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 the
Code for such division or group of occupancy. The character of occupancy of existing
buildings may be changed subject to the approval of the Building Official and the building may
be occupied for purposes 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
1. General Requirements
When a building is of mixed occupancy or used for more than one occupancy, the whole
building shall be subject to the most restrictive requirement pertaining to any of the type of
occupancy found therein except in the following:
a. 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;
b. Where minor accessory uses do not occupy more than 10% of the area of any floor or
a building, nor more than 10% of the basic area permitted in the occupancy
requirements, in which case, the major use of the building shall determine the
occupancy classification.
2. Forms of Occupancy Separation
Occupancy separations shall be vertical or horizontal or both, or when necessary, of such
other forms as may be required to afford a complete separation between the various
occupancy divisions in the building.
3. Types of Occupancy Separation
Occupancy separation shall be classified as One-Hour Fire-Resistive, Two-Hour FireResistive, Three-Hour Fire-Resistive and Four-Hour Fire-Resistive.
a. A One-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation shall be of not less than one-hour
fire-resistive construction. All openings in such separation shall be protected by a
fire-assembly having a one-hour fire-resistive rating.
b. A Two-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation shall be of not less than two-hour
fire-resistive construction. All openings in such separation shall be protected by a fire
assembly having a two-hour fire-resistive rating.
c.

A Three-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation shall be of not less than threehour 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 onestorey shall not exceed 25% of the length of the wall in that storey and no single
opening shall have an area greater than 10.00 sq. meters. All openings in floors
forming a Three-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation shall be protected by
vertical enclosures extending above and below such openings. The walls of such
vertical enclosures shall be of not less than two-hour fire-resistive construction, and
all openings therein shall be protected by a fire assembly having a three-hour fireresistive rating.

d. A Four-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation shall have no openings therein

and shall be of not less than four-hour fire-resistive construction.

75

4. Fire Rating for Occupancy Separation

Occupancy Separations shall be provided between groups, subgroupings, or divisions of
occupancies. The Secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations for appropriate
occupancy separations in buildings of mixed occupancy; Provided, that, where any
occupancy separation is required, the minimum shall be a One-Hour Fire-Resistive
Occupancy Separation; and where the occupancy separation is horizontal, structural
members supporting the separation shall be protected by an equivalent fire-resistive
construction.
SECTION 704. Location on Property
1. General
a. No building shall be constructed unless it adjoins or has direct access to a public
space, yard or street on at least one of its sides.
b. For the purpose of this Section, the centerline of an adjoining street or alley shall be
considered an adjacent property line.
c.

Eaves over required windows shall not be less than 750 millimeters from the side and
rear property lines.

2. Fire Resistance of Walls

Exterior walls shall have fire resistance and opening protection in accordance with the
requirements set forth by the Secretary. Projections beyond the exterior wall shall not
exceed beyond a point 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% of the total area of the wall in that storey.
3. Buildings on Same Property and Buildings 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
assumed 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.
4. Building Footprint and Firewall Requirements
a. The following rules shall be observed in the determination of the Allowable Maximum
Building Footprint (AMBF) for buildings and related habitable structures. If the stated
rules are compared with (1) Rule VIII Table VIII.1.- Reference Table on Percentage of
Site Occupancy and Maximum Allowable Construction Area (MACA); (2) Rule VIII
Tables VIII.2. and VIII.3. (setbacks, yards and courts); or (3) with the applicable
stipulations under this Rule and with the applicable stipulations of the Fire Code, the
more stringent but applicable regulation out of the aforementioned rules should be
observed;
b. If without a firewall, the footprint of a proposed building/structure shall be measured
horizontally from the property line to the outermost faces of the exterior walls of the
building/structure; Provided, that the distance measured from the property line shall
conform with the applicable stipulations of this Rule and Rule VIII; The resultant area
76

established at grade level upon which the proposed building/structure may stand shall
be the AMBF;
c.

Footprint Based on Firewall Provisions

i.

If with a firewall on one (1) side, the footprint of a proposed building/structure

shall be measured horizontally from the property line with a firewall to the
outermost faces of the opposite exterior walls of the building/structure;
Provided, that the applicable stipulations of the Fire Code are strictly followed;

ii.

If with a firewall on two (2) sides or on one (1) side and the rear property line,
the footprint of a proposed building/structure shall be measured horizontally
from the opposing property lines in case of a firewall on two (2) sides or from
the rear property line with a firewall to the outermost faces of the opposite
exterior walls of the building/structure; provided, that the applicable stipulations
of the Fire Code are strictly followed;

iii.

Absolutely no firewalls are allowed for a low density residential (R-1) uses or
occupancies; an abutment of up to 3.20 meters from established grade level
may however be permitted but solely for the purpose of supporting a carport
roof; provided further that such abutment shall be constructed of perforated or
decorative concrete blocks above 1.50 meters measured vertically from the
established grade level; such an abutment shall not be longer than 7.00 meters
or 50% of the side property line in total length, whichever is shorter.

iv.

For medium density residential (R-2) uses or occupancies, a firewall can be

erected on a maximum of 80% of the total length of a side property line;
provided that only one (1) side property line is used for a firewall in the case of
a R-2 structure; and provided further that the applicable stipulations of the Fire
Code are strictly followed;

v.

For high-density residential (R-3) uses or occupancies, two (2) types of firewall
construction may be permitted:

vi.

(a)

For a R-3 use or occupancy with a firewall on two (2) sides, a firewall can
be erected on a maximum of 85% of the total length of each side property
line; provided that all firewall construction shall not exceed 65% of the
total perimeter of the R-3 property, i.e., total length of all property lines;
provided that firewalls in R-3 lots shall only be allowed for a maximum
two (2) storey component structure; and provided further that all the
applicable stipulations of the Fire Code are strictly followed; and

(b)

For a R-3 use or occupancy with a firewall on one (1) side property line
and at the rear property line, a firewall can be erected on a maximum of
90% of the total length of the side and rear property lines and up to 100%
in case the rear property line is only 4.00 meters wide; provided that all
firewall construction at the side property lines shall not exceed 50% of the
total perimeter of the R-3 property, i.e., total length of all property lines;
provided that firewalls in R-3 lots shall only be allowed for a maximum
two (2) storey structure but not at the rear property line where the
maximum allowed firewall height shall only be 3.20 meters measured
vertically from established grade; and provided further that all the
applicable stipulations of the Fire Code are strictly followed.

For townhouse residential (R-4) uses or occupancies, firewalls on the two (2)
sides of each townhouse unit may be permitted; the R-4 firewall can be erected
on a maximum of 85% of the total length of each side property line; provided
that all firewall construction shall not exceed 50% of the total perimeter of each
R-4 property, i.e., total length of all property lines; provided that firewalls in
each R-4 use or occupancy shall be allowed for a maximum three (3) storey
structure; and provided further that all the applicable stipulations of the Fire
Code are strictly followed;
77

vii.

For residential condominium (R-5) uses or occupancies, two (2) types of

firewall construction may be permitted:
(a) For a R-5 use or occupancy with a firewall on two (2) sides, a firewall can
be erected on a maximum of 75% of the total length of each side property
line; provided that all firewall construction at the side property lines shall not
exceed 50% of the total perimeter of the R-5 property, i.e., total length of all
property lines; provided that side firewalls in R-5 uses or occupancies shall
only be allowed for a maximum eight (8) storey component structure, i.e.,
the podium; and provided further that all the applicable stipulations of the
Fire Code are strictly followed; and
(b) For a R-5 use or occupancy with a firewall on one (1) side and at the rear
property line, a firewall can be erected on a maximum of 65% of the total
length of the side property line and on a maximum of 50% of the total
length of the rear property line; provided that all firewall construction shall
not exceed 60% of the total perimeter of the R-5 property, i.e., total length
of all property lines; provided that the side firewalls in R-5 uses or
occupancies shall only be allowed for a maximum eight (8) storey
component structure and that at the rear property line, the maximum
allowed firewall height shall only be 14.00 meters measured vertically from
established grade; and provided further that all the applicable stipulations
of the Fire Code are strictly followed.

viii.

All existing openings on all firewalls shall be sealed completely to maintain the
fire integrity of adjoining buildings/structures.

ix.

The provision of a fully functional sprinkler system and the installation of other
fire-retardant or fire suppression devices in the case of commercial, institutional
and industrial buildings/structures may allow firewall construction for up to 70%
of the total perimeter of the property lines provided that the prescribed
setbacks, yards and courts fronting the Road Right-Of-Way (RROW) are first
fully complied with; and provided further that all the applicable stipulations of
the Fire Code, particularly on the number, type and locations of fire exits are
strictly followed.

SECTION 705.

Allowable Floor Areas

1.

General. The Allowable Maximum Total Gross Floor Area (TGFA) of any proposed
building/structure shall only be as allowed under this Rule.

2.

TGFA Limitation. In Table VII.1. hereafter, the percentages (%) indicated in the third
(3rd) through eighth (8th) columns, but excluding the multiplier numbers 3, 5, 12, 18,
and 30 (which represent the number of storeys/floors), are the percentages of the Total
Lot Area (TLA) that may be used to initially determine the Allowable Maximum TGFA
for a proposed building/structure.

