CODES

3.
1 BUILDING CODE
RULE VII - CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF ALL

BUILDINGS BY USE OR OCCUPANCY
SECTION 701. Occupancy Classified
v. Group E - Business and Mercantile
Division 2- Wholesale and retail stores, office buildings, drinking and dining establishments having
an occupant load of less than one hundred persons, printing plants, police and fire stations, factories
and workshops using not highly flammable or combustible materials and paint stores without bulk
handlings.
Table VII.1. Schedule of Principal, Accessory and 45 Conditional

Use/Occupancy of Building/Structure
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Research Work for Mixed-use Development: Strip Mall and Shophouses 1/19/2021
SECTION 704. Location on Property
(a) General
No building shall be constructed unless it adjoins or has direct access to a public
space, yard or street on at least one of its sides. For the purpose of this Section, the
center line of an adjoining street or alley shall be considered an adjacent property
line. Eaves over required windows shall not be less than 750 millimeters from the
side and rear property lines.
(b) Fire Resistance of Walls

Exterior walls shall have fire resistance and opening protection in accordance with the
requirements set forth by the Secretary. Projections beyond the exterior wall shall not
exceed beyond a point onethird the distance from an assumed vertical plane located
where the fire-resistive protection of 310 openings is first required to the location on
property whichever is the least restrictive. Distance shall be measured at right angles
from the property line. When openings in exterior walls are required to be protected
due to distance from property line, the sum of the areas of such openings in any storey
shall not exceed 50 percent of the total area of the wall in that storey.
(c) 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.
SECTION 705. Allowable Floor Areas
The allowable floor areas for one-storey building and buildings over one-storey shall not exceed the
limits prescribed by the Secretary for each occupancy groups and/or types of construction. For
purposes of this Section, each portion of a building separated by one or more area separation walls
may be considered a separate building provided the area separation walls meet the requirements
prescribed therefor by the Secretary.
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SECTION 706. Allowable Floor Area Increases
The floor areas hereinabove provided may be increased in certain specific instances and under
appropriate conditions, based on the existence of public space, streets or yards extending along and
adjoining two or more sides of the building or structure subject to the approval of the Building
Official.
SECTION 707. Maximum Height of Buildings
The maximum height and number of storeys of every building shall be dependent upon the character
of occupancy and the type of construction as determined by the Secretary considering population
density, building bulk, widths of streets and car parking requirements. The height shall be measured
from the highest adjoining sidewalk or ground surface: Provided, that the height measured from the
lowest adjoining surface shall not exceed such maximum height by more than 3.00 meters: Except,
that towers, spires, and steeples, erected as part of a building and not used for habitation or storage are
limited as to height only by structural design if completely of incombustible materials, or may extend
not to exceed 6.00 meters above the height limits for each occupancy group if of combustible
materials.
SECTION 708. Minimum Requirements for Group A Dwellings
(a) Dwelling Location and Lot Occupancy- The dwelling shall occupy not more than ninety
percent of a corner lot and eighty percent of an inside lot, and subject to the provisions on Easements
of Light and View of the Civil Code of Philippines, shall be at least 2 meters from the property line.
(b) Light and Ventilation-Every dwelling shall be so constructed and arranged as to provide
adequate light and ventilation as provided under Section 805 to Section 811, of this Code.
(c) Sanitation-Every dwelling shall be provided with at least one sanitary toilet and adequate washing
and drainage facilities.
(d) 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.
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(e) Post -The dimensions of wooden posts shall be those found in Table 708-A: Dimensions of
Wooden Posts (Annex B-1). Each post shall be anchored to such footing by straps and bolts of
adequate size.
(f) Floor -The live load of the first floor shall be at least 200 kilograms per square meter and for the
second floor, at least 150 kilograms per square meter.
(g) Roof- The wind load for roofs shall be at least 120 kilograms per square meter for vertical
projection.
(h) Stairs -Stairs shall be at least 750 millimeters in clear width, with a rise of 200 millimeters and a
minimum run of 200 millimeters.
(i) Entrance and Exit- There shall be at least one entrance and another one for exit.
(j) Electrical Requirements- All electrical installation shall conform to the requirements of the
Philippine Electrical Code.
(k) Mechanical Requirements- Mechanical systems and/or equipment installation shall be subject to
the requirement of the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Code.
SECTION 709. Requirements for Other Group Occupancies
Subject to the provisions of this Code, the Secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations for each of
the other Group Occupancies covering: allowable construction, height, and area; location on property,
exit facilities, light, ventilation, and sanitation; enclosures of vertical openings; fire extinguishing
systems; and special hazards.
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CHAPTER 8
LIGHT AND VENTILATION
SECTION 801. General Requirements of Light and Ventilation
(a) Subject to the provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines on Easements of Light and View,
and to the provisions of this part of the Code, every building shall be designed, constructed, and
equipped to provide adequate light and ventilation.
(b) All buildings shall face a street or public alley or a private street which has been duly approved.
(c) No building shall be altered nor arranged so as to reduce the size of any room or the relative area
of windows to less than that provided for buildings under this Code, or to create an additional room,
unless such additional room conforms to the requirements of this Code.
(d) No building shall be enlarged so that the dimensions of the required court or yard would be less
than that prescribed for such building
SECTION 802. Measurement of Site Occupancy
(a) The measurement of site occupancy or lot occupancy shall be taken at the ground level and shall
be exclusive of courts, yards, and light wells.
(b) Courts, yards, and light wells shall be measured clear of all projections from the walls enclosing
such wells or yards with the exception of roof leaders, wall copings, sills, or steel fire escapes not
exceeding 1.20 meters in width.
SECTION 803. Percentage of Site Occupancy
1. The measurement of the percentage (%) of site occupancy (or lot occupancy) shall be
taken at the ground level and shall be exclusive of courts, yards and light wells.
Courts, yards, and light wells shall be measured clear of all projections from the walls
enclosing such wells or yards with the exception of roof leaders, wall copings, sills, or
steel fire escapes not exceeding 1.20 meters in width.
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2. 2. In case of proposed additional construction on a lot on which another

