second storey of a two-storey building of

Group A Occupancy, corbeling of masonry chimneys on the exterior of the

enclosing walls may equal the wall thickness. In every case the

corbeling shall not exceed 25 millimeters protection for wach course of

brick.

(7) Change in Size or Shape

No change in the size or shape of a masonry chimney shall be made

within a distance of 150 millimeters above or below the roof joints or

rafters where the chimney passes through the roof.

(8) Separation

When more than one passageway is contained in the same chimney, masonry

separation at least 100 millimeters thick bonded into the masonry wall

of the chimney shall be provided to separate passageways.

(9) Inlets

Every inlet to any masonry chimney shall enter the side thereof and

shall be of not less than 3 millimeters thick metal or 16 millimeters

refractory material.

(10) Clearance

Combustible materials shall not be placed within 50 millimeters of

smoke chamber or masonry chimney walls when built within a structure,

or within 25 millimeters when the chimney is built entirely outside the

structure.

(11) Termination

All incinerator chimneys shall terminate in a substantially constructed

spark arrester having a mesh not exceeding 20 millimeters.

(12) Cleanouts

Cleanout openings shall be provided at the base of every masonry

chimney.

(b) Fireplaces and Barbecues

Fireplaces, barbecues, smoke chambers and fireplace Chimneys shall be

of solid masonry or reinforced concrete and shall conform to the

minimum requirements specified in this Code.

(1) Fireplace Walls

Walls of fireplaces shall not be less than 200 millimeters in

thickness. Walls of fireboxes shall not be less than 250 millimeters in

thickness: Except, that where a lining of firebrick is used, such walls

shall not be less than 200 millimeters in thickness. The firebox shall

not be less than 200 millimeters in thickness. The firebox shall not be

less than 500 millimeters in depth. The maximum thickness of joints in

firebrick shall be 10 millimeters.

(2) Hoods

Metal hoods used as part of a fireplace or barbecue shall not be less

than No. 18 gauge copper, galvanized iron, or other equivalent

corrosion-resistant ferrous metal with all swams and connections of

smokeproof unsoldered construction. The goods shall be sloped at an

angle of 45 degrees or less from the vertical and shall extend

horizontally at least 150 millimeters beyond the limits of the firebox.

Metal hoods shall be kept a minimum from combustible materials.

(3) Circulators

Approved metal heat circulators may be installed in fireplaces.

(4) Smoke Chamber

Front and side walls shall not be less than 200 millimeters in

thickness. Smoke chamber back walls shall not be less than 150

millimeters in thickness.

(5) Fireplace Chimneys

Walls of chimneys without flue lining shall not be less than 200

millimeters in thickness. Walls of chimneys with flue lining shall not

be less than 100 millimeters in thickness and shall be constructed in

accordance with the requirements of this Code.

(6) Clearance of Combustible Materials

Combustible materials shall not be placed within 50 millimeters of

fireplace, smoke chamber, or chimney walls when built entirely within a

structure, or within 25 millimeters when the chimney is built entirely

outside the structure. Combustible materials shall not be placed within

150 millimeters of the fireplace opening. No such combustible material

within 300 millimeters of the fireplace opening shall project more than

3 millimeters for each 25 millimeters clearance from such opening. No

part of metal hoods used as part of a fireplace, barbecue or heating

stoves shall be less than 400 millimeters from combustible material.

This clearance may be reduced to the minimum requirements set forth in

this Code.

(7) Area of Flues, Throats, and Dampers

The net cross-sectional area of the flue and of the throat between the

firebox and the smoke chamber of a fireplace shall not be less than the

requirements to be set forth by the Board. Where dampers are used, they

shall be of not less than No. 12 gauge metal. When fully opened, damper

opening shall be not less than ninety percent of the required flue

area. When fully open, damper blades shall not extend beyond the line

of the inner face of the flue.

(8) Linte — Masonry over the fireplace opening shall

be supported by a non-combustible lintel.

(9) Hearth — Every fireplace shall be provided with a

brick, concrete, stone, or other approved non-combustible hearth slab

at least 300 millimeters wider on each side than the fireplace opening

and projecting at least 450 millimeters therefrom. This slab shall not

be less than 100 millimeters thick and shall be supported by a

non-combustible material or reinforced to carry its own weight and all

imposed loads.

Section 1212. Fire-Extinguishing Systems. —

(a) Fire-Extinguishing Systems — When required,

standard automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed in the

following places, and in the manner provided in this Code.

(1) In every storey, basement or cellar with an area

of 200 square meters or more which is used for habitation, recreation,

dining, study, or work, and which has an occupant load of more than 20.

(2) In all dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, workshops

or factories, and other rooms with an occupant load of more than 10 or

assembly halls under Group H and I occupancies with occupant load of

more than 500, and if the next doors of said rooms are more than 30.00

meters from the nearest safe fire dispersal area of the building or

opening to an exit court or street.

(3) In all rooms used for storage or handling of

photographic x-ray nitrocellulose films and other inflammable articles.

(b) Dry Standpipes — Every building four or more

storeys in height shall be equipped with one or more dry standpipes.

(1) Construction and Tests — Dry standpipes shall be

of wrought iron or galvanized steel and together with fittings and

connections shall be of sufficient strength to withstand 20 kilograms

per square centimeter of water pressure when ready for service, without

leaking at the joints, valves, or fittings. Tests shall be conducted by

the owner of the building contractor in the presence of a

representative of the Building Official whenever deemed necessary for

the purpose of certification of its proper function.

(2) Size — Dry standpipes shall be of such size as to

be capable of delivering 900 liters of water per minute from each of

any three outlets simultaneously under the pressure created by one fire

engine or pumper based on the standard equipment available.

(3) Number Required — Every building four or more

storeys in height where the area of any floor above the third floor is

950 square meters or less, shall be equipped with at least one dry

standpipes and an additional standpipe shall be installed for each

additional 950 square meters or fraction thereof.

(4) Location — Standpipes shall be located within

enclosed stairway landings or near such stairways as possible or

immediately inside of an exterior wall and within 300 millimeters of an

opening in a stairway enclosure of the balcony or vestibule of a

smokeproof tower or an outside exit stairway.

(5) Siamese Connections — Subject to the provisions

of subparagraph (2) all 100 millimeters dry standpipes shall be

equipped with a two-way Siamese fire department connection. All 125

millimeter dry standpipes shall be equipped with a three-way Siamese

fire department connection and 150 millimeters dry standpipes shall be

equipped with a four-way Siamese fire department connections. All

Siamese inlet connections shall be located on a street-front of the

building and not less than 300 millimeters nor more than 1.20 meters

above the grade and shall be equipped with a clapper-checks and

substantial plugs. All Siamese inlet connections shall be recessed in

the wall or otherwise substantially protected.

(6) Outlets — All dry standpipes shall extend from

the ground floor to and over the roof and shall be equipped with a 63

millimeters outlet nor more than 1.20 meters above the floor level at

each storey. All dry standpipes shall be equipped with a two-way 63

millimeters outlet above the roof. All outlets shall be equipped with

gate valves.

(7) Signs — An iron or bronze sign with raised

letters at least 25 millimeters high shall be rigidly attached to the

building adjacent to all Siamese connections and such signs shall read

; CONNECTION TO DRY STANDPIPE".

any height, and every Group C Occupancy of two more storeys in height

and every Group D, D, E, F, and G Occupancy of three or more storeys in

height and every Group G and E Occupancy over 1800 square meters in

area shall be equipped with one or more interior wet standpipes

extending from the cellar or basement into the topmost storey:

Provided, that Group H buildings having no stage and having a seating

capacity of less than 500 need to be equipped with interior wet

standpipes.

(1) Construction — Interior wet standpipes shall be

constructed of the same materials as those required for dry standpipes.

(2) Size

(2.1) Interior wet standpipes shall have an internal

diameter sufficient to deliver 190 liters of water per minute under 2.0

kilograms per square centimeter pressure at the hose connections.

Buildings of Group Hand I Occupancy shall have wet standpipes systems

capable of delivering the required quantity and pressure from any two

outlets simultaneously; for all other occupancies only one outlet need

be figured to be opened at one time. In no case shall the internal

diameter of a wet standpipe be less than 50 millimeters, except when

the standpipe is attached to an automatic fire-extinguishing system.

