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(a) This Act shall be knownas the "National Building Code of the Philippines" and shallhereinafterbe referred to as the "Code".
SECTION 1.01.02: Declarationof Policy
(a) It is herebydeclaredto be the policy of the State to safeguard life, health, property, andpublic welfare, consistent with the principles of environmentalmanagementand control; and to this end, make it the purpose of this Code toprovidefor all buildings and structured, a framework of minimum standards andrequirements by guiding, regulating, and controlling their location,siting,design, quality of materials, construction, use, occupancy, andmaintenance,including their environment, utilities, fixtures, equipment, andmechanicalelectrical, and other systems and installations.
SECTION 1.01.03: Scope
(a) The provisions ofthisCode shall apply to the design, location, siting, construction,alteration,repair, conversion, use, occupancy, maintenance, moving, and demolitionof, and addition to, public and private buildings and structures.
(b) Additions,alterations,repairs, and changes of use or occupancy in all buildings andstructuresshall comply with requirements for new buildings and structures exceptas otherwise herein provided. Only such portion or portions of theexistingbuilding or structure which have to be altered to effect the addition,alteration, or repair shall be made to conform to the requirements fornew buildings or structures. Alterations should preserve the aestheticvalue of the building to be altered.
(c) Where, in anyspecificcase, different section of this Code specify different materials,methodsof construction, or other requirements, the most restrictive shallgovern.
SECTION 1.01.04: Application
(a) This Code shallapplyto all buildings and structures constructed and any change or repairmadethereon after the approval of said Code. Buildings or structuresconstructedbefore the approval of this Code shall not be affected thereby; Except,where their continued use or occupancy is dangerous to life or limb; orwhere alterations, additions, conversions, or repairs are to be madethereon,this Code shall apply only to such portions of the buildings orstructurewhich have to be altered in order to effect such damages or repairs.
(b) This Code shallapplyto chartered cities, poblaciones of municipalities and municipaldistrictswith a population of at least two thousand (2,000) inhabitants, and tobarrios of urban areas with a population of at least two thousand(2,000)inhabitants. This Code shall also apply to any area where there arefifty(50) or more families per hectare.
(c) This Code shalllikewiseapply to any area proposed for or being developed into a new town site,residential subdivision, commercial or residential site, school site,housingproject, and similar construction projects where five or more buildingsnot covered by paragraph (d) of this Section will be constructed evenifthe poblacion or barrio population is less than two thousand (2,000) orthe density of population is less than fifty (50) families per hectare.
(d) The design andconstructionrequirements of this Code shall not apply to any traditional indigenousfamily dwelling costing not more than five thousand pesos (P5,000.00)andintended for use and occupancy of the family of the owner only. Thetraditionaltype of family dwellings are those that are constructed of nativematerialssuch as bamboo, nipa, logs, or lumber, wherein the distance betweenverticalsupports or suportales does not exceed 3.00 meters (10 feet); and ifmasonrywalls or socalos are used, such shall not be more than 1.00 meter (3feet,3 inches) from the ground: Provided, however, That such traditionalindigenousfamily dwelling will not constitute a danger to life or limb of itsoccupantsor of the public; will not be fire hazard or an eyesore to thecommunity;and does not contravene any fire zoning regulation of the city ormunicipalityin which it is located.chan robles virtual law library
(e) Notwithstandingparagraph(d) of this Section, this Code shall apply to Group A dwellingsproducedon a commercial scale and intended for use by the general public.
SECTION 1.01.05 BuildingUse Affecting Public Health and Safety
(a) Any building orstructure,or any ancillary or accessory facility thereto, and any alteration oradditionto any building or structure already existing, shall conform in allrespectsto the principles of safe construction, shall be suited to the purposefor which the building is designed, and shall, in no case contribute tomaking the community in which it is located at eyesore, a slum, or ablightedarea.
(b) Adequateenvironmentalsafeguards shall be observed in the design, construction, and use ofanybuilding or structure for the manufacture and production of any kind ofarticle or product which constitutes a hazard or nuisance affectingpublichealth and safety, such as explosives, gas, noxious chemicals,inflammablecompounds, or the like.
SECTION 1.01.06: Maintenance
(a) All buildings orstructures,both existing and new, and all parts thereof shall be maintained in asafeand sanitary condition. All devices or safeguards, which are requiredbythis Code in a building or structure when constructed, altered, orrepaired,shall be maintained on good working order.
SECTION 1.01.07: Insanitary,Unsafe, Hazardous, or Dangerous Sites
(a) The land or siteuponwhich will be constructed any building or structure, or any ancillaryorauxillary facility thereto, shall be sanitary , hygienic or safe. Wherethe land or site is polluted, insanitary, unhygienic, unsafe, orhazardous,conditions contributing to or causing its being polluted, insanitary,unhygienic,unsafe, or hazardous shall be reasonably improved or corrected, orproperremedial measures shall be prescribed or incorporated in the design orconstruction of the building or structure in accordance with theprovisionsof this Code.
(b) The land or siteuponwhich be constructed a building of structure or any ancillary oraccessoryfacility thereto, for use of human habitation or abode, shall be at asafedistance from streamers or bodies of water and/source of air consideredto be polluted, volcano or volcanic site, and building or structureconsideredto be a potential source of fire or explosion, such as ammunitionsfactoryor dump and storage place for highly inflammable material.
SECTION 1.01.08: Dangerousand Ruinous Buildings or Structures
(a) General. - Theprovisions of this Code shall apply to all dangerous buildings, ashereindefined, which are now in existence or which may hereafter beconstructed,as well as to ruinous buildings as defined in Article 482 of the CivilCode of the Philippines.chan robles virtual lawlibrary
(b) DangerousBuildingsDefined. - Dangerous buildings are those which are structurallyunsafeor not provided with safe egrees, or which constitute a fire hazard, orare otherwise dangerous to human life, or which in relation to existinguse constitute a hazard to safety or health or public welfare, byreasonof inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, orabandonment; or which otherwise contribute to the pollution of the siteor the community to an intolerable degree. Any building or structurewhichhas any or all of the conditions or defects hereinafter described, orconditionsor defects similar thereto, shall be deemed to be dangerous building:Provided,That such conditions or defect exists to the extent that the life,health,property, or safety of the public or its occupant are endangered:
(1) Whenever any door,aisle,passageway, stairway, or other means of exist is not of sufficientwidthor size, or is not so arranged as to provide safe and adequate means ofexit in case of fire or panic;
(2) Whenever the stressin any materials member or portion thereof, due to all dead and liveloadsis more than one and one-half times the working stresses or stressesallowedin this Code for new building of similar structure, purpose, orlocation:Provided, That in determining working stress, the working stressmethod of analysis shall be used, and in the case of engineering "overstress",the ultimate strength method;
(3) Whenever anyportionthereof has been damaged by fire, earthquake, wind, flood, or by anyothercause, to such an extent that the structural strength or the stabilitythereof is materially less than it was before such catastrophe and islessthan the minimum requirements of this Code for new buildings of similarstructures, purpose, or location;
(4) Whenever anyportionor member or appurtenance thereof is likely to fall, or to becomedetachedor dislodged, or to collapse and thereby injure persons or damageproperty;
(5) Whenever anyportionor member or any appurtenance or ornamentation of the exterior thereofis not of such sufficient strength or stability, or is not so anchored,attached, or fastened - place so as to be capable of resisting a windpressureof one-half of that specified in this Code for new buildings of similarstructure; purpose, or location without exceeding the working stressespermitted for such buildings;
(6) Whenever anyportionthereon has wracked, warped, buckled, or settled to such an extent thatwalls or other structural portions have materially less resistance towindsor earthquake than is required in the case similar new construction;
(7) Whenever thebuildingor structure, or any portion thereof, because of: (i) dilapidation,deterioration,or delay; (ii) faulty construction; (iii) the removal, movement, orinstabilityof any portion of the ground necessary for the purpose of supportingsuchbuilding; (iv) the deterioration, decay, or inadequacy of itsfoundation;or (v) any other cause, is likely to partially or completely collapse;
(8) Whenever, for anyreason,the building or structure, or any portion thereof, is manifestly unsafefor the purpose for which it is being used;
(9) Whenever theexteriorwalls or other vertica structural members list, lean, or buckle to suchan extent that the structure falls within the condition described inthepreceding subparagraph (2), above, or whenever any portion thereofsuffersa material reduction of the fire and weather resistance qualities ofcharacteristicsrequired by this Code for newly constructed buildings of like area,height,and occupancy in the same location;
(10) Whenever abuildingor structure, used or intended to be used for dwelling purposes,becauseof inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, decay, damage, faultyconstructionor arrangement, inadequate light, air, or sanitation facilities, orotherwise,is found to be unsanitary, unfit for human habitation, or in such aconditionthat is likely to cause sickness or disease;chan robles virtual lawlibrary
(11) Whenever anybuildingor structure, because of obsolescence, dilapidated, condition,deterioration,damage, inadequate exists, lack of sufficient fire-resistiveconstruction,or other cause, is found to be a fire hazard;
(12) Whenever anyportionof a building or structure remains on a site after demolition ordestructionof the building or structure is abandoned for a period in excess of sixmonths, so as to constitute a nuisance or hazard to the public;
(13) Whenever anybuildingor structure is in such a condition as to constitute a public nuisancedefined in Article 694 and 695 of the CivilCode of the Philippines.
