RULE VII - CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

OF ALL BUILDINGS BY USE OR OCCUPANCY

SECTION 701. Occupancy Classified

1. There are 10 Groups of Occupancies sub-divided into 25 Divisions. The accompanying

matrix shows the Groupings and Divisions and the corresponding uses. The final
column indicates the Zoning Classification.

a. Buildings proposed for construction shall be identified according to their use or the
character of its occupancy and shall be classified as follows:

i. Group A – Residential Dwellings

Group A Occupancies shall include:

Division 1- Residential building/structure for exclusive use of single family

occupants including school or company staff housing; single
(nuclear) family dwellings; churches or similar places of
worship; church rectories; community facilities and social
centers; parks, playgrounds, pocket parks, parkways,
promenades and play lots; clubhouses and recreational uses
such as golf courses, tennis courts, basketball courts,
swimming pools and similar uses operated by the government
or private individuals as membership organizations for the
benefit of their members, families, and guests and not
operated primarily for gain.

Division 2- Residential building for the exclusive use of non-leasing

occupants not exceeding 10 persons including single-attached
or duplex or townhouses, each privately-owned; school
dormitories (on campus); convents and monasteries; military
or police barracks/dormitories; pre-schools, elementary and
high schools, provided that they do not exceed 16 classrooms;
outpatient clinics, family planning clinics, lying-in clinics,
diagnostics clinics, medical and clinical laboratories; branch
library and museums; steam/dry cleaning outlets; party needs
and accessories (leasing of tables and chairs, etc.).

ii. Group B – Residentials, Hotels and Apartments

Group B Occupancies shall be multiple dwelling units including boarding or

lodging houses, hotels, apartment buildings, row houses, convents,
monasteries and other similar building each of which accommodates more
than 10 persons.

iii. Group C – Education and Recreation

Group C Occupancies shall be buildings used for school or day-care

purposes, involving assemblage for instruction, education, or recreation, and
not classified in Group I or in Division 1 and 2 or Group H Occupancies.

iv. Group D – Institutional

Group D Occupancies shall include:

Division 1 - Mental hospitals, mental sanitaria, jails, prisons, reformatories,

and buildings were personal liberties of inmates are similarly
restrained.
43
 Division 2 - Nurseries for full-time care of children under kindergarten age,
hospitals, sanitaria, nursing homes with non-ambulatory
patients, and similar buildings each accommodating more than
five persons.

Division 3 - Nursing homes for ambulatory patients, homes for children of

kindergarten age or over, each accommodating more than five
persons: Provided, that Group D Occupancies shall not
include buildings used only for private or family group dwelling
purposes.

v. Group E - Business and Mercantile

Group E Occupancies shall include:

Division 1 - Gasoline filling and service stations, storage garages and boat
storage structures where no work is done except exchange of
parts and maintenance requiring no open flame, welding, or
the use of highly flammable liquids.

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.

Division 3 - Aircraft hangars and open parking garages where no repair

work is done except exchange of parts and maintenance
requiring no open flame, welding or the use of highly
flammable liquids.

vi. Group F - Industrial

Group F Occupancies shall include: ice plants, power plants, pumping

plants, cold storage, and creameries, factories and workshops using
incombustible and non-explosive materials, and storage and sales rooms for
incombustible and non-explosive materials.

vii. Group G - Storage and Hazardous

Groups G Occupancies shall include:

Division 1 - Storage and handling of hazardous and highly flammable

material.

Division 2 - Storage and handling of flammable materials, dry cleaning

plants using flammable liquids; paint stores with bulk handling,
paint shops and spray painting rooms.

Division 3 - Wood working establishments, planning mills and box factories,

shops, factories where loose combustible fibers or dust are
manufactured, processed or generated; warehouses where
highly combustible materials is stored.

Division 4 - Repair garages.

Division 5 - Aircraft repair hangars.

44
viii. Group H - Assembly Other Than Group I

Group H Occupancies shall include:

Division 1 - Any assembly building with a stage and an occupant load of

less than 1000 in the building.

Division 2 - Any assembly building without stage and having an occupant

load of 300 or more in the building.

Division 3 - Any assembly building without a stage and having an

occupant load of less than 300 in the building.

Division 4 - Stadia, reviewing stands, amusement park structures not

included within Group I or in Division 1, 2, and 3 of this Group.

ix. Group I – Assembly Occupant Load 1000 or More

Group I Occupancies shall be any assembly building with a stage and an

occupant load of 1000 or more in the building.

x. Group J - Accessory

Group J Occupancies shall include:

Division 1 - Agricultural structures.

Division 2 - Private garages, carports, fences over 1.80 meters high, tanks,
swimming pools and towers.

Division 3 - Stages, platforms, pelota, tennis, badminton or basketball

courts, tombs, mausoleums, niches, aviaries, aquariums, zoo
structures, banks and record vaults

Other subgroupings or divisions within Groups A to J may be determined by

the Secretary. Any other occupancy not mentioned specifically in this
Section, or about which there is any question, shall be included in the Group
which it most nearly resembles based on the existing or proposed life and
fire hazard.

45
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 Fire-

Resistive”, “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

three-hour 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 one-storey 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 fire-resistive 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.
77
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
78
 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 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:

(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.

vi. 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
79
 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;

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.
80
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)*
Charac- by Type/ Location of Lot
ter of
Type of
Use/ *Note: Building Height Limit (BHL) multiplied by the Allowable Maximum
Building/
Occupan- Building Footprint (AMBF) expressed as a percentage (%) of the Total Lot
Structure
cy 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 Inside Corner Through Corner- Corner

(or Rear) (or Lot Lot Through Lot
Lot Regular) Lot Abutting 3
and Lot (see Fig. (see Fig. or More
End Lot VIII.10. of VIII.11. of (see Fig. Streets,
(see Fig. Rule VIII) Rule VIII) VIII.12. of etc.
(see Fig. VIII.9. of Rule VIII) Rivers,
VIII.8. and Rule VIII) Etc.
VIII.5.14. (see Fig.
of Rule VIII.13. of
VIII) Rule VIII)
Residen- Residen- 3 (floors/ 3 x50% 3 x70% of 3 x70% 3 x70% of 3 x70% of
tial tial 1 storeys) of TLA TLA of TLA TLA TLA
GROUP (R-1) x 60% of
A-l TLA
(without
firewalls)
Basic 3 x 70% 3 x 60% 3 x 70% 3 x 70% 3 x 70% 3 x 70%
Residen-
tial 2 (R-
2)
Maximum 5 x 70% 5 x 60% 5 x 70% 5 x 70% 5 x 70% 5 x 70%
Residen-
tial 2 (R-
2)
Basic 3 x 70% 3 x 70% 3 x 70% 3 x 70% 3 x70% 3 x70%
Residen-
tial 3 (R-
3)
Maximum 12x80% 12x80% 12x80% 12x80% 12x80% 12x80%
Residen-
tial 3 (R-
3)
Residen- 3 x 80% 3 x 80% 3 x 80% 3 x 80% 3 x 80% 3 x 80%
tial 4 (R-
4)
/Individua
l Town-
house
Lots/
Units
Residen- 3 x 80% 3 x 80% 3 x 80% 3 x 80% 3 x 80% 3 x 80%
tial 4 (R-
4)
/Individua
l Town-
house
Lots/Unit
s

81
 Allowable Maximum
Total Gross Floor Area (TGFA)*
Charac- by Type/ Location of Lot
ter of
Type of
Use/ *Note: Building Height Limit (BHL) multiplied by the Allowable Maximum
Building/
Occupan- Building Footprint (AMBF) expressed as a percentage (%) of the Total Lot
Structure
cy 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 Inside Corner Through Corner- Corner

(or Rear) (or Lot Lot Through Lot
Lot Regular) Lot Abutting 3
and Lot (see Fig. (see Fig. or More
End Lot VIII.10. of VIII.11. of (see Fig. Streets,
(see Fig. Rule VIII) Rule VIII) VIII.12. of etc.
(see Fig. VIII.9. of Rule VIII) Rivers,
VIII.8. and Rule VIII) Etc.
VIII.5.14. (see Fig.
of Rule VIII.13. of
VIII) Rule VIII)
Residen- 18x80% 18x80% 18x80% 18x80% 18x80% 18x80%
tial 5
(R-5) /
Condomi-
niums
Residen- Residen-
tial tial 1 Not NA NA NA NA NA
GROUP (R-1) applicable
A-l (NA)
(with
firewalls)
Basic 3 x 75% 3 x 70% 3 x 75% 3 x 75% 3 x 75% 3 x 75%
Residen-
tial 2
(R-2)
Maximum 5 x 75% 5 x 70% 5 x 75% 5 x 75% 5 x 75% 5 x 75%
Residen-
tial 2
(R-2)
Basic 3 x 80% 3 x 80% 3 x 80% 3 x 80% 3 x 80% 3 x 80%
Residen-
tial 3
(R-3)
Maximum 12x80% 12x80% 12x80% 12x80% 12x80% 12x80%
Residen-
tial 3
(R-3)
Residen- 3 x 80% 3 x 80% 3 x 80% 3 x 80% 3 x 80% 3 x 80%
tial 4
(R-4) /
Individual
Town-
house
Lots/
Units
Residen- 18x80% 18x80% 18x80% 18x80% 18x80% 18x80%
tial 5
(R-5) /
Condomi-
niums
Commer- Commer- 5 x 80% 5 x 75% 5 x 80% 5 x 80% 5 x 90% 5 x 90%
cial cial 1
GROUPS (Com-1)
B, C, E,
H, I

82
 Allowable Maximum
Total Gross Floor Area (TGFA)*
Charac- by Type/ Location of Lot
ter of
Type of
Use/ *Note: Building Height Limit (BHL) multiplied by the Allowable Maximum
Building/
Occupan- Building Footprint (AMBF) expressed as a percentage (%) of the Total Lot
Structure
cy 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 Inside Corner Through Corner- Corner

(or Rear) (or Lot Lot Through Lot
Lot Regular) Lot Abutting 3
and Lot (see Fig. (see Fig. or More
End Lot VIII.10. of VIII.11. of (see Fig. Streets,
(see Fig. Rule VIII) Rule VIII) VIII.12. of etc.
(see Fig. VIII.9. of Rule VIII) Rivers,
VIII.8. and Rule VIII) Etc.
VIII.5.14. (see Fig.
of Rule VIII.13. of
VIII) Rule VIII)
Commer- 12x80% 12x75% 12x80% 12x80% 12x90% 12x90%
cial 2
(Com-2)
Commer- 30 x 80% 30x75% 30x80% 30x80% 30x90% 30x90%
cial 3
(Com-3)
Commer- 5 x 85% 5 x 85% 5 x 90% 5 x 90% 5 x 95% 5 x 95%
cial 1
(Com-1)
with
Sprinkler
System &
Firewalls
Commer- 12x85% 12x85% 12x90% 12x90% 12x95% 12x95%
cial 2
(Com-2)
with
Sprinkler
System &
Firewalls
Commer- 30x85% 30x85% 30x90% 30x90% 30x95% 30x95%
cial 3
(Com-3)
with
Sprinkler
System &
Firewalls
Industrial Industrial Duly- BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL
GROUPS 1 approved x x x x x
F, G (Ind-1) Building 75% 80% 80% 90% 90%
Height of TLA of TLA of TLA of TLA of TLA
Limit
(BHL) x
80% of
TLA
Industrial BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL
2 x 80% x 75% x 80% x 80% x 90% X 90%
(Ind-2)
Industrial BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL
3 x 80% x 75% x 80% x 80% x 90% x 90%
(Ind-3)

Charac- Type of Allowable Maximum

83
 ter of Building/ Total Gross Floor Area (TGFA)*
Use/ Structure by Type/ Location of Lot
Occupan-
cy *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 Inside Corner Through Corner- Corner

(or Rear) (or Lot Lot Through Lot
Lot Regular) Lot Abutting 3
and Lot (see Fig. (see Fig. or More
End Lot VIII.10. of VIII.11. of (see Fig. Streets,
(see Fig. Rule VIII) Rule VIII) VIII.12. of etc.
(see Fig. VIII.9. of Rule VIII) Rivers,
VIII.8. and Rule VIII) Etc.
VIII.5.14. (see Fig.
of Rule VIII.13. of
VIII) Rule VIII)
Industrial BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL
1 x x x x x x
(Ind-1) 85% 85% 90% 90% 95% 95%
with
Sprinkler
System &
Firewalls
Industrial BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL
2 x x x x x x
(I-2) with 85% 85% 90% 90% 95% 95%
Sprinkler
System &
Firewalls
Industrial BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL
3 x x x x x x
(Ind-3) 85% 85% 90% 90% 95% 95%
with
Sprinkler
System &
Firewalls
Institution Without BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL
-al Sprinkler x x x x x x
GROUP System & 50% 50% 60% 60% 60% 60%
D Firewalls of TLA of TLA of TLA of TLA of TLA of TLA
With BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL
Sprinkler x x x x x x
System & 60% 60% 70% 70% 70% 70%
Firewalls of TLA of TLA of TLA of TLA of TLA of TLA
Cultural Without BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL
Sprinkler x 60% x 60% x 65% x 65% x 65% x 65%
System & of TLA of TLA of TLA of TLA of TLA of TLA
Firewalls
With BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL
Sprinkler x 70% X 70% x 70% x 70% x 70% x 70%
System &
Firewalls
Transport Without BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL
-ation Sprinkler x 50% x 50% x 60% x 60% x 60% x 60%
System & of TLA Of TLA of TLA of TLA of TLA of TLA
Firewalls
With BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL BHL
Sprinkler x 60% x 60% x 70% x 70% x 70% x 70%
System &
Firewalls

Note:
Maximum of sixty (60) storeys (180.00 meters) BHL for inland areas not close to airports.
SECTION 706. Allowable Floor Area Increases
84
 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 end-
user 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

Building Height Limit (BHL)

Character of
Type of Building/ Number of allowable
Use or
Structure storeys/floors above Meters above highest grade
Occupancy
established grade
1. Residential Residential 1 (R-1) 3 10.00
Residential 2 (R-2)
a. Basic 3 10.00
b. Maximum 5 15.00
Residential 3 (R-3)
a. Basic
b. Maximum 3 10.00
12 36.00
Residential 4 (R-4) /
Townhouses
3 10.00
(Individual lots/
units)
Residential 5 (R-5) /
12 - 18 36.00 - 54.00
Condominiums
2. Commercial 1
3-5 10.00 -15.00
Commercial (C-1)
Commercial 2
6 18.00
(C-2)
Character of Type of Building/ Building Height Limit (BHL)

85
 Use or Structure Number of allowable
Occupancy storeys/floors above Meters above highest grade
established grade
Commercial 3
16-60 48.00 -180.00
(C-3)
3. Industrial 15.00 meters but not exceed the duly-approved BHL in the
Industrial 1 (I-1)
major zone it is part of
21.00 meters but not exceed the duly-approved BHL in the
Industrial 2 (I-2)
major zone it is part of
27.00 meters but not exceed the duly-approved BHL in the
Industrial 3 (I-3)
major zone it is part of)
4. Institutional 15.00 meters (or must follow the duly-approved BHL in the
- major zone it is part of)

5. Cultural 30.00 meters (or must follow the duly-approved BHL in the
- major zone it is part of)

[Link]/ 15.00 meters (or must complement the duly-approved BHL in

Transporta- the major zone it is part of)
-
tion/ RROW/
Services
7. Parks and 15.00 meters (or must complement the duly-approved BHL in
Open the major zone it is part of)
Recreational
-
and Enter-
tainment
Spaces
8. Agricultural/ 15.00 meters (or must complement the duly-approved BHL in
Agro- the major zone it is part of)
-
Industrial /
Tourism
[Link] Unit PUD at a 10.00-45.00 (with ATO-
Development reclamation area prescribed BHL as needed)
3 - 15
(PUD) close to an
operating airport
PUD at a
3 - 30 10.00 – 30.00
reclamation area
PUD at a coastal 48.00 – 135.00
16 - 45
area
PUD at an inland
10.00 - 75.00 (with ATO-
area close to an 3 - 25
prescribed BHL as needed)
operating airport
PUD at an inland
12 - 60 36.00 – 180.00
area

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.).

86
Figure VII.1. Figure VII.2.

Figure VII.3.