(2.2) Any approved formula which determined pipe

sizes on a pressure drop basis may be used to determine pipe size for

wet standpipe systems. The Building Official may require discharge

capacity and pressure tests on completed wet standpipe systems.

(3) Number required — The number of wet standpipe

when required in this Code shall be so determined that all portions of

the building are within 6.00 meters of a nozzle attached to a hose

23.00 meters in length.

(4) Location — In Group H and I Occupancies, outlets

shall be located as follows: one on each side of the stage, one at the

rear of the auditorium and one at the rear of the balcony. Where

occupant loads are less than 500 the above requirements may be waived:

Provided, that portable fire-extinguishers of appropriate capacity and

type are installed within easy access from the said locations. In Group

B, C, D, E, F, and G Occupancies location of all interior wet

standpipes shall be in accordance with the requirement for dry

standpipes: Provided, that at least one standpipe is installed to cover

not more than 650 square meters.

(5) Outlets — All interior wet standpipes shall be

equipped with a 38 millimeter valve in each storey, including the

basement or cellar of the building, and located not less than 300

millimeters nor more than 1.20 meters above the floor.

(6) Threads — All those threads used in connection

with the installation of such standpipes, including valves and reducing

fittings shall be uniform with that prescribed by the Secretary.

(7) Water Supply — All interior wet standpipes shall

be connected to a street main not less than 100 millimeters in

diameter, or when the water pressure is insufficient, to a water tank

or sufficient size as provided in subparagraph (8). When more

than one interior wet standpipe is required in the building, such

standpipe shall be connected at their bases or at their tops by pipes

of equal size.

(8) Pressure and Gravity Tanks — Tanks shall have a

capacity sufficient to furnish at least 1,500 litters per minute for

period of not less than 10 minutes. Such tanks shall be located so as

to provide not less than 2 kilograms per sq. cm. pressure at the

topmost base outlet for its entire supply. Discharge pipes from

pressure tanks extend 50 millimeters into and above the bottom of such

tanks. All tanks shall be tested in place after installation and proved

tight at a hydrostatic pressure fifty percent in excess of the working

pressure required. Where such tanks are used for domestic purposes the

supply pipe for such purposes shall be located at or above the center

line of such tanks. Incombustible supports shall be provided for all

such supply tanks and not less than a 900 millimeters clearance shall

be maintained over the top and under the bottom of all pressure tanks.

(9) Fire pumps — Fire pumps shall have a capacity of

not less than 1,000 liters per minute with a pressure of not less than

2 kilograms per sq. cm. at the topmost hose outlet. The source of

supply for such pump shall be a street water main of not less than 100

mm, diameter or a well or cistern containing a one-hour supply. Such

pumps shall be supplied with an adequate source of power and shall be

automatic in operation.

(10) Hose and Hose Reels — Each hose outlet of all

interior wet standpipe shall be supplied with a hose not less than 38

millimeters in diameter. Such hose shall be equipped with a suitable

brass or bronze nozzle and shall be not over 23.00 meters in length. An

approved standard form of wall hose reel or rack shall be provided for

the hose and shall be located so as to make the hose readily accessible

at all times and shall be recessed in the walls or protected by

suitable cabinets.

(d) Basement Pipe Inlets — Basement pipe inlets shall

be installed in the first floor of every store, warehouse, or factory

where there are cellars or basements under same: Except, wherein such

cellars or basements there is installed a fire-extinguishing system as

specified in this Code or where such cellars or basement are used for

banking purposes, safe deposit vaults, or similar uses.

(1) Material — All basement pipe inlets shall be of

cast iron, steel, brass, or bronze with lids of cast brass or bronze

and shall consist of a sleeve not less than 200 millimeters in diameter

through the floor extending to and flush with the ceiling below and

with a top flange, recessed with an inside shoulder, to receive the lid

and flush with the finished floor surface. The lid shall be a solid

casting and shall have a ring lift recessed on the top thereof, so as

to flushed. The lid shall have the words "FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT ONLY, DO

NOT COVER UP" cast on the top thereof. The lid shall be installed in

such a manner as to permit its removal readily from the inlet.

(2) Location — Basement pipe inlets shall be

strategically located and kept readily accessible at all times to the

Fire Department.

(e) Approval — All fire-extinguishing systems,

including automatic sprinklers, wet and dry standpipes, automatic

chemical extinguishers, basement pipe inlets, and the appurtenances

thereto shall meet the approval of the fire Department as to

installation and location and shall be subject to such periodic test as

it may require.

Section 1213. Stages and Platform. —

(a) Stage Ventilators — There shall be one or more

ventilators constructed of metal or other incombustible material near

the center and above the highest part of any working stage raised above

the stage roof and having a total ventilation area equal to at least

five percent of the floor area within the stage walls. The entire

equipment shall conform to the following requirements:

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(1) Opening Action — Ventilators shall open by spring

action or force of gravity sufficient to overcome the effects of

neglect, rust, dirt, or expansion by heat or wrapping of the framework.

(2) Glass — Glass, if used in ventilators must be

protected against falling on the stage. A wire screen, if used under

the glass, must be so placed that if clogged it cannot reduce the

required ventilating area or interfere with the operating mechanism or

obstruct the distribution of water from the automatic fire

extinguishing systems.

(3) Design — Ventilators, penthouses, and supporting

framework shall be designed in accordance with this Code.

(4) Spring Actuation — Springs, when employed to

actuate ventilator doors, shall be capable of maintaining full required

tension indefinitely. Springs shall be no stressed more than fifty

percent of their rated capacity and shall not be located directly in

ther stream, nor exposed to elements.

(5) Location of Fusible Links — A fusible link shall

be placed in the cable control system on the underside of the

ventilator at or above the roof line or as approved by the Building

Official, and shall be so located as not to be affected by the

operation of fire-extinguishing systems.

(6) Control — Remote, manual, or electrical control

shall provide for both opening and closing of the ventilator doors for

periodic testing and shall be located at a point on the stage

designated by the Building Official. When remote control of ventilator

is electrical, power failure shall not affect its instant operation in

the event of fire. Hand winches may be employed to facilitate operation

of manually controlled ventilators.

(b) Gridirons —

(1) Gridirons, fly galleries, and pin-rails shall be

constructed of incombustible materials and fire protection of steel and

iron may be omitted. Gridirons and fly galleries shall be designed to

support a live load of not less than 367 kilograms per square meter.

Each loft block well shall be designed to support 373 kilograms per

linear meter and the head block well shall be designed to support the

aggregate weight of all the loft block wells served. The head block

well must be provided with an adequate strengback or lateral brace to

offset torque.

(2) The main counterweight sheave beam shall be

designed to support a horizontal and vertical uniformly distributed

live load sufficient to accommodate the weight imposed by the total

number of loft blocks in the gridiron. The sheave blocks shall be

designed to accommodate the maximum load for the loft or head blocks

served with a safety factor of five.

stage, the dressing room sections, workshops, and store rooms shall be

located on the stage side of the proscenium wall and shall be separated

from each other and from the stage by not less than a One-hour Fire

Resistive Occupancy Separation.

(d) Proscenium Walls — A stage shall be completely

separated from the auditorium by a proscenium wall or not less than

two-hour incombustible construction. The proscenium wall shall extend

not less than 1.20 meters above the roof over the auditorium.

Proscenium walls may have the addition to the main proscenium openings,

one opening at the orchestra pit level and not more than two openings

at the stage floor level, each of which shall be not more than 2.00

square meters in area. All openings in the proscenium walls of stage

shall be protected by a fire assembly having a one and one-half

fire-resistive rating. The proscenium opening, which shall be the main

opening for viewing performances, shall be provided with a self closing

fire-resistive curtain as specified in this Code.

(e) Stage Floor — The type of construction for

storage floors shall depend upon the requirements based on the type of

Occupancy and the corresponding fire-resistive requirements. All parts

of the stage floor shall be designed to support not less than 620

kilograms per square meters. Openings through stage floor shall be

equipped with tight-fitting trap doors of wood of not less than 5

millimeters nominal thickness.

(f) Platforms — The type of construction for

platforms shall depend upon the requirements based on the type of

Occupancy and corresponding fire-resistive requirements. Enclosed

platforms shall be provided with one or more ventilators conforming to

the requirements of stage ventilators: Except, that the total area

shall be equal to five percent of the area of the platform. When more

than one ventilator is provided, they shall be so spaced as to provide

proper exhaust ventilation. Ventilators shall not be required for

enclosed platform having a floor area of 45.00 square meters or less.