(c) Abatement ofDangerousBuildings. In all cases of dangerous buildings, except thosecoveredby Article 482 and 694 to 707 of the CivilCode of the Philippines, the Building Official shall order theirrepair,vacation, or demolition in accordance with the following procedure:
(1) Where the dangerousbuilding can reasonably be repaired such that it will no longer bedangerous,it shall be ordered repaired;
(2) Where the dangerousbuilding is such that to repair it would cost more than 50 per cent ofthe current to replacement cost of the building, it shall be repairedordemolished at the opinion of the owner;
(3) Where the dangerousbuilding poses an immediate threat to life, limb, or property, it shallbe vacated immediately, then repaired or demolished in accordance withsubparagraphs (1) or (2) herein.
SECTION 1.01.09. Alternateor new Design, Material, Method of Construction, or Workmanship; Tests:
(a) Any design,material,method of construction, or workmanship not specifically included inthisCode may be used: Provided, That such alternate or new design,material,method of construction, or workmanship is at least the equivalent ofthoseprescribed in this Code in effectiveness.
(b) Tests for design,materials,method of construction, or workmanship shall be prescribed by theSecretaryof Public Works and Communication in appropriate rules and regulationstherefor.
SECTION 1.01.10: Municipaland Provincial Ordinances and Regulations
(a) Local ordinancesshouldconform to the Code and suppletory requirements hereto shall in no casediminish minimum requirements embodied in this Code. The Secretary ofPublicWorks and Communications or, in the proper case, the Secretary ofJusticeshall take any and all appropriate steps in cases where localordinancesconflict with the Code.
SECTION 1.01.11: Definitionsand Tables
(a) The definitions inAnnexA and the Tables in Annex B of this Code are hereby adopted as partthereof.
SECTION 1.01.12: SeparabilityClause
(a) If, for any reason,any section or provision of this Code shall be declaredunconstitutionalor invalid, no other section or provision of this Code shall beaffectedthereby.
SECTION 1.01.13: RepealingClause
(a) Any and allstatutes,orders, ordinances, rules and regulations or parts thereof,inconsistentwith the provisions of this Code, are hereby repealed or modifiedaccordingly.
SECTION 1.01.14: Effectivity
(a) This Code shalltakeeffect upon its approval within the Greater Manila Metropolitan Areaandin other areas where there are already existing local building codes,andfour (4) years thereafter, in all other areas in the Philippines:Provided,however, That this provision shall not prevent any city or municipalcouncilor board from adopting this Code immediately upon its approval.
SECTION 1.02.01: JointBuilding and Environmental Planning Research and Standards Commission
(a) Membership.Thereis hereby created a Joint Building and Environmental Planning Researchand Standards Commission composed of two Senators, two Congressmen, andfive other members to be appointed by the President of the Philippines.The members shall elect a Chairman from among themselves.
(1) The President of theSenate shall designate the chairman of the Committee on Housing, UrbanDevelopment and Resettlement and one Senator from the minority party asmembers of the Commission.
(2) The Speaker of theHouseof Representatives shall designate the Chairman of the Committee onHousingand one Congressman from the minority party as members of theCommission.
(3) The President ofthePhilippines shall appoint two architects, two engineers, and onebuildingcontractor chosen from those officially recommended by their respectivenational professional organizations, to serve for four years or untiltheirsuccessors shall have been duly appointed and qualified.
(4) The members thereofshall serve without compensation: except, That the members from theprofessionalorganizations may receive a per diem of one hundred pesos (P100.00)eachper meeting actually attended: Provided, That the total per diem themembersmay receive shall not exceed six hundred pesos (P600.00) per month. Amonthlytransportation allowance of two hundred fifty pesos (P250.00) shall begranted each of the members from the professional organizations.
(1) Conduct or cause tobe conducted continuing research and studies on building, housing, andenvironmental planning standards and requirements to safeguard life orlimb, health, property, and public welfare;
(2) Prepare a draft ofauniform code of criteria, standards, and detailed specificationscoveringdesign, construction, and other related matters suited to local needsandindigenous conditions for adoption by local governments to supplementtheminimum standards provided in this Code;
(3) Prepare drafts ofenvironmentalplanning, management and control codes, subdivision policies andstandards,zoning regulations and other codes for legislative enactment; andrecommend,from time to time, changes in this Building Code for submission toCongress;and
(4) Transmitappropriaterecommendation to the Secretary of Public Works and Communications as abasis for the promulgation by the Secretary of the necessary rules andregulations to carry out the provisions of this Code.
(d) Appropriations.Theamount of two hundred and fifty thousand pesos (P250,000) or suchamountthereof as may be necessary for the operation of the Commission isherebyauthorized to be appropriated out of any funds not otherwiseappropriatedfor the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973. Such sums may be necessaryforthe operating expenses of the Commission in succeeding fiscal yearsshallbe included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
SECTION 1.02.02: Secretaryof Public Works and Communications and Building Officials
(a) The Secretary ofPublicWorks and Communications, hereinafter referred to as the "Secretary",shallpromulgate such rules and regulations necessary to enable the BuildingOfficial to enforce the provisions of this Code.
(b) In municipalities,theMunicipal Engineer shall be the Building Official; Provided, That whenthere is no such Municipal Engineer, or a duly licensed engineerperformingthe duties of a Municipal Engineer, or a Land and Building Official,theProvincial Engineer, or in the absence thereof, the Public WorksEngineerwithin whose jurisdiction the municipality falls shall be the BuildingOfficial. In case of cities, the City Public Works Supervisor shall bethe Building Official: Provided, That when there is no suchCityPublic Works Supervisor, the City Engineer shall be the BuildingOfficial.For the purpose of the enforcement of the provisions of this Code, theBuilding Official shall be under the supervision of the Secretary ofPublicWorks and Communications, any provision of law to the contrarynotwithstanding.