3.

Crosscheck of TGFA with Allowable Maximum Volume Building (AMVB). The Allowable
Maximum TGFA once established must be thoroughly crosschecked with the AMVB to
find out if the AMVB is not exceeded. If exceeded, the necessary adjustments on the
Maximum Allowable TGFA must be made since the AMVB must always prevail.

78

Table VII.1.

Allowable Maximum Total Gross Floor Area (TGFA)

Based on the Allowed Percentage of Site Occupancy (PSO)
of the Total Lot Area (TLA)
Allowable Maximum
Total Gross Floor Area (TGFA)*
by Type/ Location of Lot

Character
of Use/
Occupancy

Type of
Building/
Structure

*Note: Building Height Limit (BHL) multiplied by the Allowable Maximum

Building Footprint (AMBF) expressed as a percentage (%) of the Total Lot
Area or TLA (with or without firewall). Figure subject to reduction to comply
with the floor area component of the Allowable Maximum Volume of
Building (AMVB). Refer to Table VII.1. to arrive at the percentage (%) of
TLA.

Interior
(or Rear)
Lot
and
End Lot

Residential
GROUP
A-l
(without
firewalls)

Residential
GROUP
A-l
(with
firewalls)

Residential 1
(R-1)

Basic
Residential 2 (R-2)
Maximum
Residential 2 (R-2)
Basic
Residential 3 (R-3)
Maximum
Residential 3 (R-3)
Residential 4 (R-4)
/Individual
Townhouse
Lots/Units
Residential 4 (R-4)
/Individual
Townhouse
Lots/Units
Residential 5 (R-5)
/Condominiums
Residential 1
(R-1)

Corner
Lot

Through
Lot

(see Fig.
VIII.10. of
Rule VIII)

(see Fig.
VIII.11. of
Rule VIII)

3 x50%
of TLA

3 x70% of
TLA

3 x70%
of TLA

3 x 70%

3 x 60%

3 x 70%

5 x 70%

5 x 60%

3 x 70%

(see Fig.
VIII.8. and
VIII.5.14.
of Rule
VIII)
3 (floors/
storeys)
x 60% of
TLA

3 x 70%

12x80%

Inside
(or
Regular)
Lot
(see Fig.
VIII.9. of
Rule VIII)

12x80%

3 x70% of
TLA

Corner
Lot
Abutting 3
or More
Streets,
etc.
Rivers,
Etc.
(see Fig.
VIII.13. of
Rule VIII)
3 x70% of
TLA

3 x 70%

3 x 70%

3 x 70%

5 x 70%

5 x 70%

5 x 70%

5 x 70%

3 x 70%

3 x 70%

12x80%

12x80%

CornerThrough
Lot
(see Fig.
VIII.12. of
Rule VIII)

3 x70%

3 x70%

12x80%

12x80%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

18x80%

18x80%

18x80%

Not
applicable
(NA)

18x80%

NA

18x80%

NA

18x80%

NA

NA

NA

79

Allowable Maximum
Total Gross Floor Area (TGFA)*
by Type/ Location of Lot
Character
of Use/
Occupancy

Commercial
GROUPS
B, C, E, H,
I

Type of
Building/
Structure

*Note: Building Height Limit (BHL) multiplied by the Allowable Maximum

Building Footprint (AMBF) expressed as a percentage (%) of the Total Lot
Area or TLA (with or without firewall). Figure subject to reduction to comply
with the floor area component of the Allowable Maximum Volume of
Building (AMVB). Refer to Table VII.1. to arrive at the percentage (%) of
TLA.

Basic
Residential 2 (R-2)
Maximum
Residential 2 (R-2)
Basic
Residential 3 (R-3)
Maximum
Residential 3 (R-3)
Residential 4 (R-4)
/Individual
Townhouse
Lots/Units
Residential 5 (R5)/
Condominiums
Commercial 1
(Com-1)

3 x 75%

3 x 70%

3 x 75%

3 x 75%

3 x 75%

3 x 75%

5 x 75%

5 x 70%

5 x 75%

5 x 75%

5 x 75%

5 x 75%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

12x80%

12x80%

12x80%

12x80%

12x80%

12x80%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

3 x 80%

18x80%

18x80%

18x80%

18x80%

18x80%

18x80%

5 x 80%

5 x 75%

5 x 80%

5 x 80%

5 x 90%

5 x 90%

Commercial 2
(Com-2)
Commercial 3
(Com-3)
Commercial 1
(Com-1)
with
Sprinkler
System &
Firewalls
Commercial 2
(Com-2)
with
Sprinkler
System &
Firewalls
Commercial 3
(Com-3)
with
Sprinkler
System &
Firewalls

12x80%

12x75%

12x80%

12x80%

12x90%

12x90%

30 x 80%

30x75%

30x80%

30x80%

30x90%

30x90%

5 x 85%

5 x 85%

5 x 90%

5 x 90%

5 x 95%

5 x 95%

12x85%

12x85%

12x90%

12x90%

12x95%

12x95%

30x85%

30x85%

30x90%

30x90%

30x95%

30x95%

80

Allowable Maximum
Total Gross Floor Area (TGFA)*
by Type/ Location of Lot
Character
of Use/
Occupancy

Industrial
GROUPS
F, G

Institutional
GROUP D

Cultural

Transportation

Type of
Building/
Structure

Industrial 1
(Ind-1)

Industrial 2
(Ind-2)
Industrial 3
(Ind-3)
Industrial 1
(Ind-1)
with
Sprinkler
System &
Firewalls
Industrial 2
(I-2) with
Sprinkler
System &
Firewalls
Industrial 3
(Ind-3)
with
Sprinkler
System &
Firewalls
Without
Sprinkler
System &
Firewalls
With
Sprinkler
System &
Firewalls
Without
Sprinkler
System &
Firewalls
With
Sprinkler
System &
Firewalls
Without
Sprinkler
System &
Firewalls
With
Sprinkler
System &
Firewalls

*Note: Building Height Limit (BHL) multiplied by the Allowable Maximum

Building Footprint (AMBF) expressed as a percentage (%) of the Total Lot
Area or TLA (with or without firewall). Figure subject to reduction to comply
with the floor area component of the Allowable Maximum Volume of
Building (AMVB). Refer to Table VII.1. to arrive at the percentage (%) of
TLA.
Dulyapproved
Building
Height
Limit
(BHL) x
80% of
TLA
BHL
x 80%
BHL
x 80%
BHL
x
85%

BHL
x
75%
of TLA

BHL
x
80%
of TLA

BHL
x
80%
of TLA

BHL
x
90%
of TLA

BHL
x
90%
of TLA

BHL
x 75%
BHL
x 75%
BHL
x
85%

BHL
x 80%
BHL
x 80%
BHL
x
90%

BHL
x 80%
BHL
x 80%
BHL
x
90%

BHL
x 90%
BHL
x 90%
BHL
x
95%

BHL
X 90%
BHL
x 90%
BHL
x
95%

BHL
x
85%

BHL
x
85%

BHL
x
90%

BHL
x
90%

BHL
x
95%

BHL
x
95%

BHL
x
85%

BHL
x
85%

BHL
x
90%

BHL
x
90%

BHL
x
95%

BHL
x
95%

BHL
x
50%
of TLA
BHL
x
60%
of TLA
BHL
x 60%
of TLA

BHL
x
50%
of TLA
BHL
x
60%
of TLA
BHL
x 60%
of TLA

BHL
x
60%
of TLA
BHL
x
70%
of TLA
BHL
x 65%
of TLA

BHL
x
60%
of TLA
BHL
x
70%
of TLA
BHL
x 65%
of TLA

BHL
x
60%
of TLA
BHL
x
70%
of TLA
BHL
x 65%
of TLA

BHL
x
60%
of TLA
BHL
x
70%
of TLA
BHL
x 65%
of TLA

BHL
x 70%

BHL
X 70%

BHL
x 70%

BHL
x 70%

BHL
x 70%

BHL
x 70%

BHL
x 50%
of TLA

BHL
x 50%
Of TLA

BHL
x 60%
of TLA

BHL
x 60%
of TLA

BHL
x 60%
of TLA

BHL
x 60%
of TLA

BHL
x 60%

BHL
x 60%

BHL
x 70%

BHL
x 70%

BHL
x 70%

BHL
x 70%

Note:
Maximum of sixty (60) storeys (180.00 meters) BHL for inland areas not close to airports.
81