building/structure already stands, the Percentage of Site Occupancy (PSO) arising out
of such existing buildings/structures must be included in the computation of the PSO
for the Total Lot Area (TLA). In case of discrepancy between the specified Maximum
Allowable PSO and the other light and ventilation provisions under this Rule, the
resulting lesser building/structure footprint or gross floor area at the ground floor (or
at grade level) must prevail.
3. 3. Maximum site occupancy shall be governed by use, type of construction, and
height of the building and the use, area, nature and location of the site; and subject to
the provisions of the local zoning requirements and in accordance with the following
types of open spaces:
a. Public open spaces – streets, alleys, easements of sea/lakeshores, rivers,
creeks, esteros, railroad tracks, parks/plazas, playgrounds, and the like.
b. Total Open Spaces within Lot (TOSL) – courts, yards, gardens, light wells,
uncovered driveways, access roads and parking spaces consisting of two (2)
types:
i. Paved or tiled (hardscaped areas); sub-classification of open space
shall fall under Maximum Allowable Impervious Surface Areas (ISA)
within the Total Lot Area (TLA); and
ii. Unpaved areas within the lot that are with exposed soil and planted
(softscaped), i.e., the Unpaved Surface Areas (USA); this sub-
classification is the true open space.
4. The following Table illustrates the manner in determining the Maximum Allowable
Percentage of Site Occupancy (PSO), Maximum Allowable Impervious Surface Area
(ISA), Maximum Allowable Construction Area (MACA), Minimum Unpaved Surface
Area (USA), and the Total Open Space within Lot (TOSL) with reference to Type of
Land Use Zoning per Lot.
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SECTION 804. Size and Dimensions of Courts
1. Minimum sizes of courts and yards and their least dimensions shall be governed by
the use, type of construction, and height of the building as provided hereunder,
provided that the minimum horizontal dimension of said courts and yards shall be not
less than 2.00 meters. All inner courts shall be connected to a street or yard, either by
a passageway with a minimum width of 1.20 meters or by a door through a room or
rooms.
2. The required open space shall be located totally or distributed anywhere within the lot
in such a manner as to provide maximum light and ventilation into the building.
(Figures VIII.12. through VIII.15.)
3. YARD – the required open space left between the outermost face of the
building/structure and the property lines, e.g., front, rear, right and left side yards. The
width of the yard is the setback. Yards prescribed for Commercial, Industrial,
Institutional and Recreational Buildings are shown in Table VIII.3. hereafter.
SECTION 805. Ceiling Heights
rooms.
(Figures VIII.12. through VIII.15.)
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SECTION 806. Size and Dimension of Rooms
Minimum sizes of rooms and their least horizontal dimensions shall be as follows:
1. Rooms for Human Habitations – 6.00 square meters with a least dimension of 2.00 meters;
2. Kitchens – 3.0 square meters with a least dimension of 1.50 meters;
3. Bath and toilet – 1.20 square meters with a least dimension of 0.90 meter.
SECTION 807. Air Space Requirements in Determining the Size of Rooms
Minimum air space shall be provided as follows: 1. School Rooms – 3.00 cubic meters with 1.00
square meter of floor area per person;
2. Workshops, Factories, and Offices – 12.00 cubic meters of air space per person;
3. Habitable rooms – 14.00 cubic meters of air space per person.
SECTION 808. Window Openings
(a) Ventilation or vent shafts shall have a horizontal cross-sectional area of not less than 0.10 square
meter for every meter of height of shaft but in no case shall the area be less than 1.00 square meter.
No vent shaft shall have its least dimension less than 600 millimeters.
(b) Skylights – Unless open to the outer air at the top for its full area, vent shaft shall be covered by a
skylight having a net free area or fixed louver openings equal to the maximum required shaft area.
(c) Air ducts shall open to a street or court by a horizontal duct or intake at a point below the lowest
window opening. Such duct or intake shall have a minimum unobstructed cross-sectional area of not
less than 0.30 square meter with a minimum dimension of 300 millimeters. The openings to the duct
or intake shall be not less than 300 millimeters above the bottom of the shaft and the street surface or
level of court, at the respective ends of the duct or intake.
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SECTION 810. Ventilation Skylights
(a) Rooms or spaces housing industrial or heating equipment shall be provided with artificial means
of ventilation to prevent excessive accumulation of hot and/or polluted air.
(b) Whenever artificial ventilation is required, the equipment shall be designed and constructed to
meet the following minimum requirements in air changes:
1. For rooms entirely above grade and used for office, clerical, or administrative purposes, or
as stores, sales rooms, restaurants, markets, factories, workshops, or machinery rooms, not less than
three changes of air per hour shall be provided. 314
2. For rooms entirely above grade and used as bakeries, hotel or restaurant kitchens, laundries
other than accessory to dwellings, and boiler rooms – not less than ten changes of air per hour shall be
provided.
3. For auditorium and other rooms used for assembly purposes, with seats or other
accommodations – not less than 0.30 cubic meter of air per minute shall be supplied for each person.
4. For wards and dormitories of institutional buildings – not less than 0.45 cubic meter of air
per minute shall be supplied for each person accommodated.
5. For other rooms or spaces not specifically covered under this Section of the Code,
applicable provisions of the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Code, shall be followed.
SECTION 1207. Stairs, Exits, and Occupant Loads
1. General. The construction of stairs and exits shall conform to the occupant load
requirements of buildings, reviewing stands, bleachers, and grandstands.
a. Determination of Occupant Loads. The occupant load permitted in any
building or portion thereof shall be determined by dividing the floor area
assigned to that use by the unit area allowed per occupant as shown on Table
XII.1. and as determined by the Secretary.
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i. When the unit area per occupant for any particular occupancy is not
provided for in Table XII.1., the Building Official shall determine the
same based on the unit area for occupancy, which it most nearly
resembles.
ii. The occupant load of any area having fixed seats shall be determined
by the number of fixed seats installed. Aisles serving the fixed seats in
said area shall be included in determining the occupant load.
iii. The occupant load permitted in a building or portion thereof may be
increased above that specified in Table XIII.1. if the necessary exits
are provided.
iv. In determining the occupant load, all portions of a building shall be
presumed to be occupied at the same time.
b. Exit Requirements. Exist requirements of a building or portion thereof used
for different purposes shall be determined by the occupant load which gives
the largest number of persons. No obstruction shall be placed in the required
width of an exit except projections permitted by the Code.
c. Posting of Room Capacity. Any room having an occupant load of more than
fifty (50) where fixed seats are not installed, and which is used for classroom,
assembly, or similar purpose shall have the capacity of the room posted in a
conspicuous place near the main exit from the room.
d. Changes in Elevation. Except in Group A Occupancies, changes in floor
elevations of less than 300 millimeters along any exit serving a tributary
occupant load of ten (10) or more shall be by means of ramp.
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2. Doors. The provisions herein shall apply to every exit door serving an area having an
occupant load of more than ten (10), or serving hazardous rooms or areas.
a. Swing. Exit door shall swing in the direction of exit travel when serving any
hazardous areas or when serving an occupant load of fifty (50) or more.
Double acting doors shall not be used as exits serving a tributary occupant
load of more than one hundred (100); nor shall they be used as a part of fire
assembly, nor equipped with panic hardware. A double acting door shall be
provided with a view panel of not less than 1,300 sq. centimeters.
b. Type of Lock or Latch. Exit door shall be openable from the inside without the
use of a key or any special knowledge or effort: Except, that this requirement
shall not apply to exterior exit doors in a Group E or F Occupancy if there is a
conspicuous, readily visible and durable sign on or adjacent to the door,
stating that the door is to remain unlocked during business hours. The locking
device must be of a type that will readily be distinguishable as locked. Flush