(c) Subject to theapprovalof the Municipal Mayor, City Mayor, or Provincial Governor in thepropercase, and other civil service laws and rules, the Building Official mayappoint such number of officers, inspectors, assistants, or otheremployeespossessing the necessary qualifications and competency as may beauthorizedby the Municipal Council, City Council, or Provincial Board, as thecasemay be. He may deputize such technically qualified employees as may benecessary to carry out the provisions of this Code. For purposes ofthisSubsection, the terms "necessary qualifications and competency" and"technicallyqualified" shall mean that the person to be deputized shall have passedthe highest grade of examination called for in the applicable lawregulatingthe practice of the branch of engineering or architecture related to orassociated with the duties and powers which the person to be deputizedshall assume.
SECTION 1.02.03: Buildingpermits
(a) Any person, firm,orcorporation, including any department, office, bureau, agency ofinstrumentalityof the government intending to construct, alter, repair, move, convertor demolish any building or structure, or cause the same to be done,shallobtain a building permit from the Building Official for whichever ofsuchwork is proposed to be undertaken for the building or structure, beforeany such work is started.
(b) Appropriate rulesandregulations shall be set by the Secretary concerning:
(1) Forms for applicationfor building permits;
(2) Procedures to beobservedin securing such permits;
(3) Procedures to beobservedin the issuance, suspension, and revocation of such building permits;and
(4) Type, nature, andscopeof plans and specifications, and other requisite documents, which shallbe prepared and designed by a licensed architect or engineer.
(c) When authorized bytheBuilding Official in accordance with the provisions of this Code, plansand specifications need not be submitted for the following:
(1) Group A traditionalindigenous type of dwelling construction costing not more than threethousandpesos (P3,000.00); and
(2) Group J Division 1Occupancyof Type 1 conventional wood frame construction or of the traditionalindigenoustype of construction costing not more than three thousand pesos(P3,000.00).
(d) The applicant for abuilding permit for private buildings or structures after havingcompliedwith all the requirements prescribed therefor in accordance with theprovisionsof this Code, shall be issued a building permit within fifteen (15)daysfrom the date of payment of the permit fee for Groups A and JOccupanciesand within thirty (30) days from the date of payment of the permit feefor other Group Occupancies, unless the Building Official or his Deputyauthorized to issue the permit shall inform the applicant in writingwhythe permit should not be issued, and shall indicate thereon theparticularprovisions of the Code violated by the applicant or the particularrequirementsnot complied with. Within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt bythe applicant of advice from the Building Official or his Deputyauthorizedto issue the permit why the building permit should not be issued, orwhythe building permit is suspended or revoked, the applicant may appealthenon-issuance, suspension, or revocation thereof, to the Mayor of thecharteredcity or municipality, or the Governor of the province where thebuildingor structure for which the permit is being applied for is located. Saidappeal shall be decided within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof,otherwise, the applicant may bring the matter to the proper Court ofJusticefor final disposition.
(e) All publicbuildingsshall conform to the provisions of this Code and the Building Officialof the city or province where the public building is located shallissuethe building permit therefor, stating in writing that such publicbuildingconforms to the requirements of the Code. For national publicbuildings,the Secretary of Public Works and Communications shall issue acertificationthat such a building conforms to the Code. Public buildings shall beexemptfrom payment of building permit, inspection, another fees.
SECTION 1.02.04: Fees
(a) Regulations onbuildingpermit, inspection and other fees, and for compliance with the sameshallbe covered by city and municipal ordinances: Provided, That Traditionalindigenous family dwellings under Section 1.01.04 (d) shall be exemptfrompayment of building permit fees.
SECTION 1.02.05: Inspectionad Certificates of Occupancy
(a) Inspection. Thedulylicensed architect or engineer engaged by the owner to undertakeinspectionand detailed supervision of the construction shall periodically certifythat the construction conforms to the plans and specificationssubmittedin the application for a building permit. Upon submission of suchperiodiccertifications during the progress of construction, the BuildingOfficialshall periodically issue the required authority to continue with thesubsequentphases of construction, without prejudice to his right to conduct onhisown initiative any inspection of the said construction. Upon completionof the construction, the said duly licensed architect or engineer shallsubmit to the Building Official the final certification that thebuildingconforms to the provisions of the Code and with the detailed plans andspecifications submitted.
(b) Certificates ofOccupancy.The proper Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued to the applicantwithinseven (7) days from completion of the requirements for inspection andoccupancyand payment of any and all fees therefor, unless the building Officialor his Deputy issuing the Certificate shall show cause in writing whytheCertificate should not be issued and shall indicate thereon theparticularprovisions of the Code violated or the particular requirements notcompliedwith. Within fifteen (15) days from receipt by the applicant of theadvicefrom Building Official or his Deputy authorized to issue thecertificatewhy the certificate should not be issued, or why the certificate issuspendedor revoked, the applicant may appeal the non-issuance, suspension, orrevocationthereof, to the Mayor of the chartered city or municipality, or theGovernorof the province where the building for which the certificate is beingappliedfor is located. Said appeal shall be decided within fifteen (15) daysfromreceipts thereof, otherwise, the applicant may bring the matter to theproper Court of Justice for final disposition. The building may beoccupiedonly upon issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.chan robles virtual lawlibrary
SECTION 1.02.06: Violationsof This Code Covering Designs, Materials, Methods of Construction, andWorkmanship
(a) In all cases ofviolationof this Code covering design, materials, methods of construction, andworkmanship,the Building Official shall observe the following procedure in orderingthe alteration to conform to this Code or demolition of the building orportion thereof:
(1) Where the building isin the process of construction, the construction of the portion orportionsin violation of this Code shall be stopped until the same shall havebeenaltered to conform to this Code, unless such partial violation willimpairthe stability and safety of the whole or part of the structure, inwhichcase, the whole construction shall be stopped.
(2) Where a building orportion thereof has been constructed, the following procedure shall beobserved:
- (2.1) Incase it can bereasonably altered to conform to the requirements of this Code, itshallbe altered accordingly;
(2.2) In case thelaterationwill cost more than 50 per cent of the current construction cost of thebuilding, it shall be altered to conform to this Code or demolished atthe option of the owner;
(2.3) In case thebuildingor portion thereof poses an immediate danger to life, limb, orproperty,the same shall be vacated immediately, then altered to conform to therequirementsof this Code or demolished in accordance with subparagraphs (1) and (2)herein.
(3) If the owner, after receiptsof the order of alteration or demolition fails to comply with suchorderwithin a period of one year, said construction shall be declared anuisanceand be abated in accordance with the provisions of Article 699 of the CivilCode of the Philippines.
(c) Nothing in thisChapteris intended to diminish the powers vested in the different Boards ofExaminersof the various architectural and engineering professions as providedforin existence laws regulating the practice of architecture andengineering,nor to restrict the designing engineering or architect in the exerciseof his professional discretion within the basic minimum standards andrequirementsembodied in Section 1.01.02 of this Code.
(a) Fire ZonesDefined.Fire zones are areas within which only certain types of building arepermittedto be constructed based on their use, occupancy, type of construction,and resistance to fire.
(b) BuildingLocatedin More Than One Fire Zone. If a building or structure is locatedinmore than one fire zone and more than one-third of its total floor areais in a more restricted fire zone, then the entire building shallconformto the requirements for the more restricted area.