(g) Stage Exits — At least one exit not less than 900

millimeters wide shall be provided from each side of the stage opening

directly or by means of a passageway not less than 900 millimeters in

width to a street or exit court. An exit stair not less than 750

millimeters wide shall be provided for egress from each fly gallery.

Each tier of dressing rooms shall be provided with at least two means

of egress each not less than 750 millimeters wide and all such stairs

shall be constructed in accordance with the requirement specified in

this Code. The stairs required in this sub-section need not be enclosed.

Section 1214. Motion Picture Projection Rooms. —

(a) General — The provisions of this Section shall

apply only where ribbon type motion picture films in excess of

22-millimeters width and electric projection equipment are used. Every

motion picture machine using ribbon type film in excess of 22

millimeter width and electric arc projections equipment, together with

all electrical devices, rheostats, machines, and all such films present

in any Group C, I, or H Occupancy, shall be enclosed in a projection

room large enough to permit the operator to walk freely on either side

and back of the machine.

(b) Construction — Every projection room shall be of

not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction throughout and the

walls and ceiling shall be finished with incombustible materials. The

ceiling shall not be less than 2.40 meters from the finished floor. The

room shall have a floor area of not less than 7.00 square meters and

3.50 square meters for each additional machine.

two doorways separated by not less than one-thirds the perimeter of the

room, each at least 750 millimeters wide and 2.00 meters high. All

entrances to a projection room shall be protected by a self-closing

fire assembly having a three-fourths hour fire-resistive rating. Such

doors shall open outward and lead to proper exits as required in this

Code and shall not be equipped with any latch. The maximum width of

such door shall be 750 millimeters.

(d) Ports and Openings — Ports in projection room

walls shall be of three kinds: projection ports; observation ports; and

combination ports used for both observation and for stereoption, spot

or floodlight machines.

(1) Ports Required — There shall be provided for each

motion picture projector not more than one projection port, which shall

be limited in area to 750 square centimeters, and not more than one

observation port, which shall be limited in area to 1,300 square

centimeters. There shall be not more than three combination ports, each

of which shall not exceed 750 millimeters by 600 millimeters. Each port

opening shall be completely covered with a pane of glass; Except, that

when acetate safety film is used, projection ports may be increased in

size to an area not to exceed 4,500 square centimeters.

(2) Shutters — Each port and every other opening in

projection room walls, including, any fresh-air inlets but excluding

exit doors and exhaust ducts, shall be provided with a shutter of not

less than 2.4 millimeters thick sheet metal or its equivalent large

enough to overlap at least 25 millimeters on all sides of such

openings. Shutters shall be arranged to slide without binding in gudes

constructed or material equal to the shutters in strength and

fire-resistance. Each shutter shall be equipped with a 74º fusible

link, which when fused by heat will cause closure of the shutter by

gravity. Shutters of a size greater than 1,300 square centimeters shall

be equipped with a counter-balance. There shall also be a fusible link

located over the upper magazine of each projector, which upon

operating, will close all the shutters. In addition, there shall be

provided suitable means for manually closing all shutters

simultaneously from any projector head and from a point within the

projection room near each exit door. Shutters may be omitted when only

acetate safety film is used.

(e) Ventilation —

(1) Inlet — A fresh-air inlet from the exterior of

the building not less than 900 square centimeters and protected with

wire netting, shall be installed within 50 millimeters of the floor in

every projection room, the source of which shall be remote from other

outside vents or flues.

(2) Outlets — Ventilation shall be provided by one or

more mechanical exhaust systems which shall drawr from each are lamps

housing to out-doors either directly or through an incombustible flue

used for no other purpose. Exhaust capacity shall not be less than 0.50

cubic meter nor more than 1.40 cubic meter per minute for each arc lamp

plus 5.60 cubic meters for the room itself. Systems shall be controlled

from within the enclosure and shall have pilot lights to indicate

operation. The exhaust systems serving the projection room may be

extended to cover rooms associated therewith such as rewind rooms. No

dampers shall be installed in such exhaust systems. Ventilation of

these rooms, shall not connected in any way with ventilating

orr-conditioning systems serving other portions of the building.

Exhaust ducts shall be of incombustible material and shall either be

kept 25 millimeters from combustible material or covered with 10

millimeters of incombustible heat-insulating material.

(f) Regulation of Equipment — All shelves, fixtures,

and fixed equipment in a projection room shall be constructed of

incombustible materials. All films not in actual use shall be stored in

metal cabinets having individual compartments for reels or shall be in

generally accepted shipping containers. No solders shall be used in the

construction of such cabinets.

Section 1215. Lathing, Plastering, and Installation

of Wall Boards. —

The installation of lath, plaster and gypsum wall board shall conform

to the fire-resistive rating requirements and the type of construction

of building.

CHAPTER XIII

ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL REGULATIONS

Section 1301. Electrical Regulations. —

All electrical systems equipment and installation mentioned in this

Code shall conform to the provisions of the Philippine Electrical Code,

as adopted by the board of Electrical Engineering pursuant to Republic

Act No. 184 otherwise known as the electrical Engineering Law.

Section 1302. Mechanical Regulations. —

All mechanical systems, equipment and installations mentioned in this

Code shall conform to the provisions of the Philippine Mechanical

Engineering Code, as adopted by the Board of Mechanical Engineering

pursuant to Commonwealth Act No. 294 as amended, otherwise known as the

Mechanical Engineering Law.

CHAPTER XIV

PHOTOGRAPHIC AND X-RAY FILMS

Section 1401. Storage and Handling. —

(a) Storage rooms of unexposed photographic and x-ray

films shall be provided with automatic fire extinguishing systems in

the following cases:

:red

(1) When unexposed films in generally accepted safety

shipping containers exceed the aggregate 14.00 cubic meters.

(2) Where shelving used for storage of individual

packages not in said shipping containers exceed 1.40 cubic meters in

capacity; and

(3) Storage is not in generally accepted safety

shipping containers in any section exceeding 14.00 cubic meters.

(b) Film negatives in storage or in process of

handling shall be kept in heavy manila envelopes, not exceeding 12

films to an envelope. Expanding envelopes shall not be used.

insulated vented cabinets, vented storage vaults or outside storage

houses. Not more than 110 kilograms shall be stored in any single

cabinet. Where the film stored exceeds 450 kilograms, it shall be in

vented storage vault or in a detached structure or roof vault. Door

openings in vault shall be of four-hour fire-resistive construction and

shall be kept closed except when in use.

(d) Only incandescent electric light shall be

permitted: protected with substantial wire guards or vapor roof globes

or both. Portable lights on extension cords are prohibited. Conspicuous

"NO SMOKING" signs shall be posted.

(e) No films shall be stored within 600 millimeters

of steam pipes, chimneys, or other sources of heat.

(f) There shall be firstd provisions of types using

water or water solutions. Discarded films shall be stored and handled

in the same manner as other films until removed from the premises.

Section 1402. Classes of Film Exempted. —

(a) The provisions of this Section do not apply to

the following: film for amateur photographic use in original packages

or "roll" and "film pack" films in quantities of less than 1.40 cubic

meters; safety film; dental X-ray film; establishments manufacturing

photographic films and their storage incidental thereto and films

stored or being used in standard motion picture booths.

(b) Safety photographic X-ray film may be identified

by the marking on the edge of the film.

Section 1403. Fire Extinguishing System. —

Unless otherwise provided in this Code, all fire extinguishing system

when so required shall be of a type, specifications, and methods of

installation as prescribed in accordance with the requirements of the

Secretary.

CHAPTER XV

PRE-FABRICATED CONSTRUCTION

Section 1501. Prefabricated Assembly. —

(a) Prefabricated assembly is a structural unit, the

integral parts of which have built up or assembled prior to

incorporation in the building.

(b) The Secretary shall prescribe special tests to

determine the structural adequacy, durability, soundness, weather and

fire resistance of the prefabricated assemblies.

assemblies shall be capable of developing the strength of the different

members as an integral structure, Except, in the case of members

forming part of a structural frame as specified in this Code.