bolts or surface bolts are prohibited.
c. Width and Height. Every required exit doorway shall be of a size as to permit
the installation of a door not less than 900 millimeters in width and not less
than 2.00 meters in height. When installed in exit doorways, exit doors shall
be capable of opening at least 90 degrees and shall be so mounted that the
clear width of the exitway is not less than 700 millimeters. In computing the
required exit width the net dimension of the exitway shall be used.
d. Door Leaf Width. No leaf of an exit door shall exceed 1.20 meters in width.
e. Special Doors. Revolving, sliding, and overhead doors shall not be used as
required exits.
f. Egress from Door. Every required exit door shall give immediate access to an
approved means of egress from the building.
g. Change in Floor Level at Doors. Regardless of the occupant load, there shall
be a floor or landing on each side of an exit door. The floor or landing shall be
leveled with, or not more than 50 millimeters lower than the threshold of the
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doorway: Except, that in Group A and B Occupancies, a door may open on the
top step of a flight of stairs or an exterior landing provided the door does not
swing over the top step or exterior landing and the landing is not more than
200 millimeters below the floor level.
h. Door Identification. Glass doors shall conform to the requirements in Section
1802. Other exit doors shall be so marked that they are readily distinguishable
from the adjacent construction.
i. Additional Doors. When additional doors are provided for egress purposes,
they shall conform to all provisions in the following cases: Approved
revolving doors having leaves which will collapse under opposing pressures
may be used in exit situations; provided; that such doors have a minimum
width of 2.00 meters or they are not used in occupancies where exits are
required to be equipped with panic hardware or at least one conforming exit
door is located adjacent to each revolving doors installed in a building and the
revolving door shall not be considered to provide any exit width.
j. Width. Every corridor or exit balcony shall not be less than 1.10 meters in
width.
k. Projections. The required width of corridors and exterior exit balconies shall
be unobstructed. Except, that trim handrails, and doors when fully opened
shall not reduce the required width by more than 200 millimeters. Doors in
any position shall not reduce the required width of the corridor by more than
one-half (1/2).
l. Access to Exits. When more than one (1) exit is required, they shall be so
arranged to allow going to either direction from any point in the corridor or
exterior exit balcony to a separate exit, except for dead ends permitted by the
Code.
m. Dead Ends. Corridors and exterior exit balconies with dead ends are permitted
when the dead end does not exceed 6.00 meters in length.
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n. Construction. Walls and ceilings of corridors shall not be less than one-hour
fire resistive construction. Provided, that this requirement shall not apply to
exterior exit balconies, railings, and corridors of one-storey building housing a
Group E and F Occupancy occupied by one (1) tenant only and which serves
an occupant load of thirty (30) or less, nor to corridors, formed by temporary
partitions. Exterior exit balconies shall not project into an area where
protected openings are required.
o. Openings. Where corridor wall are required to be one-hour fire-resistive
construction, every interior door opening shall be protected as set forth in
generally recognized and accepted requirements for dual-purpose fire exit
doors. Other interior openings except ventilation louvers equipped with
approved automatic fire shutters shall be 7 millimeters thick fixed wire glass
set in steel frames. The total area of all openings other than doors, in any
portion of an interior corridor wall shall not exceed 25% of the area of the
corridor wall of the room being separated from the corridor.
3. Exits
a. Number of Exits. Every building or usable portion thereof shall have at least
one (1) exit. In all occupancies, floors above the first storey having an
occupant load of more than ten (10) shall not have less than two (2) exits.
b. Width. The total width of exits in meters shall not be less than the total
occupant load served divided by one hundred sixty five (165). Such width of
exits shall be divided approximately equally among the separate exits. The
total exit width required from any storey of a building shall be determined by
using the occupant load of that storey plus the percentage of the occupant
loads of floors which exits through the level under consideration as follows:
50% of the occupant load in the first adjacent storey above (and the first
adjacent storey below when a storey below exits through the level under
consideration) and 25% of the occupant load in the storey immediately
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beyond the first adjacent storey. The maximum exit width from any storey of a
building shall be maintained.
c. Arrangement of Exits. If only two (2) exits are required, they shall be placed a
distance apart to not less than one-fifth (1/5) of the perimeter of the area
served measured in a straight line between exits. Where three (3) or more exits
are required, they shall be arranged a reasonable distance apart so that if one
becomes blocked, the others will be available.
d. Distance to Exits. No point in a building without a sprinkler system shall be
more than 45.00 meters from an exterior exit door, a horizontal exit, exit
passageway, or an enclosed stairway, measured along the line of travel. In a
building equipped with a complete automatic fire extinguishing system, the
distance from exits may be increased to 60.00 meters.
4. Stairways. Except stairs or ladders used only to access equipment, every stairway
serving any building or portion thereof shall conform to the following requirements:
a. Width. Stairways serving an occupant load of more than fifty (50) shall not be
less than 1.10 meters. Stairways serving an occupant load of fifty (50) or less
may be 900 millimeters wide. Private stairways serving an occupant load of
less than ten (10) may be 750 millimeters. Trim and handrails shall not reduce
the required width by more than 100 millimeters.
b. b. Rise and Run. The rise of every step in a stairway shall not exceed 200
millimeters and the run shall not be less than 250 millimeters. The maximum
variations in the height of risers and the width of treads in any one flight shall
be 5 millimeters: Except, in case of private stairways serving an occupant load
of less than ten (10), the rise may be 200 millimeters and the run may be 250
millimeters, except as provided in sub-paragraph (c) below.
c. Landings. Every landing shall have a dimension measured in the direction of
travel equal to the width of the stairway. Such dimension need not exceed 1.20
meters when the stairs has a straight run. Landings when provided shall
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not be reduced in width by more than 100 millimeters by a door when fully
open.
d. Distance Between Landings. There shall be not more than 3.60 meters vertical
distance between landings.
e. Handrails. Stairways shall have handrails on each side and every stairway
required to be more than 3.00 meters in width shall be provided with not less
than one intermediate handrail for each 3.00 meters of required width.
Intermediate handrails shall be spaced approximately equal within the entire
width of the stairway. Handrails shall be placed not less than 800 millimeters
nor more than 900 millimeters above the nosing of treads, and ends of
handrails shall be returned or shall terminate in newel posts or safety
terminals: Except, in the following cases: Stairways 1.10 meters or less in
width and stairways serving one (1) individual dwelling unit in Group A or B
Occupancies may have one handrail, except that such stairway, open on one or
both, sides shall have handrails provided on the open side or sides: or
stairways having less than four (4) risers need not have handrails.
f. Exterior Stairway Protection. All openings in the exterior wall below or within
3.00 meters, measured horizontally, of an exterior exit stairway serving a
building over two storeys in height shall be protected by a self-closing fire
assembly having a three-fourth - hour fire-resistive rating; Except, that
openings may be unprotected when two separated exterior stairways serve an
exterior exit balcony.
g. Headroom. Every required stairway shall have a headroom clearance of not
less than 2.00 meters. Such clearance shall be established by measuring
vertically from a plane parallel and tangent to the stairway tread nosing to the
soffit above all points.
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SECTION 804. Sizes and Dimensions of Courts
rooms.
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a- OPEN SPACE
b- ALTERNATE LOCATIONS
4. The setback requirements in Table VIII.3. above are for newly-developed

