The provisions of this Code shall

apply to the design, location, siting,

construction, alteration, repair,
conversion, use, occupancy,
maintenance, moving, demolition of,
and addition to public and private
buildings and structures, except
traditional dwellings as defined
herein.

Title
Declaration of Policy
Scope and
Application
General Building
Requirements
Site Requirements
Definitions

chapter 1:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

January 1, 1979

Construction- all on-site work done from

site preparation, excavation, foundation,
assembly of all the components and
installation of utilities and equipment of
buildings/structure

Title
Declaration of Policy
Scope and
Application
General Building
Requirements
Site Requirements
Definitions

Erection- installation in place of

components of a building/ structure

chapter 1:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

Addition- any new construction which

increases the height or area of an existing
building/structure

Alteration- construction in a
building/ structure involving changes
in the materials used, partitioning,
location/ size of openings, structural
parts, existing utilities and equipment
but does not increase the overall area
thereof.
chapter 1:

Title
Declaration of Policy
Scope and
Application
General Building
Requirements
Site Requirements
Definitions

GENERAL PROVISIONS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

Renovation- any physical change made on

a building/ structure to increase its value,
utility and/ or to improve its aesthetic quality

Conversion- a change in the use or

occupancy of a building/ structure or any
portion/s thereof which has different
requirements

Title
Declaration of Policy
Scope and
Application
General Building
Requirements
Site Requirements
Definitions

chapter 1:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

Repair - remedial work done on any

damaged or deteriorated portion/s of a
building/structure to restore its original
condition

Title
Declaration of Policy
Scope and
Application
General Building
Requirements
Site Requirements

Moving - the transfer of any

building/structure or portion/s thereof
from its original location or position
to another, either within the same lot
or to a different one

Definitions

chapter 1:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

 Title
Declaration of Policy

Demolition - the systematic dismantling

or destruction of a building/ structure, in
whole or in part
Ancillary Building Structure- a
secondary building/ structure located within the
same premises, the use of which is incidental to
that of the main building/structure

Scope and
Application
General Building
Requirements
Site Requirements
Definitions

chapter 1:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

 He (the building official) is 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
The Building Official may order the
work stopped or order
discontinuance of occupancy or use

Responsibility
Technical Staff
The Secretary
Professional &
Technical Assistance
Building Officials

Fees & Exemptions

Implementing Rules
& Regulations
Fines and Penal
Provisions
Dangerous/Ruinous
Bldgs.
Remedies

chapter 2:
ADMINISTRATION & ENFORCEMENT
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

ISSUANCE

PW
CASHIER

Building Permits
Application,
Processing,
Issuance

LINE &
GRADE

Validity

ARCHITECTURAL

APPLICATION

RECEIVING
&
RECORDING

LAND USE
& ZONING

STRUCTURAL

EVALUATION/
SANITARY/
PLUMBING

APPROVAL

ELECTRICAL

Non-issuance,
Suspension,
Revocation, Appeal
Inspection and
Supervision
Certificate of
Occupancy

MECHANICAL

chapter 3
PERMITS & INSPECTION
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

 Title
Declaration of Policy

Building Permit- a written authorization

granted by the Building Official to an applicant
allowing him to proceed with the construction of a
specific project after plans, specifications and other pertinent

Scope and
Application
General Building
Requirements
Site Requirements
Definitions

documents have been found to be in conformity with the National

Building Code and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

SEC. 304. . THE BUILDING OFFICIAL SHALL WITHIN 15

DAYS FROM THE PAYMENT OF THE REQUIRED FEES BY
THE APPLICANT, ISSUE THE BUILDING PERMIT APPLIED
FOR
chapter 1:

GENERAL PROVISIONS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

BUILDING PERMIT EXEMPTIONS

MINOR CONSTRUCTION

Title
Declaration of Policy

sheds, outhouses, greenhouses, childrens playhouses, aviaries,

poultry houses and the like not exceeding 6sq.m.; detached from any
other building and for owners private use
addition of open terraces or patios resting directly on the ground, not
exceeding 20sq.m. and for owners private use

Scope and
Application
General Building
Requirements
Site Requirements
Definitions

installation of window grilles

garden pools for cultivation of water plants and/or aquarium fish not
exceeding 500mm depth
erection of garden walls other than party walls not exceeding 1.80m
in height, cementing of footpaths, garden walks and/or driveways

chapter 1:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

BUILDING PERMIT EXEMPTIONS

REPAIRS
not affecting or involving any structural member, such as
replacement of deteriorated roofing sheets or tiles, gutters,
downspouts, fascias, ceilings and/or sidings
non load-bearing partition walls