HEIGHT OF BUILDING / STRUCTURE

87
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 project’s 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:

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 ½ 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.

c. 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.
88
 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
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 turbo-jet 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

Inner Edge Distance

Type of Long Base
(Start Base) Between Bases
Aerodrome (meters)
(meters) (meters)
Aerodromes where 300 4,800 15,000
turbo-jet aircraft
operates 150 4,650 15,000

Aerodromes where 150 2,150 10,000

no turbo-jet aircraft
operates 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.
89
 APPROACH / DEPARTURE SURFACE

OBSTACLE LIMITATION SURFACES

FOR AERODROMES WHERE TURBO AND NO TURBO JET-
AIRCRAFT OPERATES

Figure VII.4.

90
 OBSTACLE LIMITATION SURFACES
FOR AERODROMES WHERE TURBO AND NO TURBO
JET- AIRCRAFT OPERATES

Figure VII.5.

91
92
OBSTACLE LIMITATION SURFACES
FOR AERODROMES WHERE TURBO AND NO TURBO JET-
AIRCRAFT OPERATES

Figure VII.6.
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 Reference Uses or

Minimum Required Parking
Occupancy (refer to Character of Occupancies
Slot, Parking Area and
Section 701 of this or Type of
Loading Space Requirements
Rule) Buildings/Structures
1. GROUP A
1.1. Division A-1 Single family and multi- Units with a lot measuring
family dwelling units 32.00 to 72.00 sq. meters
[whether single-detached and/or with a dwelling unit
(R-1), single-attached or having a gross floor area of
duplex (R-2) or rowhouse from 18.00 to 22.00 sq. meters
(R-3)], each privately owned - a minimum of one (1) pooled
or lots with dwelling units off-street cum on-site parking
located in residential slot* for every six (6) lots or
subdivisions/ developments lots with dwelling units;
regardless of number of
hectares/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 on-site 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.

93
 Specific Uses or of Reference Uses or
Minimum Required Parking
Occupancy (refer to Character of Occupancies
Slot, Parking Area and
Section 701 of this or Type of
Loading Space Requirements
Rule) Buildings/Structures
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) off-street
cum on site parking slot* for
each lot or lot with dwelling
unit;
Units located in town house Units with a gross floor area of
(R-4) buildings/structures 50.00 sq. meters – provide one
regardless of number of (1) pooled parking slot*for
storeys 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.
Indigenous family dwelling At least one (1) car parking
units; each privately owned 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.

94
 Reference Uses or Minimum Required Parking
Specific Uses or of
Character of Occupancies Slot, Parking Area and
Occupancy (refer to
or Type of Loading Space
Section 701 of this Rule)
Buildings/Structures Requirements
1.2. Division A-2 Multi-family dwelling units Units with a gross floor area
located in residential of from 18.00 to 22.00 sq.
condominium (R-5) meters - provide one (1)
buildings/structures pooled parking slot* for
regardless of number of every eight (8) units or for a
storeys 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.
2. GROUP B
2.1. Division B-1 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.
95
 Reference Uses or
Specific Uses or of Minimum Required Parking
Character of Occupancies
Occupancy (refer to Slot, Parking Area and
or Type of
Section 701 of this Rule) Loading Space Requirements
Buildings/Structures
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)
Residential hotels and One (1) car slot for every five
apartels (5) units or a fraction thereof;
and one (1) bus parking slot
for every sixty (60) rooms/units
or a fraction thereof
Motels One (1) car slot for every unit
Pension/boarding/lodging One (1) car slot for every
houses twenty (20) beds
3. GROUP C
3.1. Division C-1 Bowling alleys One (1) car slot for every four
(4) alleys
3.2. Division C-2 Churches and similar One (1) car slot and one (1)
places of worship jeepney/shuttle slot for every
50.00 sq. meters of
congregation area
Public elementary, One (1) off-street cum on-site
secondary, vocational and parking slot for every ten (10)
trade school classrooms; and one (1) off-
(GI) RROW (or off-street)
passenger loading space that
can accommodate two (2)
queued jeepney/shuttle slots
Private elementary, One (1) car slot for every five
secondary, vocational and (5) classrooms; one (1) off-
trade school RROW (or off-street)
(GI) 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.

96
 Reference Uses or Minimum Required Parking
Specific Uses or of
Character of Occupancies Slot, Parking Area and
Occupancy (refer to
or Type of Loading Space
Section 701 of this Rule)
Buildings/Structures Requirements
Public colleges and One (1) car slot for every
universities five (5) classrooms; one (1)
(GI) 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 two hundred
(200) students
Private colleges and One (1) car slot for every
universities three (3) classrooms; one
(GI) (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
4. GROUP D
4.1. Division D-1 Mental hospitals, sanitaria One (1) off-street cum on-
and mental asylums and like site car parking slot for every
uses twenty five (25) beds; and
one (1) off-RROW (or off-
street) passenger loading
space that can
accommodate two (2)
queued jeepney/shuttle slots
4.2. Division D-2 Public hospital One (1) off-street cum on-
site car parking slot for every
twenty five (25) beds; and
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 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.

Specific Uses or of Reference Uses or Minimum Required Parking

97
 Occupancy (refer to Character of Occupancies Slot, Parking Area and
Section 1.3 of this Rule) or Type of Loading Space Requirements
Buildings/Structures
Private hospital One (1) off-street cum on-site
car parking slot for every
twelve (12) beds; and one (1)
off-RROW (or off-street)
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)
4.3. Division D-3 Nursing homes for One (1) off-street cum on-site
ambulatory patients, car parking slot for every
school and home, for twelve (12) beds; and one (1)
children over kindergarten off-RROW (or off-street)
age, orphanages and the passenger loading space that
like can accommodate two (2)
queued jeepney/shuttle slots

5. GROUP E
5.1. Division E-1 Terminals, Inter-modals or One (1) car slot for every
Multi-modals, Depots and 500.00 sq. meters of gross
the like floor area or for a fraction
(UTS) thereof; and one (1) off-RROW
(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.

Specific Uses or of Reference Uses or Minimum Required Parking

98
 Occupancy (refer to Character of Occupancies Slot, Parking Area and
Section 1.3 of this Rule) or Type of Loading Space Requirements
Buildings/Structures
Transit Stations and the like Provide on each side of the
(UTS) 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

5.2. Division E-2 Neighborhood shopping One (1) car slot for every
center/supermarket 100.00 sq. meters of shopping
(C-1) floor area

Public Markets One (1) customer (buyer)

(C) 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
Restaurants, fast-food One (1) car slot for every
centers, bars and 30.00 sq. meters of customer
beerhouses area
(C)
Nightclubs, super clubs and One (1) car slot for every 20
theater-restaurants sq. meters of customer area:
(C) 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.

Specific Uses or of Reference Uses or Minimum Required Parking

Occupancy (refer to Character of Occupancies Slot, Parking Area and
Section 1.3 of this Rule) or Type of Loading Space Requirements
Buildings/Structures
99
 Nightclubs, super clubs and One (1) car slot for every
theater-restaurants 30.00 sq. meters of customer
(C) area
Units located in office, Units with a gross floor area of
commercial or mixed-use from 18.00 to 40.00 sq. meters
condominium buildings/ – provide one (1) pooled
structures regardless of parking slot* for every two (2)
number of storeys 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;
Columbarium One (1) car slot for every
compartment niche
5.3. Division E-3 Aircraft hangars, open One (1) car slot for every
parking carports and 1,000.00 sq. meters of gross
garages, etc. 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
6. GROUP F
6.1. Division F-1 Industrial buildings, mills, One (1) car slot for every
breweries, etc. 1,000.00 sq. meters of gross
(I) 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.

Specific Uses or of Reference Uses or Minimum Required Parking

Occupancy (refer to Character of Occupancies Slot, Parking Area and
Section 1.3 of this Rule) or Type of Loading Space Requirements
Buildings/Structures
truck or vehicle (a 12.00 meter
long container van plus 6.00
meters length for a
100
 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, One (1) car slot for every
factories, manufacturing 1,000.00 sq. meters of gross
establishments, mercantile floor area and one (1) bus slot
buildings, warehouses, for every one hundred (100)
storage bins, power and workers; if number of workers
water generation/distribution exceed two hundred (200),
facilities 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-

7.5. Division G-5 -do- -do-

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.
Specific Uses or of Reference Uses or Minimum Required Parking Slot,
Occupancy (refer to Character of Occupancies Parking Area and Loading Space
Section 1.3 of this Rule) or Type of Requirements
Buildings/Structures
8. GROUP H
8.1. Division H-1 Public recreational One (1) car slot and one (1)
assembly buildings such jeepney/shuttle slot for every
as theaters/cinemas, 50.00 sq. meters of spectator
auditoria, etc. area; and one (1) bus parking

101
 slot for every two hundred (200)
spectators
8.2 Division H-2 Dance halls, cabarets,
ballrooms, skating rinks
-do-
and cockfighting arenas,
etc.
8.3 Division H-3 Dance halls, ballrooms,
-do-
skating rinks, etc.
8.4 Division H-4 Covered amusement one (1) car slot for every 50.00
parks, amusement and sq. meters of gross floor area
entertainment complexes,
etc.
Clubhouses, beach one (1) slot for every 100.00 sq.
houses and the like meters of gross floor area
9. GROUP I
9.1. Division I-1 Recreational or similar One (1) car slot and one (1)
public assembly buildings jeepney/shuttle slot for every
such as stadia, sports 50.00 sq. meters of spectator
complexes, convention area; and one (1) bus parking
centers, etc. slot for every two hundred (200)
spectators.

10. GROUP J
10.1. Division J-1 Agriculture-related uses or Not required if located outside
occupancies (A) 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. Conversion/change of use/occupancy.
2. Reduction of parking spaces.
3. Encroachment on RROW.
4. Public utility and bulky vehicles.
Specific Uses or of Reference Uses or Minimum Required Parking
Occupancy (refer to Character of Occupancies Slot, Parking Area and
Section 1.3 of this Rule) or Type of Loading Space Requirements
Buildings/Structures
(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

102
 5,000.00 sq. meters of GFA;
and provide truck maneuvering
area outside of the RROW
(within property or lot lines
only)
10.2. Division J-2 Other uses not classified in Provide parking requirements
previous sections stipulated for most similar or
(PUD, etc.) 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.)

103
 [Link].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.
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

104
 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 Required Maximum

Height of Height Total Spacing of Finished Size of
Type Building
1st Floor (meters) Post Suportales
(meters) (meters) (millimeters)
1-Storey Shed - 4.00 3.50 100 X 100
1-Storey Shed - 3.00 4.00 100 X 100
1-Storey Shed - 5.00 4.00 125 X 125
1-Storey House
1.00 - 3.00 5.50 3.60 125 X 125
or Chalet
2-Storey House 3.00 6.00 3.00 125 X 125
2-Storey House 4.50 7.00 4.00 120 X 120
2-Storey House 5.00 8.00 4.50 175 X 175
2-Storey House - 9.00 4.50 200 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.

SECTION 709. Requirements for Other Group Occupancies

105
 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.

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
106
 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
FLAR Designation/Rights
Occupancy Type of Building/Structure
Residential Residential 1 (R-1) 1.50
(at a 3-storey or 10.00 m BHL)
Residential 2 (R-2)
a. Basic R-2 1.30 up to 1.50
(at a 3-storey or 10.00 m BHL)
b. Maximum R-2 2.10 up to 3.00
(at a 5-storey or 15.00 m BHL)
Residential 3 (R-3)
a. Basic R-3 1.80 up to 2.10
(at a 3-storey or 10.00 m BHL)
b. Maximum R-3 7.10 up to 8.10
(at a 12-storey or 36.00 m BHL)
Individual Lot for Residential 4 1.60 up to1.80
(R-4)/Townhouses (at a 3-storey or 10.00 m BHL)
Residential 5(R-5)/ 6.00 up to 9.00
Condominiums (at an 18-storey or 54.00 m BHL)
Commercial Commercial 1 (Com-1) 1.70 up to 3.00
(at a 5-storey or 15.00 m BHL)
Commercial 2 (Com-2) 3.60 up to 9.00
(at a 15-storey or 45.00 m BHL)
Commercial 3 (Com-3) 9.00 up to 34.00
(at a 60-storey or 180.00 m BHL)
Industrial Industrial 1 (Ind-1) 1.50 up to 2.50
Industrial 2 (Ind-2) 2.50 up to 3.00
Industrial 3 (Ind-3) 3.00 up to 5.00
Institutional - 2.50
Cultural - 3.50
Utility/Transportation/Road
Rights-of Way (RROW)/ - 2.00 up to 3.00
Services
Parks and Open
Recreational Spaces - 0.50 up to 1.00
Agricultural/Agro-
- 1.80 up to 2.20
Industrial/Tourism
Planned Unit Development PUD at a reclamation area close
6.00
(PUD) to an operating airport
PUD at a reclamation area 6.00 up to 12.00
PUD at a coastal area 12.00 up to 18.00
PUD at an inland area very
6.00 up to 18.00
close to an operating airport
PUD at an inland area 9.00 up to 34.00
(at a 60-storey or 180.00 m BHL)
Cemetery - 0.80

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 (non-
Type of Building/Structure Multiplier to Convert the GFA
GFA) as a Percentage (%) of
based on Use/Occupancy to TGFA
the TGFA
Residential 1 33% 1.50
107
 Residential 2 (Basic),
Residential 3 (Basic) and 20% 1.25
Residential 4
Residential 2 (Maximum),
Residential 3 (Maximum) and 16% 1.20
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 Agro- 2%-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
Angle or Slope of Angular Angle or Slope of Angular Plane
Plane for Buildings/Structures for Buildings/Structures With
Width of Without Projections** Projections*
Type of
Road Right-of- Angle
Use or Angle from
Way from
Occupancy Ratio Centerline of Ratio
(RROW) Centerline
(Slope) RROW (Slope)
of RROW
(Degree)
(Degrees)
Residential 1 9 m:8.5m 7.5 m:6.25m
8.00 meters 46.5 50.0
(R-1) (1.06) (1.20)
9 m:9.5m 7.5 m:7.25m
10.00 meters 43.0 46.0
(0.95) (1.03)
9 m:10.5m 7.5 m:8.25m
12.00 meters 40.0 43.0
(0.86) (0.91)
9 m:11.5m 7.5 m:9.25m
14.00 meters 39.0
38.0 (0.78) (0.81)
9 m:12.5m 7.5m:10.25m
16.00 meters 35.0 36.0
(0.72) (0.73)
9 m:13.5m 7.5m:11.25m
18.00 meters 33.5 33.0
(0.67) (0.67)
9 m:14.5m 7.5m:12.25m
20.00 meters 31.0 32.0
(0.62) (0.61)
Commercial 3 48 m:16.5m
8.00 meters 71.0 - -
(C-3) (2.90)
48 m:17.5m
10.00 meters 69.5 - -
(2.74)
Guidelines on Building Bulk and Development Controls. . . .

Continuation of Table VII.G.3. . . .

Angle or Slope of Angular Angle or Slope of Angular Plane for
Plane for Buildings/Structures Buildings/Structures With
Width of
Type of Without Projections** Projections*
Road Right-of-
Use or Angle
Way
Occupancy from Ratio
(RROW)
Centerline (Slope)
of RROW
108
 (Degrees)
Commercial 48 m:18.5m
12.00 meters 68.0 - -
3 (2.59)
(C-3) 48 m:19.5m
14.00 meters 65.5 - -
(2.46)
48 m:20.5m
16.00 meters 63.6 - -
(2.34)
48 m:21.5m
18.00 meters 61.7 - -
(2.23)
48 m:22.5m
20.00 meters 60.0 - -
(2.13)

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:
Guidelines on Building Bulk and Development Controls. . . .

Land area Additional

Allowable
required for buildable lot area
Maximum
Total Lot yards/ courts due to Firewall
Building/Footprint _
= Area (prescribed + construction
or AMBF
(TLA) under Rule (if permitted
(in sq. meters)
VIII) under this Rule)

109
 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 Allowable Maximum Building Total

of Site Occupancy = Footprint or AMBF ÷ Lot Area
(PSO) (in square meters) (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:

Desired
Resultant Height Building Height Limit or the BHL
Floor to Floor
of the building/ = (as expressed in number of X
Height
structure (in meters) floors/storeys)
(in meters)

d. 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 sub-
grade (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) Total

Recommended
of the building/structure = Lot Area X
Floor to Lot Area Ratio (FLAR)*
(in square meters) (TLA)

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
Guidelines on Building Bulk and Development Controls. . . .