(c) Moved Building.Any building or structure moved within or into any fire zone shall bemadeto comply with all the requirements for buildings of that fire zone.
(d) TemporaryBuildings.Temporary buildings or structures conforming to the requirements ofthis Code, used for the protection of the public around and inconjunctionwith construction work may be erected in any of the fire zones: Provided,that such work is allowed by special permit from the Building Officialand such is used only for a limited period of time.
(e) Center Lines ofStreets.For the purpose of this Chapter, the center line of an adjoining streetor alley may be considered an adjacent property line. Distance shall bemeasured at right angles to the street or alley.
SECTION 2.01.02. Designationof Fire Zones
(a) The Secretary shallclassify each type of fire zone in accordance to use, occupancy, typeofconstruction, and resistance to fire subject to the provisions of thisCode.
(b) Based on theclassificationof fire zones, City Counsels or Municipal Boards, by resolution, shalldivide cities and municipalities into fire zones. Such division shallbein accordance with the local physical and spatial framework plans ortherecommendation of the local city or municipal development body.
SECTION 2.02.01: Fire-ResistiveRequirements
(a) Exterior bearingandnonbearing walls of Types II and III constructions shall have one-hourfire-resistive rating; while those of types IV and V shall havefour-hourfire-resistive rating.
(b) Interior bearingwalls,permanent partitions, floors, and roofs of Types II to IV constructionsshall have one-hour fire-resistive rating; while those of Type V shallhave three-hour fire-resistive rating for walls, one-hourfire-resistiverating for partitions, and two-hour fire-resistive rating for verticalopenings, floors, and roofs.
(c) Structural framesofTypes II and III constructions shall have one-hour fire-resistiverating;those of Type IV shall have two-hour fire-resistive rating; and thoseofType V shall have three-hour fire-resistive rating.
(d) Exterior doors andwindowsshall have three-fourths-hour fire-resistive rating for all types ofconstruction.
SECTION 2.02.02: Fire-ResistiveStandards
(a) General.Materialsand systems of fire-resistive purposes shall be classified according totheir fire-resistive ratings as determined by internationally acceptedtesting methods, subject to the provisions of this Section.
(b) One-HourFire-ResistiveTime Period Rating
(1) The following wallsand partitions shall have a one-hour fire-resistive rating: Solidmasonry,10 centimeters (4 inches) thick; hollow unit masonry, 15 centimeters (6inches) thick; solid concrete, 10 centimeters (4 inches) thick; studwallscovered on each side with 1.9 centimeters (3/4 inch) lath and plaster,1.6 centimeters (5/8 inch) of vermiculite gypsum board, or 2.5centimeters(1 inch) of gypsum board; and 5 centimeters (2 inches) nominalthicknesstongue and groove wood, or two layers of 1.9 centimeters (3/4 inch)tongueand groove wood separated by sheet metal or asbestos paper and treatedon each side with a fire-retardant coating having a flame-spread ratingof 50 or less. Square-edged boards may be used is the layers are laidatright angles with each other.
(2) The followingfloorsshall have a one-hour fire-resistive rating: masonry or concrete, 10centimeters(4 inches) thick; wood joists having two layers of flooring above and aplaster or gypsum board ceiling, 1.9 centimeters (3/4 inch) inthickness- the two layers of flooring shall be separated by sheet metal orasbestosbuilding paper; 6.3 centimeters (2-1/2 inches) net thickness tongue andgrooved wood floors covered with 1.9 centimeters (3/4 inch) woodflooringlaid at right angles thereto. The supporting beams for such floorsshallbe not less than 15 centimeters (6 inches) in minimum dimension.
(3) The followingprotectionsfor metal structural members shall have one-hour fire-resistive rating:2.5 centimeters (1 inch) of concrete; 3.8 centimeters (1-1/2 inches) ofmasonry; and metal lath and 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) of plaster.
(4) The following shallalso have a one-hour fire-resistive rating; wood colums, 20 centimeters(8 inches) or more in least dimension; and wood beams, 15 centimeters(6inches) or more in least dimension.
(c) Two-HourFire-ResistiveTime Period Rating
(1) The followingpartitions,walls, and floors shall have a two-hour fire-resistive rating: solidmasonry,15 centimeters (6 inches) thick; hollow unit masonry, 20 centimeters (8inches) thick; and solid concrete, 127 centimeters (5 inches) thick.
(2) The followingprotectionsfor metal structural members shall have a two-hour fire-resistiverating.3.8 centimeters (1-1/2 inches) of concrete; 5 centimeters (2 inches) ofmasonry; and two layers of metal lath and plaster with 1.9 centimeters(3/4 inch) air space between and having a total thickness of 6.3centimeters(2-1/2 inches).
(d) Three-HourFire-ResistiveTime Period Rating
(1) The followingpartitions,walls, and floors shall have a three-hour fire-resistive rating: solidmasonry, 17.8 centimeters (7 inches) thick; hollow unit masonry, 25.4centimeters(10 inches) thick; and solid concrete, 15 centimeters (6 inches) thick.
(2) The followingprotectionfor metal structural members shall have a three-hour fire resistiverating:centimeters (2 inches) of concrete; 7.6 centimeters (3 inches) ofmasonry.
(e) Four-HourFire-ResistiveTime Period Rating
(1) The followingpartitions,walls, and floors shall have a four-hour fire resistive rating: solicmasonrywalls, 20 centimeters (8 inches) thick; hollow unit masonry, 30centimeters(12 inches) thick; and solid concrete, 17.8 centimeters (7 inches)thick.
(f) Steel Joists.Steel joist floors shall have from one to four-hour fire-resistiveratingbased on internationally accepted standards of engineering.
(g) Flame-ProofMaterials.Materials required to be flame-proofed shall be treated with aflame-retardanthaving flame-spread rating of 50 less as determined by the "TunnelTest".
SECTION 2.02.03: InteriorWall and Ceiling Finish
(a) General.Finishesfor interior walls and ceilings of any building shall be classifiedaccordingto their flame-spread characteristics using the internationallyaccepted"Tunnel Test" or other equivalent test for fire protection. The classofmaterials according to flame-spread characteristics shall be determinedfor each occupancy group. The smoke density shall not be greater thanthatobtain from the burning of untreated wood under similar conditions whentested in accordance with the "Tunnel Test" in the way intended foruse.The products of combustion shall be no more toxic than the burning ofuntreatedwood under similar conditions.
(b) Interior FinishMaterials.Interior walls and ceiling finish shall mean interior wainscoting,paneling, or other finish applied structurally or for decoration,acousticalcorrection, surface insulation or similar purposes. Requirements forfinishesshall not apply to trim, doors, and windows or their frames, nor tomaterialswhich are less than one millimeter (0.039 inch) in thickness cementedtoan incombustible backing. Interior finish materials applied to wallsandceilings shall be tested as specified herein and regulated for purposesof limiting flame-spread.
SECTION 2.02.04: Promulgationof Fire-Resistive Regulations
(a) The Secretary shallpromulgate appropriate standards and regulations on the testing ofmaterialsfor flame-spread characteristics; application of controlled interiorfinish;finishes based on occupancy; materials and tests on fire dampers, firetests of building construction and materials, fire tests of doorassemblies,tin-clad fire doors, fire test of window assemblies, installation offiredoor and fire windows, and smoke and fire detectors for fire protectivesignaling systems; fire-resistive protection of structural members;fire-resistivewalls and partitions; fire-resistive floor-ceilings or roof-ceilings;fire-resistiveassemblies for protection of openings; and fire-retardant roofcoverings.