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. (Refer to Guidelines on Determining Gross Floor Area and
Total Gross Floor Area of a Building/Structure at the end of this Rule)
SECTION 707. Maximum Height of Buildings
1. The maximum height and number of storeys of proposed building shall be dependent
upon the character of use or occupancy and the type of construction, considering enduser population density, light and ventilation, width of RROW/streets particularly of its
roadway/carriageway component, building bulk, off-street cum off-site parking
requirements, etc. and in relation to local land use plan and zoning regulations as well as
other environmental considerations, e.g., geological, hydrological, meteorological,
topographical, prevailing traffic conditions, the availability and capacity of public
utility/service systems, etc. (Refer to Guidelines on Building Bulk at the end of this Rule)
2. Determination of Building Height:
a. BUILDING HEIGHT LIMIT
(BHL) - the maximum height to be allowed for
buildings/structures based on their proposed use or occupancy; the BHL is generally
determined after the application of other development controls (DC) and certain other
parameters, i.e., considerations of site conditions, view, etc. (Table VII.2. of this
Rule). The BHL shall be generally measured from the established grade line to the
topmost portion of the proposed building/structure. If applicable, the BHL may be
subject to clearance requirements of the Air Transportation Office (ATO) or of the
concerned military/security authorities. (Refer to Guidelines on Development Controls
at the end this Rule)
BHL excludes the height of permitted/allowed projections above the roof of the
building/structure, e.g., signage, mast, antenna, telecom tower, beacons and the like.
b. The Building Height Limit (BHL) of any proposed building/structure shall only be as
allowed under this Rule (as shown in table below) or under the duly approved
city/municipal (local) zoning ordinance, whichever is more restrictive.
Table VII.2. Building Height Limit (BHL) by Type of Use or Occupancy
Character of Use or
Occupancy
1. Residential

2. Commercial

Type of Building/
Structure
Residential 1 (R-1)
Residential 2 (R-2)
a. Basic
b. Maximum
Residential 3 (R-3)
a. Basic
b. Maximum
Residential 4
(R-4)/
Townhouses
(Individual lots/ units)
Residential 5
(R-5)/
Condominiums
Commercial 1
(C-1)
Commercial 2
(C-2)
Commercial 3
(C-3)

Building Height Limit (BHL)

Number of allowable
Meters above highest
storeys/floors above
grade
established grade
3
10.00
3
5

10.00
15.00

3
12

10.00
36.00

10.00

12 - 18

36.00 - 54.00

3-5

10.00 -15.00

18.00

16-60

48.00 -180.00

82

Character of Use or
Occupancy

Industrial 1 (I-1)

Building Height Limit (BHL)

Number of allowable
Meters above highest
storeys/floors above
grade
established grade
15.00 meters but not exceed the duly-approved
BHL in the major zone it is part of

Industrial 2 (I-2)

21.00 meters but not exceed the duly-approved

BHL in the major zone it is part of

Industrial 3 (I-3)

27.00 meters but not exceed the duly-approved

BHL in the major zone it is part of)

15.00 meters (or must follow the duly-approved

BHL in the major zone it is part of)

30.00 meters (or must follow the duly-approved

BHL in the major zone it is part of)

15.00 meters (or must complement the dulyapproved BHL in the major zone it is part of)

Type of Building/
Structure

3. Industrial

4. Institutional

5. Cultural

6. Utility/Transportation/RROW/
Services
7. Parks and Open
Recreational
and
Entertainment
Spaces
8. Agricultural/AgroIndustrial/Tourism
9. Planned Unit
Development
(PUD)

PUD at a reclamation
area close to an
operating airport
PUD at a reclamation
area
PUD at a coastal area
PUD at an inland area
close to an operating
airport
PUD at an inland area

15.00 meters (or must complement the dulyapproved BHL in the major zone it is part of)

15.00 meters (or must complement the dulyapproved BHL in the major zone it is part of)

3 - 15

3 - 30
16 - 45

10.00-45.00 (with ATOprescribed BHL as

needed)
10.00 30.00
48.00 135.00

3 - 25

10.00 - 75.00 (with

ATO-prescribed BHL
as needed)

12 - 60

36.00 180.00

Notes:
a.

Establishing Grade
- In case of sloping grade where the edges of the building footprint (AMBF) running
perpendicular to the RROW has a difference in elevation of less than 3.00 meters, the
highest adjoining natural grade (ground surface) or finished grade (sidewalk surface)
shall be considered the established grade elevation (Figure VII.1.);
- In case of sloping grade where the edges of the building footprint (AMBF) running
perpendicular to the RROW has a difference in elevation of more than 3.00 meters, the
average grade level of the building footprint (AMBF) shall be considered the established
grade elevation (see Figure VII.3.); and
- The building/structure height shall be measured from the highest adjoining public
sidewalk (finished grade) or ground surface (natural grade); 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 parts of the
building and not used for habitation or storage are limited as to the height only by
structural design, if completely of incombustible materials, or may extend but not
exceed 6.00 meters above the prescribed building height limit (BHL) for each
occupancy group, if of combustible materials (Figures VII.2.).

83

Figure VII.1.

Figure VII.2.

Figure VII.3.

HEIGHT OF BUILDING / STRUCTURE

84

3. Other Considerations in Height Determination

a. In any given locality, the height of proposed buildings/structures shall be governed by
the following factors:
i.

The designer/space planner must consider both the present and projected
population density within the project site and in the projects location/area at full
completion/operation of the project;

ii.

For a given volume of building/structure (the building bulk), that which has a
lesser Percentage of Site Occupancy (PSO) or area of ground coverage
Allowable Maximum Building Footprint (AMBF) or Maximum Allowable
Construction Area (MACA) may be built higher than that with a greater PSO,
AMBF or MACA;

iii.

A proposed building/structure which has a greater TGFA requirement shall be

built higher than that with a lower TGFA requirement;

iv.

A proposed building/structure on a lot with a higher FLAR designation/rights

may be built higher than that on a lot with a lower FLAR designation/rights; and

v.

Lots that face a wider RROW and therefore with more RROW features/elements
may become the site of a taller building/structure as compared to a lot facing a
narrow RROW.

b. The height of proposed buildings/structures shall also be governed by the following

RROW-based limitations:

c.

i.

If only one (1) RROW services a lot and such is only 6.00 to 7.00 meters wide,
a BHL of three (3) storeys (or 9.00 meters maximum) shall be observed
regardless of use or occupancy, lot size, lot dimensions, lot frontage and like
considerations.

ii.

If only one (1) RROW services a lot and such is only 4.00 to 5.00 meters wide,
a BHL equivalent to 2 storeys (or 7.50 meters maximum) shall be observed
regardless of use or occupancy, lot size, lot dimensions, lot frontage and like
considerations. If only one (1) RROW services a lot and such is only 3.00
meters wide or less, a BHL equivalent to two (2) storeys (or 6.00 meters
maximum) shall be observed regardless of use or occupancy, lot size, lot
dimensions, lot frontage and like considerations.

iii.

Taller buildings are allowed for duly approved high-density developments such
as Planned Unit Development (PUD) areas. Taller and bulkier buildings are
better suited in such areas due to higher end-user targets, more advanced and
coordinated planning efforts and the application of more stringent development
controls (DC) by the project proponents themselves.

The following factors shall also be considered in the determination of the building
height:
i.

Soil characteristics, lot location in relation to fault lines and earthquake belts or
proximity to volcanoes and other geological conditions.

ii.

Hydrological conditions such as the water table at the site and distance to
waterways and shorelines.

iii.

Meteorological conditions such as the frequency and intensity of destructive

typhoons/monsoon winds/rains, prevailing wind speed and direction, relative
humidity, amount of precipitation and the prevailing ambient conditions.

iv.

Effect/s of environmental conditions on the building/structure and vice versa

coupled with the effective control of air, noise and thermal pollution, radiant
85

heat, lights and shadows, etc., and the optimization of natural light and
ventilation.
v.

Effect/s of traffic conditions on the building/structure and vice versa and the
satisfaction of parking/loading requirements in accordance with this Rule.

vi.

Availability and capacity of public utility/service system considering the

availability and adequacy of electric power, potable and non-potable water
supply, drainage and sewerage, transportation and communications facilities,
solid waste management system, etc.

vii.

Need for applicable building safety and maintenance systems, e.g., lightning
arresters, beacons, protective railings and barriers, gondolas, window washing
systems, etc.

d. In accordance with the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARP) of the

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) where the Philippines is a member
state and of Administrative Order No. 5 (Civil Air Regulation) of the Air Transportation
Office (ATO), the following rules and regulations shall govern the construction of
buildings/structures within the 24.00 kilometer radius of aerodromes where turbo-jet
aircraft operate and within the 10.00 kilometer radius of aerodromes where no turbojet aircraft operate. (Figs. VII.4. through VII.8.)
i.

The height of buildings/structures within this area shall be limited by an

imaginary line with slope of 2% or 1:50 for aerodromes where turbo-jet aircraft
operate and 2.5% or 1:40 for aerodromes where no turbo-jet aircraft operate
from the inner edge reckoned from the surface of the runway. The dimensions
of the isosceles trapezoidal are as shown on Table VII.3. hereafter.

Table VII.3. Dimensions of Isosceles Trapezoid

Type of Aerodrome
Aerodromes where
turbo-jet aircraft
operates
Aerodromes where no
turbo-jet aircraft
operates

Inner Edge
(Start Base)
(meters)

Long Base
(meters)

Distance
Between Bases
(meters)

300

4,800

15,000

150

4,650

15,000

150

2,150

10,000

100

2,100

10,000

ii.