(c) Uncovered areas for helipads, air-conditioning cooling towers or air-

conditioning 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.

110
 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.

Gross Floor
All requirements for
Total Gross Floor Area (GFA) of
courts at all floors
Area (TGFA) of the the building/ Non-GFA
_ (above grade)
building/ structure = structure + areas*
under Rule VIII
(in sq. meters) (in square
(in square meters)
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.

Guidelines on Building Bulk and Development Controls. . . .

111
112
Figure VII.G.1.
Guidelines on Building Bulk and Development Controls. . . .

PROJECTION (EAVES, BALCONY, ETC.) FOR

WHICH A DIFFERENT ANGLE (  ) IS
SPECIFIED (REFER TO TABLE VII.G.3. AND
NOTE: EXAMPLE SHOWING NO BUILDING

Figure VII.G.2.
TO FIGURE VII.G.1.)

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)
113
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
above-ground 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

multi-level 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.

114
Guidelines on Buildings and Other Accessory Structures Within Cemeteries and Memorial
Parks……

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.

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.

115
46

Table VII.1. Schedule of Principal, Accessory and Conditional Use/Occupancy of Building/Structure

General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
Group A –
Residential
(Dwellings)
Division A-1 1. Indigenous family dwelling units 1. Customary accessory uses 1. Preparatory schools, provided Residential R-1 - a low-density
(Residential 2. Single-detached units incidental to any of the principal that they do not exceed three (3) residential zone, characterized
building/ structure 3. School or company staff uses housed in the same classrooms and shall be located mainly by single-family, single
for exclusive use of housing Division A-1 (or R-1 class) not less than 500 meters from detached dwellings with the usual
single family 4. Single (nuclear) family building/structure, provided that nearest existing school offering community ancillary uses on a
occupants) dwellings such accessory uses shall not similar course and are equipped neighborhood scale, such as
5. Churches or similar places of include any activity conducted with adequate parking or as executive subdivisions and
worship for monetary gain or commercial provided in the local zoning relatively exclusive residential
6 Church rectories purposes such as servants ordinance. communities which are not
7. Community facilities and social quarter, private garage, 2. Boarding houses with no more subdivisions.
centers guardhouse, home laundries, than eight (8) boarders.
8. Parks, playgrounds, pocket non-commercial garages, 3. Neighborhood convenience
parks, parkways, promenades houses for pets such as dogs, stores selling miscellaneous
and playlots birds, rabbits and the like of not items, provided that such stores
9. Clubhouses and recreational uses more than 4.00 sq. meters in shall not exceed 10% of the
such as golf courses, tennis floor area, pump houses and gross floor area (GFA) of the
courts, basketball courts, generator houses. dwelling unit and provided that
swimming pools and similar uses 2. Auxiliary uses customarily no liquor shall be allowed for
operated by the government or conducted in dwellings and sale.
private individuals as homes for the practice of one's 4. Audio-video and computer
membership organizations for profession such as offices of rental shops, provided that such
the benefit of their members, physicians, surgeons, dentists, shops shall not exceed 10% of
families, and guests and not architects, engineers, lawyers the total floor area of the
operated primarily for gain. and other professionals provided dwelling unit.
that such professionals are 5. Home occupation engaging in
members of the family residing an in-house business such as
 General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
in the premises; provided dressmaking, tailoring, and
further, that not more than three baking, provided that the area
(3) semi-professional assistants used shall not occupy more
are employed at any time, that than 20% of the total floor area
in no case that more than 20% of the dwelling unit; the number
of the floor area of the building of persons engaged in such
be used for said professional business/industry shall not
practice or home occupation for exceed three (3) inclusive of the
engaging an in-house business owner; there shall be no change
such as dressmaking, tailoring, in the outside appearance of the
baking and the like, provided building/structure or premises;
that the number of persons no home occupation shall be
engaged in such business/ conducted in any customary
industry shall not exceed five accessory use; no traffic shall
(5), inclusive of the owner; there be generated by such home
shall be no change in the occupation in greater volume
outside appearance of the than would normally be
building or premises; no home expected in a residential
occupation shall be conducted neighborhood and any need for
in any customary accessory parking generated by the
uses cited above; no traffic shall conduct of such home
be generated by such home occupation shall be met off the
occupation in greater volume street and in place other than in
than would normally be a required front yard; no
expected in a residential equipment or process shall be
neighborhood and any need for used in such home occupation
parking generated by the which creates noise, vibration,
conduct of such home glare, fumes, odors or electrical
occupation shall be met off the interference detectable to the
street and in a place other than normal senses and visual or
47
48

General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
in a required front yard; no audible interference in any radio
equipment or process shall be or television receivers or causes
used in such home occupation fluctuation in line voltage of the
which creates noise, vibration, premises.
glare, fumes, odors or 6. Home industry classified as
electrical interference cottage industry provided that
detectable to the normal senses such home industry shall not
and visual or audible occupy more than 30% of the
interference in any radio or gross floor area (GFA) of the
television receivers or causes dwelling unit with employees not
fluctuation in line voltage of the to exceed five (5) persons and
premises. shall have no change or alteration
3. Home industry classified as in the outside appearance of the
cottage industry provided that dwelling unit and shall not be a
such home industry shall not hazard/nuisance; allotted
occupy more than 30% of the capitalization shall not exceed the
floor area of the dwelling unit; capitalization as set by the
there shall be no change or Department of Trade and Industry
alteration in the outside (DTI); no home industry shall be
appearance of the dwelling unit conducted in any customary
and shall not be a accessory use; no traffic shall be
hazard/nuisance; allotted generated by such home industry
capitalization shall not exceed in greater volume than would
the capitalization as set by the normally be expected in a
Department of Trade and residential neighborhood and any
Industry (DTI); shall consider need for parking generated by the
same provisions as enumerated conduct of such home occupation
in number 2, Profession or shall be met off the street and in a
Home Occupation, this Section. place other than in a required
4. Recreational facilities for the front yard; no equipment or
 General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
exclusive use of the members process shall be used in such
of the family residing within the home industry which creates
premises, such as swimming noise, vibration, glare, fumes,
pool, pelota court, etc. odors or electrical interference
5. Religious use in any radio or television
6. Multi-purpose/Barangay Hall receivers or causes fluctuation in
7. Pre-School line voltage of the premises.
8. Sports club
9. Clinic, nursing and convalescing
home, health center
10. Plant nursery
Division A-2 1. Single-attached or duplex or 1. Customary incidental home 1. Ballet, dance and voice studios Residential R-2 - a medium
(residential building town-houses, each privately occupations such as barber and provided that the classes or density residential use or
for the exclusive owned beauty shops, tailoring and instructions are held in occupancy, characterized mainly
use of non-leasing 2. School dormitories (on campus) dress shops, neighborhood soundproofed and airconditioned as a low-rise single-attached,
occupants not 3. Convents and monasteries convenience stores, retail drug buildings duplex or multi-level building/
exceeding 10 4. Military or police barracks/ stores 2. Sanitaria, nursery or convale- structure for exclusive use as
persons) dormitories scent homes multiple family dwellings. This
5. All uses allowed in Division A-1 3. Philanthropic or charitable insti- includes R-2 structures within
(or for R-1 class) buildings/ tutions upon approval of the semi-exclusive subdivisions and
structures Building Official and subject to semi-exclusive residential
6. Pre-schools, elementary and such conditions and safeguards communities which are not
high schools, provided that they as deemed appropriate subdivisions.
do not exceed sixteen (16) 4. Offices with no actual display,
classrooms sale, transfer, or lending of the There shall be two (2) general
7. Outpatient clinics, family office commodities in the types of R-2 use or occupancy, to
planning clinics, lying-in clinics, premises and with subject gross wit:
diagnostic clinics, medical floor area (GFA) not exceeding a. Basic R-2 : single-attached or
and clinical laboratories 30% of the building GFA duplex building/structure of
8. Branch library and museum 5. Apartment hotels/hometels from one (1) storey up to three
9. Steam/ dry cleaning outlets 6. Processing, refilling and retailing
49
50

General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
10. Party needs and accessories of bottled drinking water provided (3) storeys in height and with
(leasing of tables and chairs, that clearances from local health each unit for separate use as
etc.) department and certification of single-family dwellings and;
adequate supply from the water b. Maximum R-2 : low-rise multi-
7. Home occupation for the practice level building/structure of from
of one's profession or for three (3) up to five (5) storeys
engaging in an in-house business in height and for use as
such as dressmaking, tailoring, multiple family dwellings
baking, barber and beauty shops
and the like, provided that the
area in use shall not exceed 30%
of the gross floor area (GFA) of
the dwelling unit with the number
of persons engaged in such
business/industry not exceeding
ten (10) inclusive of owner; there
shall be no change in the outside
appearance of the building or
premises, no home occupation
shall be conducted in any
customary accessory use; no
traffic shall be generated by such
home occupation in greater
volume than would normally be
expected in a residential
neighborhood and any need for
parking generated by the conduct
of such home occupation shall be
met off the street and in a place
other than in a required front
yard; no equipment or process
 General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
shall be used in such home
occupation which creates
noise, vibration, glare, fumes,
odors or electrical interference
detectable to the normal
senses and visual or audible
interference in any radio or
television receivers or causes
fluctuation in line voltage of the
premises.
8. Car barns for not more than
three (3) units.
9. LPG retailing with a maximum
of twenty (20) units of LPG
tanks at any given time
10. Recreational facilities such as
resorts, swimming pools,
clubhouses and similar uses
except carnivals and fairs
11. Bank branches, savings/loans/
lending shops.
12. Driving range
Group B –
Residential
(Buildings/Struc
tures, Hotels &
Apartments)
Division B-1 1. All uses permitted in Divisions A- 1. All customary accessory uses 1. All conditional uses in R-1 and Residential R-3 - a high-density
1 and A-2 (or for R-1 class and allowed in Divisions A-1 and R-2 with appropriate regulations residential use or occupancy,
R-2 class) buildings/structures A-2 (or for R-1 class and R-2 characterized mainly as a low-rise
51
52

General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
4. Multiple-housing units for lease class) buildings/ structures or medium-rise building/ structure
or still for sale 2. Branch library and museum for exclusive use as multiple
5. Townhouses, each privately 3. Hometel family dwellings with mixed
owned 4. Vocational school housing types. R-3 structure may
6. Boarding houses include low-rise or medium-rise
7. Accessorias (shop-houses), residential condominium buildings
rowhouses, townhouses, tene- that are already commercial in
ments and apartments nature and scale. There shall be
8. Multiple privately-owned condo- two (2) general types of R-3 use
minium units or tenement or occupancy, to wit:
houses (residential building for a. Basic R-3 : rowhouse building/
the exclusive use of non-leasing structure of from one (1) storey
occupants not exceeding ten up to three (3) storeys in height
(10) persons and of low—rise and with each unit for separate
type (up to five (5) storeys use as single-family dwellings;
maximum building height) and
9. Hotels, motels, inns, pension b. Maximum R-3 : medium-rise
houses and apartels multi-level building/ structure of
10. Private or off-campus dormi- from six (6) up to twelve (12)
tories. storeys in height and for use as
11. Elementary schools and high multiple family dwellings.
schools, provided that these will
not exceed twenty (20) Residential R-4 - a medium to
classrooms high-density residential use or
occupancy, characterized main-ly
as a low-rise townhouse building/
structure for exclusive use as
multiple family dwellings. The
term R-4 specifically refers to the
 General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
building/structure on an individual
lot (a townhouse unit) and
generally refers to the series or
rows of R-4 buildings/structures
within a subdivided lot or property
(an R-4 development).
1. Multi-family residential buildings Residential R-5 - a very high-
such as condominium, high-rise density residential use or
residential buildings/structures, occupancy, characterized mainly
multi-level apartments, tene- as a medium-rise or high-rise
ments, mass housing, etc. taller condominium building/structure for
than five (5) storeys but not more exclusive use as multiple family
than twelve (12) storeys dwelling.
Group C –
Education and
Recreation
Division C-1 1. Educational institutions like
schools, colleges, universities,
vocational, institutions, semina-
ries, convents, including school
auditoriums, gymnasia, review-
ing stands, little theaters, concert
halls, opera houses.
2. Seminar/workshop facilities
3. Training centers/facilities
4. Libraries, museums, exhibition
halls and art galleries
5. Civic centers, clubhouses,
lodges, community centers.
53
54

General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
6. Churches, mosque, temples.
shrines, chapels and similar
places of worship
7. Civic or government centers
8. Other types of government
buildings
Division C-2 1. Amusement halls and parlors 1. Government centers to house GI (General Institutional) - a
2. Massage and sauna parlors national, regional or local community to national level of
3. Health studios and reducing offices in the area institutional use or occupancy,
salons 2. Colleges, universities, profess- characterized mainly as a low-rise,
4. Billiard halls, pool rooms, bowling sional business schools, medium-rise or high-rise
alleys and golf clubhouses vocational and trade schools, building/structure for education-al,
5. Dancing schools, disco pads, technical schools and other training and related activities, e.g.,
dance and amusement halls institutions of higher learning schools and related facilities and
6. Gymnasia, pelota courts and 3. General hospitals, medical the like.
sports complex centers, multi-purpose clinics
4. Scientific, cultural and
academic centers and
research facilities except
nuclear, radioactive, chemical
and biological warfare facilities
5. Convention centers and related
facilities
6. Religious structures, e.g.,
church, seminary, novitiates
7. Museums
8. Embassies/ consulate
9. Student housing, e.g.,
dormitories, boarding house
 General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
Group D –
Institutional
(Government
and Health
Services)
Division D-1 1. Mental hospitals, mental 1. Welfare homes, orphanages, GI (General Institutional) - a
(Institutional, where sanitaria and mental asylums boys and girls town, home for community to national level of
personal liberties of 2. Police and fire stations, guard the aged and the like institutional use or occupancy,
in-mates are houses 2. Rehabilitation and vocational characterized mainly as a low-rise,
restrained, or 3. Jails, prisons, reformatories and training center for ex-convicts, medium-rise or high-rise building/
quarters of those correctional institutions drug addicts, unwed mothers, structure for medical, government
rendering public 4. Rehabilitation centers physically, mentally and service administrative and related
assistance and 5. Leprosaria and quarantine emotionally handicapped, ex- activities, e.g., hospitals and
maintaining peace station sanitaria inmates; and similar related health care facilities,
and order) establishments government offices, military, police
3. Military camps/reservations/ and correctional buildings and the
bases and training grounds like.
4. Penitentiary and correctional
institution

Division D-2 1. Hospitals, sanitaria, and homes

(Institutional, for the aged
buildings for health 2. Nurseries for children of
care) kindergarten age or non-
ambulatory patients
accommodating more than five
(5) persons
55
56

General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
Division D-3 1. Nursing homes for ambulatory
(Institutional, for patients
ambulatory patients 2. School and home, for children
or children over over kindergarten age
kindergarten age) 3. Orphanages