Anchorages and connections between members and the supporting elements

of the structure or walls shall be capable of withstanding all probable

external and internal forces or other conditions for structurally

adequate construction. In structural design, proper allowances shall be

made for any material to be displaced or removed for the installation

of pipes, conduits, or other equipment.

(d) Placement of prefabricated assemblies shall be

inspected to determine compliance with this Code.

CHAPTER XVI

PLASTICS

Section 1601. Approved Plastics. —

Approved plastic materials shall be those which have a flame-spread

rating of 225 or less and a smoke density not greater than that

obtained from the burning of untreated wood under similar conditions

when tested in accordance with generally accepted engineering

practices. The products of combustion shall be no more toxic than the

burning of untreated wood under similar conditions.

Section 1602. Installation. —

(a) Structural Requirements — All plastic materials

shall be of adequate strength and durability to withstand the

prescribed design loads. Sufficient and substantial technical data

shall be submitted to establish stresses, maximum unsupported spans,

and such other information as may be deemed necessary for the various

thicknesses and forms used.

(b) Fastenings — Fastenings shall be adequate to

withstand design loads and internal and external stresses required of

the assembly. Proper allowances of plastic materials in conjunction

with other materials with which it is assembled or integrated shall be

provided.

Section 1603. Glazing of Openings. —

(a) Doors, sashes and framed openings in exterior

walls of all buildings except Types IV and V Constructions may be

glazed or equipped with approved plastics: Provided, that:

:red

(1) The wall in which such glazing is installed is so

located that openings are not required to be fire-protected.

(2) Except for Type I Construction, the location

size, and spacing of such glazed openings do not exceed the values set

forth by the Secretary.

(3) Plastic used in glazed openings for Type II

Construction shall be materials appropriate for use according to

flame-spread characteristics and the location, size, and spacing of the

openings do not exceed the values set forth by the Secretary.

Section 1604. Skylights. —

(a) General — Approved plastics may be used in

skylights installed on roofs of Types I, II, or III constructions and

all buildings in these categories shall be equipped with an approved

automatic fire-extinguishing system in Groups A, B, C, E, F, J, H-3 and

H-4 Occupancies: Except, that:

:red

(1) Approved plastics may be used in any type of

construction or occupancy as a fire venting system when approved by the

Building Official.

(2) Plastic may be used in approved skylights in Type

II one-hour fire-resistive construction which are located 300

millimeters or more above the lower place of the ceiling. The walls of

the skylight well shall be no less fire-resistive than the adjacent

ceiling.

(3) Where fire-resistive ceiling is not required in

one-storey buildings, approved plastics may be used in skylights.

(b) Installation Requirements.

(1) Except in Group A Occupancies, no skylight shall

be installed within 3.00 meters of a property line.

(2) The edges of dome-type skylights shall be

properly flashed.

(3) Plastic skylights shall be separated from each

other by at least 2.50 meters laterally and 3.00 meters along the slope

of the roof.

skylights shall not exceed 10.00 square meters. The total aggregate

area of plastics used in skylights, monitors, and sawtooth glazing

shall not exceed twenty percent of the floor area of the room or

occupancy sheltered.

(d) Curb Requirements — Plastic skylights in roofs

having a slope of less than 1 in 3 shall have a 100 millimeters high

curb. The curb may be omitted where a wire screen not smaller than No.

12 U.S. gauge with a mesh not larger than 25 millimeters is provided

immediately below the skylight. The screen shall be substantially

mounted below the skylight.

Section 1605. Light-Transmitting Panels in Monitors

and Sawtooth Roofs. —

(a) General — Where a fire-resistive rating is not

required for the roof structure, and in all buildings provided with an

approved automatic fire-extinguishing system, approved plastics may be

used with or without such as the light-transmitting medium in monitors

and sawtooth: Except, that plastics used in monitors or sawtooth roofs

of Type II Construction shall be of materials appropriate to be used

according to flame-spread characteristics.

(b) Allowable Area — The area of individual plastic

glazing used in monitors and sawtooth glazing shall not exceed 15.00

square meters. The total aggregate area of plastics used in skylights,

monitors, and sawtooth glazing shall not exceed twenty percent of the

floor area of the room or occupancy sheltered.

shall be separated from each other by a section of incombustible

material or by a section of the roofing material of the structure not

less than 1.50 meters in length. The lower edge of the plastic material

shall be at least 150 millimeters above the surface of the adjoining

roof surface.

Section 1606. Plastic Light Diffusers in Ceilings. —

(a) General — Ceiling light diffusers having an area

greater than ten percent of any 10.00 square meters of room area shall

be of approved plastics conforming to the requirements specified in

this Code.

(b) Installation — Plastic light diffusers shall be

installed in such a manner that they will not readily become detached

when subjected to room temperature of 80ºC for 15 minutes,

Excepts, for the plastic light diffusers which are installed in the

first floor area of Group C Occupancies having egress directly to the

exterior of the building; and plastic light diffusers which are located

between an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system and the area to

be protected other than public corridors for Group A, B, C, D, E, G, H

and I Occupancies if tests required by the Secretary have established

that such installation will not interfere with the efficient operation

of such automatic fire-extinguishing systems.

Section 1607. Partitions. —

Where partitions are not required to be of fire-resistive or

incombustible construction, approved plastics conforming to the

requirements specified in this Code may be used.

Section 1608. Exterior Veneer. —

(a) General

Exterior veneer may be of approved plastic materials, and shall conform

to the provisions of this Section.

(b) Height

Plastic veneer shall not be attached to any exterior wall above the

first storey: Provided, that plastic veneer may be attached to exterior

walls above the first storey of buildings located outside of highly

restrictive Fire Zones: Provided, further that the height of the veneer

is not in excess of 10.00 meters above the adjacent of elevation.

Sections of plastic veneer shall not exceed 15.00 square meters in

area, Except, that in less restrictive Fire Zones, the area may be

increased by fifty percent.

(d) Separation

Sections of plastic veneer shall be separated by a minimum of 1.20

meters vertically and 600 millimeters horizontally.

Section 1609. Awnings and Canopies. —

(a) Plastic materials appropriate for use according

to Flame Spread characteristics may be utilized in awnings and

canopies, provided such awnings and canopies are constructed in

accordance with provisions governing projections and appendages as

specified in this Code.

(b) Approved plastics may be used in awnings where

untreated canvass is permitted.

glass in green-houses in less restrictive Fire Zones.

CHAPTER XVII

SHEET METAL PAINT SPRAY BOOTHS

Section 1701. Sheet Metal Paint Spray Booths. —

(a) General

Paint spray booths shall be constructed of steel of not less than No.

18 U.S. guage in thickness and shall be designed in accordance with

this Code.

(b) Area

The area of a paint spray booth shall not exceed 150 square meters not

ten percent of the basic area permitted for the major of the building

according to its Occupancy Group.

The floor shall be constructed of incombustible material.

(d) Interior Surface.

Paint spray booths shall be designed to permit the free passage of the

exhaustr from all parts of the interior and all interior surface shall

be smooth and continuous without outstanding edges.

Section 1702. Fire Protection. —

Every spray booth having an open front elevation larger than 1.00

square meter and which is not equipped with doors, shall have a fire

curtain or metal deflector not less than 100 millimeters deep installed

at the upper outer edge of the booth opening.

Section 1703. Light. —

Paint spray booths shall be illuminated through hammered wire or

heat-treated glass panels. The glass panels shall be located in such a

manner as to reduce the hazard of ignition caused by paint spray

deposit.

Section 1704. Ventilation. —

(a) General

Mechanical ventilation shall be provided direct to the exterior of the

building. The mechanical exhaust system shall be designed to move ther

through any portion of the paint spray area at the rate of not less

than 30.00 lineal meters per minute. The blades of exhaust fans shall

be constructed of non-ferrous material and shall be mounted in such a

manner as to prevent contact with the exhaust duct. The motor shall not

be mounted in the spray booth or the duct system and belts shall be

enclosed where they enter the booth or duct system.

(b) Exhaust Ducts.

Exhaust ducts shall be constructed of steel having a thickness not less

than the values set by the Secretary. The discharge point for ducts in

a paint spray booth shall be not less than 2.00 meters from the

adjoining combustible construction nor less than 8.00 meters from

adjoining exterior wall openings: Except, that the discharge point for

exhaust ducts is not regulated in a waterwash spray booth.