No new buildings/structures shall be allowed within the runway strip.

iii.

A height clearance certificate shall be first secured from the Air Transportation
Office (ATO) before a building permit may be issued for the construction of
buildings/structures located:
(a)

Within 4.00 kilometer radius of the runway ends of an aerodrome

regardless of height;

(b)

From 4.00 kilometer to 24.00 kilometer radius of the runway ends of an

aerodrome where turbo-jet aircraft operate and exceeding 45.00 meters
in height above the elevation of the runway; and

(c)

From 4.00 kilometer to 10.00 kilometer radius of the runway ends of an

aerodrome where no turbo-jet aircraft operate and exceeding 45.00
meters in height above the elevation of the runway.

86

Figure VII.4.

APPROACH / DEPARTURE SURFACE

Figure VII.5.

Figure VII.6.

APPROACH / DEPARTURE SURFACE

87

88

Figure VII.7.

APPROACH / DEPARTURE SURFACE

ALLOWABLE CONDITIONS (BUILDABLE)

WITHIN APPROACH DEPARTURE ZONES

89

Figure VII.8.

4. Parking Slot, Parking Area and Loading/Unloading Space Requirements

a. The parking slot, parking area and loading/unloading space requirements listed
hereafter are generally the minimum off-street cum on-site requirements for specific
uses/occupancies for buildings/structures, i.e., all to be located outside of the road
right-of-way (RROW).
b. The size of an average automobile (car) parking slot must be computed at 2.50
meters by 5.00 meters for perpendicular or diagonal parking and at 2.15 meters by
6.00 meters for parallel parking. A standard truck or bus parking/loading slot must be
computed at a minimum of 3.60 meters by 12.00 meters. An articulated truck slot
must be computed at a minimum of 3.60 meters by 18.00 meters which should be
sufficient to accommodate a 12.00 meters container van or bulk carrier and a
long/hooded prime mover. A jeepney or shuttle parking/loading/unloading slot must
be computed at a minimum of 3.00 meters by 9.00 meters. The parking slots shall be
drawn to scale and the total number of which shall be indicated on the plans and
specified whether or not parking accommodations are attendant-managed.
c.

The parking space ratings listed below are minimum off-street/off-RROW cum on-site
requirements for specific uses/occupancies for buildings/structures, i.e., all to be
located outside of the road right-of-way (RROW):

Table VII.4.

Minimum Required Off-Street (Off-RROW) cum On-Site Parking Slot,

Parking Area and Loading/Unloading Space Requirements by Allowed
Use or Occupancy

Specific Uses or of
Occupancy (refer to
Section 701 of this Rule)
1. GROUP A
1.1. Division A-1

Reference Uses or Character

of Occupancies
or Type of
Buildings/Structures

Minimum Required Parking

Slot, Parking Area and
Loading Space
Requirements

Single family and multi-family

dwelling
units
[whether
single-detached
(R-1),
single-attached or duplex (R2) or rowhouse (R-3)], each
privately owned or lots with
dwelling units located in
residential
subdivisions/
developments regardless of
number of hectares/dwelling
units

Units with a lot measuring

32.00 to 72.00 sq. meters
and/or with a dwelling unit
having a gross floor area of
from 18.00 to 22.00 sq.
meters - a minimum of one
(1) pooled off-street cum onsite parking slot* for every
six (6) lots or lots with
dwelling units;
Units with a lot measuring
50.00 to 96.00 sq. meters
and/or with a dwelling unit
having a gross floor area of
from 30.00 to 42.00 sq.
meters - a minimum of one
(1) pooled off-street cum onsite parking slot* for every
four (4) lots or lots with
dwelling units;

Note:
* The parking slot requirements shall be an integral part of
buildings/structures and any parking slot provided outside the
building/structure will be quantified only as buffer parking.

90

Specific Uses or of
Occupancy (refer to
Section 701 of this Rule)

Reference Uses or Character

of Occupancies
or Type of
Buildings/Structures

Units located in town house

(R-4) buildings/structures
regardless of number of
storeys

Indigenous family dwelling

units; each privately owned

Minimum Required Parking

Slot, Parking Area and
Loading Space
Requirements
Unit with a lot measuring
100.00 to 120.00 sq.
meters and/or with a
dwelling unit having a
minimum gross floor area of
from 30.00 to 42.00 sq.
meters - a minimum of one
(1) off-street cum on-site
parking slot* for each lot or
lot with dwelling unit;
Unit with a lot measuring
more than 120.00 sq.
meters and/or with a
dwelling unit having a
minimum gross floor area of
more than 42.00 sq. meters
- minimum of one (1) offstreet cum on site parking
slot* for each lot or lot with
dwelling unit;
Units with a gross floor area
of 50.00 sq. meters
provide one (1) pooled
parking slot*for every two
(2) units or fraction thereof,
i.e., with more than two (2)
but not less than four (4)
units;
Unit with a gross floor area
above 50.00 up to 150.00
sq. meters provide one
(1) parking slot* for each
unit;
Unit with a gross floor area
above 150.00 sq. meters
provide two (2) parking
slots* for each unit.
At least one (1) car parking
slot* for every six (6)
dwelling units and which
shall be provided outside of
the RROW (within property
or lot lines only)

Note:
* The parking slot requirements shall be an integral part of
buildings/structures and any parking slot provided outside the
building/structure will be quantified only as buffer parking.
**The following prohibitions on parking slots:
1. Conversion/change of use/occupancy.
2. Reduction of parking spaces.
3. Encroachment on RROW.
4. Public utility and bulky vehicles.

91

Specific Uses or of
Occupancy (refer to
Section 701 of this Rule)
1.2. Division A-2

2. GROUP B
2.1. Division B-1

Reference Uses or
Character of Occupancies
or Type of
Buildings/Structures
Multi-family dwelling units
located
in
residential
condominium
(R-5)
buildings/structures
regardless of number of
storeys

Minimum Required Parking

Slot, Parking Area and
Loading Space
Requirements
Units with a gross floor
area of from 18.00 to 22.00
sq. meters - provide one (1)
pooled parking slot* for
every eight (8) units or for a
fraction
thereof,
e.g.,
another slot* shall be
provided if there are more
than eight (8) units but less
than sixteen (16) units, etc.;
Units with a gross floor
area up to 50.00 sq. meters
- provide one (1) pooled
parking slot* for every six
(6) medium cost units or for
a fraction thereof, e.g.,
another slot* shall be
provided if there are more
than six (6) but less than
twelve (12) medium cost
units, etc., or provide one
(1) parking slot* for each
open market unit (as
defined under the revised
IRR of
PD 957);
Units with a gross floor
area above 50.00 sq.
meters up to 100.00 sq.
meters - provide one (1)
pooled parking slot* for
every four (4) medium cost
units, or provide one (1)
parking slot* for each open
market unit (as defined
under the revised IRR of
PD 957); and
Units with a gross floor
area of more than 100.00
sq. meters one (1)
parking slot* for each unit.

Hotels

One (1) car parking slot for

every three (3) rooms or a
fraction thereof for highly
urbanized areas and one
(1) car parking slot for
every seven (7) rooms or a
fraction thereof for all other
areas; and two (2) tourist
bus parking slots for each
hotel; provide at least one
(1)
loading
slot
for
articulated truck or vehicle

Note:
* The parking slot requirements shall be an integral part of
buildings/structures and any parking slot provided outside the
building/structure will be quantified only as buffer parking.

92

Specific Uses or of
Occupancy (refer to
Section 701 of this Rule)

Reference Uses or Character

of Occupancies
or Type of
Buildings/Structures

Residential
apartels

hotels

and

Motels
Pension/boarding/lodging
houses
3. GROUP C
3.1. Division C-1
3.2. Division C-2

Bowling alleys
Churches and similar places
of worship

Public elementary,
secondary, vocational and
trade school
(GI)

Private elementary,
secondary, vocational and
trade school
(GI)

Minimum Required Parking

Slot, Parking Area and
Loading Space
Requirements
A 12.00 meters long
container van plus 4.00
meter length for the prime
mover and one (1) loading
slot for a standard truck for
every 5,000.00 sq. meters
of gross floor area (GFA);
and
provide
truck
maneuvering area outside
of the RROW (within
property or lot lines only)
One (1) car slot for every
five (5) units or a fraction
thereof; and one (1) bus
parking slot for every sixty
(60) rooms/units or a
fraction thereof
One (1) car slot for every
unit
One (1) car slot for every
twenty (20) beds
One (1) car slot for every
four (4) alleys
One (1) car slot and one (1)
jeepney/shuttle slot
for
every 50.00 sq. meters of
congregation area
One (1) off-street cum onsite parking slot for every
ten (10) classrooms; and
one (1) off-RROW (or offstreet) passenger loading
space
that
can
accommodate
two
(2)
queued
jeepney/shuttle
slots
One (1) car slot for every
five (5) classrooms; one (1)
off-RROW (or off-street)
passenger loading space
that can accommodate two
(2) queued jeepney/shuttle
slots; and one (1) school
bus slot for every one
hundred (100) students

Note:
* The parking slot requirements shall be an integral part of
buildings/structures and any parking slot provided outside the
building/structure will be quantified only as buffer parking.
** The following prohibitions on parking slots:
1. Conversion/change of use/occupancy.
2. Reduction of parking spaces.
3. Encroachment on RROW.
4. Public utility and bulky vehicles.