SECTION 3.01.01: OccupancyClassified
(a) Building proposed,forconstruction shall be identified according to its use or the characterof its occupancy and shall be classified as follows:
(1) Group A - Residential:Dwellings. Group A Occupancies shall include dwellings.
(2) Group B -Residential:Hotels and Apartments. - Group B Occupancies shall include boarding orlodging houses, hotels, apartment houses, convents, and monasteries(eachaccomodating more than 10 persons).chan robles virtual lawlibrary
(3) Group C - Educationand Recreation. Group C Occupancies shall be any building used forschoolor day care purposes more than eight hours per week, involvingassemblagefor instruction, education, or recreation, and not classed in Group Iorin Divisions 1 and 2 of Group H Occupancies.
(4) Group D -Institutional.Group D Occupancies shall include: Division 1 - Mental hospitals,mentalsanitariums, jails, prisons, reformatories, and buildings wherepersonalliberties of inmates are similarly restrained; Division 2 - Nurseriesforfull-time care of children under kindergarten age, hospitals,sanitariums,nursing homes with non-ambulatory patients, and similar buildings (eachaccommodating more than five persons); Division 3 - Nursing homes forambulatorypatients, homes for children of kindergarten age or over (eachaccommodatingmore than five persons); Provided, That Group D Occupancies shall notincludebuildings used only for private residential purposes or for a familygroup.
(5) Group E - BusinessandMercantile. Group E Occupancies shall include: Division 1 - Gasolinefillingand service stations; storage garage and boat storage structures whereno work is done except exchange of parts and maintenance requiring noopenflame, welding, or the use of highly flammable liquids; Division 2 -Wholesaleand retail stores, office buildings, drinking and dining establishmentshaving an occupant load test than 100, printing plants, municipalpoliceand fire stations, factories and workshops using materials not highlyflammableor combustible, storage and sales room for combustible goods, and paintstores without bulk handling, and Division 3 -Aircraft hangars where norepair work is done except exchange of parts and maintenance requiringno open flame, welding, or the use of highly flammable liquids; openparkinggarages and heliports.
(6) Group F -Industrial.Group F Occupancies shall include: Ice plants, power plants, pumpingplants,cold storage, and creameries; factories and workshops usingincombustibleand non-explosive materials; and storage and sales rooms ofincombustibleand non-explosive materials.
(7) Group G - StorageandHazardous. Group G Occupancies shall include: Division 1 - Storage andhandling of hazardous and highly flammable or explosive materials otherthan flammable liquids; Division 2 - Storage and handling of flammableliquids; dry cleaning plants using flammable liquids; paint stores withbulk handling; paint shops and spray painting rooms, and shops;Division3 - Wood working establishments, planning mills and box factories,shopsfactories where loose, combustible fibers or dust are manufactured,processedor generated; warehouses where highly combustible material is stored;Division4 - Repair garages; and Division 5 - Aircraft repair hangars.
(8) Group H - AssemblyOtherThan Group I. Group H Occupancies shall include: Division 1 - Anyassemblybuilding with a stage and an occupant load of less than 100 in thebuilding;Division 2 - Any assembly building without a stage and having anoccupantload of 300 or more in the building; Division 3 - Any assembly buildingwithout a stage and having an occupant load of less than 300 in thebuilding,including such buildings used for school purposes less than eight hoursper week; and Division 4 - Stadiums, reviewing stands, amusem*nt parkstructuresnot included within Group I or Divisions 1, 2, and 3, Group HOccupancies.
(9) Group I - AssemblyOccupantLoad 1000 or More. Group I Occupancies shall be any assembly buildingwitha stage and an occupant load of 1000 or more in the building.
(10) Group J -Accessory.Group J Occupancies shall include: Division 1 - Private garages,carports,sheds, and agricultural buildings; Division 2 - Fences over 1.80 meters(6 feet) high, tanks, and towers.
(b) Other subgroupingsordivisions within Groups A to J may be determined by the Secretary. Anyother occupancy not mentioned specifically in this Section, or aboutwhichthere is any question, shall be included in the Group which its usemostnearly resembles based on the existing or proposed life and fire hazard.
(c) The BuildingOfficialsshall identify and indicate in the Certificate of Occupancy theappropriateclassification to which a building or structure to be constructedbelongs.
SECTION 3.01.02: Changein Use
(a) No change shall bemadein the character of occupancies or use of any building which wouldplacethe building in a different division of the same group of occupancy orin a different group of occupancies, unless such buildings is made tocomplywith the requirements for such division or group of occupancy: Except,That the character of occupancy of existing buildings may be changedsubjectto the approval of the Building Official and the building may beoccupiedfor purposes set forth in other Groups without conforming to all therequirementsfor those Groups, provided the new or proposed use is less hazardous,basedon life and fire risk, than the existing use.
SECTION 3.01.03: MixedOccupancy
(a) General.Whena building is used for more than one occupancy purposes, each part ofthebuilding comprising a distinct "Occupancy" shall be separated from anyother occupancy. When a building is used for more than one occupancypurpose,it shall be subject to the most restrictive requirements for theoccupanciesconcerned: Except, - (1) When a one-story building houses more than oneoccupancy, each portion of the building shall conform to therequirementsfor the occupancy housed therein, and the area of the building shall besuch that the sum of the actual areas divided by the allowable area foreach separate occupancy shall not exceed one; and (2) Where minoraccessoryuses do not occupy more than 10 per cent of the area of any floor of abuilding, nor more than 10 per cent of the basis are permitted in theoccupancyrequirements. The major use of the building shall determine theoccupancyclassification provided the uses are separated in accordance withrequirementsfor occupancy separation.
(b) Forms ofOccupancySeparation. Occupancy separations shall be vertical or horizontalorboth, or when necessary, of such other form as may be required toafforda complete separation between the various occupancy divisions in thebuilding.
(c) Types ofOccupancySeparation. Occupancy separations shall be classed as "One-HourFire-Resistive""Two-Hour Fire-Resistive", "Three-Hour Fire-Resistive", and "Four-HourFire-Resistive".
(1) A "One-HourFire-ResistiveOccupancy Separations" shall be of not less than one-hourfire-resistiveconstruction. All openings in such a separations shall be protected afireassembly having a one-hour fire-resistive rating.
(2) A "Two-HourFire-ResistiveOccupancy Separation" shall be of not less than two-hour fire-resistiveconstruction. All openings in such separation shall be protected by afireassembly having a one and one-half-hour fire-resistive rating.
(3) A "Three-HourFire-ResistiveOccupancy Separation" shall be of not less than three-hourfire-resistiveconstruction. All openings in walls forming such separation shall beprotectedby a fire assembly having a three-hour fire-resistive rating. The totalwidth of all openings in any three-hour fire-resistive occupancyseparationwall in any one-story shall not exceed 25 per cent of the length of thewall in that story and no single opening shall have an area greaterthan10.00 square meters (107.1 square feet). All openings in floors forminga "Three-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation" shall be protectedbyvertical enclosures extending above and below such openings. The wallsof such vertical enclosures shall be of not less than ten-hoursfire-resistiveconstruction, and all openings therein shall be protected by a fireassemblyhaving one and one-half-hour fire-resistive rating.
(4) A "Four-HourFire-ResistiveOccupancy Separation" shall have no openings therein and shall be ofnotless than four-hour fire-resistive construction.