Group E –
Business and
Mercantile
(Commercial)
Division E-1 1. All uses allowed in Division B-1 1. Office building 1. Garage for jeepneys and taxis C-1 (Commercial One or Light
(Business and (or for R-3 class) buildings/ 2. Office condominium not greater than six (6) units in Commercial) - a neighborhood or
Mercantile, where structures 3. Department store/shopping number community level of commercial
no work is done 2. Gasoline filling and service center 2. Garage for bus and trucks not use or occupancy, characterized
except change of stations. 4 Bookstore and office supply greater than three (3) units in mainly as a low-rise
parts and 3. Storage garage and boat shop number building/structure for low intensity
maintenance storage. 5. Car shop 3. Retailing of CHBs, gravel and commercial/trade, service and
requiring no open 4. Commercial garages and parking 6. Home appliance store sand and other concrete business activities, e.g., one to
flames, welding, or buildings, display for cars, 7. Photo shop products three (1 to 3) storey shopping
use of highly tractors, etc. 8. Flower shop centers, small offices or mixed-
flammable liquids) 5. Bus and railways depots and 9. Bakery and bake shop use/occupancy buildings and the
terminals and offices 10. Wine store like.
6. Port facilities 11. Grocery
7. Airports and heliport facilities 12. Supermarket
8. All other types of transportation 13. Beauty parlor
complexes 14. Barber shop
15. Sauna bath and massage clinic
 General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
9. All other types of large 16. Dressmaking and tailoring UTS (Utilities, Transportation and
complexes for public services shops Services) – a range of
10. Pawnshops, money 17. Movie house/theater utilitarian/functional uses or
shops, photo and portrait 18. Playcourt, e.g., tennis, bowling, occupancies, characterized mainly
studios, shoeshine/repair billiards as a low-rise or medium- rise
stands, retail drugstores, 19. Swimming pool building/structure for low to high
tailoring and dress shops 20. Day/night club intensity community support
11. Bakeshops and bakery goods 21. Stadium, coliseum, gymnasium functions, e.g., terminals/inter-
stores 22. Other sports and recreational modals/multi-modals and depots
12. Stores for construction establishments
supplies and building 23. Restaurants and other eateries
materials such as electrical 24. Short term special education
and electronics, plumbing like dancing schools, schools
supplies, ceramic clay cement for self-defense, driving
and other similar products schools, speech clinics
except CHBs, gravel and sand 25. Storeroom and warehouse but
and other concrete products only as may be necessary for
the efficient conduct of the
business
26. Commercial housing like hotel,
apartment, apartel, boarding
house, dormitory, pension
house, clubhouse, motel
27. Commercial condominium
(with residential units in upper
floors)
28. Embassy/ consulate
57
58

General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
29. Library/museum
30. Filling station/service station
31. Clinic
32. Vocational/ technical school
33. Convention center and related
facilities
34. Messengerial service
35. Security agency
36. Janitorial service
37. Bank and other financial
institution
38. Radio and television station
39. Building garage
40. Commercial job printing
41. Typing and photo engraving
services
42. Repair of optical instruments
and equipment and cameras
43. Repair of clocks and watches
44. Manufacture of insignia,
badges and similar emblems
except metal
45. Transportation terminal/garage
46. Plant nurseries
47. Scientific, cultural and academic
centers and research facilities
except nuclear, radioactive,
chemical and biological warfare
facilities.
 General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure

Division E-2 1. Wholesale and retail stores 1. All uses in C-1 class buildings/ 1. Institutional uses as colleges and C-2 (Commercial Two or Medium
2. Shopping centers, malls and structures may be allowed in C- universities, vocational and
(Business and Commercial) - a municipal or city
supermarkets 2 class buildings/structures technical schools, general
Mercantile in level of commercial use or
3. Wet and dry markets 2. Repair shops like house hospitals and specialized general
nature) occupancy, characterized mainly
4. Restaurants, drinking and dining appliances, motor vehicles and welfare, charitable and
as a medium-rise building/
establishments with less than accessory, home furnishing government institutions
structure for medium to high
one hundred (100) occupancies shops 2. Hauling services and garage
intensity commercial/ trade,
5. Day/night clubs, bars, cocktails, 3. Transportation terminal/garage terminals for trucks, tow trucks,
service and business activities,
sing-along lounges, bistros, with repair shops and buses not exceeding three
e.g., three to five (3 to 5) storey
pubs, beer gardens 4. Publishing (3) units and storage facilities in
shopping centers, medium to
6. Bakeries, pastry and bake 5. Medium scale junk shop support of commercial
large office or mixed
shops. 6. Machinery display shop/center establishments
use/occupancy uildings/structures
7. Office buildings 7. Gravel and sand 3. Auto sales and rentals,
and the like.
8. Financial Institutions 8. Lumber/hardware automotive handicraft, accessory
9. Printing & publishing plants and 9. Manufacture of ice, ice blocks, and spare parts shops, marine
offices cubes, tubes, crushed except craft, aircraft and sales yards
10. Engraving, photo developing and dry ice 4. Junk shops, scrap dealer shops
printing shops 10. Manufacture of signs and
11. Photographer and painter advertising displays (except
studios, tailoring and printed)
haberdashery shops 11. Chicharon factory
12. Welding shops
59
60

General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
12. Factories and workshops, 13. Machine shops service SPE (Special) – other vertical
using less flammable or non- operations facilities not mentioned under
combustible materials (repairing/rebuilding, or custom regular uses/occupancies of
13. Battery shops and repair job orders) buildings/structures such as
shops 14 Motorcycles, bicycles repair cemeteries, memorial parks and
14. Paint stores without bulk shops the like
handling 15. Lechon stores
15. Funeral parlors 16. Biscuit factory - manufacture of
16. Memorial and mortuary biscuits, cookies, crackers and
chapels, crematories other similar dried bakery
17. Columbarium products
18. Telephone and telegraph 17. Doughnut and hopia factory
exchanges 18. Factory for other bakery
19. Telecommunications, media products not elsewhere
and public information classified (n.e.c.)
complexes including radio and 19. Shops for repacking of food
TV broadcasting studios products e.g. fruits, vegetables,
20. Cell (mobile) phone towers sugar and other related
21. Battery shops and auto repair products
shops 20. Funeral parlors, mortuaries and
22. Bakeries, pastry and bake crematory services and
shops memorial chapels
23. Police and fire stations 21. Parking lots, garage facilities
24. Glassware and metalware 22. Buildings/structures for other
stores, household equipment commercial activities not
and appliance shops elsewhere- classified (n.e.c.)
25. Manufacture of insignia,
badges and similar emblems
except metal
 General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure

26. General retail establish-

ments such as curio or
antique shops, pet shops and
aquarium stores, bookstores,
art supplies and novelties,
jewelry shops, liquor wine
stores and fIower shops
27. Employment/recruitment agen-
cies, news syndicate services
and office equipment and
repair shops and other offices
28. Watch sales and services,
locksmith and other related
services
29. Other stores and shops for
conducting retail business and
local shopping establishments
30. Radio, television and other
electrical appliance repair
shops
31. Furniture, repair and upholste-
ring job
32. Computer stores and video
shops, including repair 33.
Internet cafes and cyber
stations
61
62

General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
34. Garment manufacturing with
no more than twenty (20)
machines
34. Signboard and streamer
painting and silk screening
35. Car barns for jeepneys and
taxis not more than six (6)
units
36. Lotto terminals, off-fronton, on-
line bingo outlets and off-track
betting stations
37. Gardens and landscaping
supply/ contractors
38. Pinting, typesetting, copiers
and duplicating services
39. Photo supply and developing
40. Restaurants, canteens, eate-
ries, delicatessen shops,
confectionery shops and
automats/fastfoods
41. Groceries
42. Laundries and laundromats
43. Recording and film laboratories
44. Auto repair, tire, vulcanizing
shops and carwash with
minimum 100 sq. meters
service area
45. Physical fitness gyms/centers
 General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
Division E-3 1. All permitted uses in Division E-1 1. All uses allowed in R-1, R-2 and C-3 (Commercial Three or
(Business and (or for C-1 and C-2 class) R-3 Zones Metropolitan Commercial) means
Mercantile, where buildings/ structures 2. All uses allowed in C-1, C-2 and a metropolitan level of commercial
no repair work is 2. Aircraft hangars C-3 Zones use/occupancy, characterized
done except 3. Commercial parking lots and 3. Some uses allowed in I-1 Zones mainly as a medium-rise to high-
exchange of parts garages 4. All uses allowed in GI Zones rise building/structure for high to
and maintenance 4. Department stores, shopping and SI Zones very high intensity commercial/
requiring no open malls/ centers, commercial and 5. Parks and Recreation and trade, service and business
flames, welding or sports complexes/ areas Entertainment class buildings/ activities, e.g., large to very large
use of highly 5. Institutional uses as university structures shopping malls, very large office or
flammable liquid) complexes mixed-use/occupancy buildings
6. Other commercial/business acti- and the like.
vities not elsewhere classified
(n.e.c.)
Group F –
Industrial (Non-
Pollutive/ Non-
Hazardous
Industries and
Non-Pollutive/
Hazardous
Industries)
Division F-1 1. Ice plants and cold storage Customary support facilities for Building/structure with lesser I-1 (Industrial One) - a light
(Light Industrial) buildings industries such as housing, negative environmental impact industrial use or occupancy,
2. Power plants (thermal, hydro or community, utilities and services characterized mainly as a low-rise
geothermal) but sprawling building/ structure for
3. Pumping plants (water supply, low intensity manufacturing or
storm drainage, sewerage, production activities.
irrigation and waste treatment
plants)
63
64

General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
4. Dairies and creameries
5. Rice mills and sugar centrals
6. Breweries, bottling plants,
canneries, and tanneries
7. Factories and workshops using
incombustible or non-explosive
materials
Group G –
Storage and
Hazardous
Industrial
(Pollutive/Non-
Hazardous
industries and
Pollutive/
Hazardous
Industries Only)
Division G-1 1. Storage tanks, buildings for Customary support facilities for Building/structure with lesser I-2 (Industrial Two) - a medium
(Medium Industrial, storing gasoline, acetylene, LPG, industries such as housing, negative environment impact industrial use or occupancy,
which shall include calcium, carbides, oxygen, community, utilities and services characterized mainly as a low-rise
storage and hydrogen, and the like but sprawling building/ structure for
handling of 2. Armories, arsenals and medium intensity manufacturing or
hazardous and munitions factories production activities.
highly flammable 3. Match and fireworks factories
materials) 4. Plastics resin plants (monomer
and polymer)
5. Plastics compounding and
processing plants
 General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
6. Acetylene and oxygen UTS (Utilities, Transportation and
generating plants Services) – a range of
7. Cooking oil and soap processing utilitarian/functional uses/
plants occupancies, characterized mainly
8. Factories for highly flammable by low-rise or medium-rise
chemicals buildings/structures for low to high
9. Water and power generation/ intensity community support
distribution complexes functions, e.g., power and water
10. Liquid and solid waste generation/ distribution facilities,
management facilities telecommunication facilities,
11. All other types of large drainage/wastewater and sewe-
complexes for public utilities rage facilities, solid waste handling
facilities and the like excluding
terminals/inter-modals/multi-
modals and depot
Division G-2 1. All uses permitted in I-1 class Customary support facilities for Building/structure with lesser
(Medium 2. Dry cleaning plants using industries such as housing, negative environment impact
Industrial flammable liquids community, utilities and services
3. Paint stores with bulk handling
buildings for
4. Paint shops and spray painting
storage and rooms
handling of 5. Sign and billboard painting shops
flammable
materials)
Division G-3 1. Wood working establishments,
(Medium Industrial lumber and timber yards
buildings for wood 2. Planing mills and sawmills,
working activities, veneer plants
papers cardboard 3. Wood drying kilns
65
66

General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
manufactures, 4. Pulp, paper and paperboard Customary support facilities for Building/structure with lesser
textile and garment factories industries such as housing, negative environment impact
factories 4. Wood and cardboard box community, utilities and services
factories
5. Textile and fiber spinning mills
6. Grains and cement silos
7. Warehouses where highly
combustible materials are
stored.
8. Factories where loose
combustible fiber or dirt are
manufactured, processed or
generated.
10. Garment and undergarment
factories

Division G-4 1. Repair garages and shops Customary support facilities for Building/structure with lesser
(Medium Industrial, 2. Factories for engines and industries such as housing, negative environment impact
for repair garages turbines and attached testing community, utilities and services
and engine facilities
manufacture)

Division G-5 1. Hangars Customary support facilities for Building/structure with lesser
(Medium Industrial, 2. Manufacture and assembly industries such as housing, negative environment impact
for aircraft facilities) plants of aircraft engine community, utilities and services
3. Repairs and testing shops for
aircraft engines and parts
 General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
Group H –
Assembly for
less than 1,000
(Cultural and/ or
Recreational)
Division H-1 1. Theaters and auditoriums PRE (Park Structures, Recreation
(Recreational, 2. Concert halls and open houses and Entertainment) - a range of
which are 3. Convention halls recreational uses or occupancies,
assembly buildings 4. Little theaters, audio-visual characterized mainly as a low-rise
with stage and rooms or medium-rise building/structure
having an occupant for low to medium intensity
load of less than recreational or entertainment
1,000) functions related to educational
uses, e.g., structures on campuses
or its component parks/open
spaces and all other kinds of
recreational or assembly
buildings/structures on campus
such as auditoria, mess halls,
seminar facilities, gymnasia,
stadia, arenas and the like.

CUL (Cultural) - a community to

national level of cultural use or
occupancy, characterized mainly
as a low-rise or medium-rise
building/ structure for cultural
activities, e.g., cultural centers,
buildings and the like.
67
68

General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
Division H-2 1. Dance halls, cabarets, ballrooms
(Recreational, 2. Skating rinks
which are 3. Cockfighting arenas
assembly buildings
with stage and
having an occupant
load of 300 or
more)
Division H-3 1. Dance halls, ballrooms
(Recreational, 2. Skating rinks
which are
assembly buildings
with stage and
having an occupant
load of less than
300)
Division H-4 1. Sports stands
(Recreational, 2. Reviewing stands
tourism estate 3. Grandstand and bleachers
developments or 4. Covered amusement parks
tourism-oriented 5. Boxing arenas, jai-alai stadiums
establishments, 6. Race tracks and hippodromes
which are 7. All types of resort complexes
structures not 8. All other types of amusement
included in and entertainment complexes
Divisions H-1)
 General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
Group I –
Assembly for
More than 1,000
(Cultural and/or
Recreational)
Division I-1 1. Colisea and sports complexes 1. Parks/gardens CUL (Cultural) - a community to
(Recreational, 2. Theaters and convention centers 2. Resort areas, e.g., beaches, national level of cultural use or
Assembly Buildings 3. Concert halls and open houses including accessory uses occupancy, characterized mainly
with stage and an 4. Convention centers 3. Open air or outdoor sports as a low-rise or medium-rise
occupant load of activities and support facilities, building/structure for cultural
1,000 or more in including low rise stadia, gyms, activities
the building) amphitheaters and swimming
pools PRE (Park Structures, Recreation
4. Golf courses, ball courts, race and Entertainment) - a range of
tracks and similar uses recreational uses or occupancies,
5. Memorial/ Shrines/ monuments, characterized mainly as a low-rise
kiosks and other park structures or medium-rise building/ structure
for low to medium intensity
recreational or entertainment
functions related to educational
uses, e.g., structures on campuses
or its component parks/open
spaces and all other kinds of
recreational or assembly
buildings/structures on campus
such as auditoria, mess halls,
seminar facilities, gymnasia,
stadia, arenas and the like.
69
70

General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
Group J –
Accessory
(Agricultural
and Other
Occupancies/
Uses not
Specifically
Mentioned
Under Groups A
through I)
Division J-1 1. Agricultural structures: 1. Cultivation, raising and growing A (Agricultural) - an agricultural or
a. Sheds of staple crops such as rice, agriculture-related use or
b. Barns corn, camote, cassava and the occupancy, characterized mainly
c. Poultry houses like as a low-rise or medium-rise
d. Piggeries 2. Growing of diversified plants and building/structure for low to high
e. Hatcheries trees, such as fruit and flower intensity agricultural or related
f. Stables bearing trees, coffee, tobacco, activities, e.g., poultry houses,
g. Greenhouses etc. hatcheries, piggeries, green-
h. Granaries 3. Silviculture, mushroom culture, houses, granaries and the like as
i. Silos fishing and fish culture, snake well as offices, educational,
culture, crocodile farm, monkey training, research and related
raising and the like facilities for agriculture and the
4. Customary support facilities such like.
as palay dryers and rice
threshers and storage barns and
warehouses
5. Ancillary dwelling units/ farm-
houses for tillers and laborers
 General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
6. Agricultural research and AI (Agro-Industrial) - an agro-
experimentation facilities such as industrial or related use or
breeding stations, fish farms, occupancy, characterized mainly
nurseries, demonstration farms, as a low-rise building/ structure for
etc. low to high intensity agro-industrial
7. Pastoral activities such as goat- or related activities to include
raising and cattle fattening offices, educational, training,
8. Home occupation for the research and related facilities for
practice of one's profession or agro-industry.
engaging home business such
as dressmaking, tailoring, PUD (Planned Unit
baking, running a sari-sari store Development) - refers to land
and the like, provided that, the development or redevelopment
number of persons engaged in schemes for a new or built-up
such business/industry shall not project site wherein said project
exceed five (5), inclusive of the site must have a Comprehensive
owner; there shall be no change Development Master Plan (CDMP)
in the outside appearance of the or its acceptable equivalent, i.e., a
building premises; no home unitary development plan/site plan
occupation shall be conducted that permits flexibility in
in any customary accessory planning/urban design, building/
uses cited above; no traffic shall structure siting, complementarity of
be generated by such home building types and land uses,
occupation in greater volume usable open spaces for general
than would normally be public use services and business
activities and the preservation of
significant natural land features if
feasible, whereby said CDMP
must be duly approved by the LGU
concerned.
71
72