thoroughfares. For highly built-up urban areas with duly established lines and grades
reflecting therein proposed road widening and elevation, the requirements in Table
VIII.3. above may not be imposed and the face of the building may abut on the side
and/or rear property lines provided that all the requirements on open space, window
opening, artificial ventilation, if any, and firewalls (Rule VII) are first fully complied
with.
5. Every court shall have a width of not less than 2.00 meters for one (1) or two (2)
storey buildings. However, if the court is treated as a yard or vice versa, this may be
reduced to not less than 1.50 meters in cluster living units such as quadruplexes,
rowhouses and the like, with adjacent courts with an area of not less than 3.00 sq.
meters. Provided further, that the separation walls or fences, if any, shall not be
higher than 2.00 meters. Irregularly–shaped lots such as triangular lots and the like,
whose courts may be also triangular in shape may be exempted from having a
minimum width of not less than what is required in Table VIII.3.
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6. For buildings of more than two (2) storeys in height, the minimum width of the rear
or side court shall be increased at the rate of 300 millimeters for each additional
storey up to the fourteenth (14th) storey (Figure VIII.20. showing incremental
setbacks). For buildings exceeding fourteen (14) storeys in height, the required width
of the court shall be computed on the basis of fourteen (14) storeys.
7. Uncovered Driveways, Access Roads and Parking Spaces may be considered part of
the open space provided that they are open and unobstructed from the ground upward
as in courts and yards.
8. A carport shall not be considered part of the Total Open Space within Lot (TOSL)
particularly if it is entirely roofed or roofed with overhangs. In such a case, it must be
counted as an integral component of the Allowable Maximum Building Footprint
(AMBF).
9. A front yard may be partly paved/hardscaped (converted into a courtyard) to serve as