93

Specific Uses or of
Occupancy (refer to
Section 701 of this Rule)

Reference Uses or
Character of Occupancies
or Type of
Buildings/Structures
Public colleges and
universities
(GI)

Private colleges and

universities
(GI)

4. GROUP D
4.1. Division D-1

4.2. Division D-2

Mental hospitals, sanitaria

and mental asylums and
like uses

Public hospital

Minimum Required Parking

Slot, Parking Area and
Loading Space
Requirements
One (1) car slot for every five
(5) classrooms; one (1) offRROW
(or
off-street)
passenger loading space
that can accommodate two
(2) queued jeepney/shuttle
slots; and one (1) school bus
slot for every two hundred
(200) students
One (1) car slot for every
three (3) classrooms; one (1)
off-RROW (or off-street)
passenger loading space
that can accommodate two
(2) queued jeepney/shuttle
slots; and one (1) school bus
slot for every one hundred
(100) students
One (1) off-street cum onsite car parking slot for every
twenty five (25) beds; and
one (1) off-RROW (or offstreet) passenger loading
space
that
can
accommodate
two
(2)
queued jeepney/shuttle slots
One (1) off-street cum onsite car parking slot for every
twenty five (25) beds; and
one (1) off-RROW (or offstreet) passenger loading
space
that
can
accommodate
two
(2)
queued jeepney/shuttle slots;
provide at least one (1)
loading slot for articulated
truck or vehicle (a 12.00
meter long container van
plus 6.00 meter length for a
long/hooded prime mover)
and one (1) loading slot for a
standard truck for every
5,000.00 sq. meters of gross
floor area (GFA); and
provide truck maneuvering
area outside of the RROW
(within property or lot lines
only)

Note:
* The parking slot requirements shall be an integral part of
buildings/structures and any parking slot provided outside the
building/structure will be quantified only as buffer parking.
**The following prohibitions on parking slots:
1. Conversion/change of use/occupancy.
2. Reduction of parking spaces.
3. Encroachment on RROW.
4. Public utility and bulky vehicles.

94

Specific Uses or of
Occupancy (refer to
Section 1.3 of this Rule)

Reference Uses or
Character of Occupancies
or Type of
Buildings/Structures
Private hospital

4.3. Division D-3

5. GROUP E
5.1. Division E-1

Nursing homes for

ambulatory patients, school
and home, for children over
kindergarten age,
orphanages and the like

Terminals, Inter-modals or
Multi-modals, Depots and
the like
(UTS)

Minimum Required Parking

Slot, Parking Area and
Loading Space
Requirements
One (1) off-street cum onsite car parking slot for
every twelve (12) beds; and
one (1) off-RROW (or offstreet) passenger loading
space
that
can
accommodate two (2) queed
jeepney/shuttle
slots;
provide at least one (12)
loading slot for articulated
truck or vehicle (a 12.00
meters long container van
plus 6.00 meters length for a
long/hooded prime mover)
and one (1) loading slot for
a standard truck for every
5,000.00 sq. meters of GFA;
and
provide
truck
maneuvering area outside of
the RROW (within property
or lot lines only)
One (1) off-street cum onsite car parking slot for
every twelve (12) beds; and
one (1) off-RROW (or offstreet) passenger loading
space
that
can
accommodate
two
(2)
queued jeepney/shuttle slots

One (1) car slot for every

500.00 sq. meters of gross
floor area or for a fraction
thereof; and one (1) offRROW
(or
off-street)
passenger loading space
that can accommodate two
(2) queued jeepney/shuttle
slots or two (2) queued bus
slots
whichever
is
applicable;
maneuvering
area of buses, trucks and
like vehicles shall be outside
of the RROW
(within
property or lot lines only)

Note:
* The parking slot requirements shall be an integral part of
buildings/structures and any parking slot provided outside the
building/structure will be quantified only as buffer parking.

95

Specific Uses or of
Occupancy (refer to
Section 1.3 of this Rule)

5.2. Division E-2

Reference Uses or
Character of Occupancies
or Type of
Buildings/Structures

Minimum Required Parking

Slot, Parking Area and
Loading Space
Requirements

Transit Stations and the like

(UTS)

Provide on each side of the

RROW one (1) off-RROW
(or off-street) passenger
loading space that can
accommodate
four
(4)
queued jeepney/shuttle slots
or three (3) queued bus
slots
whichever
is
applicable; in case of
elevated
mass
transit
stations,
on-roadway
terminals
or
on-RROW
terminals on both sides of
the
RROW
may
be
considered

Neighborhood shopping
center/supermarket
(C-1)

One (1) car slot for every

100.00 sq. meters of
shopping floor area

Public Markets
(C)

One (1) customer (buyer)

jeepney/shuttle parking slot
for every 150.00 sq. meters
of wet and dry market floor
area and one (1) vendor
(seller)
jeepney/shuttle
parking slot or loading
space for every 300.00 sq.
meters of wet and dry
market floor area; and one
(1) off-RROW (off-street)
terminal
that
can
accommodate at least two
(2) jeepneys and six (6)
tricycles for every 1,000.00
sq. meters of wet and dry
market floor area
One (1) car slot for every
30.00
sq.
meters
of
customer area

Restaurants, fast-food
centers, bars and
beerhouses
(C)
Nightclubs, super clubs and
theater-restaurants
(C)

One (1) car slot for every 20

sq. meters of customer
area: and two (2) tourist
parking slots for tourist bus
parking slots for each
theater-restaurant

Note:
* The parking slot requirements shall be an integral part of
buildings/structures and any parking slot provided outside the
building/structure will be quantified only as buffer parking.

96

Specific Uses or of
Occupancy (refer to
Section 1.3 of this Rule)

Reference Uses or
Character of Occupancies
or Type of
Buildings/Structures

Minimum Required Parking

Slot, Parking Area and
Loading Space
Requirements

Nightclubs, super clubs and

theater-restaurants
(C)
Units located in office,
commercial or mixed-use
condominium
buildings/
structures regardless of
number of storeys

One (1) car slot for every

30.00
sq.
meters
of
customer area
Units with a gross floor area
of from 18.00 to 40.00 sq.
meters provide one (1)
pooled parking slot* for
every two (2) units or for a
fraction thereof;
Unit with a gross floor area
of from 41.00 to 70.00 sq.
meters provide one (1)
parking slot* for each unit;
and
Unit with a gross floor area
of more than 70.00 sq.
meters provide one (1)
parking slot* for every 70.00
sq. meters and for a fraction
thereof;
One (1) car slot for every
compartment niche
One (1) car slot for every
1,000.00 sq. meters of gross
floor area and one (1) bus
slot for every one hundred
(100) workers; if number of
workers
exceed
two
hundred (200), provide one
(1) off-RROW (or off-street)
passenger loading space
that can accommodate two
(2) queued jeepney/shuttle
slots

Columbarium
5.3. Division E-3

6. GROUP F
6.1. Division F-1

Aircraft hangars, open

parking carports and
garages, etc.

Industrial buildings, mills,

breweries, etc.
(I)

One (1) car slot for every

1,000.00 sq. meters of gross
floor area and one (1) bus
slot for every one hundred
(100) workers; if number of
workers
exceed
two
hundred (200), provide one
(1) off-RROW (or off-street)
passenger loading space
that can accommodate two
(2) queued jeepney/shuttle
slots; provide at least one
(1) loading slot for

Note:
* The parking slot requirements shall be an integral part of
buildings/structures and any parking slot provided outside the
building/structure will be quantified only as buffer parking.

97

Specific Uses or of
Occupancy (refer to
Section 1.3 of this Rule)

Reference Uses or
Character of Occupancies
or Type of
Buildings/Structures

Minimum Required Parking

Slot, Parking Area and
Loading Space
Requirements
truck or vehicle (a 12.00
meter long container van
plus 6.00 meters length for a
long/hooded prime mover)
and one (1) loading slot for
a standard truck for every
5,000.00 sq. meters of GFA;
and
provide
truck
maneuvering area outside of
the RROW (within property
or lot lines only)

7. GROUP G
7.1. Division G-1

Industrial buildings,
factories, manufacturing
establishments, mercantile
buildings, warehouses,
storage bins, power and
water generation/distribution
facilities

One (1) car slot for every

1,000.00 sq. meters of gross
floor area and one (1) bus
slot for every one hundred
(100) workers; if number of
workers
exceed
two
hundred (200), provide one
(1) off-RROW (or off-street)
passenger loading space
that can accommodate two
(2) queued jeepney/shuttle
slots; provide at least one
(1)
loading
slot
for
articulated truck or vehicle
(a
12.00
meter
long
container van plus 6.00
meters length for a long/
hooded prime mover) and
one (1) loading slot for a
standard truck for every
5,000.00 sq. meters of GFA;
and
provide
truck
maneuvering area outside of
the RROW (within property
or lot lines only)

7.2. Division G-2

-do-

-do-

7.3. Division G-3

-do-

-do-

7.4. Division G-4

-do-

-do-

-do-

-do-

7.5. Division G-5

Note:

* The parking slot requirements shall be an integral part of

buildings/structures and any parking slot provided outside the
building/structure will be quantified only as buffer parking.
**The following prohibitions on parking slots:
1. Conversion/change of use/occupancy.
2. Reduction of parking spaces.
3. Encroachment on RROW.
4. Public utility and bulky vehicles.