General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
expected in a residential
neighborhood and any need for
parking generated by the
conduct of such home
occupation shall be met off the
street in a place other than the
required front yard; no
equipment or process shall be
used in such occupation which
creates noise, vibration, glare,
fumes, odors and electrical
interference detectable to the
normal senses and visual or
audible interference in any radio
or television receiver or causes
fluctuations in line voltage of the
premises.
9. Home industry classified as
cottage industry, e.g., mat
weaving, pottery making,
food preservation, etc. provided
that such home industry shall
not occupy more than 30% of
floor area of the dwelling unit;
there shall be no change or
alteration in the outside
appearance of the dwelling unit
and shall not be a hazard or
nuisance; allotted capitalization
 General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
shall not exceed the
capitalization as set by the
Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI); such shall
consider same provisions as
enumerated in Home
Occupation, this Section.
10. Backyard raising of livestock
and fowl, provided that for
livestock- a maximum of 10
heads; for fowl. a maximum of
500 birds
11. All uses allowed in agriculture
12. Rice/ corn mills (single pass)
13. Drying, cleaning, curing and
preserving of meat and its by
products and derivatives
14. Drying, smoking and airing of
tobacco
15. Flour mill
16. Cassava flour mill
17. Manufacture of coffee
18. Manufacture of unprepared
animal feeds, other grain
milling, n.e.c.
19. Production of prepared feeds for
animals
20. Cigar and Cigarette factory
73
74

General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
21. Curing and redrying tobacco
leaves

22. Miscellaneous processing of

tobacco leaves, n.e.c.
23. Weaving hemp textile
24. Jute spinning and weaving
25. Manufacture of charcoal
26. Milk processing plants (Manu-
facturing filled, reconstituted or
recombined milk, condensed or
evaporated) 26. Milk processing
plants (Manu-facturing filled,
reconstituted or recombined
milk, condensed or evaporated)
27. Butter and cheese processing
plants
28. Natural fluid milk processing
(pasteurizing, homogenizing,
vitaminizing, bottling of natural
animal milk and cream related
products)
29. Other dairy products, n.e.c.
30. Canning and preserving of fruits
and fruit juices
31. Canning and preserving of
vegetables and vegetable juices
32. Canning and preserving of
vegetable sauces
 General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
34. Fish canning
35. Patis factory
36. Bagoong factory
37. Processing, preserving and
canning of fish and other
seafoods, n.e.c.
38. Manufacturing of desiccated
coconut 39. Manufacture of
starch and its products
40 Manufacture of wines from
juices of local fruits 41.
Vegetable oiI mills, including
coconut oil
42. Sugarcane milling (centrifugal
and refines)
43. Sugar refining
44. Muscovado sugar mill
45. Cotton textile mill
46. Manufacture/processing of other
plantation crops, e.g.,
pineapple, bananas, etc.
47. Other commercial handicrafts
and industrial activities utilizing
plant or animal parts and/or
products as raw materials,
n.e.c.
48. Other accessory uses incidental
to agro-industrial activities
75
76

General U S E
Classification of
Use/Character
Zoning Classification
of Occupancy PRINCIPAL ACCESSORY CONDITIONAL
of Building/
Structure
Division J-2 1. Private garages, carports 1. All uses/occupancy permitted in PUD (Planned Unit
(Accessory) 2. Towers, smokestacks and all other Divisions (or classes of Development) - refers to land
chimneys buildings/ structures) if such development or redevelopment
3. Swimming pools including uses/occupancy are part of the schemes for a new or built-up
shower and locker room Planned Unit Development project site wherein said project
4. Fence over 1.80 meters high, (PUD) site must have a Comprehensive
separate fire walls Development Master Plan (CDMP)
5. Steel and/ or concrete tanks or its acceptable equivalent, i.e., a
unitary development plan/site plan
that permits flexibility in planning/
urban design, building/structure
siting, complementarity of building
types and land uses, usable open
spaces for general public use
services and Business activities
and the preservation of significant
natural land features if feasible,
whereby said CDMP must be duly
approved by the LGU concerned.
Division J-3 1. Stages, platforms and similar
structures
2. Pelota, tennis, badminton or
basketball courts
3. Tombs, mausoleums and
niches
4. Aviaries and aquariums and
zoo structures
5. Banks and record vaults
 RULE VIII - LIGHT AND VENTILATION

SECTION 801. General Requirements of Light and Ventilation

1. Subject to the provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines on Easements of Light and
View, and to the specific provisions of the Code, every building shall be designed,
constructed, and equipped to provide adequate light and ventilation. (Refer to
Guidelines on Easements, View Corridors/Sight Lines and Basements at the end of this
Rule)

2. All buildings shall face a street or public alley or a private street which has been duly
approved. (Refer to Guidelines on Streets/RROW and Sidewalks at the end of this
Rule)

3. 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 Rule, or to
create an additional room, unless such additional room conforms to the requirements of
this Rule.

4. No building shall be enlarged so that the dimensions of the required court or yard would
be less than what is prescribed for such building lot.

SECTION 802. Measurement of Site Occupancy

1. 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.

2. 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.

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. 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:

116
 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.

Table VIII.1. Reference Table of Maximum Allowable PSO, Maximum Allowable ISA, the
MACA, the Minimum USA and the TOSL by Type of Land Use Zoning per
Lot
Building/ % of Total Lot Area (TLA)
Structure Use
Maximum Minimum
or
Maximum Allowable USA TOSL d
Occupancy Duly-Approved
Allowable ISAc (Unpaved (ISA +
(or Land Zoning b
PSO c,d (Paved Open Open USA)
Use)a
Spaces) Spaces)
Residential Basic
Residential 2 (R- 55 e 30 15 45
2)/Medium Density
Housing [single
family dwelling unit
with a Building 60 f 30% 10 40
Height Limit (BHL)
of 10.00 meters]
Maximum R-2
/Medium Density 60 e 30 10 40
Housing (multiple
family dwelling
units within one
building/ structure
70 f 20 10 30
with a BHL of
15.00 meters)
Basic
Residential 3 (R- 65 e 20 15 35
3)/High Density
Housing (single
family dwelling unit
with a BHL of 70 f 20 10 30
10.00 meters)
Maximum R-3
/High Density 70 e 20 10 30
Housing (multiple
family dwelling
units within one
building/ structure
80 f 10 10 20
with a BHL of
36.00 meters)
Residential 4 (R-
70 e 20 10 30
4)/ Individual
Townhouse Units
80 f 10 10 20
Residential 5 (R-
70 e 20 10 30
5)/ Condominiums
80 f 10 10 20
Commercial Commercial 1 70 e 20 10 30
(Com-1)
80 f 10 10 20

117
 Building/ % of Total Lot Area (TLA)
Structure Use
or Maximum
Duly- Maximum Minimum USA TOSL d
Occupancy Allowable ISAc
Approved Allowable (Unpaved (ISA +
(or Land (Paved Open
Zoning b PSO c,d Open Spaces) USA)
Use)a Spaces)
Commercial 2 75 e 20 5 25
(Com-2) 85 f 10 5 15
Commercial 3 80 e 15 5 20
(Com-3) 90 f 5 5 10
Industrial Industrial 1 70 e 20 10 30
(Ind-1) 80 f 10 10 20
Industrial 2 70 e 15 15 30
(Ind-2) 80 f 5 15 20
Industrial 3 70 e 15 15 30
(Ind-3) 80 f 5 15 20
50 e 20 30 50
Institutional -
60 f 20 20 40
Cultural 60 e 20 20 40
-
70 f 20 10 30
Utility/Trans- 50 e 40 10 50
portation/ -
Services 60 f 30 10 40
11.11
22.22
Sidewalks/ (of total width
(of total width 33.33
Arcades at of RROW as
- - of RROW as (of total width
RROW Unpaved
Paved portion of RROW)
portion of
of sidewalk)
sidewalk)
Parks and
Open
- 20 30 50 80
Recreational
Spaces
Planned Unit PUD at a
Development reclamation
(PUD) area close to 70 15 15 30
an operating
airport
PUD at a
reclamation 70 15 15 30
area
PUD at a
70 15 15 30
coastal area
PUD at an
inland area
close to an 70 10 20 30
operating
airport
PUD at an
70 10 20 30
inland area
Cemetery - 85 10 5 15

Notes:

a) per duly-approved City/ Municipal Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP)

b) per duly-approved City/Municipal Zoning Ordinance (ZO) and its IRR
c) PSO + ISA = MACA (Maximum Allowable Construction Area)
d) PSO + TOSL = TLA (Total Lot Area).
e) without firewall
f) with firewall

118
4. Minimum Requirements for Total Open Spaces within Lot (TOSL)

a. Total Open Spaces within Lot (TOSL) are portions of the Total Lot Area (TLA) not
occupied by the Maximum Allowable PSO. The TOSL may consist of either the
Maximum Allowable ISA (hardscaped areas) or the USA (exposed and
planted/softscaped soil) or may also be the combination of both types of open
spaces. (Figure VIII.1.)

b. Group A buildings or Residential 1 (R-1) uses/occupancies shall follow the

minimum yard standards in Table VIII.2. to comply with the TOSL requirement.

c. Abutments for Basic Uses/Occupancies forming part of new developments shall be

basically similar to the restrictions prescribed for firewalls under Rule VII, to wit:

i. Absolutely no abutments are allowed at any property line for any R-1 lot
type/location.

ii. Abutments shall be allowed on only one (1) side for any R-2 lot type/location.
There shall be no firewalls/abutments on the front and rear property lines for
any R-2 lot type/ location.

iii. Abutments shall be allowed on two (2) sides only or on one (1) side and the
rear property line/ boundary for any R-3 lot type/location. There shall be no
abutments on the front property line for any R-3 lot type/location.

iv. Abutments shall be allowed on two (2) sides only for any R-4 lot
type/location. There shall be no firewalls/abutments on the front and rear
property line for any R-4 lot type/location.

v. Abutments shall be allowed on two (2) sides only or on one (1) side and the
rear property line/boundary for any R-5 lot type/location. There shall be no
abutments on the front property line for any R-5 lot type/location.

vi. Abutments shall be allowed on two (2) sides only or on one (1) side and the
rear property line/boundary for any C-3 lot type/location. There shall be no
abutments on the front property line for any C-3 lot type/location.

d. Lot Type/Location
.
Only seven (7) types of lots and their respective locations are described under
this Rule. (Figures VIII.2. through VIII.8.)

e. Variance

When the lots as described in Figures VIII.2. through VIII.8. are too narrow or too
shallow such that the public open space, e.g., RROW, alley or the like on which
they abut can adequately supply light and ventilation to every room therein
subject to the requirements on window opening, the requirements on the
minimum Total Open Space within Lot (TOSL) above may be waived (Figures
VIII.9. through VIII.11.), provided however, that for lots abutting on only one (1)
public open space, the depth of the open space to be provided shall not be more
than 8.00 meters; and for those lots abutting two (2) or more public open spaces,
the depth of the open space to be provided shall not be more than 12.00 meters.

119
 Figure VIII.1.

120
Figure VIII.2. Figure VIII.3.

Figure VIII.4. Figure VIII.5.

Figure VIII.6. Figure VIII.7.

Figure VIII.8.

LOT TYPES

121
 Figure VIII.9.

Figure VIII.10.

Figure VIII.11.

LOT TYPES

122
SECTION 804. Sizes 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.

Table VIII.2. Minimum Setbacks for Residential Buildings/Structures

Type of Residential Use/ Occupancy
R-2 R-3 R-4
(individual R - 5****
YARD R–1 Basic Maximum Basic Maximum lot/unit) (meters)
(meters) (meters) (meters) (meters) (meters) (meters)
Front 4.50 3.00 8.00 * 3.00 8.00 * 4.50 6.00

2.00 2.00
Side 2.00 2.00 ** 2.00 ** *** 3.00
(optional) (optional)

Rear 2.00 2.00 2.00 *** 2.00 2.00 3.00

Notes:
a) The setback requirements in Table VIII.2. above are for newly-developed
subdivisions.
b) * Total setback only at grade (or natural ground) level, i.e., 3.00 meters + 5.00
meters = 8.00 meters (to accommodate part of the minimum parking requirement
outside the designated area for the front yard). The second and upper floors and
mezzanine level shall thereafter comply with the minimum 3.00 meters setback
unless otherwise provided under the Code.
c) ** Setback required for only one (1) side. Setbacks on two sides shall be optional.
d) *** Abutments on two sides and rear property lines may be allowed with conditions as
enumerated under Section 804, Subsection 10 of this Rule.
e) **** Mixed-Use Buildings/Structures in R-5 lots shall be considered a commercial use
or occupancy if a substantial percentage, i.e., 55% of the Gross Floor Area (GFA)
is commercial.
f) In cases where yards/setbacks are impossible to attain or where frontage and
depth of lots are similar to that of Open Market or Medium Cost Housing Projects,
abutments on the sides and rear property lines may be allowed and 1.50 meters
front yard is left open as transition area.

Table VIII.3. Setbacks for Commercial*, Industrial, Institutional and Recreational

Buildings
Road Right-of-Way
Front Side Rear
(RROW) Width
(meters) (meters) (meters)
(meters)
30.00 & above 8.00 5.00 5.00
25.00 to 29.00 6.00 3.00 3.00
20.00 to 24.00 5.00 3.00 3.00
10.00 to 19.00 5.00 2.00 2.00
Below 10.00 5.00 2.00 2.00
Note:
* Mixed-Use Buildings/Structures in R-5 lots may be considered a commercial
development if a substantial percentage of the GFA is commercial.

123
 a - OPEN SPACE
b - ALTERNATE LOCATIONS

REQUIRED OPEN SPACE LOCATIONS

124
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. and as shown in Figures VIII.16., VIII.17.,
VIII.18. and VIII.19.

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.

10. For Basic R-3, abutments on two sides and rear property lines may be allowed provided
the following requirements are first complied with:

a. Open space as prescribed in Reference Table for Maximum PSO, TOSL, and
Table VIII.2. of this Rule are satisfied.

b. Window opening as prescribed in Section 808 of this Rule are satisfied.

c. Firewall with a minimum of two-hour fire-resistive rating constructed with a

minimum height clearance of 400 millimeters above the roof. (Figure VIII.21)

11. In case of conflict in the provisions on lighting and ventilation under this Rule or under
the Code, the more stringent restrictions must prevail.

125
 Figure VIII.16.

Figure VIII.17. Figure VIII.18.

Figure VIII.19.

OPEN COURT / YARD

126
NOTE:
FOR RECOMMENDED
INCREMENTAL FRONT
YARD SETBACK OF C-3
BUILDINGS/STRUCTURE
S ALONG A 14.00 m
RROW, REFER TO FIG.
VIII.G.13., GUIDELINES
ON RROW

Figure VIII.20.

127
128
ABUTMENTS (FIREWALLS) ON THE SIDE & REAR PROPERTY LINES
Figure VIII.21.
SECTION 805. Ceiling Heights

1. Habitable rooms provided with artificial ventilation shall have ceiling heights not less
than 2.40 meters measured from the floor to the ceiling; provided that for buildings of
more than one (1) storey, the minimum ceiling height of the first storey shall be 2.70
meters and that for the second story 2.40 meters and the succeeding stories shall have
an unobstructed typical head-room clearance of not less than 2.10 meters above the
finished floor. Above-stated rooms with natural ventilation shall have ceiling heights of
not less than 2.70 meters.

2. Mezzanine floors shall have a clear ceiling height not less than 1.80 meters above and
below it.

SECTION 806. Sizes and Dimensions of Rooms

1. Minimum sizes of rooms and their least horizontal dimensions shall be as follows:

a. Rooms for Human Habitations – 6.00 sq. meters with a least dimension of 2.00
meters;

b. Kitchen – 3.00 sq. meters with a least dimension of 1.50 meters; and

c. Bath and toilet – 1.20 sq. meters with a least dimension of 900 millimeters.