Title
Declaration of Policy
Scope and
Application
General Building
Requirements
Site Requirements

any interior portion of a house not involving addition or alteration

Definitions

or replacement of windows, flooring, perimeter fence, walls

or replacement of sanitary or plumbing fixtures

or replacement of faulty or deteriorated wiring devices, fixtures and

safety devices provided no alteration shall be made on the service
entrance and main switch or breaker and no circuits will be added

chapter 1:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

Application form

Title
Declaration of Policy

Five (5) sets of plans and specifications prepared, signed and sealed
by duly licensed architect and engineers

Scope and
Application
General Building
Requirements

For lot owners, certified true copies of:

- TCT
- tax declaration
- current real property tax receipt

Site Requirements
Definitions

For non-lot owners, duly notarized copies of:

- contract of lease
- deed of absolute sale
- contract of sale

chapter 1:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

Title
Declaration of Policy

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS NOT REQUIRED FOR:

traditional indigenous family dwellings intended for use and
occupancy of owners family; of native materials, cost not
exceeding P15,000

Scope and
Application
General Building
Requirements
Site Requirements
Definitions

single-detached dwelling up to 20 sq.m.

simple sketch with dimensions, site location and vicinty map will
suffice

chapter 1:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

BUILDING PERMITS

Title
Declaration of Policy

NON-ISSUANCE, SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION

errors in plans and specifications

Scope and
Application
General Building
Requirements

incorrect or inaccurate data supplied

Site Requirements

non-compliance with NBC and IRRs

Definitions

VALIDITY
one year from date of issue

suspension/ abandonment of construction for 120 days

chapter 1:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

BUILDING PERMIT FEES

Title

BASES FOR COMPUTING

Declaration of Policy

type of occupancy or use of building

cost of construction (per sq.m. based on classification)
area

height

Scope and
Application
General Building
Requirements
Site Requirements
Definitions

TYPES OF OCCUPANCY
Category I

- residential

Category II

- commercial and industrial

Category III

- social, educational, institutional

Category IV

- agricultural

Category V

- ancillary

chapter 1:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

BUILDING PERMIT FEES

Title

EXEMPTIONS

Declaration of Policy

traditional indigenous family dwellings 15,000 worth of material

public buildings ( owned, occupied, operated by offices performing
purely government functions )

government-owned housing units constructed by NHA while title is

in governments name

Scope and
Application
General Building
Requirements
Site Requirements
Definitions

construction by civic organizations, charitable institutions to be

donated to government for public use

buildings/structures owned by electric cooperatives

chapter 1:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

Title
Declaration of Policy
Scope and
Application

REQUIRED PRIOR TO
use of building/ structure

General Building
Requirements

change in use of occupancy classification

Site Requirements
Definitions

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
certificate of completion

logbook and Building Inspection Sheet

signed as-built plans and specifications

chapter 1:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

Title
Declaration of Policy

NON-ISSUANCE OR REVOCATION

Scope and
Application

unauthorized change, modification or alteration in plans

and/or type of construction

General Building
Requirements

failure to engage services of licensed architect or civil

engineer to do full-time supervision

Site Requirements
Definitions

failure of full-time supervisor to submit logbook, Certificate

of Completion, as-built plans, specifications, Building
Inspection Sheet, fire safety Inspection Certificate

chapter 1:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

TYPE I

- Wood construction

TYPE II - Wood with one-hour fire-resistive

materials
TYPE III - Masonry and wood; incombustible
construction for exterior walls

Types of
Construction
Changes in Type
Requirements on
Type of Construction

TYPE IV - Steel, iron, concrete, masonry;

incombustible construction for walls,
ceilings and permanent partitions

TYPE V - Structural elements of steel, iron,

concrete or masonry; building shall be
fire-resistive

chapter 4:
TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

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.

Fire zones defined

Buildings in more
than 1 Fire Zone
Moved Buildings
Temporary Buildings
Center Lines of
Streets
Restrictions on
Existing Buildings
Designation of Fire
Zones

chapter 5:
REQUIREMENTS OF FIRE ZONES
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

Fire-resistive Rating: the degree to

which a material can withstand fire

Definitions
Time Period Rating
Standards

Time Period Rating: length of time

(in hours) a material can withstand
being burned

Regulations

Fire-resistive Standards:
Classification of construction
according to their fire-retardant or
flame spread ratings
chapter 6:
FIRE-RESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

A- Residential dwellings

Occupancy Classified

B- Residential, Hotels, Apartments

Change in Use

C- Education and Recreation

Mixed Occupancy/
Occupancy Separation

D- Institutional
E- Business and Mercantile

Location on
Property

F- Industrial

Allowable Floor
Area

G- Storage and Hazardous

Maximum Heights

H- Assembly Buildings for less than 1000 occupants

Minimum
Requirements for
Group A Dwellings

I- Assembly Buildings for 1000 or more occupants

Requirements for
other Group
Occupancies

J- Accessory

chapter 7:

PD 1096

BLDG. CLASSIFICATION BY USE &

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

 Occupancy
Classified

Direct access to public

or open space

Change in Use
Mixed Occupancy/

Eaves at least 750mm.