98

Specific Uses or of
Occupancy (refer to
Section 1.3 of this Rule)
8. GROUP H
8.1. Division H-1

8.2 Division H-2

8.3 Division H-3

8.4 Division H-4

9. GROUP I
9.1. Division I-1

10. GROUP J
10.1. Division J-1

Reference Uses or
Character of Occupancies
or Type of
Buildings/Structures

Minimum Required Parking

Slot, Parking Area and
Loading Space
Requirements

Public recreational
assembly buildings such as
theaters/cinemas, auditoria,
etc.

One (1) car slot and one (1)

jeepney/shuttle
slot
for
every 50.00 sq. meters of
spectator area; and one (1)
bus parking slot for every
two
hundred
(200)
spectators

Dance
halls,
cabarets,
ballrooms, skating rinks and
cockfighting arenas, etc.
Dance halls, ballrooms,
skating rinks, etc.
Covered amusement parks,
amusement and
entertainment complexes,
etc.
Clubhouses, beach houses
and the like

-do-doone (1) car slot for every

50.00 sq. meters of gross
floor area
one (1) slot for every 100.00
sq. meters of gross floor
area

Recreational or similar
public assembly buildings
such as stadia, sports
complexes, convention
centers, etc.

One (1) car slot and one (1)

jeepney/shuttle
slot
for
every 50.00 sq. meters of
spectator area; and one (1)
bus parking slot for every
two
hundred
(200)
spectators.

Agriculture-related uses or
occupancies (A)

Not required if located

outside urbanized area; if
located within urbanized
area, provide one (1) car
slot for every 1,000.00 sq.
meters of gross floor area
and one (1) bus slot for
every one hundred (100)
workers; if number of
workers
exceed
two
hundred (200), provide one
(1) off-RROW (or off-street)
passenger loading space
that can accommodate two
(2) queued jeepney/shuttle
slots; provide at least one
(1)
loading
slot
for
articulated truck or vehicle

Note:
* The parking slot requirements shall be an integral part of
buildings/structures and any parking slot provided outside the
building/structure will be quantified only as buffer parking.
**The following prohibitions on parking slots:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Conversion/change of use/occupancy.
Reduction of parking spaces.
Encroachment on RROW.
Public utility and bulky vehicles.

99

Specific Uses or of
Occupancy (refer to
Section 1.3 of this Rule)

10.2. Division J-2

Reference Uses or
Character of Occupancies
or Type of
Buildings/Structures

Other uses not classified in

previous sections
(PUD, etc.)

Minimum Required Parking

Slot, Parking Area and
Loading Space
Requirements
(a
12.00
meter
long
container van plus 6.00
meters
length
for
a
long/hooded prime mover)
and one (1) loading slot for
a standard truck for every
5,000.00 sq. meters of GFA;
and
provide
truck
maneuvering area outside of
the RROW (within property
or lot lines only)
Provide parking
requirements stipulated for
most similar or most related
uses/occupancies

Note:
* The parking slot requirements shall be an integral part of
buildings/structures and any parking slot provided outside the
building/structure will be quantified only as buffer parking.

d. In computing for parking slots, a fraction of 50% and above shall be considered as
one (1) car parking slot to be provided. In all cases however, a minimum of one (1)
car parking slot shall be provided unless otherwise allowed under this Rule.
i.

Multi-floor parking garages may serve the 20% parking requirements of the
building/structure within 200.00 meter radius, provided at least 80% of the
parking requirements are complied with and integrated in the building design.

ii.

Special Provision on the Handicapped: For buildings/structures to be provided

with features intended for the use or occupancy of the handicapped, the
minimum provisions of Batas Pambansa (BP) Bilang 344 and its Implementing
Rules and Regulations (IRR) with respect to parking shall be strictly observed.

e. Allowed Off-RROW/Off-Street cum Off-Site Parking Provision:

i.

In addition to on-site cum off-RROW (off-street) parking provisions mandated

under this Rule, off-site cum off-street parking facilities may be allowed and
considered part of a project provided that such facilities specifically consist of
reserved or leased parking slots within a permanent parking building/structure
and not in a vacant parking lot or parking structure/space for a commercial
development and provided further that such parking slots are located no more
than 100.00 meters away from a residential building project or are located no
more than 200.00 meters away from an office or commercial building project.

ii.

Direct access of parking/loading/utility slots and terminals to the RROW shall

be generally disallowed to prevent the usage of the RROW as a maneuvering
area.

iii.

Traffic generating buildings such as shopping malls or similar facilities that have
very high volumes of pedestrian and vehicular traffic may be located at major
intersections or within 100.00 meters of such intersections, provided that the
distance between the street curb of the ingress/egress of such a commercial
lot/property (nearest the intersection) and the straight curb of the intersection
shall not be less than 50.00 meters. (Fig. VII.9.)

100

Fig.VII.9.

iv.

For R-2, R-3, GI, C, C-2 and C-3 uses or occupancies, front yards abutting
RROW are not to be used for long-term off-street parking. Due to the very
public nature of these uses (high vehicular and pedestrian concentrations), the
front yard (a transition space between the RROW and the building/structure)
shall be used exclusively for driveways, off-RROW loading spaces, short-term
off-RROW parking and landscaping (hardscape and softscape) treatment.
Temporary or short-term off-street parking, particularly on driveways, shall
preferably be only for visitors to these buildings/structures.

v.

For Basic R-2 and Basic R-3 uses or occupancies (for single family dwelling
units only), up to 50% of the front yard abutting the RROW may be
paved/hardscaped, i.e., converted into a courtyard for carport use. Such use
shall not be permitted in all other uses or occupancies.

SECTION 708. Minimum Requirements for Group A Dwellings

1. Dwelling Location and Lot Occupancy
The dwelling shall occupy not more than 90% of a corner lot and 80% of an inside lot, and
subject to the provisions on Easements of Light and View of the Civil Code of Philippines,
shall be at least 2.00 meters from the property line.
2. Light and Ventilation
Every dwelling shall be so constructed and arranged as to provide adequate light and
ventilation as provided under Section 805 to Section 811 of the Code.
3. Sanitation
Every dwelling shall be provided with at least one sanitary toilet and adequate washing
and drainage facilities.

101

4. Foundation
Footings 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.
5. Post
The dimensions of wooden posts shall be those found in Table VII.5.: Dimensions of
Wooden Posts. Each post shall be anchored to such footing by straps and bolts of
adequate size.
Table VII.5.: Dimensions of Wooden Posts or Suportales
Maximum
Maximum
Maximum
Height of
Height
Spacing of
Type Building
1st Floor
Total
Post
(meters)
(meters)
(meters)
1-Storey Shed
1-Storey Shed
1-Storey Shed
1-Storey House or
Chalet
2-Storey House
2-Storey House
2-Storey House
2-Storey House

Required Maximum
Finished Size of
Suportales
(millimeters)

4.00
3.00
5.00

3.50
4.00
4.00

100 X 100
100 X 100
125 X 125

1.00 - 3.00

5.50

3.60

125 X 125

3.00
4.50
5.00
-

6.00
7.00
8.00
9.00

3.00
4.00
4.50
4.50

125 X 125
120 X 120
175 X 175
200 X 200

Logs or tree trunk 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 Table.
6. Floor
The live load of the first floor shall be at least 200 kilograms per sq. meter and for the
second floor, at least 150 kilograms per sq. meter.
7. Roof
The wind load for roofs shall be at least 120 kilograms per sq. meter for vertical
projection.
8. Stairs
Stairs shall be at least 750 millimeters in clear width, with a rise of 200 millimeters and a
minimum run of 200 millimeters.
9. Entrance and Exit
There shall be at least one entrance and another one for exit.
10. Electrical Requirements
All electrical installations shall conform to the requirements of the Philippine Electrical
Code.
11. Mechanical Requirements
Mechanical systems and/or equipment installations shall be subject to the requirements of
the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Code.

102

SECTION 709. Requirements for Other Group Occupancies

Subject to the provisions of the 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 and ventilation, sanitation; enclosures of
vertical openings; fire extinguishing systems; and special hazards.