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

1. Minimum air space shall be provided as follows:

a. School Rooms – 3.00 cu. meters with 1.00 sq. meter of floor area per person;

b. Workshop, Factories, and Offices – 12.00 cu. meters of air space per person; and

c. Habitable Rooms – 14.00 cu. meters of air space per person.

SECTION 808. Window Openings

1. Rooms intended for any use, not provided with artificial ventilation system, shall be
provided with a window or windows with a total free area of openings equal to at least
10% of the floor area of the room, provided that such opening shall be not less than
1.00 sq. meter. However, toilet and bath rooms, laundry rooms and similar rooms shall
be provided with window or windows with an area not less than 1/20 of the floor area of
such rooms, provided that such opening shall not be less than 240 sq. millimeters.
Such window or windows shall open directly to a court, yard, public street or alley, or
open watercourse.

2. Required windows may open into a roofed porch where the porch:

a. Abuts a court, yard, public street or alley, or open watercourse and other public
open spaces;

b. Has a ceiling height of not less than 2.70 meters;

c. Has one of the longer sides at least 65% open and unobstructed.

3. Eaves, canopies, awnings (or media agua) over required windows shall not be less
than 750 millimeters from the side and rear property lines.

129
4. There shall absolutely be no openings on/at/within/through all types of abutments (such
as firewalls) erected along property lines except for permitted vent wells. This Rule
strictly applies to all new and existing developments.

5. In locating window openings it should be borne in mind that in cases of extreme

emergencies windows must serve as emergency egress to vacate the premises or
access for rescue operations. Such windows shall meet the following requirements:

a. They can be opened from the inside without the use of any tools;

b. The minimum clear opening shall have a width not less than 820 millimeters and a
height of 1 meter;

c. The bottom of the opening should not be more than 820 millimeters from the floor;

d. Where storm shutters, screens or iron grilles are used, these shall be provided with
quick opening mechanism so that they can be readily opened from the inside for
emergency egress and shall be so designed that when opened they will not drop to
the ground;

e. All areas immediately outside a fire exit window/grille must be free of obstacles and
must lead to a direct access down into the ground or street level.

SECTION 809. Vent Shafts

1. Ventilation or vent shafts shall have a horizontal cross-sectional area of not less than
1.00 sq. meter for every meter of height of shaft but in no case shall the area be less
than 1.00 sq. meter. No vent shaft shall have its least dimension less than 600
millimeters.

2. Unless open to the outer air at the top for its full area, vent shafts shall be covered by a
skylight having a net free area or fixed louver openings equal to the maximum required
shaft area.

3. Air ducts shall open to a street or court by a horizontal duct or intake. Such duct or
intake shall have a minimum unobstructed cross-sectional area of not less than 0.30 sq.
meter with a minimum dimension of 300 millimeters. The openings to the duct or intake
shall be not less than 300 millimeters above the street surface or level of court.

SECTION 810. Ventilation Skylights

1. Ventilation skylights shall have a glass area not less than that required for the windows
that are replaced. They shall be equipped with movable sashes or louvers with an
aggregate net free area not less than the parts in the replaced window that can be
opened, or else provide artificial ventilation of equivalent effectiveness.

SECTION 811. Artificial Ventilation

1. 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.

2. Whenever artificial ventilation is required, the equipment shall be designed to meet the
following minimum requirements in air changes as shown in Table VIII.4. hereafter.

130
Table VIII.4. Minimum Requirements for Air Changes

Cubic Meter Air Changes Per Hour

Per Minute Ceiling Height
Per Person (meters)
Min. Max. 2.40 3.00 3.70 4.90 6.10
Apartment 0.29 0.43 3 2 1-½ 1 ¾
Banking Space 0.22 0.29 3 2 1-½ 1 ¾
Barber Shop 0.22 0.29 3 2 1-½ 1 ¾
Beauty Parlor 0.22 0.29 3 2 1-½ 1 ¾
Broker’s Board Room 0.57 0.85 8 6 4-½ 3 2-½
Cafeteria 0.43 0.57 6 4-½ 3-½ 2-½ 1-¾
Cocktail Bar 0.57 0.85 8 6 4-½ 3 2-¼
Churches 0.14 0.22 3 2 1-½ 1 ¾
Department Stores 0.22 0.43 3 2 1-½ 1 ¾
Director’s Room 0.85 0.14 8 6 4-½ 3 2-¼
Drugstore (no counter) 0.22 0.29 3 2 1-½ 1 ¾
Drugstore (w/counter) 0.29 0.43 5 3-¾ 3 2 1-½
Funeral Parlor 0.14 0.22 3 2 1-½ 1 ¾
Gambling Rooms 0.57 0.85 6 6 4-½ 3 2-¼
Hospital Room 0.29 0.43 3 2 1-½ 1 ¾
Hotel Room 0.29 0.43 3 2 1-½ 1 ¾
Laboratories 0.43 0.57 6 4-½ 3-½ 2-½ 1-¾
Office 0.29 0.43 4 3 2-¼ 1-½ 1
Restaurant Kitchen 0.34 0.43 5 3-¾ 3 2 1-½
Shop, Retail 0.22 0.29 3 2 1-½ 1 ¾
Theaters 0.14 0.22 - - - - -

3. For other rooms or spaces not specifically covered under this Section, see applicable
provisions of the pertinent referral code/s.

EXCEPTION:

1. Variances, exception or deviations from the provision of light and ventilation may be
allowed only when the following term and conditions are fully complied with:

a. In case of variances

When the property is unique and different from other properties and because of its
uniqueness such the owner cannot comply with the open space requirements,
variances shall be applied to relax the application of the following provisions:

i. setback;

ii. ventilation and window opening requirements;

iii. percentage of site occupancy;

iv. floor area ratio; and

v. building height limit (BHL).

At least two (2) conditions must be satisfied for exception to be granted.

b. In case of exceptions

i. The exception must not adversely affect public health, safety and welfare and
must be in keeping with the general pattern of development in the community.

ii. The exception must not alter the essential character of the district where the
exception sought is located, and will be in harmony with the general purpose of
this IRR.

131
GUIDELINES ON EASEMENTS, VIEW CORRIDORS/SIGHT LINES, STREETS/ROAD
RIGHT-OF-WAY (RROW), SIDEWALKS, ARCADES, BASEMENTS, LOTS, AND PUBLIC
BUILDINGS/STRUCTURES

A. EASEMENTS

1. As it is situated outside of private property limits, the easement is public land, i.e.,
public domain, that should be equally enjoyed by all members of the community.
The easement is not to be used for any form of building/structure that may go
against its public recreational character and as such, the following uses and others
similar thereto are absolutely prohibited:

a. Residential and like uses whether temporary or permanent;

b. Long-term or overnight vehicle parking, i.e., unless duly designated as day

and/or night pay-parking zones;

c. As a depository of stalled, wrecked or abandoned vehicles, mechanical devices

and the like;

d. The conduct of specific commercial, institutional and/or industrial activities not

compatible with its stated character;

e. Unauthorized recreational or entertainment usage and the like which will only
benefit certain entities and which will ultimately result in inconvenience/
nuisance/safety problems to the general public; nor

f. Any other form of private use, gain, enjoyment or profit at the expense of the
motoring or walking public.

2. Allowed or Encouraged Structures/Developments Within Easements

a. If wider than 9.00 meters, the easement may include a roadway/carriageway

component on which vehicles can pass or on which the same may temporarily
park, e.g., an esplanade and the like. (Fig. VIII.G.1.)

b. Pedestrian access-ways and the like and to be located at/ above/below the
easement may also be developed for public use, e.g., a promenade and the like.
(Fig. VIII.G.2.)

Table VIII.G.1. Easement* Along Water Bodies/Way by Location

Location of Water Body/Way Easement

Urban Areas 3.00 meters per side of waterway ([Link].G.3.)

Agricultural Areas 20.00 meters per side of waterway
Forest Areas 40.00 meters per side of waterway
* Source: Water Code of the Philippines

c. The allowed structures/developments include:

i. Hardscaped (paved) pedestrian access-ways such as walks, footpaths or

arcades (covered or roofed sidewalks without any habitable structures
above or below it); temporary or movable hardscape elements such as
gazebos, sheds, fountains and like structures with large footprints must not
encroach on the easement;

ii. Softscaped (paved) developments such as park strips, linear parks and the
like as well as small tree farms are encouraged for recreational, livelihood
and soil stabilization/protection purposes;
132
Guidelines on Easements . . . .

Figure VIII.G.1.

133
Guidelines on Easements . . . .

Figure VIII.G.2.

Figure VIII.G.3.

134
Guidelines on Easements, View Corridors/Sight Lines, Streets/RROW . . . .

iii. Concrete steps leading down to the water or wooden boardwalks are
allowed, provided that all necessary safety precautions are taken, e.g., non-
slip finishing for surfaces, handrails and railings;

iv. Other forms of soil stabilization/protection including anti-erosion/scouring

measures/structures within the easement are allowed, e.g., rip-rapping,
embankment protection, etc., provided that no enclosed/semi-enclosed
habitable structures are built on, above or below such structures; and

v. Permanent utility/service lines (power, water, telecommunications, gas, etc.)

are allowed within the easement provided that these are either below grade
(underground) or above grade (overhead).

3. Disallowed and Prohibited Structures/Developments Within Easements

a. No portion of the easement whether at grade (on the ground), below grade or
above grade may be leased or developed by the government or by private
entities for purposes inconsistent with its character and intended function. In
particular, any form of semi-permanent/permanent or semi-enclosed/enclosed
residential, commercial, industrial, institutional or government structure/use
and like, structures/uses at any portion of the public easement is prohibited;

b. All semi-enclosed or enclosed, semi-permanent or permanent habitable

building projections (particularly arcade structures) or any other building
projection or structural element (eaves, roof, cantilevered beams, foundations
and the like) located above or below the easement are absolutely prohibited;
and

f. All forms of enclosures such as fences, perimeter walls and the like, intended
to limit the use of the easement for private enjoyment/benefit or to restrict full
access to the public easement are absolutely prohibited unless the same are
erected for reason of public safety.

B. VIEW CORRIDORS AND/OR SIGHT LINES

1. Preservation of View Corridors and/or Sight Lines

a. The carriageway/roadway portion of the RROW shall be free of structures,

particularly commercial signs that will impede the view corridor and sight lines
within the RROW. (See Fig. VIII.G.4)

b. To dignify very important public or historical/culture buildings/structures, all

forms of commercial signs intruding into RROW leading to or away from such
buildings/structures shall not be allowed. Specifically disallowed from such
RROW are commercial signs supported from any building projection (such as
arcades).

c. View corridors or sight lines from buildings/structures on a higher or lower lot

shall not be entirely blocked by the intervening property to allow some sight
lines to exist.

d. In case of allowed structures within the RROW for transportation, e.g.,

elevated ramps, flyovers, tracks, stations, terminals and the like, the
appropriate designs shall be adopted to maximize light, ventilation and view.

135
Guidelines on Streets/RROW, View Corridors/Sight Lines . . . .

UNOBSTRUCTED VIEW CORRIDORS / SIGHT LINES

Figure VIII.G.4.

136
Guidelines on Streets/RROW . . . .

C. STREETS/ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY (RROW)

1. General. No building shall be constructed unless it adjoins or has direct access to

public space, yard or street/road on at least one (1) of its sides. All buildings shall
face a public street, alley or a road, which has been duly approved by the proper
authorities for residential, institutional, commercial and industrial groups.

a. Allowed or Encouraged Structures/Developments Within the RROW

i. The RROW at all its physical levels may only be used for the following
types of structures/uses or others similar to them, to wit:

(a) Transportation structures and like uses whether temporary or

permanent, e.g., mass transit alignments (particularly light and heavy
rail) at grade, mass transit stations and terminal facilities above grade
(RROW air rights utilization) or below grade and the like; these also
include waiting sheds, traffic outposts and the like;

(b) Limited commercial structures/uses above grade (RROW air rights

utilization) or below grade provided that these are ancillary or
supplementary/complementary to the transportation structures/uses
allowed in the previous paragraph, and the like; commercial signages
on the exterior of the commercial structure are disallowed and
prohibited;

(c) Improvements on the RROW and on all its components/elements

found at all its physical levels, e.g., sidewalks, arcades,
roadway/carriageway, medians, planting strips, street furniture,
elevated or underground crossings or access-ways, non-commercial
traffic and directional signages and the like; and

(d) Public utility/service structures/uses (power, water, drainage,

sewerage, telecommunications, gas, etc.) at all physical levels of the
RROW provided that these do not restrict nor impede the movement
of people and vehicles and provided further that the rights to utilize
the RROW are properly secured and permitted.

b. Disallowed and Prohibited Structures/Developments at RROW

i. If situated outside of private property limits, the RROW is public land, i.e.,
public domain, which should be equally enjoyed by all members of the
community. The RROW is not to be used for the following types of
buildings/structures/ occupancies or others similar to them:

(a) Any form of semi-permanent/permanent or semi-enclosed/enclosed

commercial structure/use and like structures/uses;

(b) Any form of temporary, semi-permanent/permanent or semi-enclosed/

enclosed residential structure/use and like structures/uses;

(c) Government structures/use unless the same are located below or

above grade; in such cases, the proposed structure must be properly
planned/designed and constructed;

(d) Long-term or overnight vehicle parking, i.e., unless duly designated as

day and/or night pay-parking zones;

(e) As a depository of stalled, wrecked or abandoned vehicles,

mechanical devices and the like;

137
Guidelines on Street/RROWS . . . .

(f) The conduct of other commercial/business/industrial activities

incompatible with the character of the RROW;

(g) Unauthorized recreational or entertainment usage and the like which

will only benefit certain entities and which will ultimately result in
inconvenience/ nuisance/safety problems to the general public; nor

(h) Any other form of private use, gain, enjoyment or profit at the expense
of the motoring or walking public.

Table VIII.G.2. Suggested Median and Lane Widths Within

Alleys/Roadways/Carriageways by Minimum RROW Width and by
Suggested Vehicle Speeds

Suggested
Range of
Range Minimum
Suggested Suggested
of Total Required Suggested
Minimum to Minimum to
Alley or Width of Minimum to
Maximum Maximum
RROW Alley or Maximum
Vehicle Speeds Median
Width Roadway/ Lane Widths
Along Alley or Widths
(meters) Carriageway (meters)
Roadway (meters)
(meters)
(kilometers/hour)
2.00 2.00
(for 3.00 meters None one way
Alley ROW) 1.00 car passage
3.00 to 6.00
4.00 to
2.10
(for 6.00 meters 15.00 None
each way
RROW)
4.81
2.40
(for 6.01 meters None
each way
RROW) 16.00
6.10 to 20.00
13.40 to
(for 20.00 meters 30.00 1.20 to 2.00 2.80 to 3.00
RROW)
13.50
(for 20.10 meters 1.20 to 4.50 3.00 to 3.30
20.10 to RROW) 31.00
40.00 26.80 to
(for 40.00 meters 60.00 1.20 to 4.80 3.3 to 3.50
RROW)
26.90
(for 40.10 meters 1.50 to 5.00 3.50 to 3.80
40.10 to RROW) 61.00
60.00 and
40.00 and
above
(for 60.00 meters above 1.50 to 5.50 3.80 to 4.00
RROW)

c. Minimum Access Requirements

i. RROW/access streets or alleys shall have the following widths:

(a) Interior or rear lots shall have a RROW/access street with a

minimum width depending upon the number of buildings or units
which it serves provided, however, that said RROW/access street
shall not be less than 3.00 meters in width and provided further that
such RROW shall be provided with a minimum 4.00 meters wide

138
Guidelines on Street/RROWS . . . .

chaflan at its intersect with the main RROW and provided, finally,
that such RROW shall not be used for any form of parking.
(b) Multiple living units on same lot on which apartments, rowhouses or
accessorias or a group of single-detached buildings are built be
provided with a RROW/access street directly connecting said
buildings or units to a public street/road or alley following the
schedule as shown in Table VIII.G.3.
(c) For commercial or industrial areas, sufficient lane widths, shoulders
and maneuvering spaces for long-bodied/articulated vehicles should
be considered within the RROW.
(d) Privately-owned RROW/access streets shall be duly registered and
annotated in the lot title as such for as long as the apartments,
rowhouses, etc., using said RROW/access streets, still exist.
(e) Alignment of RROW/access streets shall be integrated into the
existing street/ road network, particularly with the provision of
chaflans of the appropriate width.
(f) No obstruction should exist within the RROW/access streets
servicing multiple housing of more than 75 units.
(g) All kinds of subdivisions and residential condominiums may
generally refer to this Guideline concerning access streets/roadways.
(Figs. VIII.G.5. through VIII.G.10.)

