Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
Why was the NBC (PD 1096) formulated?
The NBC, which took effect on February 19, 1977,
was formulated to set up uniform parameters, general
policies and minimum standards on building design,
construction, use, occupancy and maintenance in line
with the policy of the state to safeguard life, health,
property and public welfare.
Rationale of the Revised IRR
The need to update and amplify the various provisions
of the existing IRR has become imperative to be
realistic and relevant to the present development in
building design and construction, rapid urbanization,
development of mega cities characterized by high-rise
buildings/ structures and relevant requirements of
related laws and other government agencies.
Overview of the Revised IRR
work of more than 4 years by the DPWH Board of
Consultants composed of officers/members of the
different professional organizations involved in
building design/construction, headed by Architect /
Engineer Angel Lazaro, Jr.

approved by then Acting Secretary Florante Soriquez

on October 29, 2004
effective May 01, 2005, 15 days after its 3rd / last
publication on April 15, 2005 in the Manila Standard
Today (pursuant to Section 211 of the NBC)
Objectives of the Revised IRR
To organize the sequence and numbering of the
provisions as they appear in the Chapters / Sections of
the NBC for easy reference
To identify who shall be responsible for the design,
supervision or construction of a building/structure.
This is in consonance with Art. 1723 of the Civil Code
of the Philippines (liable for damages within 15 years)
architect / engineer - designer of the building
contractor of the building defect in construction
or use of materials of inferior quality
construction supervisor (architect/civil engineer)
reducing the burden on the Building Officials
shifting the responsibility of complying with the
requirements of the Code to the owner/permittee and
the design/supervision and construction professionals
Comparison of the Old IRR with the Revised IRR
The Old IRR has 19 Rules and Regulations
promulgated and took effect on different dates in a
continuing process and as problems are encountered in
the field;
issued in the form of Memorandum Orders by then
Minister of defunct MPWTC and published in a
newspaper of general circulation (pursuant to Sec. 211
of NBC), compiled & reprinted in book form for facility
and convenience
The Revised IRR has 21 Rules and Regulations
harmonized to the Chapters of the NBC for easier
reference;
still contain the 19 Rules & Regulations of the old
IRR with some amendments;
other Rules have been formulated / provided in
compliance with NBC.
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule I General Provisions
Section 103 Scope and Application
cover the following disciplines:
architectural civil / structural electrical mechanical
sanitary plumbing electronics
apply to the design, location, siting, construction,
alteration, repair, conversion, use, occupancy,
maintenance, moving, demolition of , and addition to
public and private buildings/structures
exception: - traditional indigenous family dwellings
- Economic & Socialized Housing (BP 220)
existing buildings/structures without building
permits/certificates of occupancy may be legalized and
issued the necessary permits/certificates, provided, they
are made to conform to these rules and regulations.
However, they shall be subject to penalties, surcharges,
fines and other appropriate measures.
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule I General Provisions
Section 103 Scope and Application (continuation)
The applicable and consistent provisions of the allied
professional codes and other government agency
codes as approved by the DWPH Secretary shall serve
as the referral codes of PD 1096 and this IRR.
Rule II Administration and Enforcement
Sec. 203 General Powers and Functions of the Secretary
Issue and promulgate additional rules and regulations in the
form of Memorandum Circulars; issue guidelines/
memorandum circulars to guide the action of the B.O. in the
performance of his duties and responsibilities;
Exercise appellate jurisdiction over the decisions/orders of
the BO. The order/decision of the Secretary shall be final
and executory subject only to review by the Office of the
President.
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule II Administration and Enforcement
Sec. 203 General Powers and Functions of the Secretary
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 supplementary to the Code and
its IRR;
Prescribe and impose the amount of fees and other charges
as may be deemed necessary that the BO shall collect in
connection with the performance of regulatory functions;
Appoint a Building Official, separate and distinct from the
Office of the City/Municipal Engineers in all Cities/
Municipalities.
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule II Administration and Enforcement
Sec. 206 Qualifications of Building Officials
A Filipino citizen
A duly registered architect or civil engineer
A member of good standing of a duly accredited
organization of his profession for not less than 5 years,
endorsed by the APO
Has at least 5 years of diversified and professional
experience in building design and construction;
Has attended and successfully completed a seminar
workshop on PD 1096 and its IRR conducted by the
DPWH.
Endorsement of the concerned local city/municipal mayor
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule II Administration and Enforcement
Sec. 207 Duties of the Building Officials
Be primarily responsible for the enforcement of the
provisions of PD 1096 and its IRR, as well as circulars,
memoranda, opinions and decisions/orders issued pursuant
thereto. His actions shall always be guided by appropriate
orders/directives from the Secretary;
Has overall administrative control and/or supervision over
all works pertinent to buildings/structures in his area of
responsibility; shall be charged with the processing of all
permit applications and certificates as well as the issuance
of the same;
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule II Administration and Enforcement
Sec. 207 Duties of the Building Officials (continuation)
Ensure that all changes, modifications and alterations in
the design plans during the construction phase shall not
start until the modified design plan has been evaluated;
Undertake annual inspections of all buildings/structures and
keep an up-to-date record of their status;
Upon complaint or motu propio and after due notice/s and
hearing, initiate action towards:
non-issuance, suspension, revocation and/or invalidation
of a building permit or certificate of occupancy;
Issuance of work stoppage order, or an order for
discontinuance of the use or occupancy of the building/
structure or portion thereof;
Declaration of a building/structure as ruinous or dangerous
The imposition of appropriate fines/penalties.
