NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 6541 (National Building Code of the Philippines):

Title 1 - Administrative
• Declares the policy to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare by providing minimum standards for buildings and structures. (Section 1.01.02)
• Applies to the design, location, construction, alteration, repair, use, occupancy, and demolition of public and private buildings. (Section 1.01.03)
• Establishes the Joint Building and Environmental Planning Research and Standards Commission to conduct research, prepare codes, and recommend changes. (Section 1.02.01)
• Requires building permits and certificates of occupancy, with procedures for issuance and appeals. (Sections 1.02.03, 1.02.05)
• Outlines procedures for violations, dangerous buildings, and alternate materials or methods. (Sections 1.01.08, 1.01.09)

Title 2 - Fire and Fire-Resistive Standards
• Defines fire zones and requirements for fire-resistive construction based on occupancy types and construction types. (Sections 2.01.01, 2.02.01)
• Specifies standards for interior wall and ceiling finishes, including flame-spread characteristics. (Section 2.02.03)

Title 3 - Requirements Based on Occupancy
• Classifies buildings into groups based on use or occupancy (e.g., residential, business, industrial, assembly). (Section 3.01.01)
• Provides requirements for mixed occupancies, location on property, allowable floor areas, and maximum heights. (Sections 3.01.03, 3.01.04, 3.01.05, 3.01.07)
• Outlines specific requirements for Group A dwellings, including site occupancy, light, ventilation, and sanitation. (Section 3.01.08)

Title 4 - Types of Construction
• Classifies buildings into five types based on materials and fire-resistance (Type I: wood, Type V: fire-resistive). (Section 4.01.01)
• Specifies requirements for each type of construction, such as structural framework, walls, floors, and roofs. (Section 4.01.03)

Title 5 - Light, Ventilation, and Sanitation
• Establishes minimum requirements for light, ventilation, and sanitation in buildings. (Sections 5.01.01, 5.02.01)
• Provides standards for ceiling heights, room sizes, window openings, ventilation systems, and plumbing facilities. (Sections 5.01.05, 5.01.06, 5.01.08, 5.01.12)

Title 6 - Regulations for Use of Public Property
• Regulates building projections over public streets, such as balconies, marquees, awnings, and doors. (Sections 6.01.03, 6.01.05, 6.01.06, 6.01.07)
• Requires pedestrian protection during construction or demolition, including walkways, railings, and fences. (Sections 6.02.06, 6.02.07)

Title 7 - Engineering Regulations
• Requires compliance with the National Structural Code for Buildings for design and construction. (Section 7.01.01)

Title 8 - Detailed Regulations
• Provides requirements for excavations, foundations, retaining walls, veneer, vertical openings, floors, roofs, stairs, exits, occupant loads, skylights, balconies, penthouses, chimneys, fireplaces, and barbecues. (Sections 8.01.02 - 8.01.13)
• Outlines regulations for motion picture projection rooms, including construction, exits, ports, and ventilation. (Section 8.01.14)
• Specifies requirements for lathing, plastering, and installation of wallboards. (Section 8.01.15)

Title 9 - Mechanical and Electrical Regulations
• Requires compliance with the Mechanical Code of the Philippines for mechanical systems. (Section 9.01.01)
• Requires compliance with the Philippine Electrical Code for electrical systems. (Section 9.02.01)

Title 10 - Special Subjects
• Provides regulations for the storage and handling of photographic and X-ray films, including sprinkler requirements. (Sections 10.01.01 - 10.01.04)
• Outlines requirements for prefabricated construction, including tests and connections. (Section 10.02.01)
• Specifies requirements for the use of plastics in various applications, such as glazing, skylights, partitions, and exterior veneer. (Sections 10.03.01 - 10.03.09)
• Establishes standards for sheet metal spray booths, including area, fire protection, light, and ventilation. (Sections 10.04.01 - 10.04.04)
• Provides requirements for glass and glazing, including area limitations, glazing, impact resistance, and louvered windows. (Sections 10.05.01 - 10.05.05)
• Regulates the design, construction, support, projection, and clearance of signs and signboards. (Sections 10.06.01 - 10.06.05)

The law also includes provisions for separability, repealing inconsistent laws, and effectivity dates.