HOLY ANGEL UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

BUILDING CODES AND BUILDING LAWS

SUMBITTED BY:

NAME – SECTION

_____________LISING, IVAN D. – AR 502_____________

CONSMGMT

SUBMITTED TO:
AR. NOEMIE DEJESUS-NG
1ST sem S.Y. 2024 – 2025
BUILDING CODE
The National Building Code of the Philippines is a set of rules and regulations for
building design, construction, use, occupancy, and maintenance. It was created because
the country's rapid economic growth, urbanization, and population increase made it
necessary to have a modern and uniform building code.
The previous law, Republic Act No. 6541, didn't align with the government's
development goals and infrastructure programs and lacked updated design and
construction standards. The new code aims to incorporate the latest technical knowledge
and involve experts from both the public and private sectors.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
A) BUILDING CODE. - is a set of regulations and standards established to ensure
the safety, health, and general welfare of the public when it comes to building
construction and occupancy. It covers various aspects of building design,
construction, use, occupancy, and maintenance to ensure that buildings are
safe, durable, and efficient. The purpose of the building code is to provide
guidelines that help prevent structural failures, fires, and other hazards, and to
ensure that buildings are accessible and comfortable for all occupants.
B) BUILDING STANDARDS. - refer to the detailed technical specifications and
criteria outlined in the National Building Code of the Philippines that must be
followed in the design, construction, use, occupancy, and maintenance of
buildings. These standards are established to ensure the safety, health, and
welfare of the public by regulating aspects such as structural integrity, fire
safety, electrical systems, plumbing, ventilation, and accessibility. The aim is to
provide uniform guidelines that ensure buildings are constructed to high-
quality and safe standards.
C) INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE. - is a set of standardized regulations and
guidelines used worldwide to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of building
occupants. These codes provide a consistent framework for the design,
construction, use, and maintenance of buildings across different countries,
facilitating international cooperation and compliance with best practices. The
goal of an international building code is to harmonize building practices
globally, incorporating modern technical knowledge and advancements to
ensure buildings are safe, sustainable, and resilient.
D) BUILDING PERMIT. - a document issued by the Building Official (BO) to an
owner/applicant to proceed with the construction, installation, addition,
alteration, renovation, conversion, repair, moving, demolition or other work
activity of a specific project/building/structure or portions thereof after the
accompanying principal plans, specifications and other pertinent documents
with the duly notarized application are found satisfactory and substantially
conforming with the National Building Code of the Philippines (the Code) and
its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING PERMIT
A) SECTION 302. Application for Permits

1. Application Submission

Anyone seeking a building permit and any ancillary/accessory permits must file
applications on the prescribed forms.

2. Required Documents for Submission

a. If the applicant is the registered owner of the lot:

• Certified True Copy of OCT/TCT: The Original Certificate of Title (OCT) or Transfer
Certificate of Title (TCT) on file with the Registry of Deeds.
• Tax Declaration: A document showing the property’s assessed value for taxation.
• Current Real Property Tax Receipt: Proof of payment of the latest property tax.

b. If the applicant is not the registered owner of the lot:

• Contract of Lease or Deed of Absolute Sale: A duly notarized copy of the lease
agreement or sale deed, in addition to the documents listed above.

3. Survey and Design Plans

Submit five (5) sets of survey plans, design plans, specifications, and other
documents prepared, signed, and sealed by duly licensed and registered professionals:

• Geodetic Engineer: Lot survey plans.

• Architect: Architectural documents. For interior design, either an architect or an
interior designer may sign.
• Civil Engineer: Civil/structural documents.
• Professional Electrical Engineer: Electrical documents.
• Professional Mechanical Engineer: Mechanical documents.
• Sanitary Engineer: Sanitary documents.
• Master Plumber: Plumbing documents.
• Electronics Engineer: Electronics documents.

4. Architectural Documents

a. Architectural Plans/Drawings

• Vicinity Map/Location Plan: For commercial, industrial, and institutional complexes

within a 2 km radius and residential buildings within a 0.5 km radius.
• Site Development Plan: Showing boundaries, orientation, and the position of the
proposed building.
• Perspective Drawings: From a vantage point like a bird’s eye view or eye level.
• Floor Plans: Showing gridlines, room identification, etc.
• Elevations: At least four, showing various aspects of the building.
• Sections: At least two, showing structural details.
• Reflected Ceiling Plan: Showing design, materials, lighting fixtures, etc.
• Details: Including accessible ramps, stairs, lifts/elevators, entrances, corridors,
walkways, functional areas, controls, drinking fountains, telephone booths, alarm
systems, access symbols, directional signs, parking for disabled persons, and major
architectural elements.
• Schedule of Doors and Windows: Showing their types, dimensions, materials, and
number of sets.
• Schedule of Finishes: Graphic form of surface finishes for all building spaces.
• Details of Other Major Architectural Elements.

b. Architectural Interiors/Interior Design

• Space plans/layouts, interior perspectives, furniture/equipment layouts, access

plans, parking plans, and detail designs of interior elements.

c. Accessibility Facilities

• Detailed plans and specific locations of all accessibility facilities, both inside and
outside the building, including parking areas and safety requirements.

d. Fire Safety Documents

• Floor layouts indicating fire evacuation routes, standpipes, fire extinguishers,

alarms, emergency lights, fire exits, fire-resistive construction materials, and other
fire safety measures.