a carport but only for a basic R-2 or basic R-3 or R-4 (individual lot) use or
occupancy, i.e., all for single-family dwelling units only. All other uses/occupancies
shall not be allowed to use the front yard for a carport nor for parking.
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3.2. B.P. 344 – ACCESSIBILITY LAW
RULE II - MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSIBILITY
1. Design Criteria:
1. CATEGORIES OF DISABLED PERSONS. The categories of disability dictate the
varied measures to be adopted in order to create an accessible environment for the
handicapped. Disabled persons under these Rules may be classified into those who have:
1.1.1. Impairments requiring confinement to wheelchairs; or
1.1.2. Impairments causing difficulty or insecurity in walking or climbing stairs or
requiring the use of braces, crutches or other artificial supports; or impairments
caused by amputation, arthritis, spastic conditions or pulmonary, cardiac or other
ills rendering individuals semi-ambulatory; or
1.1.3. Total or partial impairments of hearing or sight causing insecurity or likelihood
of exposure to danger in public places; or
1.1.4. Impairments due to conditions of aging and incoordination;
1.1.5. Mental impairments whether acquired or congenital in nature.
1.2. ANTHROPOMETRICS AND DIMENSIONAL DATA AS GUIDES FOR DESIGN.
The minimum and maximum dimensions for spaces in the built environment should
consider the following criteria:
1.2.1. The varying sizes and structures of persons of both sexes, their reaches and
their lines of sight at both the standing and sitting positions.
1.2.2. The dimensional data of the technical aids of disabled persons.
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Included in the second consideration are the dimensions of wheelchairs; the
minimum space needed for locking and unlocking leg braces plus the range of
distance of crutches and other walking aids from persons using such devices.
By applying at this very early stage dimensional criteria which take into account
wheelchair usage, the physical environment will ultimately encourage and
enable wheelchair users to make full use of their physical surroundings.
1.2.3. The provision of adequate space for wheelchair maneuvering generally insures
adequate space for disabled persons equipped with other technical aids or
accompanied by assistants. In determining the minimum dimensions for
furniture and fixtures accessible to disabled persons, the following
anthropometric data shall serve as guides for design:
The length of wheelchairs varies from 1.10 m to 1.30 m.
The width of wheelchairs is from 0.60 m to 0.75 m.
A circle of 1.50 m in diameter is a suitable guide in the planning of
wheelchair turning spaces.
The comfortable reach of persons confined to wheelchairs is from 0.70 m to
1.20 m above the floor and not less than 0.40 m from room corners. The
comfortable clearance for knee and leg space under tables for wheelchair
users is 0.70 m.
Counter height shall be placed at a level comfortable to disabled persons'
reach.
[Refer to Annex B-2 to B-6, Figs. 2 to 8.]
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1.3. BASIC PHYSICAL PLANNING REQUIREMENTS. No group of people shall be
deprived of full participation and enjoyment of the environment or be made unequal
with the rest due to any disability. In order to achieve this goal adopted by the United
Nations, certain basic principles shall be applied:
1.3.1. ACCESSIBILITY. The built environment shall be designed so that it shall be
accessible to all people. This means that no criteria shall impede the use of
facilities by either the handicapped or non-disabled citizens.
1.3.2. REACHABILITY. Provisions shall be adapted and introduced to the physical
environment so that as many places or buildings as possible can be reached by
all.
1.3.3. USABILITY. The built environment shall be designed so that all persons,
whether they be disabled or not, may use and enjoy it.
1.3.4. ORIENTATION. Finding a person's way inside and outside of a building or
open space shall be made easy for everyone.
1.3.5. SAFETY. Designing for safety insures that people shall be able to move about
with less hazards to life and health.
1.3.6. WORKABILITY AND EFFICIENCY. The built environment shall be
designed to allow the disabled citizens to participate and contribute to
developmental goals.
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RULE III: SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS AND RELATED
STRUCTURES FOR PUBLIC USE
1. Classification of building by use of occupancy:
1.1. Occupancy classified by categories enumerated in Section 701 of the National
Building Code (PD 1096) are hereby adapted.
1.1.1. Category I - Residential -This shall comprise Group A and partly Group B
Buildings
1.1.2. Category II - Commercial and Industrial -This shall comprise partly Groups B,
C, E, F, G, H, and I Buildings
1.1.3. Category III - Educational and Industrial - This shall comprise partly Group C,
D, E, and H Buildings
1.1.4. Category IV - Agricultural - This shall comprise partly Group J Buildings.
1.1.5. Category V - Ancillary - This shall comprise partly Group J Buildings
2. Architectural features and facilities:
Where the following features and facilities are: architectural design requirements in
accordance with generally accepted architectural practice, the same include the
corresponding graphic signs.
2.1. Architectural facilities and features:
2.1.1. A - Stairs
2.1.2. B - Walkways
2.1.3. C - Corridors
2.1.4. D - Doors and Entrances
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2.1.5. E - Washrooms and Toilets
2.1.6. F - Lifts/Elevators
2.1.7. G - Ramps
2.1.8. H - Parking Areas
2.1.9. I - Switches, Controls, Buzzers
2.1.10. J - Handrails
2.1.11. K - Thresholds
2.1.12. L - Floor Finishes
2.1.13. M - Drinking Fountains
2.1.14. N - Public Telephones
2.1.15. O - Seating Accommodations
5. CATEGORY II
5.1. Group C
5.1.1. Educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities, vocational schools,
seminaries and novitiates), including school auditoriums, gymnasia, reviewing
stands, little theaters and concert halls. Barrier-free facilities and features
required in: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, and O.
Minimum Requirements for Accessibility
A. OUTSIDE AND AROUND
BUILDINGS A.1.DROPPED CURBS
A.1.1. Changes in level walkways should be by a dropped curb.
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A.1.2. Dropped curbs should be provided at pedestrian crossings and at the end of
walkways of a private street or access road.
A.1.3. Dropped curbs at crossings have a width corresponding to the width of the
crossing; otherwise, the minimum width is 0.90 m.
A.1.4. Dropped curbs shall be ramped towards adjoining curbs with a gradient not
more than 1:12.
A.1.5. Dropped curbs shall be sloped towards the road with a maximum cross
gradient of 1:20 to prevent water from collecting at the walkway.
A.1.6. The lowest point of a dropped curb should not exceed 25 mm from the road or
gutter.
A.2.CURB CUT-OUTS
A.2.1. Curb cut-outs should only be allowed when it will not obstruct a walkway or in
any way lessen the width of a walkway.
A.2.2. The minimum width of a curb cut-out should be 0.90 M.
A.2.3. Curb cut-outs should have a gradient not more than 1:12.
A.3. WALKWAYS AND PASSAGEWAYS
A.3.1. Walkways should be kept as level as possible and provided with slip-resistant
material.
A.3.2. Whenever and wherever possible, walkways should have a gradient no more
than 1:20 or 5%.
A.3.3. Walkways should have a maximum cross gradient of 1:100.
A.3.4. Walkways should have a minimum width of 1.20 meters.
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A.3.5. If possible, gratings should never be located along walkways.
A.3.6. When occurring along walkways, grating openings should have a maximum
dimension of 13 mm x 13 mm and shall not project more than 6.5 mm above the
level of the walkway.
A.3.7. Walkways should have a continuing surface without abrupt pitches in angle or
interruptions by cracks or breaks creating edges above 6.50 mm.
A.3.8. In lengthy or busy walkways, spaces should be provided at some point along
the route so that a wheelchair may pass another or turn around. These spaces
should have a minimum dimension of 1.50 m and should be spaced at a
maximum distance of 12:00 m between stops.
A.3.9. To guide the blind, walkways should as much as possible follow
straightforward routes with right angle turns.
A.3.10. Where planting is provided adjacent to the walkway, regular maintenance is
essential to ensure branches of trees or shrubs do not overhang walkways or
paths, as not only do these present a particular danger to the blind, but they also
reduce the effective footways width available to pedestrians generally.
A.3.11. Walkway headroom should not be less than 2.0 m and preferably higher.
A.3.12. Passageways for the disabled should not be obstructed by street furniture,
bollards, sign posts or columns along the defined route, as they can be
hazardous.
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A.4.HANDRAILS
A.4.1. Handrails should be installed at both sides of ramps and stairs and at the outer
edges of dropped curbs. Handrails at dropped curbs should not be installed
beyond the width of any crossing so as not to obstruct pedestrian flow.
A.4.2. Handrails shall be installed at 0.90 m and 0.70 m above steps or ramps.
Handrails for protection at great heights may be installed at 1.0 m to 1.06 m.
A.4.3. A 0.30 m long extension of the handrail should be provided at the start and end
of ramps and stairs.
A.4.4. Handrails that require full grip should have a dimension of 30
mm to 50 mm. A.4.5. Handrails attached to walls should have a
clearance no less than 50 mm from the wall. Handrails on ledges
should have a clearance not less than 40 mm.
A.5.OPEN SPACES
A.5.1. Where open spaces are provided, the blind can become particularly disoriented.
Therefore, it is extremely helpful if any walkway or paths can be given defined
edges either by the use of planters with dwarf walls, or a grass verge, or similar,
which provides a texture different from the path.
A.6. SIGNAGES
A.6.1. Directional and informational sign should be located at points conveniently
seen even by a person on a wheelchair and those with visual impairments;
A.6.2. Signs should be kept simple and easy to understand; signages should be made
of contrasting colors and contrasting gray matter to make detection and reading
easy;
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A.6.3. The international symbol for access should be used to designate routes and
facilities that are accessible;