CHAPTER XVIII

GLASS AND GLAZING

Section 1801. General Requirements —

(a) This Chapter shall apply to exterior glass and

glazing in all Occupancies except Groups A, B, and J Occupancies not

over three storeys in height, and to interior and exterior glass and

glazing in all occupancies subject to human impact as specified in this

Code.

(b) Standards for materials shall conform to the

provisions set by the Secretary on glass dimensional tolerances,

breaking stress levels, and design safety factors.

designating the type and thickness of glass. Each light with special

performance characteristics such as laminated, heat strengthened fully

tempered or insulated, shall bear the manufacturer's identification

showing the special characteristics and thickness by etching or other

permanent identification that shall be visible after the glass is

glazed.

Section 1802. Area Limitation. —

Exterior glass and glazing shall be capable of safely withstanding the

load due to wind pressures for various height zones above ground acting

inward or outward. The area of individual lights shall not be more than

the maximum allowable area of glass according to the wind load

multiplied by the appropriate adjustment factor.

Section 1803. Glazing. —

Glass firmly supported on all four edges shall be glazed with minimum

laps and edge clearances in accordance with Section 1801 paragraph (b),

Provided, that glass edge clearance in fixed openings shall be not less

than what is required for wind and earthquake drift. For glass not

firmly supported on all four edges and design shall be submitted for

approval of the Building Official. Glass supports shall be considered

firm when deflection of the support at design load does not exceed

1/175 of the span.

Section 1804. Louvered Windows. —

Regular plate, sheet, or patterned glass in jalousies and louvered

windows shall not be thinner than 5.6 millimeters minimal and not

longer than 1.20 meters. Exposed glass edges shall be smooth.

Section 1805. Impact. —

Frameless glass doors, glass in doors, fixed glass panels, and similar

glazed openings which may be subject to accidental human impact shall

conform with the requirements set forth by the Secretary on impact

loads of glass: Except in the following cases:

:red

(1) Bathtub and shower enclosures shall be

constructed from approved shatter-resistant materials, such as: wire

reinforced glass not less than 5.6 millimeters thick; fully tempered

glass not less than 4.8 millimeters thick: or laminated safety glass

not less than 6.4 millimeters thick.

(2) Glass lights located not less than 450

millimeters above the adjacent finished floor or walking surface.

(3) Glass lights when the least dimension is not

greater than 450 millimeters.

(4) Glass lights 1.50 square meters or less in area.

CHAPTER XIX

THE USE OF COMPUTERS

Section 1901. General Rule. —

The use of computers for all or any part of the design of buildings

under this Code is permitted provided that all programs to be used are

documented.

Section 1902. Program Documentation. —

Documenting a program under this Code consists of filing with the

Building Official a reference to a publication or publications

accessible to him were the detailed description of the program or a

brief statement of the theoretical background of the program including

a description of the algorithms used are found.

Section 1903. Submission of Computer-Generated

Computations. —

A copy of the output sheets for computer-generated computations shall

be submitted as a part of the design computations. The out sheets shall

be accompanied by a certification of a designer and/or consultant that

the output sheets are the results obtained through the use of

documented programs. The certification should include the

identification of the specific program used for each portion of the

computer-generated computations being submitted.

CHAPTER XX

SIGNS

Section 2001. General Requirements. —

(a) No sign or signboard shall be erected in such

manner as to confuse or obstruct the view or interpretation of any

official traffic sign, signal, or device.

(b) No sign or signboard shall be constructed as to

unduly obstruct the natural view of the landscape, distract or obstruct

the view of the public as to constitute a traffic hazard, or otherwise

defile, debase or offend aesthetic and cultural values and traditions.

Section 2002. Maintenance. —

All signs, together with all of their supports, braces, guys and

anchors, shall be kept in repair and in proper state of preservation.

The display of all signs shall be kept nearly painted and secured at

all times.

Section 2003. Design and Construction. —

Sign structures shall be designed and constructed to resist all forces

in accordance with the National Structural Code for Buildings. For

signs on buildings, the dead and lateral loads shall be transmitted

through structural frame of the building to the ground in such a manner

as not to overstress any of the elements of the building. The weight of

earth superimposed over footings may be used in determining the dead

load resisting moment. Such earth shall be carefully placed and

thoroughly compacted.

Section 2004. Supports and Anchorages. —

(a) General.

The supports and anchorage of all signs or sign structures shall be

placed in or upon private property and shall be constructed in

conformity with the requirements of this Code.

(b) Materials — Materials for construction of signs

or sign structures shall be of the quality and grade as specified in

this Code.

or sign structures erected in highly restrictive Fire Zones shall have

structural members of incombustible materials. Ground signs may be

constructed of any material meeting the requirements of this Code.

Combinations signs, roof signs, wall signs, projecting signs, and signs

on marquees shall be constructed of incombustible materials. No

combustible material other than approved plastics shall be used in the

construction of electrical signs.

(d) Non-Structural Trim — Non-structural trim and

portable display surfaces may be of wood, metal, approved plastics, or

any combination thereof.

(e) Display Surfaces — Display surfaces in all types

of signs may be made of metal, glass, or approved plastics.

Section 2005. Projections and Clearances. —

(a) Clearances from High Voltage Power Lines —

Clearances of signs from high voltage power lines shall be in

accordance with the Philippine Electrical Code.

(b) Clearances from Fire Escapes, Exits, or

Standpipes — No signs or sign structures shall be erected in such a

manner than any portion to its surface or supports will interfere in

any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit, or standpipe.

any opening to such an extent that light ventilation is reduced to a

point below that required by this Code. Signs erected within 1.50

meters of an exterior wall in which there are openings within the area

of the sign shall be constructed of incombustible material or approved

plastics.

(d) Projection Over Alleys — No sign or sign

structure shall project into any public alley below a height of 3.00

meters above established sidewalk grade, nor project more than 300

millimeters where the sign structure is located 3.00 meters to 4.5

meters above established sidewalk grade. The sign or sign structure

must not project more than 1.00 meter into the public alley where the

sign or sign structure is located more than 4.50 meters above

established sidewalk grade.

Section 2006. Lighting. —

Signs shall be illuminated only by electrical means in accordance with

the Philippine Electrical Code.

CHAPTER XXI

TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS

Section 2101. Existing Buildings and Structures. —

All buildings or structures constructed under R.A. 6541 or existing

city or municipal building codes or ordinances, if legally done in

accordance therewith, shall be respected subject to such limitations

established in this Code.

However, alterations, additions, conversions, and/or repairs to be made

in such building or structures shall be subject to the provisions of

this Code.

Section 2102. Interim Rules and Regulations. —

Interim rules and regulations on buildings promulgated by the Secretary

before the adoption of this Code pursuant to existing laws or decrees

shall continue to have binding force and effect, when not in conflict

with the provisions of this Code.

Section 2103. Separability Clause. —

If any provision of this Decree or the application thereof is to any

person or circumstance declared unconstitutional or invalid for any

reason, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions.

Section 2104. Repealing Clause. —

All laws, decrees, provisions of charters, executive orders,

ordinances, rules and regulations or parts thereof contrary to or

inconsistent with the provision of this Decree are hereby repealed,

amended, or modified accordingly.

Section 2105. Effectivity. —

This Decree shall take effect upon its promulgation.

Done in the City of Manila,

this 19th of February, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and

seventy-seven.

ANNEX "A"

WORDS, TERMS AND PHRASES

(Definitions)

ACCESSORIA OR ROW HOUSE

A house of not more than two storeys, composed of a row or dwelling

units entirely separated from one another by partly wall or walls and

with an independent entrance for each dwelling units.

ACCESSORY BUILDING

A building subordinate to the main building on the same lot and used

for purposes customarily incidental to those of the main building such

as servants quarters, garage, pump house, laundry, etc.

AGRICULTURAL BUILDING

A building designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay,

grain, poultry, livestock or other horticultural products. This

structure shall not be a place of human habitation or a place of

employment where agricultural products are processed, treated or

packaged; nor shall it be placed used by the public.

ALLEY

Any building space or thoroughfare which has been dedicated or deeded

to the public or for public use as a passageway with a width of not

more than three meters.

ALTER OR ALTERATION

Any change, addition, or modification in construction of occupancy.