From side and rear
property lines

Occupancy
Separation

Location on
Property

Projections beyond
exterior walls

Allowable Floor
Area

Buildings on same
property; or with courts

Maximum Heights
Minimum
Requirements for
Group A Dwellings

chapter 7:

PD 1096

Requirements for
other Group
Occupancies

BLDG. CLASSIFICATION BY USE &

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

 Occupancy
Classified
Change in Use
Mixed Occupancy/
Occupancy
Separation

Location on
Property

Measured from
highest adjoining
ground surface;
height measured
from lowest
surface shall not
exceed maximum
by 3.00 meters

Allowable Floor
Area
Maximum Heights
Minimum
Requirements for
Group A Dwellings

chapter 7:

PD 1096

Requirements for
other Group
Occupancies

BLDG. CLASSIFICATION BY USE &

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

 Occupancy
Classified

Location & Lot

Occupancy

Change in Use

Light &
Ventilation

Mixed Occupancy/

Sanitation

Occupancy
Separation

Foundation
Post

Location on
Property

Floor

Allowable Floor
Area

Roof
Stairs

Maximum Heights

Entrance &
Exit

Minimum
Requirements
for Group A
Dwellings

Electrical
Reqts.
Mechl Reqts.

PD 1096

chapter 7:

Requirements for
other Group
Occupancies

BLDG. CLASSIFICATION BY USE &

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

 General
Requirements
Measurement of
Site Occupancy
Percentage of Site
Occupancy
Size & Dimensions
of Courts
Air Space
Requirements
Window Openings
Vent Shafts

Ventilation Skylights
Artificial Ventilation

chapter 8:
LIGHT AND VENTILATION

 General
Requirements

Whenever possible, source from municipal or

city waterworks system;

Water Supply
System

If from meteoric, surface or underground

sources, must conform to National Standard
for Drinking Water

Wastewater
Disposal System

Piping in accordance with National Plumbing

Code of the Philippines

Pest & Vermin

Control

Storm Drainage
System

Noise Pollution
Control
Pipe Materials

chapter 9:
SANITATION

 shall discharge to municipal or city sewer

system in accordance with Code on Sanitation
and the National Pollution Control
Commission; or
shall discharge to Imhoff or septic tank
rainwater shall not discharge to the sanitary
sewer system

General
Requirements
Water Supply
System
Wastewater
Disposal System
Storm Drainage
System
Pest & Vermin
Control
Noise Pollution
Control

Pipe Materials

chapter 9:
SANITATION
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

 General
Requirements
Water Supply
System

Rat proofing
means for cleaning garbage bins and receptacles

screening of public dining rooms

Wastewater
Disposal System
Storm Drainage
System
Pest & Vermin
Control
Noise Pollution
Control
Pipe Materials

chapter 9:
SANITATION
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

 General
Requirements
Projection into
Alleys or Streets
Balconies &
Appendages
Arcades
Canopies
Awnings or Hoods
Doors, windows
Corner Buildings
with Chaflans

chapter 10:
PROJECTION OVER STREETS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

Mixing of concrete on public

streets not allowed

General
Requirements
Storage in Public
Property

Materials or equipment
must not obstruct
pedestrian travel, utilities,
fire hydrants

Mixing Mortar over

Public Property
Protection of Utilities
Walkway

Must provide 1.2 m. wide

temporary walkway

Pedestrian Protection
Maintenance/Removal
of Protective Devices

Walkways must have railings of at

least 1 meter height and fence and
canopy of at least 2.4 meters height

Demolition

chapter 11:
PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS
PD 1096

during construction or demolition

THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

 Excavation,
Foundation,
Retaining Walls
Veneer
Vertical Openings
Floor Construction
Roof Construction &
Covering
Stairs, Exits,
Occupant Loads
Skylights
Bays, Porches,
Balconies

Penthouses, Roof
Structures
Chimneys,
Fireplaces,
Barbecues
Fire-extinguishing
Systems
Stages &
Platforms
Motion Picture
Projection Rooms
Lathing,
Plastering, Wall
Boards

chapter 12:
GEN.DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION REQTS.
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