103

GUIDELINES ON BUILDING BULK, DEVELOPMENT CONTROLS, BUILDINGS AND

OTHER ACCESSORY STRUCTURES WITHIN CEMETERIES AND MEMORIAL PARKS
A. DETERMINING BUILDING BULK
1. General. Building bulk (a volume quantity) shall be generally determined by the
application of the Floor-Lot Area Ratio (FLAR), vertically projecting the Allowable
Maximum Building Footprint (AMBF), establishing the Outermost Faces of Building
(OFB) and quantifying the Allowable Maximum Volume of Building (AMVB). The
building bulk may be ultimately governed by the width of the RROW and other
applicable provisions for light and ventilation (including incremental setbacks as a
result of satisfying natural light and ventilation requirements for RROW and front
yards as partly shown in Table VII.G.1. hereafter).
2. Application of the FLAR. The FLAR (Table VII.G.1.) shall be the primary or initial
determinant of the building bulk.
Table VII.G.1. Reference Table of Floor to Lot Area Ratio (FLAR) Designations/Rights
Type of Use
or
Occupancy
Residential

Type of Building/Structure
Residential 1 (R-1)
Residential 2 (R-2)
a. Basic R-2
b. Maximum R-2
Residential 3 (R-3)
a. Basic R-3
b. Maximum R-3

Commercial

Individual Lot for Residential 4

(R-4)/Townhouses
Residential 5(R-5)/
Condominiums
Commercial 1 (Com-1)
Commercial 2 (Com-2)
Commercial 3 (Com-3)

Industrial

Institutional
Cultural
Utility/Transportation/Road
Rights-of Way (RROW)/
Services
Parks and Open
Recreational Spaces
Agricultural/AgroIndustrial/Tourism
Planned Unit Development
(PUD)

Cemetery

Industrial 1 (Ind-1)
Industrial 2 (Ind-2)
Industrial 3 (Ind-3)
-

FLAR Designation/Rights
1.50
(at a 3-storey or 10.00 m BHL)
1.30 up to 1.50
(at a 3-storey or 10.00 m BHL)
2.10 up to 3.00
(at a 5-storey or 15.00 m BHL)
1.80 up to 2.10
(at a 3-storey or 10.00 m BHL)
7.10 up to 8.10
(at a 12-storey or 36.00 m BHL)
1.60 up to1.80
(at a 3-storey or 10.00 m BHL)
6.00 up to 9.00
(at an 18-storey or 54.00 m BHL)
1.70 up to 3.00
(at a 5-storey or 15.00 m BHL)
3.60 up to 9.00
(at a 15-storey or 45.00 m BHL)
9.00 up to 34.00
(at a 60-storey or 180.00 m BHL)
1.50 up to 2.50
2.50 up to 3.00
3.00 up to 5.00
2.50
3.50

2.00 up to 3.00

0.50 up to 1.00

1.80 up to 2.20

PUD at a reclamation area close

to an operating airport
PUD at a reclamation area
PUD at a coastal area
PUD at an inland area very
close to an operating airport
PUD at an inland area
-

6.00
6.00 up to 12.00
12.00 up to 18.00
6.00 up to 18.00
9.00 up to 34.00
(at a 60-storey or 180.00 m BHL)
0.80

104

Guidelines on Building Bulk and Development Controls. . . .

Table VII.G.2. Conversion Table of Gross Floor Area (GFA) to Total Gross Floor Area
(TGFA)
Excluded Floor Areas (nonType of Building/Structure
Multiplier to Convert the
GFA) as a Percentage (%)
based on Use/Occupancy
GFA to TGFA
of the TGFA
Residential 1
33%
1.50
Residential 2 (Basic),
Residential 3 (Basic) and
20%
1.25
Residential 4
Residential 2 (Maximum),
Residential 3 (Maximum)
16%
1.20
and Residential 5
Commercial 1
20%
1.25
Commercial 2
25%
1.33
Commercial 3
33%
1.50
Industrial 1
25%
1.33
Industrial 2 and 3
33%
1.50
Transportation, Utility and
33%
1.50
Service Areas
Agricultural and Agro2%-5%
1.03-1.06
Industrial
3. Establishing the OFB. The OFB shall be primarily determined by the vertical
projections of the outermost faces of the AMBF up to a height prescribed by the
applicable BHL. Figure VII.G.1. shows the determination of the angular planes
needed to establish the outer limits for walls and projections of the proposed
building/structure facing RROW and for their corresponding roof configurations.
Table VII.G.3. also shows the recommended angles or slopes for the angular planes
originating from the centerline of the RROW for R-1 and C-3 properties only. Angles
or slopes for other permitted uses/occupancies can be extrapolated from the two (2)
examples. (Figs. VIII.G.1. and VIII.G.2.)
Table VII.G.3.

Reference Table of Angles/Slopes* To Satisfy Natural Light and

Ventilation Requirements Along RROW and Front Yards

Type of
Use or
Occupancy

Width of
Road Rightof-Way
(RROW)

Residential 1
(R-1)

8.00 meters
10.00 meters
12.00 meters
14.00 meters
16.00 meters
18.00 meters
20.00 meters

Commercial 3
(C-3)

8.00 meters
10.00 meters

Angle or Slope of Angular

Plane for
Buildings/Structures Without
Projections**
Angle
from
Ratio
Centerline
(Slope)
of RROW
(Degrees)
9 m:8.5m
46.5
(1.06)
9 m:9.5m
43.0
(0.95)
9 m:10.5m
40.0
(0.86)
9 m:11.5m
38.0
(0.78)
9 m:12.5m
35.0
(0.72)
9 m:13.5m
33.5
(0.67)
9 m:14.5m
31.0
(0.62)
48 m:16.5m
71.0
(2.90)
48 m:17.5m
69.5
(2.74)

Angle or Slope of Angular Plane for

Buildings/Structures With
Projections*
Angle from
Centerline of
RROW
(Degree)
50.0
46.0
43.0
39.0
36.0
33.0
32.0

Ratio
(Slope)
7.5 m:6.25m
(1.20)
7.5 m:7.25m
(1.03)
7.5 m:8.25m
(0.91)
7.5 m:9.25m
(0.81)
7.5m:10.25m
(0.73)
7.5m:11.25m
(0.67)
7.5m:12.25m
(0.61)

105

Guidelines on Building Bulk and Development Controls. . . .

Continuation Table VII.G.3. . . .

Type of
Use or
Occupancy

Width of
Road Rightof-Way
(RROW)

Commercial 3
(C-3)

12.00 meters
14.00 meters
16.00 meters
18.00 meters
20.00 meters

Angle or Slope of Angular

Plane for Buildings/Structures
Without Projections**
Angle
from
Ratio
Centerline of
(Slope)
RROW
(Degrees)
48 m:18.5m
68.0
(2.59)
48 m:19.5m
65.5
(2.46)
48 m:20.5m
63.6
(2.34)
48 m:21.5m
61.7
(2.23)
48 m:22.5m
60.0
(2.13)

Angle or Slope of Angular Plane for

Buildings/Structures With
Projections*

NOTE:
* To be used for plotting the angular plane from the grade level centerline of the RROW. The
angular plane can also help determine the Allowable Maximum Volume of Building (AMVB)
as well as the alternative incremental setback lines. Only the uses/occupancies with the
least and heaviest developments (R-1 and C-3 respectively are shown). The angles/slopes
of angular planes for all other uses/occupancies in between can be extrapolated.
**

Considered projections from the outermost face of the building/structure are eaves,
medias aguas (canopy for windows), cantilevers, heavy sign supports (only for
applications permitted or consistent with the Code) and the like.
4.

Quantifying the AMVB. The AMVB shall be primarily determined by the following:
a.

Multiply the AMBF (in square meters) for the lot by the applicable BHL (in meters)
for the lot to arrive at the initial AMVB (in cubic meters); the result of this step is
the imaginary footprint prism;

b. Superimpose the angular plane originating from the center of the RROW on the
footprint prism; this shall result in the reduction of the initially computed building
volume due to the application of incremental setbacks and of roof configuration
dictated by the angular plane; the result of this step is the AMVB;
c.

To crosscheck the AMVB against the Allowable Maximum TGFA (separately

determined), convert the AMVB into its approximate area equivalent (in sq.
meters) by dividing it with the BHL. Before converting the AMVB to its area
component, check for the effects of the incremental setbacks on the TGFA for
each floor of the proposed building/structure.

B. Application of Development Controls (DC)

(To Determine the Maximum Development Potential of a Lot)
1. Sizing the Building/Structure. To determine the allowed/appropriate building bulk
(volume), the following series of steps using the DC under this Guideline and other
Rules in the Code shall be followed:
a. Refer to Rule VIII for prescribed setbacks, yards, courts (at grade level), etc.
applicable to the lot/project site; determine the extent of firewall construction if
required and/or if permitted; refer to Rule VIII for the Percentage of Site
Occupancy (PSO); compute for the Allowable Maximum Building Footprint (AMBF)
under this Rule by using the formula:

106

Guidelines on Building Bulk and Development Controls. . . .

Allowable Maximum
Building/
Footprint or AMBF
(in sq. meters)

Total
Lot
Area
(TLA)

Land area
required for
yards/ courts

+
(prescribed
under Rule VIII)

Additional buildable lot

area due to Firewall
construction
(if permitted
under this Rule)

b. Check resultant building footprint against applicable PSO under Reference Table
VIII.1. of Rule VIII and consult existing/applicable and/or duly approved zoning
ordinances; to check, use the formula:
Percentage
of Site
Occupancy (PSO)

Allowable Maximum Building

Footprint or AMBF
(in square meters)

Total
Lot Area
(TLA)

c. Compute for the resultant height of the building/structure by referring to Table VII.2.
of this Rule and by using the formula:
Resultant Height
of the building/structure
(in meters)

d.

