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The National Building Code of the Philippines is a law that aims to answer the growing demand for urbanization. As more economic activities move towards the real estate and industrial sector, there is a growing need for a standardized set of rules and regulations governing the appropriate building design for safety purposes.
The National Building Code of the Philippines aims to ensure that developers conform to the implementation of modern technical knowledge on construction, building design, occupancy, maintenance, and use. The National Building Code ensures that buildings can withstand natural calamities, such as earthquakes, especially for properties near the fault line.
Who Published the National Building Code?
The National Building Code of the Philippines was written and published by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The National Building Code of the Philippines aims to ensure that developers conform to the implementation of modern technical knowledge on construction, building design, occupancy, maintenance, and use.
Provisions Under the National Building Code
If you plan to build your establishment, there are various provisions under the National Building Code that you should familiarize yourself with. Here are the important points you should know:
What is a Building Permit?
Before demolishing, repairing, or constructing a building, the owner must secure a building permit from the building official assigned to that area. A building official has the authority to conduct site inspections to determine if the building work adheres to the provisions of this code.
Among the most important provisions of this code is the requirement for buildings to withstand up to 8.4 magnitude earthquakes to ensure maximum protection for all the residents within and around the building.
How to Apply for a Building Permit in 2023
To receive a building permit, the applicant must submit to the building official’s office a written application along with the following requirement:
- A detailed work description to be covered by the requested permission;
- A copy of the transfer certificate of title (TCT) of the parcel of land where the building work will be carried out;
- A copy of the lease contract (suppose the applicant is not the registered owner)
- The planned use or occupancy for the proposed work;
- The proposed work’s estimated cost
What’s the Building Permit Processing Like?
The building official and their technical staff shall have overall administrative control and oversight over the processing of building permits. They will ensure that the applicant satisfies and conforms to approved standard requirements on lines and grades, zoning and land use, sanitary and sewerage, environmental health, structural design, electrical and mechanical safety, and other rules and regulations prescribed in the provisions of the code.
The building owner who is authorized or granted a building permit must hire a licensed architect or civil engineer to oversee and inspect the construction activity full-time. This architect or civil engineer may or may not be the same as the architect or civil engineer in charge of the building’s design.
If you decide to hire a separate architect or civil engineer from the designing team, the designing architect or engineer still holds the right to inspect the construction site to check the construction’s compliance with the national building code.
A logbook containing the actual progress of construction, including tests conducted, weather conditions, and other essential data, must be kept on the project.
Upon project completion, the licensed architect or civil engineer shall present the logbook, fully signed and sealed, to the building official. They must also create and submit a Certificate of Project Completion declaring that the building was constructed with adherence to the provisions of the National Building Code of the Philippines along with the authorized plans and specifications.
The logbook is essential for the final inspection, determining if the building is ready for occupancy. Once the building is approved for occupancy, a Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued within 30 days after the final inspection. The building shall be left unoccupied until the date of effectivity of the Certificate of Occupancy.
Why a Building Permit May Be Revoked, Suspended or Not Issued
The building official has the authority to order or cause the suspension, non-issuance, or revocation of a building permit based on the following grounds:
- Errors in the plans and specifications;
- Incorrect data or information; and
- Failure to comply with the provisions of the National Building Code of the Philippines.
Revocation, non-issuance, or suspension of building permits is always communicated in a written notice that explains the grounds behind revocation, non-issuance, or suspension.
What Are the Exemptions to the Code?
Indigenous people’s family dwellings and public buildings shall be exempted from building fees. Family dwellings refer to houses used solely for family occupancy, regardless of materials used for the construction of the said dwelling.
Why Comply With the National Building Code of the Phillippines?
The National Building Code of the Philippines ensures that all buildings can survive the natural calamities that often occur in this country. Strict compliance with the technical requirements is implemented, especially in high-risk areas.
Who Enforces the National Building Code of the Philippines?
Under Section 207, the Building Official shall be in charge of the primary enforcement of the provisions of this Code and of the implementing rules and regulations issued accordingly within his individual geographical jurisdiction.
Before starting construction, it’s important to be familiar with the laws governing the building process. In case you’re still in the market scouting for a prime lot for your future home or income property, consider these land for sale listings on Lamudi.
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