Table VIII.G.3. Minimum Road Right-of-Way (RROW) Provisions for Developments

with Multiple Dwelling Units

Minimum Minimum Minimum

Width of Width of Total Width of
Number of
Carriageway/ Sidewalk the
Dwelling Units
Roadway on each side RROW
(meters) (meters) (meters)
Up to six (6) units 3.00 0.60 4.20
Seven (7) up to fifteen (15) units 4.00 1.00 6.00
Sixteen (16) up to
5.00 1.00 7.00
Twenty-five (25) units
Twenty-six (26) up to
6.00 1.00 8.00
Thirty-five (35) units
More than thirty-five (35) units 6.70 1.00 8.70

d. The RROW consists of three (3) different physical levels as follows:

i. RROW ABOVE GRADE - refers to the portion of the RROW reckoned

from the finished surface of the roadway/carriageway and/or the
sidewalk/arcade all the way up to the air. If this level of the RROW is
utilized for whatever purpose, the Air Rights or the right to develop,
benefit and profit from the use of the RROW above grade is given up by
the government/general public and should therefore be compensated, i.e.,
leased and paid for by the proponent/end-user/beneficiary of the
proposed building/structure (Figs. VIII.G.11. and VIII.G.12.). The
minimum clear height for the utilization of air rights above RROW shall be
4.27 meters from the finished crown elevation of the roadway/carriageway.

ii. RROW AT GRADE - refers to the portion of the RROW reckoned from the
natural grade line up to the finished surface of the roadway/carriageway
and/ or the sidewalk/arcade. This portion of the RROW is generally
utilized for the movement of the general public (motorists and
Guidelines on Street/RROWS . . . .
139
 pedestrians). If this level of the RROW is utilized for whatever purpose,
the right to develop, benefit and profit from the use of the RROW at grade
is given up by the government/general public and should therefore be
compensated, i.e., leased and paid for by the development
proponent/end-user/ beneficiary. (Figs. VIII.G.11. and VIII.G.12.)

iii. RROW BELOW GRADE - refers to the portion of the RROW reckoned
from the finished surface of the roadway and/or the sidewalk all the way
down into the ground. If this level of the RROW is utilized for whatever
purpose, the right to develop, benefit and profit from the use of the RROW
below grade is given up by the government/general public and should
therefore be compensated, i.e., leased and paid for by the development
proponent/end-user/beneficiary. (Figs. VIII.G.11. and VIII.G.12.)

NOTE: WHEN NUMBER OF INDEPENDENT

LIVING UNITS WITH INDIVIDUAL
ENTRANCES IS INCREASED AS IN MULTI-
STOREY APARTMENTS, THE WIDTH OF THE
ACCESS ROAD SHALL BE INCREASED
CORRESPONDINGLY AS PER TABLE
VIII.G.3. PARKING SPACE SHALL BE
PROVIDED EXCLUSIVE OF ACCESS ROAD
REQUIREMENT.

Figure VIII.G.5.

Figure VIII.G.6.

140
 Figure VIII.G.7.
Figure VIII.G.8.

Figure VIII.G.10.

ALL PRIVATE ROADS OR ACCESS TO

INTERIOR LOTS SHALL BE ACCESSIBLE
TO STREET OR PUBLIC SPACE OR YARD
AND SUCH SHALL CONFORM TO SUCH
PROVISIONS AS TO YARDS AND TABLE
VIII.G.3.
Figure VIII.G.9.

Guidelines on Streets/RROW . . . .

igure VIII.G.11.

141
Guidelines on Streets/RROW, Arcades . . . .

Gu
ide
lin
es
on
Str
eet
s/
RR
O

[Link] VIII.G.12.
W
...
.

142
 NOTE: SEE FIGURE VIII.20. RULE VIII FOR RELATED REAR AND
SIDE INCREMENTAL SETBACK AND OFB OF C-3
BUILDINGS/ STRUCTURES.

Figure VIII.G.13.

Guidelines on Sidewalks, Arcades. . . .

143
D. SIDEWALKS

1. Subject to existing laws and regulations, the local planning authority shall
determine which street shall have an open sidewalk or an arcaded (covered)
sidewalk, or a combination of both.

2. The minimum width of the sidewalk for a RROW width of 9.00 meters or more
shall be 1.20 meters on each side of the RROW or a total of 2.40 meters on both
sides of the RROW (Fig. VIII.G.14.). For the minimum width of sidewalk for
RROW of less than 9.00 meters wide, refer to Table VIII.G.3.

3. Sidewalk widths shall be based on the following considerations:

a. Volume of pedestrians (end-users, visitors and the like) who will use the
sidewalk on a regular basis;
b. Type, intensity or level of operation and size/expanse of the allowed uses/
occupancies along the RROW;
c. The types and volume of street furniture, e.g., street lighting and traffic
signs/signal supports, pedestrian barriers/aids, etc., and other urban design
elements that will be allowed as permanent developments design elements
that will be allowed as permanent developments within the width of the
sidewalk;
d. The width of the planting strips;
e. The spatial needs for servicing utility/service lines underneath the sidewalk
and for utility/service poles;
f. Compliance with accessibility requirements as stipulated under Batas
Pambansa Blg. 344 (Accessibility Law);
g. Provisions for commuters, e.g., waiting sheds, loading/unloading areas and
the like;
h. Provisions for vehicle crossings/driveways between the
roadway/carriageway and the front yards of lots or buildings/structures or
provisions for loading/unloading platforms if allowed;
i. Need for introduction of allowed uses/ elements within the sidewalk area
only if there is sufficient sidewalk width, e.g., bicycle lanes, jogging lanes
and the like; and
j. Climate, light, ventilation, safety, security and overall maintenance of the
sidewalk and all its surface areas.

4. Sidewalks shall be of uniform width throughout the entire length of the street. The
sidewalk width grade and finish of the dominant use/occupancy along the RROW
shall be generally observed.

5. The width of the sidewalk shall be as follows:

Table VIII.G.4. Range of Required Sidewalk and Planting Strip Widths

(total at both sides of RROW) by RROW Width

Road Right-Of-Way Range of Required Sidewalk Widths

(RROW) Width (Total at both sides of RROW)

30.00 meters & above From 1/6 up to 1/4 of RROW Width

25.00 - 29.00 meters From 1/6 up to 1/3 of RROW Width
20.00 - 24.00 meters From 1/6 up to 1/3 of RROW Width
10.00 - 19.00 meters From 1/4 up to 1/3 of RROW Width
Below 10.00 meters From 1/4 up to 1/3 of RROW Width

Guidelines on Sidewalks, Arcades . . .

144
 6. The width of the sidewalk shall include both the paved and unpaved (planted)
portions. (see Table VIII.G.5.)

Table VIII.G.5. Minimum Planting Strip Widths by RROW Width

Total Minimum Widths of Planting Strip within RROW*

Road Right-Of-Way
(width per sides of RROW)
(RROW) Width
(meters)
1.20
30.00 meters & above
(0.60 )
0.60
25.00 - 29.00 meters
(0.30)
0.60
20.00 - 24.00 meters
(0.30)
0.40
10.00 - 19.00 meters
(0.20)
Below 10.00 meters Optional
Note:
* Minimum width of planting strip (for grass and shrubs) is 200 millimeters for each
side of the RROW. The minimum width of planting strip (for trees) is 300
millimeters for each side of the RROW.

7. For allowed, disallowed and prohibited structures/developments at RROW, refer

to Sections C.1. (a) and C.1. (b) of this Guideline.

8. The sidewalk pavement shall have a non-slip surface and shall slope down from
the building line towards the curb line at not more than 1/50 and shall level off with
the curb. (Fig. VIII.G.14.)

9. Sidewalks of 2.00 meters or more in width shall include on its outer side a planting
strip of not less than 800 millimeters in width up to a maximum of 1/3 of the
allowed sidewalk width, separating the curb from the sidewalk pavement. The
planting strip must always be near the curbline. (Fig. VIII.G.15.)

10. Combined open and arcaded sidewalks shall be provided with a planting strip of
not less than 800 millimeters in width up to a maximum of 1/3 of the allowed
sidewalk width, as a separating strip between the arcaded portion and the open
portion of the sidewalk. (Fig. VIII.G.16.)

11. Grade of Sidewalks

a. Sidewalks shall, as much as possible, be level and of uniform grade

throughout the entire length of the street.

b. Whenever the slope of the street does not exceed 1/12 the sidewalk grade
shall follow the level or slope of the street. (Fig. VIII.G.17.)

c. Whenever the slope of the street is 1/10, the sidewalk shall be maintained
level for every 20.00 to 40.00 meters of run (Fig. VIII.G.18.). Sidewalks of
different levels shall be joined by means of a ramp having any convenient
slope not exceeding 1/6. (Fig. VIII.G.18.)

d. When the grade of two (2) connecting sidewalks are between 1/10 and 1/8,
the two sidewalks shall be joined by means of a ramp having any
convenient slope not exceeding 1/10.

Guidelines on Sidewalks, Arcades . . .

145
 Figure VIII.G.14.

Figure VIII.G.15.

SIDEWALKS & PLANTING STRIPS

146
Guidelines on Sidewalks, Arcades . . .

Figure VIII.G.16.

SIDEWALKS & PLANTING STRIPS

Figure VIII.G.17.

Figure VIII.G.18.

GRADE OF SIDEWALKS
147
Guidelines on Sidewalks, Arcades . . .

12. Driveways, Entrances and Exits

a. Driveways Across Sidewalks

i. To maximize the use of the sidewalk area, the surface of the sidewalk
and the driveway shall as much as possible, be at the same plane.
The entry ramp of the driveway connecting the roadway surface to
the sidewalk surface shall have a slope ranging from 1/3 to 1/4. (Figs.
VIII.G.19. and VIII.G.20.)

ii. Whenever the height of the curb is more than 200 millimeters,
driveways may be constructed across the entire width of the sidewalk,
provided that the driveway shall be joined to the sidewalk by means
of a ramp of rough finish have a slope of not more than 1/8. The
driveway and the ramp shall be made of the same materials as that
of the sidewalk. (Figs. VIII.G.19., VIII.G.20., and VIII.G.21.)

iii. Entrances and exits of buildings abutting sidewalks shall be made of

either ramps or steps.

iv. Entrance and exits ramps shall have a slope not exceeding 1/10. (Fig.
VIII.G.22.)

v. Entrance or exit steps shall have treads of not less than 300
millimeters. The minimum number of steps shall be two (2) with
risers not exceeding 100 millimeters.

vi. No portion of either entrance or exit ramps or steps shall intrude into
the sidewalk pavement.

13. Obstruction on Sidewalks

a. Under no circumstances shall obstruction of any kind be allowed on

sidewalks, whether open or arcaded. This specifically refers to all forms of
commercial signs and commercial structures that impede sight lines or
pedestrian traffic along the sidewalk.

b. Planted areas forming part of the sidewalk or arcade shall not be fenced in
to allow passage of pedestrians and disabled in transit.

14. Curb Configurations

a. Mountable curbs shall only be allowed if the sidewalk width on each side of
the RROW is at a minimum of 5.00 meters wide.

b. For greater protection of pedestrians and the disabled, raised curbs are
encouraged for use along sidewalks that are less than 5.00 meters in width.

148
Guidelines on Sidewalks, Arcades . . . .

Figure VIII.G.19.

Figure VIII.G.20.

Figure VIII.G.21.

Figure VIII.G.22.

DRIVEWAYS ACROSS SIDEWALKS

149
Guidelines on Lots. . . .

E. TOTAL OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENTS ON LOTS BY USE/OCCUPANCY,

TYPE/LOCATION AND SUGGESTED MINIMUM LOT SIZES, LOT DIMENSIONS &
TYPES BY USE/OCCUPANCY

Table VIII.G.6. Minimum TOSL Requirements by Lot Type/Location

Note: Higher Percentages (%) may apply for lots with Minimum Total Lot Area (TLA).
MINIMUM MINIMUM
PERCENTAGE OF OPEN SPACE PERCENTAGE OF OPEN SPACE
BY OCCUPANCY TYPE** BY OCCUPANCY TYPE**
(for Proposed Developments (for Proposed Developments
LOT without Firewalls or Abutments) with Permitted Firewalls or Allowed
TYPE/ Abutments)
A&B H-1, H-2, A&B H-1, H-2, All
LOCA- (Residential H-4 and I All (Residential or H-4 and I Other
TION* or Institution- (Cultural) and Other Institution-al) (Cultural) and Uses/
al) E-1 and E-3 Uses/ & C, D, E-1 and E-3 Occu-
& C, D, E-2 (Transport- Occu- E-2 (Transpor- pancy
and H ation/ pancy and H tation/Utility)
(Institutional) Utility) (Institutional)
Interior 40% 40% 20% * 30% # 15%
or Rear (for R-1 use (for all classes (for all
Lot (Lot or occupancy of cultural use cultural)
located only), or occupancy) 25%**
in the 30% (for R-2)
interior of (for R-2 use and
a block or occupancy
made only) 50% 20%*** 40% ##
accessibl and (for all classes (for other (for all
e from a 30% of residential) transpor-
public (for other transportation/ tation/ utility/
street or residential utility use or services)
alley by uses or occupancy)
means of occupancy);
a private and
access 50% 40%****
road); (for all (for all
see classes of institutional)
Figure institutional
VIII.2. uses or
occupancy)
Notes :
* with absolutely no firewalls/abutments allowed for R-1 use.

** with firewall/abutment allowed on only one (1) side property line and absolutely no
firewall/abutment at front and rear property lines for R-2 use.

*** with firewalls/abutments allowed on two (2) side property lines only or on one (1) side
property line and the rear property line and absolutely no firewall/abutment at front
property lines for R-3 and R-5 uses; and with firewalls/ abutments allowed on two (2)
side property lines only and absolutely no firewall/abutment at the front and rear
property lines for R-4 use.

**** with firewalls/abutments for all classes of institutional uses.

# with firewall/abutment allowed on only one (1) side for all classes of cultural uses.

## with firewalls/abutments allowed on two (2) sides only or on one (1) side and rear
boundary for all classes of transportation/utility uses.

+ Refer to Rule VIII - Figures VIII.2. through VIII.8. for lot type/location.

++ Refer to Rule VII for occupancy grouping.

150
Guidelines on Lots. . . .

Continuation of Table VIII.G.6. . . .

MINIMUM PERCENTAGE OF MINIMUM PERCENTAGE OF
OPEN SPACE BY OCCUPANCY TYPE** OPEN SPACE BY OCCUPANCY TYPE**
LOT (for Proposed Developments (for Proposed Developments with Permitted
without Firewalls or Abutments) Firewalls or Allowed Abutments)
TYPE/
A&B H-1, H-2, A&B H-1, H-2, H-4
LOCA- (Residential or H-4 and I All (Residential or and I (Cultural) All Other
Institutional) (Cultural) and Other Institutional) and E-1 and E-3 Uses/
TION*
& C, D, E-2 E-1 and E-3 Uses/ & C, D, E-2 (Transport- Occu-
and H (Transportation/ Occu- and H ation/Utility/ pancy
(Institutional) Utility/Services) pancy (Institutional) Services)
Inside Lot 50% 40% 25% * 30% # 15%
otherwise (for R-1 use or (for all classes (for all
referred to occupancy of cultural use cultural)
as a only), or occupancy)
Regular 40% 30%**
Lot (Non (for R-2 use or and (for R-2)
– corner or occupancy
single only) and 50%
frontage 30% (for all classes 20%*** 40% ##
lot); see (for other of transport- (for other (for all
Figure residential ation/utility residential) transportation/
VIII.3. uses or use or utility/
occupancy); occupancy) services)
and
50% 40%****
(for all classes (for all
of institutional institutional)
uses or
occupancy)
Corner 30% 35% 20% * 30% # 10%
Lot+ or (for R-1 and (for all classes (for all
Through all other of cultural use 25%** cultural)
Lot; see residential or occupancy) (for R-2)
Figures uses or 20%***
VIII.4. and occupancy); and (for other
VIII.5. and residential)
40% 40%
+Note: For (for all classes (for all
corner of institutional classes of 30%**** 30% ##
lots, the uses or transport- (for all (for all
largest occupancy) ation/ utility institutional) transportation/
setback use or utility/
requireme occupancy) services)
nt shall
apply to
the two (2)
sides
serviced
by the
RROW.
Notes:
* with absolutely no firewalls/abutments allowed for R-1 use.
** with firewall/abutment allowed on only one (1) side property line and absolutely no
firewall/abutment at front and rear property lines for R-2 use.
*** with firewalls/ abutments allowed on two (2) side property lines only or on one (1) side property
line and the rear property line and absolutely no firewall/abutment at front property lines for R-3
and R-5 uses; and with firewalls/ abutments allowed on two (2) side property lines only and
absolutely no firewall/abutment at the front and rear property lines for R-4 use.
**** with firewalls/abutments for all classes of institutional uses.
# with firewall/abutment allowed on only one (1) side for all classes of cultural uses.
## with firewalls/abutments allowed on two (2) sides only or on one (1) side and rear boundary for
all classes of transportation/utility uses.
+ Refer to Rule VIII - Figures VIII.2. through VIII.8. for lot type/location.
++ Refer to Rule VII for occupancy grouping.