 All electrical systems, equipment and installation

shall conform to the provisions of the Philippine
Electrical Code as adopted by the Board of
Electrical Engineering pursuant to RA 184 as amended
by RA 7920 otherwise known as the New Electrical
Engineering Law

Electrical
Regulations
Mechanical
Regulations

chapter 13:
ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL REGS.
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

 All mechanical systems, equipment and installations

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

Electrical
Regulations
Mechanical
Regulations

chapter 13:
ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL REGS.
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

 storage rooms of unexposed

films shall be provided for
specified cases

Storage and
Handling

films

for
amateurs, safety
and dental films
exempted

packaging of 12 films to an
envelope

Classes of Film
Exempted
Fire Extinguishing
System

Proper venting and insulation

incandescent electrical light; no
smoking
first aid provisions

chapter 14:
PHOTOGRAPHIC & X-RAY FILMS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

 Prefabricated assembly is a
structural unit, the integral parts of
which, have been built up or
assembled prior to incorporation in
the building

Prefabricated
Assembly

chapter 15:
PREFABRICATED CONSTRUCTION
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

 Approved plastic materials shall be

those which have 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
practice.

chapter 16:
PLASTICS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

Approved Plastics
Installation
Glazing
Skylights
Monitors and
Sawtooth Roofs

Light Diffusers in
Ceilings
Partitions
Exterior Veneers
Awnings &
Canopies

 constructed of steel not less than no.18 US

gauge in thickness

Definition

not more than 150 sq.m.

Ventilation

Fire Protection
Light

Floor of incombustible material

free passage of exhaust air

provisions for fire protection
mechanical ventilation and exhaust ducts

chapter 17:
SHEET METAL PAINT SPRAY BOOTHS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

 This Chapter shall apply to exterior

glass and glazing in all occupancies
except groups A, B and J occupancies
not over 3 stories in height and to
interior and exterior glass and
glazing in all occupancies subject to
human impact

General
Requirements
Area Limitation
Glazing
Louvered Windows
Impact

chapter 18:
GLASS AND GLAZING
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

 The use of computers for all or any part of the

design of the building is permitted provided that all
programs to be used are documented.
Documenting a program consists of filing with the
Building Official a reference to a publication or
publications accessible to him where the detailed
description of the program or a brief statement of
the theoretical background of the program inc.
algorithms used are found.

General Rule
Program
Documentation
ComputerGenerated
Computations

chapter 19:
USE OF COMPUTER
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

ADVERTISING SIGN - an off-premise sign

BILLBOARD - a panel for posting bills or posters

DISPLAY SIGN - an on-premise sign

PROJECTING SIGN - fastened to, suspended from or

supported on a building or structure the display surface of
which is perpendicular or at an angle from wall surface
ROOF SIGN - installed on roofs, decks or eaves
WALL SIGN - parallel to wall surface

TEMPORARY SIGN - on light and combustible material

chapter 20:
SIGNS
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

Maintenance
Design and
Construction

GROUND SIGN - resting on the ground

PD 1096

General
Requirements

Supports and
Anchorages
Projections and
Clearances
Lightning

Pursuant to Section 215 of the NBC,

when a building is found or declared by
the Building Official to be a
nuisance, is dangerous or
ruinous, the Building Official
shall order its repair,
vacation or demolition
depending on the degree of danger to
life, health, safety and/or well-being of
the general public and its occupants

Title
Declaration of Policy
Scope and
Application
General Building
Requirements
Site Requirements
Definitions

DANGEROUS BUILDINGS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE / IRR RULE VII

 structural hazards

Title
Declaration of Policy

fire hazards

Scope and
Application

hazardous electrical wiring

hazardous mechanical installation
inadequate sanitation and health facilities

General Building
Requirements
Site Requirements
Definitions

improper occupancy and architectural eyesore

improper location
illegal construction

DANGEROUS BUILDINGS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE/ IRR RULE VII

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. All buildings
shall face a public street, alley or
private road

Title
Declaration of Policy
Scope and
Application
General Building
Requirements
Site Requirements
Definitions

ACCESS STREETS, ROADS,

ALLEYS
PD 1096
THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE/ IRR RULE XI

CATEGORIES OF DISABLED PEOPLE

confinement to wheelchairs
requiring use of braces, crutches, artificial
supports

impairment of hearing or sight

aging and incoordination
acquired or congenital mental impairments

DISABILITY DEFINED
PD 1096

BP 344 ACCESSIBILITY LAW

THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE/ IRR RULE XI

PLANNING PRINCIPLES
accessibility
reachability
usability
orientation
safety
workability
efficiency

DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
PD 1096

BP 344 ACCESSIBILITY LAW

THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE/ IRR RULE XI