Building Height Limit or the

BHL
(as expressed in number of
floors/storeys)

Desired
Floor to Floor
Height
(in meters)

Check the resultant height against the BHL (refer to Table VII.2. of this Rule); if a
greater building/structure height is desired, consult existing zoning ordinances or
other applicable laws for possible relief; if relief cannot be sought, explore subgrade (basement level) solutions or reduce the desired floor to floor heights in case
it is greater than 3.00 meters;

e. Establish the Outermost Faces of Building (OFB) to help determine the Allowable
Maximum Volume of Building (AMVB) and to satisfy natural light and ventilation
requirements for RROW and front yards abutting RROW; an imaginary prism
within which the proposed building/structure must fit shall result, unless
specifically allowed under the Code; thereafter, establish the Outermost Limits of
Building Projections (OLBP) to fully comply with other applicable light and
ventilation provisions;
f.

Initially determine building bulk by computing for the maximum allowable Gross
Floor Area (GFA) for the building/structure using the formula:

Gross Floor Area (GFA) of the

building/structure
(in square meters)

Total
Lot Area
(TLA)

Recommended
Floor to Lot Area Ratio (FLAR)*

NOTE: * Refer to Table VII.G.1. of this Guideline (Recommended FLAR Designations/Rights) and/or
consult existing/applicable and duly-approved zoning ordinances.

i.

GROSS FLOOR AREA (GFA) - the total floor space within the perimeter of
the permanent external building walls (inclusive of main and auxiliary
buildings) such as office areas, residential areas, corridors, lobbies and
mezzanine level/s. The GFA shall also include building projections which may
serve as floors or platforms that are directly connected to/integrated with areas
within the building/structure, e.g., balconies (Refer to Section 1004 of Rule X of
this IRR) and the GFA excludes the following:
(a) Covered areas used for parking and driveways, services and utilities;
(b) Vertical penetrations in parking floors where no residential or office units
are present; and

107

Guidelines on Building Bulk and Development Controls. . . .

(c) Uncovered areas for helipads, air-conditioning cooling towers or airconditioning condensing unit (ACCU) balconies, overhead water tanks,
roof decks, laundry areas and cages, wading or swimming pools,
whirlpools or jacuzzis, terraces, gardens, courts or plazas, balconies
exceeding 10.00 sq. meters, fire escape structures and the like.
g. Determine the Allowable Maximum Total Gross Floor Area (TGFA) to approximate
building volume using the formula hereafter. In particular, determine the minimum
required off-street cum on-site parking provisions, driveways and related access
systems, particularly for new developments and/or re-developments whereby
provisions of this Guideline shall apply.
Total Gross Floor Area
(TGFA) of the building/
structure
(in sq. meters)

Gross Floor
Area (GFA) of
the building/
structure
(in square
meters)

Non-GFA
areas*

All requirements for courts

at all floors (above grade)
under
Rule VIII
(in square meters)

NOTE: * Compute for all other areas not covered by the FLAR or by the GFA using Table
VII.G.2.
i.

TOTAL GROSS FLOOR AREA (TGFA) - the total floor space within the
main and auxiliary buildings primarily consisting of the GFA and all other
enclosed support areas together with all other usable horizontal
areas/surfaces above and below established grade level that are all
physically attached to the building/s which shall consists of the following:
(a) Covered areas used for parking and driveways, services and utilities. The
TGFA specifically excludes provisions for courts above grade level;
(b) Vertical penetrations in parking floors where no residential or office units
are present;
(c) Uncovered areas for helipads, air-conditioning cooling towers or ACCU
balconies, overhead water tanks, roof decks, laundry areas and cages,
wading or swimming pools, whirlpool or jacuzzis, terraces, gardens, courts
or plazas, balconies exceeding 10.00 sq. meters, fire escape structures
and the like; and
(d) Other building projections which may additionally function as floors or
platforms if properly reinforced, e.g., the top surfaces of roof
extensions/eaves, sun-breakers, large roofed or cantilevered areas such
as porte cocheres, canopies and the like.

108

Figure VII.G.1.

Guidelines on Building Bulk and Development Controls. . . .

109

Figure VII.G.2.

NOTE: EXAMPLE SHOWING NO BUILDING

PROJECTION (EAVES, BALCONY, ETC.) FOR
WHICH A DIFFERENT ANGLE (
) IS
SPECIFIED (REFER TO TABLE VII.G.3. AND
TO FIGURE VII.G.1.)

Guidelines on Building Bulk and Development Controls. . . .

ESTABLISHING THE OUTMOST FACES OF BUILDING (OFB) FOR A

TYPICAL R-1 USE / OCCUPANCY THROUGH THE USE OF THE AMBF,
THE BHL, THE AMVB AND THE ANGULAR PLANE ALONG THE RROW
(14.00 M WIDE RROW)

110

Guidelines on Buildings and Other Accessory Structures Within Cemeteries and Memorial
Parks
C. BUILDINGS AND OTHER ACCESSORY STRUCTURES WITHIN CEMETERIES AND
MEMORIAL PARKS
1.

Location of Cemeteries/Memorial Parks

a.

Cemeteries and Memorial Parks shall be located in accordance with the

approved land use plan of the city/municipality concerned. Prior clearance shall
be obtained from the Department of Health, the National Water Resources
Council, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Housing
and Land Use Regulatory Board.

2. Protective Enclosures
a. The cemetery shall be totally enclosed by a perimeter fence/wall of strong
material, and all gates shall be provided with a strong door and lock. Perimeter
wall shall not exceed 3.00 meters in height.
b. Where a cemetery is enclosed by a solid reinforced concrete wall at least 2.00
meters high, it is allowed to construct tombs, vaults, mausoleums or other types
of sepulchres for the dead up to the walls. Otherwise, a clearance of 5.00 meters
shall be maintained between the perimeter fence and the nearest interment plot.
3. Interments, Burials and Entombments
a. For ground interments, there shall be a minimum depth of excavation of 1.50
meters from ground level to base of excavation. However, if concrete vaults are
used, the minimum depth of excavation from base of vault to ground level shall
be 1.00 meter, depending on the depth of ground water table.
b. Ground interments shall be allowed only in designated graveyard areas of the
cemetery and may be provided with suitable markers, headstones or memorials.
c. Vaults for tombs and mausoleums for aboveground interments shall be of solid
reinforced concrete. Concrete hollow blocks or any unit masonry construction of
ceramics, adobe or the like shall not be allowed for the construction of aboveground vaults; tombs or mausoleums. Mausoleums may be provided with
ossuaries and/or cineraria along the interior walls.
d. Multi-level interment niches shall only be of solid reinforced concrete construction,
of not less than 150 millimeters thickness in which case they may be allowed to
abut walls of the cemetery, provided, the walls are of solid reinforced concrete
construction. Concrete hollow blocks, or any unit masonry construction of
ceramics, adobe or the like shall not be allowed.
e. Before construction is started on any mausoleum, canopy over a tomb, or multilevel niches, a building permit shall be secured therefor from the OBO.
f.

Horizontal divisions of columbaria shall be of reinforced concrete of at least 50

millimeters thickness. Vertical divisions may be of concrete hollow blocks of at
least 100 millimeters thickness, in which case, cement mortar shall be applied
evenly to present a non-porous surface. Minimum dimensions of individual
cinerarium shall be 300 millimeters by 300 millimeters by 460 millimeters.
Cinerary remains shall be placed inside tightly sealed urns.

4. Accessory Structures
a.

A chapel with a floor area of at least 50.00 sq. meters shall be constructed at a
convenient location within the cemetery where funeral ceremonies may be held,
and incidentally serve as haven for funeral participants against sun and rain.
111

Guidelines on Buildings and Other Accessory Structures Within Cemeteries and Memorial
Parks

b.

Wake chaplets with a minimum area of 50.00 sq. meters for thirty (30) persons
and at least 1.60 sq. meters for each additional person may be provided.

c.

Administrative Office - a 64.00 sq. meters lot shall be allocated for an

administration building office for memorial parks with an area of above one (1)
hectare.

d.

Electrical Power Supply - Distances of lampposts for street lighting shall be

placed at a maximum of 100.00 meters or as prescribed by the power firm
servicing the area. Utility poles shall be installed along sides of streets and
pathways.

e.

Parking Area - Parking area equivalent to a minimum of five 5% of the gross

area of memorial park/cemetery shall be provided over and above the required
parking area/facility for any structures to be constructed within the premises of
the memorial park/cemetery.

f.

Comfort Rooms - Adequate and clean comfort rooms with facilities for disabled
persons shall be provided in properly located areas.

NOTE: Refer also to the latest applicable HLURB Guidelines regarding Cemeteries and
Memorial Parks.

112