APARTMENT

A room or suite of two or more rooms, designed and intended for, or

occupied by one family for living, sleeping, and cooking purposes.

APARTMENT HOUSE

Any building or portion thereof, which is designed, built, rented,

leased, let or hired out to be occupied, or which is occupied as the

home or residence of three or more families living independently of

each other and doing their own cooking in the building, and shall

include flats and apartments.

ARCADE

Any portion of a building above the first floor projecting over the

sidewalk beyond the first storey wall used as protection for

pedestrians against rain or sun.

ASSEMBLY BUILDING OR HALL

A building or a portion of a building used for the gathering together

of fifty or more persons for such purposes as deliberation, workshop,

entertainment, amusement, or awaiting transportation or of a hundred or

more persons in drinking and dining establishments.

ATTIC STOREY

Any storey situated wholly or partly in a roof, so designed, arranged,

or built as to be used for business, storage, or habitation.

AWNING

A movable shelter supported entirely from the exterior wall of a

building and of a type which can be retracted, folded, or collapsed

against the face of a supporting building.

BACKING

The surface or assembly to which veneer is attached.

BALCONY

A portion of the seating space of an assembly room, the lowest part of

which is raise 1.20 meters or more above the level of the main

floor.

BALCONY EXTERIOR EXIT

A landing or porch projecting from the wall of a building, and which

serves as a required means of egress. The long size shall be at least

fifty percent open, and the open area above the guardrail shall be so

distributed as to prevent the accumulation of smoke or toxic gases.

BARBECUE

A stationary open hearth or brazier, either fuel-fired or electric,

used for floor preparation.

BASEMENT

A portion of a building between floor and ceiling which is partly below

and partly above grade but so located that the vertical distance from

grade to the floor is less than the vertical distance from grade to

ceiling.

BAY OR PANEL

One of the intervals or spaces into which the building front is divided

by columns, butteresses, or division walls.

BOARDING HOUSE

A house with five or more sleeping rooms where the boarders are

provided with lodging, and meals for fixed sum paid by the month, or

week, in accordance with previous arrangement.

BOILER ROOM

Any room containing a stream or hotwater boiler.

BUILDABLE AREA

The remaining space in a lot after deducting the required minimum open

spaces.

BUILDING

Any structure built for the support, shelter, or enclosure of persons,

animals, chattels, or property of any kind.

BUILDING HEIGHT

The vertical distance from the established grade elevation to the

highest point of the coping of a flat roof, to the average height of

the highest gable or a pitch or hip roof, or to the top of the parapet

if the roof is provided with a parapet. In case of sloping ground, the

average ground level of the buildable area shall be considered the

established grade elevation.

BUILDING LENGTH

Its general lineal dimensions usually measured in the direction of the

bearing wall for girders.

BUILDING WIDTH

Its shortest linear dimensions usually measured in the direction of the

floor, beams, or joints.

CELLAR

The portion of a building between floor and ceiling which is wholly or

partly below grade and so located that the vertical distance from grade

to the floor below is equal to or greater than the vertical distance

from grade to ceiling.

CHIMNEY CLASSIFICATIONS:

(a) RESIDENTIAL APPLIANCE TYPE

A factory-built or masonry chimney suitable for removing products of

combustion from residential type appliance producing combustion gases

not in excess of 538ºC measured at the appliance flue outlet.

(b) LOW-HEAT APPLIANCE TYPE

A factory-built masonry or metal chimney suitable for removing the

product of combustion from fuel-burning low-heat appliances producing

combustion gases not in excess of 538ºC under normal operating

conditions but capable of producing combustible gases of 760ºC

during intermittent forced firing for periods up to one hour. All

temperatures are measured at the appliance flue outlet.

A factory built masonry or metal chimney suitable for removing the

products of combustion from fuel-burning medium-heat appliances

producing combustion gases not in excess of 1093ºC measured at the

appliance flue outlet.

CHIMNEY CONNECTOR

The pipe which connects a flue burning appliance to a chimney.

CHIMNEY LINEAR

The lining materials of fire clay or other approved material.

CHIMNEY MASONRY

The chimney of solid masonry units bricks, stones, listed hollow unit

masonry units, or reinforced concrete.

CONCRETE BLOCK

A hollow or solid concrete masonry unit made from portland cement and

suitable aggregates such as sand, gravel, crushed stone, bituminous or

anthracite cinders, burned clay, pumice, volcanic scoria,r cooled or

expanded blast furnace slags.

COPING

The material or units used to form a cap of finish on top of a wall,

pier, or pilaster.

CORROSION-RESISTANT

The non-ferrous metal, or any metal having an unbroken surface of

non-ferrous metal, or steel with not less than 10 percent chromium or

with less than 0.20 percent copper.

CORROSION-RESISTANT MATERIAL

Materials that are inherently rust-resistant or materials to which an

approved rust-resistive coating has been applied either before or after

forming or fabrication.

COURSE

A continuous horizontal layer of masonry units.

COURT

An occupied space between building lines and lot lines other than a

yard; free, open, and unobstructed by appendages from the ground upward.

DISPERSAL AREA (SAFE)

An area which will accommodate a number of persons equal to the total

capacity of the stand and building it serves, in such a manner that no

person within the area need be closer than 15.00 meters from the stand

or building. Dispersal areas shall be based upon the area of not less

than 0.28 square meter per person.

DWELLING

Any building or any portion thereof which is not an "apartment house",

"lodging house", or a "hotel" as defined in this Code which contained

one or two "dwelling units" or "guest rooms", used, intended or

designed to be built, used, rented, leased, let or hired out to be

occupied, or which are occupied for living purposes.

DWELLING, INDIGENOUS FAMILY

A dwelling intended for the use and occupancy by the family of the

owner only. It is one constructed of native materials such as bamboo,

nipa, logs, or lumber, the total cost of which does not exceed fifteen

thousand pesos.

DWELLING, MULTIPLE

A building used as a home or residence of three or more families living

independently from one another, each occupying one or more rooms as a

single housekeeping unit.

DWELLING, ONE-FAMILY

A detached building designated for, or occupied exclusively by one

family.

DWELLING UNIT

One or more habitable rooms which are occupied or which are intended or

designated to be occupied by one family with facilities for living,

sleeping, cooking, and eating.

EXIT

A continuous and unobstructed means of egress to a public way, and

shall include intervening doors, doorways, corridors, exterior exit

balconies, ramps, stairways, smokeproof, enclosures, horizontal exits,

exit passageways, exit courts, and yards. An exit shall be deemed to be

that point which open directly into a safe dispersal area or public

way. All measurement are to be made to that point when determining the

permissible distance of the travel.

EXIT COURTS

A yard or court providing egress to a public way for one or more

required exits.

EXIT HORIZONTAL

A means of passage from one building into another building occupied by

the same tenant through a separation wall having a minimum fire

resistance of one-hour.

EXIT PASSAGEWAY

An enclosed means of egress connecting a required exit or exit court

with a public way.

FACING

Any masonry, forming an integral part of a wall used as a finished

surface. (as contrasted to veneer, see definition).

FIREBRICK

A refractory brick.

FIRECLAY

A finely ground clay used as a plasticizer for masonry mortars; varies

widely in physical properties.

FIREPLACE

A hearth and fire chamber or similarly prepared place in which a fire

may be made and which is built in conjunction with a chimney.

FIRE RETARDANT TREATED WOOD

Lumber of plywood impregnated with chemicals and when tested in

accordance with accepted fire standards for a period of 30 minutes

shall have a flame-spread of not over 25 and show no evidence of

progressive combustion. The Fire-retardant properties shall not be

considered permanent when exposed to the weather.

FIRST STOREY

The floor of which is at or above the level of the sidewalk or

adjoining ground, the remaining storeys being numbered in regular

succession upward.

FLOOR AREA

The area included within the surrounding exterior walls of a building

or portion thereof, exclusive of vent shafts and courts. The floor area

of a building or portion thereof not provided with surrounding exterior

walls shall be the usable area under the horizontal projection of the

roof or floor above.

FOOTING

That portion of the foundation of a structure which spreads and

transmits loads directly to the soil or the pile.

FOUNDATION

All the portions of the building or structure below the footing, the

earth upon which the structure rests.

GARAGE

A building or portion thereof in which a motor vehicle containing

gasoline, distillate, or other volative, flammable liquid in its tank,

is stored, repaired, or kept.