A.6.4. Should a sign protrude into a walkway or route, a minimum headroom of 2.0
meters should be provided;
A.6.5. Signs on walls and doors should be located at a maximum height of 1.60 M.
and a minimum height of 1.40 meters. For signage on washroom doors, see C.
Section 8.6.
A.6.6. Signages labelling public rooms and places should have raised symbols, letters
or numbers with minimum height of 1 mm; braille symbols should be included
in signs indicating public places and safety routes;
A.6.7. Text on signboards shall be of a dimension that people with less than normal
visual acuity can read at a certain distance.
A.7.CROSSINGS
A.7.1. In order to reduce the exposure time to vehicular traffic, all at grade crossing
should
A.7.1.1. Be as near perpendicular to the carriageway as possible.
A.7.1.2. Be located at the narrowest, most convenient part of the carriageway.
A.7.1.3. Have central refuges of at least 1.5 m in depth and preferably 2 m,
provided as a midcrossing shelter, where the width of carriageway to be
crossed exceeds 10 m.
A.7.2. All crossings should be located close if not contiguous with the normal
pedestrian desire line.
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A.7.3. Provide tactile blocks in the immediate vicinity of crossings as an aid to the
blind. The tactile surface has to be sufficiently high enough to be felt through the
sole of the shoe but low enough not to cause pedestrian to trip, or to effect the
mobility of wheelchair users. See details of recommended pairing slabs below.
A.7.4. The most beneficial form of crossing as far as any disabled are concerned is
the light controlled crossing having pedestrian phases and synchronized audible
signals and should, wherever possible, be provided in preference to other types
of crossings as determined by the duly authorized agency.
A.7.5. The audible signal used for crossings should be easily distinguishable from
other sounds in the environment to prevent confusion to the blind. A prolonged
sound should be audible to warn the blind that the lights are about to change.
(Design of such a system shall be developed by the Traffic Engineering Center.)
A.7.6. The flashing green period required for the disabled should be determined on
the basis of a walking speed of 0.90 m/sec. rather than 1.20 m/sec. which is
what is normally used. The minimum period for the steady green (for
pedestrians) should not be less than 6 seconds or the crossing distance times
0.90 m/sec., whichever is the greatest.
B. PARKING
B.1. PARKING AREAS
B.1.1. Parking spaces for the disabled should allow enough space for a person to
transfer to a wheelchair from a vehicle;
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B.1.2. 1.2 Accessible parking spaces should be located as close as possible to
building entrances or to accessible entrances;
B.1.3. 1.3 Whenever and wherever possible, accessible parking spaces should be
perpendicular or to an angle to the road or circulation aisles;
B.1.4. 1.4 Accessible parking slots should have a minimum width of 3.70 m.;
B.1.5. 1.5 A walkway from accessible spaces of 1.20 m. clear width shall be provided
between the front ends of parked cars;
B.1.6. 1.6 Provide dropped curbs or curb cut-outs to the parking level where access
walkways are raised;
B.1.7. 1.7 Pavement markings, signs or other means shall be provided to delineate
parking spaces for the handicapped;
B.1.8. 1.8 Parking spaces for the disabled should never be located at ramped or
sloping areas;
C. INSIDE BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
C.1.ENTRANCES
C.1.1. Entrances should be accessible from arrival and departure points to the interior
lobby;
C.1.2. One (1) entrance level should be provided where elevators are accessible;
C.1.3. In case entrances are not on the same level of the site arrival grade, ramps
should be provided as access to the entrance level;
C.1.4. Entrances with vestibules shall be provided a level area with at least a 1.80 m.
depth and a 1.50 m. width;
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C.2. RAMPS
C.2.1. Changes in level require a ramp except when served by a dropped curb, an
elevator or other mechanical device;
C.2.2. Ramps shall have a minimum clear width of 1.20 m;
C.2.3. The maximum gradient shall be 1:12;
C.2.4. The length of a ramp should not exceed 6:00 m. if the gradient is 1:12; longer
ramps whose gradient is 1:12 shall be provided with landings not less than 1.50
m.;
C.2.5. A level area not less than 1.80 m. should be provided at the top and bottom of
any ramp;
C.2.6. Handrails will be provided on both sides of the ramp at 0.70 m. and 0.90 m.
from the ramp level;
C.2.7. Ramps shall be equipped with curbs on both sides with a minimum height of
0.10 m.;
C.2.8. Any ramp with a rise greater than 0.20 m. and leads down towards an area
where vehicular traffic is possible, should have a railing across the full width of
its lower end, not less than 1.80 meters from the foot of the ramp;
C.3.DOORS
C.3.1. All doors shall have a minimum clear width of 0.80 m;
C.3.2. Clear openings shall be measured between the surface of the fully open door at
the hinge and the door jamb at the stop;
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C.3.3. Doors should be operable by a pressure or force not more than 4.0 kg; the
closing device pressure an interior door shall not exceed 1 kg.;
C.3.4. A minimum clear level space of 1.50 m x 1.50 m shall be provided before and
extending beyond a door;
EXCEPTION: where a door shall open onto but not into a corridor, the required
clear, level space on the corridor side of the door may be a minimum of 1.20 m.
corridor width;
C.3.5. Protection should be provided from doors that swing into corridors;
C.3.6. Out swinging doors should be provided at storage rooms, closets and accessible
restroom stalls;
C.3.7. Latching or non-latching hardware should not require wrist action or fine
finger manipulation;
C.3.8. Doorknobs and other hardware should be located between 0.82 m. and 1.06 m.
above the floor; 0.90 is preferred;
C.3.9. Vertical pull handles, centered at 1.06 m. above the floor, are preferred to
horizontal pull bars for swing doors or doors with locking devices;
C.3.10. Doors along major circulation routes should be provided with kick plates
made of durable materials at a height of 0.30 m. to 0.40 m;
C.4. TRESHOLDS
C.4.1. Thresholds shall be kept to a minimum; whenever necessary, thresholds and
sliding door tracks shall have a maximum height of 25 mm and preferably
ramped;
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C.5. SWITCHES
C.5.1. Manual switches shall be positioned within 1.20 m to 1.30 m above the floor;
C.5.2. Manual switches should be located no further than 0.20 from the latch side of
the door;
C.6. SIGNAGES
(See "SIGNAGES" under OUTSIDE & AROUND BUILDINGS.)
C.7.CORRIDORS
C.7.1. Corridors shall have minimum clear width of 1.20 m.; waiting areas and other
facilities or spaces shall not obstruct the minimum clearance requirement;
C.7.2. Recesses or turnabout spaces should be provided for wheelchairs to turn
around or to enable another wheelchair to pass; these spaces shall have a
minimum area of 1.50 m x 1.50 m. and shall be spaced at a maximum of 12.00
m.;
C.7.3. Turnabout spaces should also be provided at or within 3.50 m. of every dead
end;
C.7.4. As in walkways, corridors should be maintained level and provided with a slip
resistant surface;
C.8. WASHROOMS & TOILETS
C.8.1. Accessible public washrooms and toilets shall permit easy passage of a
wheelchair and allow the occupant to enter a stall, close the door and transfer to
the water closet from either a frontal or lateral position;
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C.8.2. Accessible water closet stalls shall have a minimum area of 1.70 x 1.80 mts.
One movable grab bar and one fixed to the adjacent wall shall be installed at the
accessible water closet stall for lateral mounting; fixed grab bars on both sides of
the wall shall be installed for stalls for frontal mounting;
C.8.3. A turning space of 2.25 sq.m. with a minimum dimension of 1.50 m. for
wheelchair shall be provided for water closet stalls for lateral mounting;
C.8.4. All accessible public toilets shall have accessories such as mirrors, paper
dispensers, towel racks and fittings such as faucets mounted at heights reachable
by a person in a wheelchair;
C.8.5. The minimum number of accessible water closets on each floor level or on that
part of a floor level accessible to the disabled shall be one (1) where the total
number of water closets per set on that level is 20; and two (2) where the
number of water closets exceed 20;
C.8.6. In order to aid visually impaired persons to readily determine whether a
washroom is for men or for women, the signage for men's washroom door shall
be an equilateral triangle with a vertex pointing upward, and those for women
shall be a circle; the edges of the triangle should be 0.30 m long as should be the
diameter of the circle; these signages should at least be 7.5 mm thick; the color
and gray value of the doors; the words "men" and "women" or the appropriate
stick figures should still appear on the washroom doors for the convenience of
the fully sighted;
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Note: the totally blind could touch the edge of the signs and easily determine
whether it is straight or curved;
C.8.7. The maximum height of water closets should be 0.45 m.; flush control should
have a maximum height of 1.20 mts.
C.8.8. Maximum height of lavatories should be 0.80 m. with a knee recess of 0.60 -
0.70 M. vertical clearance and a 0.50 m. depth.
C.8.9. Urinals should have an elongated lip or through type; the maximum height of
the lip should be 0.48 m.
C.9.STAIRS
C.9.1. Tread surfaces should be a slip-resistant material; nosings may be provided
with slip-resistant strips to further minimize slipping:
C.9.2. Slanted nosings are preferred to projecting nosings so as not to pose difficulty
for people using crutches or braces whose feet have a tendency to get caught in
the recessed space or projecting nosings. For the same reason, open stringers
should be avoided.
C.9.3. The leading edge of each step on both runner and riser should be marked with
a paint or non-skid material that has a color and gray value which is in high
contrast to the gray value of the rest of the stairs; markings of this sort would be
helpful to the visually impaired as well as to the fully sighted person;
C.9.4. A tactile strip 0.30 m. wide shall be installed before hazardous areas such as
sudden changes in floor levels and at the top and bottom of stairs; special care
42
must be taken to ensure the proper mounting or adhesion of tactile strips so as