(d) Fire RatingsforOccupancy Separation. Occupancy separations shall be providedbetweenvarious groups, subgroupings, or divisions of occupancies. TheSecretaryshall promulgate rules and regulations for appropriate occupancyseparationsin buildings of mixed occupancy: Provided, That where anyoccupancyseparation is required, the minimum shall be a "One-Hour Fire-ResistiveOccupancy Separation"; and where the occupancy separation ishorizontal,structural members supporting the separation shall be protected byequivalentfire-resistive construction.
SECTION 3.01.04: Locationon Property
(a) General. Buildingsshalladjoin or have access to a public space, yard, or street on not lessthanone side. Required yards shall be permanently maintained. For thepurposeof this Section, the center line of an adjoining street or alley shallbe considered an adjacent property line. Eaves over required windowsshallbe not less than 75 centimeters (30 inches) from the side and rear andrear property lines.
(b) Fire ResistanceofWalls. Exterior walls shall have fire resistance and openingprotectionin accordance with requirements set by the Secretary. Projectionsbeyondthe exterior wall shall not extend beyond a point one-third thedistanceto the property line from an exterior wall; or a point one-third thedistancefrom an assumed vertical plane located where fire-resistive protectionof openings is first required due to location on property, whichever isthe least restrictive. Distance shall be measured at right angles fromthe property line. When openings in exterior walls are required to beprotecteddue to distance from property line, the sum of the area of suchopeningsshall not exceed 50 per cent of the total area of the wall in eachstory.
(c) Buildings onSameProperty and Buildings Containing Courts. For the purpose ofdeterminingthe required wall and opening protection, buildings on the samepropertyand 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 anexistingbuilding, the assumed property line from the existing building shall bethe distance to the property line for each occupancy as set forth bytheSecretary: Provided, That two or more buildings on the same propertymaybe considered as portions of one building of the aggregate area of suchbuildings is within the limits of allowable floor areas for a singlebuilding;and that when the buildings so considered house different occupanciesorare of different types of construction, the area shall be that allowedfor the most restricted occupancy or construction.
SECTION 3.01.05: AllowableFloor Areas
(a) Areas of One-StoryBuildingsand Building Over One Story. Allowable floor areas for one-storybuildingsand buildings over one story shall not exceed the limits determined inaccordance with occupancy groups and types of construction.
(b) Area SeparationWalls.Each portion of a building separated by one or more area separationwallsmay be considered a separate building provided the area separation wallmeet the requirements of this Code.
SECTION 3.01.06: AllowableArea Increases
(a) The floor areahereinaboveprovided may be increased in certain specific instances and underappropriateconditions, based on the existence of public space, streets, or yardsextendingalong the adjoining two or more sides of the building or structure.
SECTION 3.01.07: MaximumHeight of Buildings and Increases
(a) The maximum heightandnumber of stories of every building shall be dependent upon thecharacterof the occupancy and the type of construction, and shall not exceed thelimits determined by population density, building bulk, widths ofstreets,and car parking requirements. The height shall be measured from thehighestadjoining sidewalk or ground surface, provided that the height measuredfrom the lowest adjoining surface shall not exceed such maximum heightby more than 3.00 meters (10 feet): Except, That towers, spires, andsteeples,erected as a part of a building and not used for habitation or storage,are limited as to height only by structural design if completely ofincombustiblematerials, or may extend not to exceed 6.00 meters (19 feet, 8 inches)above the height limits for each occupancy group if of combustiblematerials.
SECTION 3.01.08: MaximumRequirements for Group A Dwellings: One Two Stories
(a) DwellingLocationand Lot Occupancy. The dwelling shall occupy not more than 90 percentof a corner lot and 80 per cent of an inside lot, and subject to theprovisionson easem*nts of light and view of the Civil Code of the Philippines,shallbe at least 2.00 meters (6 feet, inches) from the property line.
(b) Light andVentilation.Every dwelling shall be so constructed and arranged as to provideadequatelight and ventilation.
(1) Habitable rooms,bathrooms,toilet rooms and utility rooms shall have a height of not less than2.40meters (8 feet), measured from floor to ceiling.
(2) Rooms shall have aminimumsize of 6.00 square meters (65 square feet) with a least horizontaldimensionof 2.00 meters (6 feet, 7 inches) for rooms of human habitations; 3.00square meters (32 feet) with a least horizontal dimension of 1.50meters(5 feet) for kitchens; and 1.20 square meters (13 square feet) with aleasthorizontal dimension of 90 centimeters (3 feet) for bathrooms.
(3) Windows shall be atleast 1/10th of the floor area of the room.
(d) Foundation.Footingshall be of sufficient size and strength to support the load anddwellingand shall be at least 30 centimeters (1 foot) thick and 60 centimeters(2 feet) below the surface of the ground. Each post shall be anchoredtosuch footings by straps and bolts of adequate size.
(e) Post orSuportales.The dimensions of wooden post or suportales shall be those found inTable3.01 - A Dimension of Wooden Posts or Suportales (Annex B).
(f) Floor. Theliveload of the first floor shall be at least 200 kilograms per squaremeter(40 pounds per square foot) and for the second floor, at least 150kilogramsper square meter (30 pounds per square foot).
(g) Roof. Thewindload for roofs shall be at least 150 kilograms per square meter (30poundsper square foot).
(h) Stairs.Stairsmay be 75 centimeters (30 inches) wide, with a rise of 20 centimeters(8inches) and a run of 23 centimeters (9 inches).
(i) Entrance andExit.There shall be one entrance and one exit.
(j) ElectricalOutlets.There shall be at least one convenience outlet per 6.00 meters (20feet) of wall measured along the floor and one light outlet for everyroom.
(k) MechanicalRequirements.Family dwellings not more than two stories shall be exempt from therequirements of the Mechanical Code.
SECTION 3.01.09: Requirementsfor Group Occupancies
(a) Subject to theprovisionsof this Code, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations for eachoccupancygroup covering: allowable construction, height, and area; location onproperty,exit facilities, light, ventilation, and sanitation; enclosure ofverticalopenings; fire-extinguishing system; and special hazards.
(a) The requirements ofthis Chapter are minimum for the varying degrees of public safety andresistanceto fire. Every building proposed for construction shall be identifiedaccordingto the following:
(1) Type I. Type IBuildingsshall be of wood construction. The structural elements may be any ofthematerials permitted by this Code.
(2) Type II. Type IIBuildingsshall be of wood construction with protective fire-resistant materialsand one-hour fire-resistive throughout: Except, That permanentnonbearingpartitions may use fire-retardant treated wood within the framingassembly.
(3) Type III. Type IIIBuildingsshall be masonry and wood construction, Structual elements may be anyofthe materials permitted by this Code: Provided, That the building shallbe one-hour fire-resistive throughout. Exterior walls shall be ofincombustiblefire-resistive construction.
(4) Type IV. Type IVBuildingshall be of steel, iron, concrete, or masonry construction. Walls andpermanentpartitions shall be of incombustible fire-resistive construction:Except,That permanent nonbearing partitions of one-hour fire resistiveconstructionframing assembly.
(5) Type V. Type VBuildingsshall be fire-resistive. The structural elements shall be of steel,iron,concrete, or masonry construction. Walls and permanent partitions shallbe incombustible fire-resistive construction.
(b) Other subtypes ordivisionswithin Types I to V may be determined by the Secretary. Any buildingwhichdoes not conform entirely to a type of construction herein set forthshallbe classified into a type having an equal or lesser degree offire-resistanceof the building.