GARAGE COMMERCIAL

A garage where automobiles and other motor vehicle are housed, cared

for, equipped, repaired or kept for remuneration, hire, or sale.

GARAGE, OPEN PARKING

A structure of one or more tiers in height which is at least 50 percent

open on two or more sides and is used exclusively for the parking or

storage of passenger motor vehicles having a capacity of not more than

nine persons per vehicle. Open parking garages are further classified

as either ramp-access or mechanical-access. Ramp-access, open parking

garages are those employing a series of continuously rising floors

permitting the movement of vehicles under their own power from and to

the street level. Mechanical access parking garages are those employing

parking machines, lifts, elevators, or other mechanical services for

vehicles moving from and to street level and in which public occupancy

is prohibited above the street level.

GARAGE PRIVATE

A building or portion of a building in which only motor vehicles used

by the tenants of the building or buildings on the premises are stored

or kept.

GIRDER

A horizontal structural piece which supports in end of the floor beams

or joists or walls over opening.

GRADE (ADJACENT GROUND ELEVATION)

The lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of the ground

between the exterior wall of a building and a point 1.50 meters distant

from said wall, or the lowest point of elevation of the finished

surface of the ground between the exterior wall of a building and a

property line if it is less than 1.50 meters distant from sidewall. In

case walls are parallel to and within 1.50 meters of a public sidewalk,

alley, or other public way, the grade shall be the elevation of the

sidewalk, alley, or public way.

GROUND FLOOR

The storey at or near the level of the grade, the other storeys,

beginning with second for the first next above, shall be designated by

the successive floor numbers counting upward.

GUEST ROOM

Any room or rooms used, or intended to be used by a guest for sleeping

purposes. Every 9.30 square meters of superficial floor area in a

dormitory shall be considered to be a guest room.

HABITABLE ROOM

Any room meeting the requirements of this Code for sleeping, living,

cooking, or dining purposes, excluding such enclosed spaces as closets,

pantries, bath or toilet room, service rooms, connecting corridors,

laundries, unfinished attics, storage, space cellars, utility rooms,

and similar spaces.

HALL, COMMON

A corridor or passageway used in common by all the occupants within a

building.

HALL, STAIRS

A hall which includes the stair, stair landings, and those portions of

the common halls through which it is necessary to pass in going between

the entrance floor and the room.

HELIPORT

An area of land or water or a structural surface which is used, or

intended for use, the landing and take off helicopters and any

appurtenant areas which are used, or intended for use, for heliport

buildings and other heliport facilities.

HELISTOP

The same as heliport except that no refueling, maintenance repairs, or

storage of helicopters is permitted.

HOTEL

A building or a part thereof with rooms occupied or intended to be

occupied for hire as temporary aboding place of individuals with a

general kitchen and public dining room service, but no provision for

cooking in any individual suite or room.

HOTEL APARTMENT

An apartment house which may furnish dining room service and other

services for the exclusive use of its tenants.

INCOMBUSTIBLE

As applied to building construction material, as material which, in the

form it is used, is either one of the following:

:red

(a) Material having an structural base of

incombustible material as defined in Item (2), above, with a surfacing

material not over 3.2 millimeters thick which has a flame-spread rating

of 50 or less.

(b) "Incombustible" does not apply to surface finish

materials. Material required to be incombustible for reduced clearance

to flues, heating appliances, or other materials shall refer to

material conforming to the provisions of this Code. No material shall

be classed as incombustible which is subject to increase in

combustibility or flame-spread rating beyond the limits herein

established, through the effects of age, moisture, or other atmospheric

condition.

INCOMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL

When referred to as structural material, means brick, stone,

terracotta, concrete, iron, steel, sheet, metal, or tiles, used either

singly or in combination.

INCOMBUSTIBLE ROOFING

A covering of not less than two thickness of roofing felt and a good

coat of tar and gravel or tin, corrugated iron or other approved

fire-resisting material with standing seam of lap joint.

INCOMBUSTIBLE STUD PARTITION

A partition plastered on both sides upon metal lath or wire cloth for

the full height, and fire-topped between the studs with incombustible

material 20 centimeters above the floor and at the ceiling.

LINE, BUILDING

The line formed by the intersection of the outer surface of the

enclosing wall of the building and the surface of the ground.

LINTEL

The beam or girder placed over an opening in a wall, which supports the

wall construction above.

LOAD, DEAD

The weight of the permanent portions of a building or structure; it

includes the weight of the walls permanent partitions, framing floors,

roofs, and all other permanent and stationary fixtures mechanism, and

other construction entering into and becoming a part of a building or

structure.

LOAD, LATERAL

That load cased by winds, earthquakes, or other dynamic forces.

LOAD, LIVE

The weight of the contents of a building or structure; it includes all

loads except dead and lateral, and weight of temporary partitions,

cases, counters, and similar equipment, and all loads imposed due to

the occupancy of the building or structure.

LOAD, OCCUPANT

The total number of persons that may occupy a building or portion

thereof at any one time.

LODGING HOUSE

Any building or portion thereof, containing not more than five guest

rooms which are used by not more than five guests where rent is paid in

money, goods, labor or otherwise.

LOT

A parcel of land on which a principal building and its accessories are

placed or may be placed together with the required open spaces. A lot

may or may not be the land designated as lot or recorded plot.

LOT, CORNER

A lot situated at the junction of two or more streets forming an angle

of not more than one hundred thirty-five degrees (135º).

LOT, DEPTH OF

The average horizontal distance between the front and the rear lot

lines.

LOT, FRONT

The front boundary line of a lot bordering on the street and in the

case of a corner lot, it may be either frontage.

LOT, INSIDE

A lot fronting on but one street of public alley and the remaining

sides bounded by lot lines.

LOT LINE

The line of demarcation between either public and private property.

LOT, OPEN

A lot bounded on all sides street lines.

LOT, WIDTH OF

The average horizontal distance between the side lot lines.

MASONRY

A form of construction composed of stone, brick, concrete, gypsum,

hollow clay tile, concrete block or tile, or other similar building

units of material or combination of these material laid up unit and set

in mortar.

MASONRY SOLID

Masonry of solid units built without hollow spaces.

MASONRY UNIT

Brick, block, tile, stone or other similar building unit or combination

thereof, made to be bounded together by a cementation agent.

MEZZANINE OR MEZZANINE FLOOR

A partial intermediate floor in any storey or room of a building having

an area not more than one-half of the area of the room or space in

which it is constructed.

NON-CONFORMING BUILDING

A building which does not conform with the regulations of the district

where it is situated as to height, yard requirement, lot area, and

percentage of occupancy.

NON-CONFORMING USE

The use of a building or land or any portion of such building or land

which does not conform with the use and regulation of the zone where it

is situated.

OCCUPANCY

The purpose for which a building is used or intended to be used. The

term shall also include the building or room housing such use. Change

of occupancy is not intended to include change of tenants or

proprietors.

OWNER

Any person, company, or corporation owning the property or properties

under consideration or the receiver or trustee thereof.

PANIC HARDWARE

A bar which extends across at least one-half the width of each door

leaf, which will open the door if subjected to pressure.

PARTITION

An interior subdividing walls.

PIER

An insolated mass of masonry forming support for arches, columns,

girders, lintels, trusses, and similar structural parts.

PLASTER

A portion of the wall which projects on one or both sides and acts as a

vertical beam, a column, or both.

PLASTER, PORTLAND, CEMENT

A mixture of portland cement, or portland cement and lime, and

aggregate and other approved material as specified in this Code.

PLASTICS, APPROVED

Plastic materials which have a flame spread rating of 225 or

less.

PLATFORM, ENCLOSED

A partially enclosed portion of an assembly room the ceiling of which

is not more than 1.50 meters above the prossenium opening and which is

designed or used for the presentation of plays, demonstrations, or

other entertainment wherein scenery, drops, decorations, of the effects

may be installed or used.

PUBLIC WAY

A parcel of land unobstructed from the ground to the sky, more than

3.00 meters in width, appropriated to the free passage of the general

public.

REPAIR

The construction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the

purpose of its maintenance. The word "repair" shall not apply to any

change of construction.

SHAFT

A vertical opening through a building for elevators, dumbwaiters,

mechanical equipment, or similar purposes.

SHOW WINDOW

A store window in which goods are display.