not to cause accidents;
C.10. ELEVATORS
C.10.1. Accessible elevators should be located not more than 30.00 m. from the
entrance and should be easy to locate with the aid of signs;
C.10.2. Accessible elevators shall have a minimum dimension of 1.10 m. x 1.40 m.;
C.10.3. Control panels and emergency system of accessible elevators shall be within
reach of a seated person; center line heights for the topmost buttons shall be
between 0.90 m to 1.20 m from the floor;
C.10.4. Button controls shall be provided with braille signs to indicate floor level; at
each floor, at the door frames of elevator doors, braille-type signs shall be placed
so that blind persons can be able to discern what floor the elevator car has
stopped and from what level they are embarking from; for installation heights,
see Section 6.6, Signages;
C.10.5. Button sizes at elevator control panels shall have a minimum diameter of 20
mm and should have a maximum depression depth of 1 mm;
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3.3 FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
SECTION 10.2.7.6 INSTALLATION CLEARANCE
All equipment/utilities/facilities mentioned in Section 10.2.7.1 to 10.2.7.5 of this IRR shall not be
installed without first securing an installation clearance from the C/MFM having jurisdiction. This
installation clearance shall be a pre-requisite for the issuance of permits required by law for these
installations.
SECTION 10.2.8.1 OCCUPANT LOAD
A. The occupant load permitted in any assembly building, structure, or portion thereof shall be
determined by dividing the net floor area or space assigned to that use by the square meter per
occupant as follows:
1. As assembly area of concentrated use without fixed seats such as an auditorium, place of worship,
dance floor, and lodge room: sixty-five hundredths (0.65) square meter per person.
2. An assembly area of less concentrated use such as conference room, dining room, drinking
establishment, exhibit room, gymnasium, or lounge: one and four-tenths (1.4) square meters per
person.
3. Standing room or waiting space: twenty-eight hundredths (0.28) square meter per person.
4. The occupant load of an area having fixed seats shall be determined by the number of fixed seats
installed. Required aisle space serving the fixed seats shall not be used to increase the occupant load.
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5. Every room constituting a place of assembly and not having fixed seats shall have the occupant
load of the room posted in a conspicuous place near the main exit from the room. Approved signs
shall be maintained in legible manner. Signs shall be durable and shall indicate the number of
occupants permitted for each room.
6. In theaters and similar places of assembly where person are admitted to the building at times when
seats are not available for them and are allowed to wait in a lobby or similar space until seats are
available, such use of lobby or similar spaces shall not encroach upon the required clear width of exits.
44
Such waiting spaces shall be restricted to areas other than the required means of egress. Exits shall be
provided for such waiting spaces on the basis of one person for each one-fourth (0.25) square meters
of waiting space area. Such exits shall be in addition to the exits specified for the main auditorium
area and shall conform in construction and arrangement to the general rules for exits given in this
division.
7. In areas not in excess of nine hundred thirty square meters (930 m2), the occupant load shall not
exceed one person in forty-six tenths square meters (0.46 m2); in areas in excess of nine hundred
thirty square meters (930 m2), the occupant load shall not exceed one person in sixty-five tenths
square meters (0.65 m2).
SECTION 10.2.8.2 EXIT DETAILS
1. The capacity of means of egress shall be in accordance with Section 10.2.5.2 paragraph C or shall
be in accordance with succeeding paragraph for means of egress serving theater-type seating or
similar seating arranged in rows.
2. Minimum clear width of aisles and other means of egress serving theater-type seating, or similar
seating arranged in rows.
3. The minimum clear widths shown in Table 11 shall be modified in accordance with all of the
following:
a. If risers exceed one hundred seventy-eight millimeters (178 mm) in 122 height, multiply the stair
width in Table 8 by factor A, where
b. Stairs without a handrail located within a seven hundred sixty millimeters (760 mm) horizontal
distance shall be 25 percent wider than otherwise calculated, that is, multiply by factor B = 1.25.
c. Ramps steeper than 1 in 10 slope where used in ascent shall have their widths increased by 10
percent, that is, multiply by factor C = 1.10.
Minimum Number of Exit
The number of exits shall be in accordance with Section 10.2.5.2 para “G” of this IRR .
45
Location of Exits
1. Main Exit Every assembly occupancy shall be provided with a main exit. The main exit shall be of
sufficient width to accommodate one-half (1/2) of the total occupant load, but shall be not less than
the total required width of all aisles, exit passageways and stairways leading thereto, and shall connect
to a stairway or ramp leading to a street
2. Other Exits Each level of an assembly occupancy shall have access to the main exit and an addition
shall be provided with exits of sufficient width to accommodate two-thirds (2/3) of the total occupant
load served by that level. Such exits shall open directly to a street or into an exit court, enclosed
stairway, outside stairway, or exit passageway leading to a street. Such exits shall be located as far
apart and as far from the main exits as practicable. Such exits shall be accessible from a cross aisle or
a side aisle.
Minimum Corridor Width
The width of any exit access corridor serving 50 or more persons shall not be less than one hundred
twelve centimeters (112 cm).
Travel Distance To Exits-Exits shall be so arranged that the total length of travel from any point to
reach an exit will not exceed forty six (46) meters in any place of assembly for spaces not protected
by approved, supervised sprinkler system and sixty one (61) meters in areas so protected.
Types of Exits
1. Exits of the specified number and width shall be of one or more of the following types, in
accordance with the provisions of Division 5 of this Rule.
a. Doors of the swinging type leading directly outside or through a lobby or passageway leading to the
outside of the building.
b. Horizontal exits
c. Smokeproof enclosures
d. Stairs
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e. Ramps
Turnstiles
No turnstiles or other devices to restrict the movement of persons shall be installed in any place of
assembly in such a manner as to interfere in any way with required exit facilities. (See Division 5 of
this Chapter for further requirements for turnstiles).
Panic Hardware
An exit door from an assembly occupancy shall not be provided with a latch or lock unless it is panic
hardware.
Seating, Aisles and Railings
1. Seating
a. The spacing of rows of seats from back to back shall be not less than eighty three centimeters (83
cm), nor less than sixty eight centimeters (68 cm) plus the sum of the thickness of the back and
inclination of the back. There shall be a space of not less than thirty centimeters (30 cm) from the
back of one seat and the front of the seat immediately behind it as measured between plumb lines.
b. Rows of seats between aisles shall have not more than fourteen (14) seats.
c. Rows of seats opening onto an aisle at one side only shall have not more than seven (7) seats.
d. Seats without dividing arms shall have their capacity determined by allowing sixty centimeters (60
cm) per person.
2. Aisles
Every portion of any assembly building which contains seats, tables, displays, equipment, or other
materials shall be provided with aisles leading to exit as follows:
a. When serving more than sixty (60) seats; every aisle shall be not less than nine hundred fifteen
millimeters (915 mm) when serving seats on one side only and not less than one hundred twenty-two
centimeters (122 cm) when serving seats on both sides. Such minimum width shall be measured at the
47
point farthest from an exit, cross aisles, or foyer and shall be increased in width by two and a half
centimeters (2.5 cm) for each meter in length toward the exit, cross aisles, or foyer
b. When serving sixty (60) seats or less, aisles shall be not less than seventy six centimeters (76 cm)
wide.
c. Aisles shall terminate in a cross aisle, foyer, or exit. The width of such cross aisle, foyer, or exit
shall be not less than the sum of the required width of the widest aisle plus fifty (50%) percent of the
total required width of the remaining aisles which it serves.
d. No dead-end aisle shall be greater than six and one-tenth meters (6.1 m) in length. In arena or
thrust stage theaters, dead-end aisles at the stage shall not exceed five rows beyond a cross aisle.
e. The length of travel to an exit door by any aisle shall be not greater than forty six meters (46 m).
f. Steps shall not be placed in aisles to overcome differences in level unless the gradient exceeds
twelve and a half (12.5%) percent. Steps in aisles shall conform to the requirement for stairs as to rise
end tread.
g. The gradient of sloping aisles shall not exceed twelve and a half (12.5%) percent.
3. Railings
a. The fasciae of boxes, balconies and galleries shall have substantial railings not less than sixty six
centimeters (66 cm) high above the floor.
b. The railings at the ends of aisles extending to the fasciae shall be not less than seventy six
centimeters (76 cm) high for the width of the aisle, or ninety one centimeters (91 cm) high if at foot of
steps.
c. Cross aisles shall be provided with railings not less than sixty-six (66) centimeters high.
Lighting and Signs
1. All places of assembly shall have exit lighting in accordance with Section 10.2.5.11 and signs in
accordance with Section 10.2.5.12 of this IRR. All places of assembly shall be provided with
emergency lighting.
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2. In every auditorium or other places of assembly where pictures, motion pictures or other
projections are made by means of directed light, the illumination projections are made by means of
directed light, the illumination of the floors of exit access may be reduced during such period
projection to values of not less than two ten-thousandths (0.0002) lumen per square centimeter.
49
3.4 National Plumbing Code of the Philippines
An update of the tenets established in the "Plumbing Law of the Philippines"