151
Guidelines on Lots. . . .

Continuation of Table VIII.G.6. . . .

MINIMUM PERCENTAGE OF MINIMUM PERCENTAGE OF
OPEN SPACE BY OCCUPANCY OPEN SPACE BY OCCUPANCY TYPE**
TYPE** (for Proposed Developments with
(for Proposed Developments Permitted Firewalls or Allowed Abutments)
without Firewalls or Abutments)
LOT TYPE/ A&B H-1, H-2, H-4 All A&B H-1, H-2, H-4 All
(Residential and I (Cultural) Other (Residential or and I (Cultural) Other
LOCA-TION*
or and E-1 and E-3 Uses/ Institutional) and Uses/
Institutional) (Transport- Occu- & C, D, E-2 E-1 and E-3 Occu-
& C, D, E-2 ation/Utility/Ser- pancy and H (Transport- pancy
and H vice) (Institutional) ation/Utility/
(Institutional Service)
)
End Lots 40% 40% 20% * 30% # 15%
bounded on (for R-1 use (for all (for all
two (2) or or classes of cultural)
more sides by occupancy cultural use
the property only), or
line of the 30% occupancy) 25%**
subdivision or (for R-2 use (for R-2)
by public open or and
spaces such occupancy
as easements only) 50% 40% ##
of lake/ and (for all 20%*** (for all
sea-shores, 30% classes of (for other transportatio
rivers, (for other transport- residential) n/ utility
esteros, residential ation/utility /services)
etc. and uses or use or
accessible occupancy) occupancy)
only through and
one (1) side of 50%
the lot; (for all
see Figure classes of 40%****
VIII.8. institutional (for all
uses or institutional)
occupancy)
Corner- 30% 35% 10% * 30% # 5%
Through Lots (for R-1 and (for all (for all
or Corner all other classes of 25%** cultural)
Lots+ residential cultural (for R-2)
abutting and use or 20%***
three (3) or commercial occupancy) (for other
more public uses or residential and
open spaces occupancy) and commercial)
such as
streets, and 40% 30% ##
alleys, ease- (for all 30%**** (for all
ment of classes of (for all transport-
lake/sea- 40% transport- institutional) ation/utility/
shores, rivers, (for all ation/ utility services)
esteros, etc.; classes of use or
see Figures institutional occupancy)
VIII.6 . and uses or
VIII.7. occupancy)
+Note: For
corner lots,
the largest
setback
requirement
shall apply to
the two (2)
sides serviced
by the
RROW.
Note: See preceding page for typical Notes/Legends
152
Guidelines on Lots. . . .

Table VIII.G.7. Suggested Minimum Lot Sizes, Lot Dimensions and Types
by Use or Occupancy

Use or
Occupancy
(preferably
based on
Lot Location/Type
Duly-
Approved
Local Zoning
Ordinance)
Interior Inside Corner End Lot Corner-
(or Rear) (or Regular) Lot or Through
Lot Lot Through Lot Lot or Corner
Lot Abutting 3
or More
(See Rule VIII- (See Rule VIII- (See Rule VIII- (See Rule VIII- Streets, etc.
Figure VIII.2.) Figure VIII.3.) Figures Figure VIII.8.) Rivers, etc.
VIII.4.& VIII.5.) (See Rule VIII-
Figs. VIII.6. &
VIII.7.)

Residential 1 301.00 sq. 301.00 sq. 365.00 sq. 548.00 sq. 365.00 sq.
(R-1) meters meters meters meters meters

21.50 meters 14.00 meters 17.00 meters 25.50 meters 17.00 meters
wide (w) x (w) (w) (w) (w)
14.00 meters x 21.50 x 21.50 x 21.50 x 21.50
deep (d) meters (d) meters (d) meters (d) meters(d)

Basic Not 80.00 sq. 96.00 sq. 140.00 sq. 96.00 sq.
Residential 2 Allowed meters meters meters meters
(R-2)
Medium Density
Housing (single 8.00 meters 9.60 meters 14.00 meters 9.60 meters
family dwelling (w) (w) (w) (w)
unit with a BHL x 10.00 x 10.00 x 10.00 x 10.00
of 10.00 meters) meters (d) meters (d) meters (d) meters (d)

Maximum Not 192.00 sq. 261.00 sq. 378.00 sq. 261.00 sq.
R-2 Allowed meters meters meters meters
Medium Density
Housing
(multiple family 12.00 meters 14.50 meters 21.00 meters 14.50 meters
dwelling units (w) (w) (w) (w)
within one x 16.00 x 18.00 x 18.00 x 18.00
building/ meters (d) meters (d) meters (d) meters (d)
structure with a
BHL of 15.00
meters)

Basic Not 50.00 sq. 75.00 sq. 200.00 sq. 75.00 sq.
Residential 3 Allowed meters meters meters meters
(R-3)
High Density
Housing (single 4.00 meters 6.00 meters 16.00 meters 6.00 meters
family dwelling (w) (w) (w) (w)
unit with a BHL x 12.50 x 12.50 x 12.50 x 12.50
of 10.00 meters) meters (d) meters(d) meters (d) meters (d)

153
Guidelines on Lots. . . .

Continuation of Table VIII.G.7. . .

Use or
Occupancy
(preferably
based on
Lot Location/Type
Duly-
Approved
Local Zoning
Ordinance)
Interior Inside Corner End Lot Corner-
(or Rear) (or Regular) Lot or Through Lot or
Lot Lot Through Lot Corner Lot
Abutting 3 or
More Streets,
(See Rule (See Rule VIII- (See Rule VIII- (See Rule VIII- etc. Rivers,
VIII-Figure Figure VIII.3.) Figures VIII.4. Figure VIII.8.) etc.
VIII.2.) & VIII.5.) (See Rule VIII-
Figs. VIII.6. &
VIII.7.)
Maximum R-3 Not 400.00 sq. 475.00 sq. 700.00 sq. 475.00 sq.
High Density Allowed meters meters meters meters
Housing
(multiple Family 16.00 meters 19.00 meters 28.00 meters 19.00 meters
dwelling units (w) (w) (w) (w)
within one build- x 25.00 meters x 25.00 meters x 25.00 meters x 25.00 meters
ing/ structure (d) (d) (d) (d)
with a BHL of
36.00m)
Residential 4 Not 96.00 sq. 120.00 sq. 180.00 sq 120.00 sq.
(R-4) Allowed meters meters meters meters
Individual
Townhouse 8.00 meters 10.00 meters 15.00 meters 10.00 meters
Lots (w) (w) (w) (w)
x 12.00 meters x 12.00 meters x 12.00 meters x 12.00 meters
(d) (d) (d) (d)
Residential 5 Not 500.00 sq. 540.00 sq. 945.00 sq. 540.00 sq.
(R-5) Allowed meters meters meters meters

18.50 meters 20.00 meters 35.00 meters 20.00 meters

(w) (w) (w) (w)
x 27.00 meters x 27.00 meters x 27.00 meters x 27.00 meters
(d) (d) (d) (d)
Commercial 1 Not 204.00 sq. 238.00 sq. Not 238.00 sq.
(Com-1) Allowed meters meters Allowed meters

12.00 meters 14.00 meters 14.00 meters

(w) (w) (w)
x 17.00 meters x 17.00 meters x 17.00 meters
(d) (d) (d)
Commercial 2 Not 301.00 sq. 365.00 sq. Not 365.00 sq.
(Com-2) Allowed meters meters Allowed meters

14.00 meters 17.00 meters 17.00 meters

(w) (w) (w)
x 21.50 meters x 21.50 meters x 21.50 meters
(d) (d) (d)
Commercial 3* Not 600.00 sq. 813.00 sq. Not 813.00 sq.
(Com-3) Allowed meters meters Allowed meters

20.00 meters 25.00 meters 25.00 meters

(w) (w) (w)
x 30.00 meters x 32.50 meters x 32.50 meters
(d) (d) (d)
Note:
* Suggested minimum lot sizes, lot dimensions, types and restrictions for Commercial 3 (C-3) lots
may also apply to Industrial (I), General Institutional (GI) and Cultural (C) Uses or Occupancies.

154
Guidelines on Basements. . . .

F. BASEMENTS

1. Maximum Configuration of Basement Levels

While basements may be developed for medium to very high density residential,
commercial, institutional and mixed-use developments, its planning, design and
construction shall observe the following limitations:

a. The minimum road right-of-way (RROW) width that services the lot on which
the basement can be constructed should be at least 10.00 meters wide;

b. For basements to be allowed, the prescribed setbacks and yards must be

satisfied for the building/structure above grade inasmuch as the very same
setbacks shall apply below grade to determine the maximum depth or width of
the basement level;

c. If the Code prescriptions for introducing natural light and ventilation into all
basement levels are first satisfied (refer to Fig. VIII.G.23.), the maximum depth
of the basement can then be made equal to one-half of the height of the
building above grade; if the prescriptions for natural lighting and ventilation are
satisfied, the basement depth can therefore be as much as one-third of the
combined height of the building to be constructed above grade and below
grade;

d. The center portion of all basement levels shall be reserved for the satisfaction
of the basement level may extend by a minimum clear distance of 1.40 meters
from the outermost face of the building (OFB) at grade level;

e. The OFB at the second and lower basement levels shall follow the line of the
OFB at grade level; and

f. All drainage structures below grade shall not exceed the OFB below grade.

2. Minimum Provisions for Natural Lighting and Ventilation at Basement Levels

If basements are to be developed, the following minimum provisions for natural

light and ventilation shall be satisfied:

a. A primary or main natural light and ventilation shaft (vertical) with a clear
distance of at least 3.00 meters shall be located at the center of the building
and shall traverse the entire combined height of the building above and below
grade; (refer to Fig. VIII.G.23)

b. Secondary or support natural light and ventilation shaft/s (angular) with a clear
distance of at least 1.20 meters shall emanate from the front and rear
perimeters of the building and shall traverse the entire depth of the basement;
the angular shaft/s shall be at an angle of 60º from the horizontal, consistent
with the maximum Philippine solar angle; separate angular shafts emanating
from the side perimeters of the building are encouraged; and

c. Both the vertical and angular shafts shall only be used for natural air and light
intake and shall not be used for any form of exhaust or air exchange to keep
the temperature inside the shafts at a minimum.

155
Guidelines on Basements. . . .

Figure VIII.G.23.

156
Guidelines on Public Buildings/Structures. . . .

G. DESIGN OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS/STRUCTURES

1. General

a. Public buildings/structures are permanent edifices owned by the government,

whether national or local, its agencies, including government-owned and/or
controlled corporations.

b. Design of public buildings/structures shall conform to the applicable provisions

of the preceding rules and regulations. Aside from being logically functional
and structurally sound, should promote, enhance and express the aesthetic
presentability, customs and traditions, socio-economic values environmental
quality and cultural heritage of the region concerned towards evolving a
distinct Filipino Architecture.

c. The architectural character of public buildings/structures must fully express the

nature of their function, use or occupancy and should reflect their identity as
public buildings/structures compatible with their total macro and
microenvironment.

d. Public buildings/structures should be designed for permanence but with

maximized flexibility to allow for future adjustments in their uses/occupancies.

e. Use of indigenous and/or locally manufactured/produced materials such as

marble, stone, adobe, clay tiles, wood, coco wood, kapis shells, should be
maximized unless their production or usage are banned or regulated by the
government to promote the efforts to conserve natural resources.

f. Use of natural light and ventilation by means of proper orientation, cross

ventilation, convection, sun control devices and the like should be maximized.

g. Choice of finishes should aim to minimize maintenance costs.

h. The architectural plan and design must basically reflect the functional manner
or spatial utilization and/or the evolving Filipino, Asian or International usage of
spaces that need to be projected if required or used, more than just attention
to pure forms/images.

i. Only the use of good to high quality materials, labor, technologies and
construction methods within the approved budget, must be specified by its
planners and designers to ensure permanence, long continued use and low
maintenance cost of public buildings or structures.

j. Plans and designs of all public buildings must fully comply with all of the
planning and design requirements under the Code and this IRR including the
Fire Code of the Philippines and the Accessibility Law (BP Blg. 344).

k. Strictly consider proper landscaping analysis and design not only for
aesthetics but more so for the prevention of erosion of its site and immediate
vicinity, and for ecological balance.

l. These requirements are not intended to limit the creativity of the designer nor
preclude the use of advanced or innovative technology particularly in
instances wherein mandated compliance under this Guideline shall present a
major difficulty in or hamper the proper execution of the plan, design or
architectural concept.

157
Guidelines on Public Buildings/Structures. . . .

2. Site Selection

a. Where a project site is yet to be selected, the potential site must be compatible
with the project usage. The site should be accessible, and near power, water,
sewerage, drainage as well as transportation, communication and solid waste
management system for practical and economic considerations.

b. Site analysis should show an accurate and thorough understanding of the site.
It should include, but not limited to, consideration of topography, point of
access, existing buildings/structures/utilities/services, trees, soil characteristics,
existing and approved land uses, views and vulnerabilities to flooding, erosion,
seismic activity or other threats.

c. The site must be properly and completely described, clearly defining its
technical boundaries, showing access thereto such as highway, road or alley
and indicating easements, encroachments, approved building lines, proposed
road widening, existing buildings/structures, utilities/services and trees. For
site on rolling grounds or steep slope, its contour lines must be shown at
convenient intervals.

3. Site Development

a. Location and Orientation - Locate and orient the buildings to maximize the
use of natural ventilation and lighting and minimize energy consumption within
the constraints of the functional requirements, the topography and site
configuration. North-south exposure of buildings has the advantage of
maximizing the cooling effect of prevailing winds coming from the
southeasterly and southwesterly directions. Such exposures minimize the
effect of afternoon solar heat at the same time.

b. Site Drainage - Drainage is a basic site design consideration and must be

done in conjunction with siting and orientation of buildings, location of parking
lots and roads, consideration of topography and compliance with functional
site requirements. Parking lots, roads and walks must be graded to assure
positive drainage for each major site element and must be coordinated into a
total drainage system. Existing drainage ways, if any, should be utilized to
retain the original character of the site and to avoid unnecessary earthwork.

c. Grading Design - Balance the cut and fill for the entire site as closely as
possible to eliminate the need for hauling earth on or off the site. If
topography for areas required for parking, roadways and other site features
require cut and fill, selection of finished elevations for backfilling of the entire
site should be well studied and appropriate.

d. Vehicular and Pedestrian Access and Circulation - Access and circulation

patterns to and within the site must be studied in the process of site planning.
Easy and direct access and smooth circulation should be provided for vehicles
and pedestrians including for disabled persons.

e. Site Utilities and Services - Provide adequate underground utilities and

services such as concrete or masonry trench with retractable covers for
maintenance and avoid diggings of new roads. The trench alignments shall be
coordinated with paving of roads and landscape, including future extensions,
to avoid conflicts with these site elements. Provide most economical run, and
minimize the possibility of utility relocation. Coordinate the location of
underground site utilities and services such as power, water supply, sewerage
communications and drainage systems to reduce the possibility of
utility/service crossing and contamination.

158