SLUM

Blighted Area: Eyesore; An area where the values of real estate tend to

deteriorate because of the dilapidated, obsolescent, and insanitary

condition of the building within the area. Any eyesore is a building or

area which is markedly unpleasant to look at.

SOCALO, MASONRY

The wall between the bottom of the window sill and the ground.

SOFFIT

The underside of a beam. lintel, or revear.

STABLE

Any structure designed and intended for the enclosure, shelter, or

protection of any horse, carabao, or other cattle.

STABLE, COMMERCIAL

A stable wherein the animals kept are for business, racing or breeding

purposes.

STAGE

A partially enclosed portion of an assembly building which is designed

or used for the representation of plays, demonstrations, or other

entertainment wherein scenery, drops or other effects may be installed

or used, and where the distance between the top of the prosecenium

openings and the ceiling above the stage is more than 1.50 meters.

STAIRWAY

Two or more risers shall constitute a stairway.

STAIRWAY, PRIVATE

A stairway serving one tenant only.

STOREY

That portion of a building included between the upper surface of any

floor and the upper surface of the floor next above, except that the

topmost storey shall be that portion of a building included between the

upper surface of the topmost floor and the ceiling or roof above. If

the finished floor level directly above a basement, cellar or unused

underfloor space is more than 3.60 meters above grade as defined herein

at any point. Such basement, cellar or unused underfloor space shall be

considered as a storey.

STOREY, HEIGHT OF

The perpendicular distance from top to top of two successive of floors,

floor beams, or joists. The clear height of a storey or a room is the

distance from the floor to the ceiling. The clear height of balconies

is measured from the highest point of the sidewall grade to the

underside of the balcony floor joists. If these joists are sealed, this

clear height is measured to the underside of the sealing.

STREET

Any thoroughfare of public space which has been dedicated or deeded to

the public for public use.

STRUCTURE

That which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind

or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined

together in some definite manner.

STRUCTURAL FRAME

The framing system including the columns and the girders, beams,

trusses, and spandrels having direct connections to the columns and all

other members which are essential to the stability of the building as a

whole. The members of floor or roof which have no connection to the

column shall be considered secondary and not a part of the structural

frame.

SUPORTALES

The vertical supports, such as posts or stanchions, as used in

indigenous or traditional type of construction. These may be

freestanding as stilts or integrated into the wall structure. In the

case of former, pie de gallos (knee braces) or crosettas (cross

bracing) are sometimes used.

SURFACE, EXTERIOR

Weather-exposed surface.

SURFACE, INTERIOR

Surfaces other than weather-exposed surfaces.

SURFACE, WEATHER-EXPOSED

All surfaces of walls, ceilings, floors, roofs, soffits, and similar

surfaces exposed to the weather except the following:

:red

(a) Ceiling and roof soffits by walls, or by beams

extend a minimum of 300 millimeters below such ceiling or roof soffit;

(b) Walls or portions of walls within an unenclosed

roof area, when located a horizontal distance from an exterior opening

equal to twice the height of the opening; and

distance of 3.00 meters from the outer edge of the ceilings or roof

soffits.

VALUE OR VALUATION OF A BUILDING

The estimated cost to replace the building in kind, based on current

replacement costs.

VAULT

Any surface or underground construction covered on top, or any

fire-roof construction intended for the storage of valuables.

VENEER ADHERED

Veneer secured and supported by approved mechanical fasteners attached

to an approved backing supported through adhesion to an approved

bonding material applied over an approved backing.

VENEER, EXTERIOR

Veneer applied to weather-exposed surfaces.

VENEER, INTERIOR

Veneer applied to surfaces other than weather-exposed surfaces.

WALL BEARING

A wall which supports any load other than its own weight.

WALL, CROSS

A term which may be used synonymously with a partition.

WALL, CURTAIN

The enclosing wall of an iron or steel framework or the nonbearing

portion of an enclosing wall between pier.

WALL, DEAD

A wall without openings.

WALL, EXTERIOR

Any wall or element of a wall or any number or group of members, which

defines the exterior boundary or courts of a building.

WALL, FACED

A wall in which the facing and backing are so bonded together that they

act as a composite element, and exert a common action under load.

WALL, FIRE

Any wall which subdivided a building so as to resist the spread of

fire, by starting at the foundation and extending continuously through

all storeys to, or above the roof. Extension above the roof is 1.00

meters.

WALL, FOUNDATION

That portion of an enclosing wall below the first tier of floor-joists.

WALL, HEIGHT OF

The perpendicular distance measured from its base line either at the

grade or at the top of the girder to the top of the coping thereof.

Foundation and retaining walls are measured from the grade downward to

the base of the footing.

WALL, NONBEARING

A wall which supports no load other than its own weight.

WALL, PARAPET

That part of any entirely above the roof line.

WALL, PARTY

A wall separating two or more buildings, and used in common by the said

buildings.

WALL, RETAINING

Any wall used to resist the lateral displacement of any material; a

subsurface wall built to resist the lateral pressure of internal loads.

WALL, THICKNESS OF

The minimum thickness measured on the bed.

WINDOW

An opening through a wall of a building to the outsider for the purpose

of admitting natural light andr.

WINDOW, ORIEL

A projecting window similar to a bay window, cut curried on brackets or

corbels. The term "bay window" may also be applied to an oriel window

projecting over the street line.

WIRE BACKING

Horizontal strands of tautened wire attached to surfaces of vertical

wood supports which, when covered with building paper, provide a

backing for portland cement plaster.

YARD OR PATIO

The vacant space left in a lot between the building and the property

line.

YARD, REAR

The yard lying between the side lot lines and the nearest lot line and

the nearest building line.

YARD, SIDE

The yard lying between the side line and the nearest building and

between the front and the rear yards.

ANNEX "B"

TABLE 708-A.

DIMENSION OF WOODEN POSTS OR

SUPORTALES

Type Maximum

Maximum Maximum Required Maximum

Building Height

of Height Spacing

Finished Size

1st Floor Total

of Post of Suportales

1-Storey Shed 4.00 M

3.50 M 10 cms. x 10 cms.

1-Storey Shed 3.00

M 4.00 M 10 cms. x 10 cms.

1-Storey Shed 5.00 M

4.00 M 12.5 cms. x 12.5

cms.

1-Storey House 5.50 M

3.50 M 12.5 cms. x 12.5

cms.

or Chalet

2-Storey House 1.00 to

6.00 M 3.00 M

12.5 cms. x 12.5 cms.

2-Storey House 3.00 M

7.00 M 4.00 M

12 cms. x 15 cms.

2-Storey House 4.50 M

8.00 M 4.50 M

17.5 cms. x 17.5 cms.

2-Storey House 5.00 M

9.00 M 4.50 M

20 cms. x 20 cms.

Logs or tree suportales may be used as post in indigenous traditional

type of construction, provided that these are of such sizes and spacing

as to sustain vertical loading equivalent at least to the loading

capacities of the posts and spacing in this Tables.

TABLE 1003-A

PROJECTIONS OF BALCONIES AND

APPENDAGES

Width of Streets Balconies Total

Projections

Over 3.00 m. but less than 6.00

With Balcony .60 m.

6.00 m. to less than 10.00 m.

With Balcony .90 m.

10.00 m. up to 11.00 m. With

Balcony 1.00 m.

10.00 m. to less than 11.00 m.

With Balcony 1.10 m.

12.00 m. to less than 13.00 m.

With Balcony 1.30 m.

13.00 m. to less than 14.00 m.

With Balcony 1.40 m.

14.00 m. or over With

Balcony 1.50 m.

TABLE 1106-A.

TYPE OF PROTECTION REQUIRED FOR

PEDESTRIANS

HEIGHT OF DISTANCE FROM

CONSTRUCTION PROTECTION

CONSTRUCTION REQUIRED

Eight feet for Less than six feet

Rating

less Six feet or

more None

Less than six feet Fence and

Canopy

Six feet or more but not more

than one-fourth the height of

Fence and

construction Canopy

More than Six feet or more, but between

eight feet one-fourth to one half the eight

of construction None

Six feet or more but exceeding

one-half the construction height

Fence

Note: All protective devices shall include appropriate lights and

warning signs

PD 1096 - National Building Code of the Philippines (1977) - legal basis

In brief

Key provisions

Common questions