5. Civil/Structural Documents

• Site Development Plan: Showing boundaries, orientation, and position of non-

architectural structures.
• Structural Plans: Including foundation plans, floor/roof framing plans, and
structural/civil work details.
• Structural Analysis and Design: For all buildings except one-story, single detached
buildings with a total floor area of 20 square meters or less.
• Boring and Load Tests: For buildings three stories and higher, and for lower
buildings in areas with potential geological/geotechnical hazards.
• Seismic Analysis: As required.

6. Electrical Documents

• Location and site plans, legend/symbols, general notes/specifications, electrical

layout, load schedules, design analysis, and one-line diagram.

7. Mechanical Documents
• Location and key plans, general layout plans, sections of buildings/equipment,
isometric drawings of systems, detailed plans for machinery, foundations,
supports, boilers, pressure vessels, design computations, fire suppression systems,
and smoke detectors.

8. Sanitary Documents

• Location plans, site plans, detailed plans and layouts, design analysis, cost
estimates for water and sewer systems, sanitation, and pollution control facilities.

9. Plumbing Documents

• Location plan, site plan, plumbing plans, layouts, legends, general notes, isometric
drawings, design analysis, and cost estimates.

10. Electronics Documents

• General layout plans, single line diagrams, riser diagrams, system isometry,
equipment specifications, design analysis, and cost estimates for
telecommunications, broadcasting, security, alarm, and other electronic systems.

11. Geodetic Documents

• Lot survey plans including vicinity maps, lot plans, relocation survey plans, line and
grade, and detailed topographic plans.

12. Clearances from Other Agencies

• a. Locational Clearance: Obtained from the City/Municipal Zoning Administration.

• b. Written Clearances: From various regulatory authorities such as DPWH, ATO,
HLURB, LGU, DOT, DENR, DOTC, DILG, PPA, DepEd, DOH, PHIVOLCS, LLDA, MWSS,
NWRB, DAR, DA, DOLE, NHA, and NCWDP, if necessary. Failure to receive a reply
within seven days shall not delay the building permit processing.

B) Each professional signatory plays a crucial role in ensuring that the building design
and systems are safe, functional, and compliant with regulatory requirements.
Their stamps on the building permit application indicate that their respective
disciplines have been properly considered and integrated into the overall design of
the building.

Architect:

• Role/Task: The architect is responsible for the overall design and aesthetic aspects
of the building. They ensure that the architectural plans comply with zoning
regulations, building codes, and safety standards. The architect's stamp signifies
that the architectural plans meet the necessary criteria for structural integrity,
safety, and functionality.
 Civil Engineer:

• Role/Task: The civil engineer is primarily concerned with the structural design and
stability of the building. They analyze and design the foundation, floor/roof
framing, and structural components to ensure they can withstand loads and
environmental forces. The civil engineer's stamp indicates compliance with
structural engineering principles and standards.

Professional Electrical Engineer:

• Role/Task: The electrical engineer designs the electrical systems of the building,
including power distribution, lighting, and other electrical installations. They
ensure that the electrical plans meet safety regulations, electrical codes, and
standards for efficiency. Their stamp signifies that the electrical designs are safe
and compliant with relevant regulations.

Professional Mechanical Engineer:

• Role/Task: The mechanical engineer designs the mechanical systems such as HVAC
(Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), plumbing, fire protection, and other
mechanical components. They ensure that these systems are designed to provide
comfort, safety, and efficiency within the building. The mechanical engineer's
stamp indicates compliance with mechanical engineering standards and
regulations.

Sanitary Engineer:

• Role/Task: The sanitary engineer is responsible for designing the water supply,
drainage, sewage, and sanitation systems of the building. They ensure that these
systems are designed to protect public health and comply with sanitary
regulations. The sanitary engineer's stamp signifies that the sanitary designs meet
health and sanitation standards.

Master Plumber:

• Role/Task: The master plumber oversees the plumbing installations and ensures
they meet plumbing codes and standards. They design and supervise the
installation of water supply, drainage, and sewage systems to ensure proper
functionality and safety. The master plumber's stamp indicates compliance with
plumbing regulations and standards.

Electronics Engineer:

• Role/Task: The electronics engineer designs and oversees the installation of

electronic systems such as telecommunications, security systems, and automation
controls within the building. They ensure that these systems are designed for
efficiency, security, and compliance with relevant standards. The electronics
 engineer's stamp signifies that electronic designs meet technical specifications and
safety requirements.

CONCLUSION
Navigating the requirements for building permits requires significant effort
and collaboration among architects, engineers, and other professionals.
Compliance with these standards not only ensures the safety and structural
integrity of buildings but also contributes to sustainable urban development and
community welfare. By adhering to these regulations, stakeholders can mitigate
risks, enhance building resilience, and promote public confidence in construction
practices.

Importance:

1. Safety Assurance: Building permits enforce standards that prioritize occupant

safety, ensuring structures are resilient against natural disasters and emergencies.
2. Legal Compliance: Compliance with building codes and permit requirements
safeguards against legal liabilities and ensures projects adhere to zoning and land
use regulations.
3. Quality Assurance: Rigorous approval processes and professional oversight uphold
construction quality, promoting durable and efficient building practices.
4. Environmental Responsibility: Permit requirements integrate environmental
considerations, encouraging sustainable building practices and minimizing
ecological impact.
5. Public Trust: By ensuring buildings meet regulatory standards, building permits
foster public trust in infrastructure, enhancing community well-being and quality
of life.

The dedication to safety, quality, and sustainable development is highlighted by

the thorough procedure of obtaining a building permit, which is essential for
creating resilient and enjoyable urban spaces.

REFERENCE
IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE. (n.d.).
https://www.iibh.org/kijun/pdf/Philippines_02_IRR_of_NBC_of_the_Philippines.p
df