(c) The BuildingOfficialshall identify and indicate in the Certificate of Occupancy theappropriateclassification to which a building or structure to be constructedbelongs.
SECTION 4.01.02: Changein Type
(a) No change shall bemadein the type of construction of any building which would place thebuildingin a different subtype or type of construction unless such bidding ismadeto comply with the requirements for such subtype or type ofconstruction:Except, That the type of construction of existing buildings may bechangedsubject to the approval of the Building Official and the building maybeconstructed for purposes set forth in other Types without conforming toall the requirements for those Types, provided the new or proposedconstructionis less hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than the existingconstruction.
SECTION 4.01.03: Requirementson Types of Construction
(a) Subject to theprovisionsof this Chapter, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations for eachtypeof construction, and promulgate rules and regulations therefor,covering:structural framework, exterior walls and openings, interior walls andenclosures,floors, exits and stars construction, and roofs.
(a) Subject to theprovisionsof the CivilCode on easem*nt on light and view, and to provisions of thisTitle,every building shall be so constructed, arranged, and equipped as toprovideadequate light and ventilation.
(b) All buildingerectedshall face a street or public alley or private street which has beenofficiallyapproved.
(c) No building shallbealtered nor arranged so as to reduce the size of any room or therelativearea of windows to less than that provided for buildings under thisCode,or so as to create an additional room, unless such additional roomconformsto the requirements of this Code.
(d) No building shallbeenlarged, so that the dimensions of any required court yard would belessthan that prescribed for any such building.
SECTION 5.01.02: Measurementof Site Occupancy
(a) The measurement ofsiteoccupancy or lot occupancy shall be taken at the ground level and shallbe exclusive of courts, yards, and light wells.
(b) Courtyards andlightwells shall be measured clear of any projections from the wallsenclosingsuch wells or yards with the exception of roof leaders, wall copings,sills,or steel fire escapes, not exceeding 1.20 meters (4 feet) in width.
SECTION 5.01.03: Percentageof Site Occupancy
(a) The maximum siteoccupancyshall be governed by the use, type of construction, and height of thebuilding,and the use, area, nature and location of the site, subject to theprovisionsof local zoning requirements and in accordance with rules andregulationsset forth by the Secretary.
SECTION 5.01.04: MinimumSize of Courts and Their Least Dimensions
(a) The minimum size ofcourts and their least dimensions shall be dependent upon the use, typeof construction, and height of the building subject to the requirementsset forth by the Secretary: Provided, That in no case shall betheminimum horizontal dimension of courts be less than 2.00 meters (6feet,7 inches).
(b) All inner courtsshallbe connected to a street or yard, either by a passageway with a minimumwidth of 1.20 meters (4 feet) or by a door through a room or rooms.
SECTION 5.01.05: CeilingHeights
(a) Habitable rooms,bathrooms,toilet rooms, storage rooms, and utility rooms shall have a ceilingheightof not less than 2.40 meters (8 feet), measured from the floor to theceiling:Provided, That for buildings of more than one story, the minimumceiling height of the first story shall be 2.70 meters (9 feet) and2.40meters (8 feet) for the second story, and succeeding stories. Garagesshallhave an unobstructed headroom clearance of not less than 2.10 meters (7feet) above the finished floor.
SECTION 5.01.06: MinimumSize of Rooms and Their Least Dimensions
(a) The minimum sizesofrooms and their least horizontal dimensions shall be as follows: 6:00square(65 square feet) with at least nominal dimension of 2.00 meters (6 feet7 inches) for rooms for human habitation; 3.00 square meters (32 squarefeet) with a least horizontal dimension of 1.50 meters (5 feet) forkitchens;and 1.20 square meters (12 square feet) with a least horizontaldimensionof 0.90 meter (3 feet) for bathrooms.
SECTION 5.01.07: MinimumAir Space Requirements in Determining the Size of Rooms
(a) The followingminimumair spaces shall be provided:
(1) For school rooms: 3.00meters (106 cubic feet) with 1.00 square meter (10.7 square feet) offloorarea per person.
(2) For workshops,factories,and offices: 10.00 cubic meters (354 cubic feet) or air space perpersonat daytime and 14.00 cubic meters (494 cubic feet) of air space perpersonat night time.
(3) For habitablerooms:14.00 cubic meters (494 cubic feet) of air space per adult person and7.00cubic meters (247 cubic feet) of air space per child under 10 years ofa*ge.
SECTION 5.01.08: WindowOpenings
(a) Every room intendedfor any use, not otherwise provided with air-conditioning or mechanicalventilation system as herein provided in this Code, shall be providedwitha window or windows whose total area of openings shall be at least1/10ththe floor area of the room, and such shall open directly to a court,yard,public way or alley, or water course.
SECTION 5.01.09: MezzanineFloor
(a) A Mezzanine floorisa partial, intermediate floor in any story or room of a building havingan area not more than one-half of the area of the room or space inwhichit is constructed.
(b) A mezzanine floorshallbe constructed with a clear ceiling height of not less than 1.90 meters(6 feet, 4 inches) above and below.
SECTION 5.01.10: VentShafts
(a) Size. Ventshaftsshall have a cross-sectional area of not less than 1/10th of a squaremeterfor every meter of height of shafts (1 square foot per 10 feet) but notless than 1.00 square meter (10.7 square feet) in any case. No suchshaftshall be less than 60 centimeters (2 feet) in its least dimension.
(b) Skylights.Unlessopen to the outer air at the top for its full area, such shaft shall becovered by a skylight having a net area of fixed louver openings equalto the maximum required shaft area.
(c) Air Ducts.Airducts shall be connected to a street or court by a horizontal duct orintakeat a point below the lowest window opening on such shaft. Such duct orintake shall have a minimum unobstructed cross-sectional area of notlessthan 0.30 square meter (3.2 square feet) with a minimum dimension of 30centimeters (1 foot). The opening to the duct or intake shall not belessthan 30 centimeters (1 foot) above the bottom of the shaft and thestreetsurface or bathroom of court, at the respective ends of the conduct orintake.
SECTION 5.01.11: VentilatingSkylights
(a) Skylights.Skylightsshall have a glass area not less than that required for the window theyreplace. They shall be equipped with movable sashes or louvers of anaggregatenet area not less than that required for openable parts in the windowtheyreplace or with approved ventilation of equal efficiency.
(b) Ventilation.Rooms containing industrial heating equipment shall be provided withadequateartificial means of ventilation to prevent excessive accumulation ofhotor polluted air.chan robles virtual lawlibrary
SECTION 5.01.12:ArtificialVentilation
(a) General. Whenartificial ventilation is required, the equipment shall be designed andconstructed to meet the following requirements in air changes:
(1) Business andWorkrooms
- (1.1) Forrooms whollyabovegrade occupied for office, clerical or administrative purposes, or asstores,sales, rooms, restaurants, markets, factories, workshops, or machineryrooms, not less than three changes of air per hour shall be provided.
(1.2) For roomswhollyabovegrade, occupied as bakeries, hotel or restaurant kitchen, laundriesotherthan accessory to dwellings, and boiler rooms, of not less than tenchangesor air per hour shall be provided.
(2) Rooms in Public andInstitutionalBuildings
- (2.1) Forauditoriumsandother rooms used for assembly purposes, not less than 0.85 cubic meter(30 cubic feet) of air per minute shall be supplied for each person forwhom seating or other accommodation is provided.