approved on 18 June 1955 as amended on 28 November 1959.
The basic goal of the 1999 National Plumbing Code of the Philippines is to
ensure the unqualified observance of the latest provisions of the plumbing and
environmental laws.
Principle No. 1 -A11 premises intended for human habitation, occupancy or

use shall be provided with a supply of pure and wholesome water, neither
connected with unsafe water supplies nor subject to hazards of backflow or
back-siphon age.
Principle No. 2 -Plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances shall be

supplied with water in sufficient volume and at pressure adequate to enable
them to function satisfactorily and without undue noise under all normal
conditions of use.
Principle No.3 -Plumbing shall be designed and adjusted to use the minimum
quantity of water consistent with proper performance and cleaning.
Principle No. 4- Devices for heating and storing water shall be so designed and
installed as to prevent dangers from explosion through overheating.
Principle No. 5- Every building having plumbing fixtures installed and

intended for human habitation, occupancy or use on premises abutting on a
50
street, alley or easement where there is a public sewer, shall be connected to the
sewer system.
Principle No.7 Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth non-absorbent

material, free from concealed fouling surfaces and shall be located in ventilated
enclosures.
Principle No. 8 - The drainage system shall be designed, constructed and

maintained to safeguard against fouling, deposit of solids, clogging and with
adequate cleanouts so arranged that the pipes may be readily cleaned.
Principle No. 9 - All pipings of plumbing systems shall be of durable

NAMPAPAPPROVED materials, free form defective workmanship, designed
and constructed by Registered Master Plumbers to ensure satisfactory service.
Principle No. 10 - Each fixture directly connected to the drainage system shall
be equipped with a water-sealed trap
Principle No. 11 - The drainage piping system shall be designed to provide

adequate circulation of air free from siphon age, aspiration or forcing of trap
seals under ordinary use.
Principle No. 12 - Vent terminals shall extend to the outer air and installed to
pre-empt clogging and the return of foul air to the building.
Principle No. 13 - Plumbing systems shall be subjected to such tests to

effectively disclose all leaks and defects in the workmanship.
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Principle No. 14 - No substance which will clog the pipes, produce explosive
mixture~ destroy the pipes or their joints or interfere unduly with the sewage-
disposal
process shall be allowed to enter the building drainage system.
Principle No. 15 - Proper protection shall be provided to prevent contamination

of food, water, sterile goods and similar materials by backflow of sewage.
When
necessary, the fixture, device or appliance shall be connected indirectly with the
building drainage system.
Principle No. 16 - No water closet shall be located in a room or compartment

which is not properly lighted and ventilated.
Principle No. 17 - If water closets or other plumbing fixtures are installed in

buildings where there is no sewer within a reasonable distance, suitable
provision shall be made for disposing of the building sewage by some accepted
method of sewage treatment and disposal, such as a septic tank.
Principle No. 18 - Where a plumbing drainage system may be subject the

backflow of sewage, suitable provision shall be made to prevent its overflow in
the building.
Principle No. 19 - Plumbing systems shall be maintained in serviceable

condition by Registered Master Plumbers. ·
52
Principle No. 20 - All plumbing fixtures shall be installed properly spaced, to

be accessible for their intended use.
Principle No. 11 - Plumbing shall be installed by Registered Master Plumbers

with due regard to the preservation of the strength of structural members and
the prevention of damage to walls and other surfaces through fixture usage.
Principle No. 22 - Sewage or other waste from a plumbing system which may
be deleterious to surface or sub-surface waters shall not be discharged into the
ground or into any waterway, unless first rendered innocuous through
subjection to some acceptable form of treatment.

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3.

RULE VII - CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF ALL

SECTION 701. Occupancy Classified

v. Group E - Business and Mercantile

Table VII.1. Schedule of Principal, Accessory and 45 Conditional

SECTION 704. Location on Property

(b) Fire Resistance of Walls

(c) Buildings on Same Property and Buildings Containing Courts

SECTION 705. Allowable Floor Areas

SECTION 706. Allowable Floor Area Increases

SECTION 707. Maximum Height of Buildings

SECTION 708. Minimum Requirements for Group A Dwellings

SECTION 709. Requirements for Other Group Occupancies

LIGHT AND VENTILATION

SECTION 801. General Requirements of Light and Ventilation

SECTION 802. Measurement of Site Occupancy

SECTION 803. Percentage of Site Occupancy

2. 2. In case of proposed additional construction on a lot on which another

SECTION 804. Size and Dimensions of Courts

SECTION 805. Ceiling Heights

SECTION 806. Size and Dimension of Rooms

2. Kitchens – 3.0 square meters with a least dimension of 1.50 meters;

SECTION 807. Air Space Requirements in Determining the Size of Rooms

3. Habitable rooms – 14.00 cubic meters of air space per person.

SECTION 808. Window Openings

SECTION 810. Ventilation Skylights

SECTION 1207. Stairs, Exits, and Occupant Loads

SECTION 804. Sizes and Dimensions of Courts

4. The setback requirements in Table VIII.3. above are for newly-developed

9. A front yard may be partly paved/hardscaped (converted into a courtyard) to serve as

3.2. B.P. 344 – ACCESSIBILITY LAW

RULE II - MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSIBILITY

1. CATEGORIES OF DISABLED PERSONS. The categories of disability dictate the

varied measures to be adopted in order to create an accessible environment for the

1.1.1. Impairments requiring confinement to wheelchairs; or

1.1.2. Impairments causing difficulty or insecurity in walking or climbing stairs or

requiring the use of braces, crutches or other artificial supports; or impairments

caused by amputation, arthritis, spastic conditions or pulmonary, cardiac or other

ills rendering individuals semi-ambulatory; or

1.1.3. Total or partial impairments of hearing or sight causing insecurity or likelihood

of exposure to danger in public places; or

1.1.4. Impairments due to conditions of aging and incoordination;

1.1.5. Mental impairments whether acquired or congenital in nature.

1.2. ANTHROPOMETRICS AND DIMENSIONAL DATA AS GUIDES FOR DESIGN.

consider the following criteria:

their lines of sight at both the standing and sitting positions.

1.2.2. The dimensional data of the technical aids of disabled persons.

Included in the second consideration are the dimensions of wheelchairs; the

wheelchair usage, the physical environment will ultimately encourage and

enable wheelchair users to make full use of their physical surroundings.

accompanied by assistants. In determining the minimum dimensions for

furniture and fixtures accessible to disabled persons, the following

anthropometric data shall serve as guides for design:

The length of wheelchairs varies from 1.10 m to 1.30 m.

The width of wheelchairs is from 0.60 m to 0.75 m.

A circle of 1.50 m in diameter is a suitable guide in the planning of

wheelchair turning spaces.

The comfortable reach of persons confined to wheelchairs is from 0.70 m to

Counter height shall be placed at a level comfortable to disabled persons'

[Refer to Annex B-2 to B-6, Figs. 2 to 8.]