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule II Administration and Enforcement
Sec. 207 Duties of the Building Officials (continuation)
Submit a quarterly situational report to the Secretary thru
the NBCDO, on the status of all existing, on-going and
proposed public/private buildings/structure activities.
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule III Permits and Inspection
Rule I (Building Permit Applications) and Rule II
(Processing of Applications for Building Permits and
Certificate of Occupancy) under the Old IRR are
integrated/updated in accordance with the basic law.
Kinds of permits are defined / explained
The architectural facilities/features mandated in Sec.
2.1, Rule III of the Accessibility Law (BP 344) are
required to be incorporated in the architectural plans
Notable features introduced to prevent excavations
from being abandoned for a specified period of time
For excavations more than 50 cu. m and more than 2 m
in depth, the owner/permittee shall post a cash bond of
P50,000 and P300 / cu. m in excess of 50 cu. m.
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule III Permits and Inspection
Emphasis on the provisions of Article 1723 of the
Civil Code of the Philippines:
Under Article 1723 of the Civil Code of the
Philippines, the engineer or architect who drew up
the plans and specifications for a building/structure is
liable for damages if within fifteen (15) years from
the completion of the building/structure, the same
should collapse due to defect in the plans or
specifications or defects in the ground. The engineer
or architect who supervises the construction shall be
solidarily liable with the contractor should the edifice
collapse due to defect in the construction or the use
of inferior materials.
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule IV Types of Construction
New provision containing types of construction,
changes in types and requirements on types of
construction
5 Types classified according to their resistivity to fire
from least to most resistive for purposes of zoning esp. fire zones
Type I wood construction
Type II wood constn w/ fire-resistant materials; 1-hr f. r.
Type III masonry and wood construction; 1-hr fire-resist.
Type IV steel, iron, concrete or masonry constn; 1-hr f.r.
Type V steel, iron, concrete or masonry construction w/
4-hour resistivity
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule V Requirements of Fire Zones
New provision
Designation of fire zones is purposely for management,
prevention, control and suppression of conflagration
that may occur in population centers;
The LGU may enact ordinances based on the
parameters enumerated in this Rule designating certain
areas; and where types of construction are best fitted to
be located:
Non-Fire Restrictive Zone - Type I and II
Fire Restrictive Zone - Type II, III and IV
Highly Fire Restrictive Zone - Type IV and V
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule VI Fire Resistive Requirements in
Construction
New provision
In this Rule, certain materials of construction are
rated according to the degree to which they can
withstand fire: 1-hour, 2-hour, 3-hour or 4-hour.
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule VII Classification and General
Requirements of Buildings By Use or Occupancy
Groupings in the Old IRR under Rule III
(Assessment, Imposition and Collection of Fees) are
not in accordance with the basic law
Buildings are classified into 10 Groups of Occupancies
and subdivided into several Divisions as to Use
Table VII.1 shows in tabulation the Principal,
Accessory and Conditional Uses and Zoning
Classifications
Firewall Provisions / Requirements
Revised requirements in building heights
Rule XVII re - Airports and Rule XVIII Maximum Heights
of Buildings/Structures of the Old IRR are integrated/
updated
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule VII Classification and General
Requirements of Buildings By Use or Occupancy
Revised Parking Requirements
Rule XIX Parking and Loading Space Requirements of
the Old IRR is integrated / updated
New Guidelines on Building Bulk, Development
Controls, and Buildings/Structures within Cemeteries
and Memorial Parks (Rule XII of the Old IRR)
Rule VIII Light and Ventilation
Expanded/updated version of the previous Rule XVI
of the Old IRR
Applies primarily to new developments
5 Groups of Residential Use/Occupancy (R-1 to R-5)
Yards and Setbacks are revised
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule VIII Light and Ventilation (continuation)
Additional types of Lots (from 6 to 7 types)
Interior Lot
Inside Lot
Corner Lot
Through Lot
Corner-Through Lot
Corner Lot abutting 3 or more streets, alleys, rivers,
etc.
End Lot
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule VIII Light and Ventilation (continuation)
New Provisions (Guidelines)
Easements
View Corridors / Sight Lines
Road Right-of-Way
Suggested Minimum Lot Sizes/Dimensions and Types
by Use/Occupancy
Existing provisions on Arcades and Sidewalks (Rule
VI) are integrated / updated
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule IX Sanitation
New Provision
The provisions in Chapter 9 of the NBC are
adapted/updated in this Rule with reference to the
Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines
(RNPCP) and the Code on Sanitation of the
Philippines
Based on the RNPCP, a referral code of the NBC,
plumbing installations within or adjacent to the
building is within the scope of the master plumber
It should be noted that the Code on Sanitation is
being administered by the DOH
Refer matters concerning sanitation to DOH and to
the protection of the environment to the DENR
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule X Building Projection Over Public Street
Rule VI (Arcades and Sidewalks) of the Old IRR is
adapted / revised
Requirements on Projection of Balconies/
Appendages Over Streets are adapted from Table
1003-A, Annex B of the NBC
Defines the limits by which structures and their
appendages may project beyond public property
(streets/alleys)
Duty of the B.O. to see to it that applicants for
building permits along arcaded blocks (established by
local government ordinance) maintain the uniformity
of the height of arcades throughout the block
Provision on Corner Buildings with Chaflans
- (on street/alley less than 3.60 m in width)
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule XI Protection of Pedestrians During
Construction or Demolition
This is an updated Rule XV (Protection and Safety
Requirements for Construction and Demolition) of the
Old IRR
The protection as discussed in this Rule does not
only cover safety of pedestrians but of the workers
themselves and protection of public utilities and
private properties within the vicinity of the
construction or demolition works
Protection of workers and devices during
construction and demolition shall be as required by
Administrative Order of the DOLE / OSHS - BWC
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule XII General Design and Construction
Requirements
expanded / updated version of Chapter 12 of the
basic law (PD 1096)
Detailed minimum safety requirements in the design/
construction of buildings/structures
Section 1202 is a very thorough discussion on
Excavations, Foundations and Retaining Walls
Included is Rule XIV (Occupant Loads) of the Old IRR
Determination of:
- occupant loads
- width / no. of exits
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule XIII Electrical and Mechanical
Regulations
The Old Rules (Rule IX Electrical Regulations and
Rule X Mechanical Regulations) are integrated and
updated into one
Provisions are in consonance with the latest
applicable provisions of the corresponding
professional laws / codes
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule XIV Photographic and X-Ray Films
The areas covered in the Old Rule XIII are revised in
accordance with the basic law
emphasis on safety requirements for storage and handling
of photographic and x-ray films
Rule XV Fabricated Construction
New provision
The development in prefabrication necessitates
conformance to accepted standards on structural
adequacy, durability, soundness, weather and fire-
resistance of prefabricated assemblies
The integrity of such prefabricated units integrated into
the bldg conforming to said standards is the responsibility
of the manufacturer as well as the designer who
specifies their use and the in-charge of construction who
supervises the placement of the prefabricated assembly
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule XVI Plastics
The provisions of this Rule are adapted from the
provisions of Chapter 16 of the NBC
The B.O. must ascertain that the product particulars
and technical data complying with the minimum
standards as required in this Rule or generally
accepted standards of any plastic materials used in
the construction are also indicated in the
specifications signed and sealed by the designer
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule XVII Sheet Metal Spray Booths
New provision
Paint spray booths potential hazards, hence, special
provisions are required
Specifies the thickness of the sheet metal to be used,
the area of booth, floor protection, fire protection,
type of illumination and manner of ventilation
It would be proper for the B.O. to refer the plans and
specifications to the Fire Marshall to evaluate
consonance to the Fire Code of the Philippines (Div.
2, Sec. 22.201-22.210)
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule XVIII Glass and Glazing
New provision, mostly adapted from NBC, with few
additional safety provisions and limitations to be
observed
The Professional Codes of the designers to which
they should also adhere are more explicit in the
requisites of safety and of types of glasses, as well as
the guidelines and specifications of the glass
manufacturers and of the materials used in the
installation of glasses
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule XIX The Use of Computers
A new provision which simply states the
requirements on what should be submitted to the
B.O. whenever computer generated computations are
used in the design of buildings/structures such as:
Reference where the detailed description of the
theoretical background of the program, software
name, version number, companys address of the
program developer
Output sheets duly certified by the designer (first
sheet signed/sealed by the designer)
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule XX Signs
In the old as well as the Revised IRR, much leeway is
given to adherance to the Code of Ethics for
Advertising and Promotions and the rules and
regulations of the appropriate agency in charge of
the conduct of the business
No definite sanctions/penalty for violations of the
Code of Ethics that makes it difficult for the B.O. to
enforce the NBC
Provisions are definite as to the safety features of the
sign structures (structural & electrical), clearances
and dimensions of the signs and conditions itemized
in the Sign Permit
 Highlights of the Revised IRR
Rule XXI Final Provisions
New Provision
Section 2101 Separability Clause
If any provisions of this IRR or the application
thereof to any person or circumstance is declared
unconstitutional by a competent court, the other
sections and provisions hereof which are not
affected thereby shall continue to be in full force
and effect.
Section 2103 Effectivity
This IRR shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication once a week for three (3) consecutive
weeks in a newspaper of general circulation
May 01, 2005 after its 3rd/last publication (April 15, 2005)