(2.2) For wards anddormitoriesof institutional buildings, not less than 0.85 cubic meter (30 cubicfeet)of air per minute shall be supplied for each person accommodated.
(a) All buildingshereaftererected for human habitation should be provided with plumbingfacilitiesinstalled in conformity with the National Plumbing Code adopted andpromulgatedby the National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines pursuantto Republic Act 1378, otherwise known as the "Plumbing Law".
(a) No part of anybuildingstructure or any of its appendages shall project beyond the propertylineof the building site, except as provided in this Code.
(b) The projection ofanystructure of appendage over a public property shall be the distancemeasuredhorizontally from the property line to the outermost point of theprojection.
SECTION 6.01.02: Projectioninto Alleys and Streets
(a) No part of anystructureor its appendage shall project into any alley or street except asprovidedin this Code.
(b) No projection shallbe allowed on any national roads or public highway.
(c) Footing located atleast2.40 meters (8 feet) below grade may project not more than 30centimeters(12 inches) beyond the property line.
(d) Foundation may bepermittedto encroach into public sidewalk areas to a width not exceeding 50centimeters(1 foot, 8 inches): Provided, That the top of the said foundations orfootingsdoes not reach beyond the level of a plane 60 centimeters (2 feet)belowthe established grade; and Provided, further, That saidprojectiondoes not obstruct any existing utility such as power, communication,gas,water, or sewer lines, unless the owner concerned shall pay thecorrespondingentities for the re-routing of the parts affected.
SECTION 6.01.03: Projectionof Balconies and Appendages Over Streets
(a) The extent of anyprojectionover an affected alley or street shall be uniform within a block andshallconform to the limitations set forth in Table 6.01-A: Projection ofbalconiesand Appendages (Annex B).
(b) The clearancebetweenthe established grade of the street or sidewalk and the undersurface ofthe balcony shall be not less than 3.00 meters (10 feet).
SECTION 6.01.04: Arcades
(a) Arcades shall beconstructedon sidewalks when required by local ordinances. The with of the arcadeand its height over affected sidewalks shall be uniform within a block:Provided, That, in no case, shall an arcade be less than 3.00meters(10 feet) above the establishment sidewalk grade of the establishedstreet.
(a.1.) General.Forthe purpose of this Section, a marquee shall include by any object ordecorationattached thereto.
(b.2.) ProjectionandClearance.The horizontal clearance between the outmost edge of the marqueeandthe curb line shall be not less than 30 centimeters (1 foot). Theverticalclearance between the payment or grounds line and the undersurface ofthemarquee shall be not less than 2.70 meters (9 feet).
(c.3.) Construction.AMarquee shall be constructed of incombustible material or materials ofnot less than one-hour fire-resistive construction. It shall providedwiththe necessary drainage facility.
(d.4.) LocationProhibited.Every marquee shall be so located as not to interfere with theoperationof any exterior standpipe connection or to obstruct the clear passagefromstairways or exists from the building or the installation ormaintenanceof electroliers.
(a) Definition. Anawning is a movable shelter supported entirely from the exterior wallofa building and of a type which can be retracted, folded, or collapsedagainstthe face of a supporting building.
(b) Clearance. Thehorizontal clearance between the awning and the curb line shall be notless than 30 centimeters (1 foot). The vertical clearance between theundermostsurface of the awning and the payment or ground line shall be not lessthan 2.40 meters (8 feet). Collapsible awnings shall be so designedthatthey shall not block required when collapsed.
SECTION 6.01.07: Doors
(a) Doors either sullyopenedor when opening, shall not projects beyond the property line.
SECTION 6.01.08: CornerBuildings with Chaflans
(a) Every cornerbuildingon a public street or alley less than 30.60 meters (12 feet) in widthshallbe made with a chaflan or truncated angle at the corner. The face ofthetriangle so formed shall be at right angles to the bisector of theangleof intersection of the street lines; Provided, That, in nocase,shall the length of the chaflan be less than 4.00 meters (13 feet, 4inches).In special cases, the Building Official shall determine the size andformof the chaflan.
(b) If the buildings isarcaded, no chaflan is required notwithstanding the width of the publicstreet or alleys less than 12.00 meters (39 feet, 4 inches).
(a) No person shall useor occupy a street, alley, or public sidewalk for the performance orworkunder a building permit except in accordance with the provisions ofthisChapter.
(b) No person shallperformany work on any work on any building or structure adjacent to a publicway in general use by the public for pedestrian travel, unless thepedestriansare protected as specified in this Chapter.
(c) Any material orstructuretemporarily occupying public property, including fences, canopies, andwalkways, shall be adequately lighted between sunset and sunrise.
SECTION 6.02.02: TemporaryUse of Streets and Alleys
(a) The use of publicpropertyshall meet legal requirements and subject to permit to be issuedofficiallyby the Building Official.
SECTION 6.02.03: Storageon Public Property
(a) Materials andequipmentnecessary for work to be done under a permit shall not be placed orstoredon public property so as to obstruct free and convenient approach toanduse of any fire hydrant, fire or police alarm box, utility box, catchbasin,or manhole or so as not to interfere with any drainage of any street oralley gutter.
SECTION 6.02.04: MixingMortar on Public Property
(a) The mixing orhandlingof mortar, concrete, or similar materials on public street shall not beallowed except when the same are to be used on such streets or anyportionthereof such as curbs, gutters, manholes, sidewalks, culverts and thelike.
SECTION 6.02.05: Protectionof Utilities
(a) All public orprivateutilities above or below the ground shall be protected from any damagesby any work being done under the permit. This protection shall bemaintainedwhile such work is being done and shall not obstruct the normalfunctioningof any such utility.
SECTION 6.02.06: Walkway
(a) A temporary walkwaynot less than 1.20 meters (4 feet) wide shall be provided in lieu ofthesidewalk, or in case there is none, in front of the building siteduringconstruction or demolition unless the Building Official authorizes thesidewalk to be fenced and closed. Adequate signs and railings shall beprovided to direct pedestrian traffic.
(b) The walkway shallbecapable of supporting a uniform live load of 633 kilograms per squaremeter(150 pounds per square foot). a durable wearing surface shall beprovidedthroughout the construction period.
SECTION 6.02.07: Pedestrianprotection
(a) ProtectionRequired.Pedestrian traffic shall be protected by a railing on the street sidewhenthe walkway extends into the roadway, by a railing when adjacent toexcavations,and by such other appropriate portion such as set forth in Table6.02-A:Type of Protection Required for Pedestrian (Annex B).
(b) Railings. Railingsshall be built substantially and should be at least 1.00 meter (3 feet,3 inches) in height.
(c) Fence.Fencesshall be built of an approved material, not less than 2.40 meters (8feet)in height above grade, and to be placed on the side of the walkwaynearestto the building site. Fences shall enclose entirely the building site.Openings in such fences shall be provided with doors which shall bekeptclosed at all times.
(d) Canopies.Theprotective canopy shall have a clear height of 2.40 meters (8 feet)abovethe walkway, and shall be constructed structurally safe. Every canopyshallhave a solid fence built along its entire length on the constructionside.If materials are stored or work is done on top of the canopy, the edgealong the street shall be adopted by a tight curb board not less than30centimeters (1 foot) high and a railing not less than 1.00 meters (3feet,3 inches) high shall be provided. The entire structure shall bedesignedto carry the loads imposed upon it: Provided, That the live load shallbe not less than 633 kilograms per square meter (150 pounds per squarefoot).
SECTION 6.02.08: Maintenanceand Removal of Protection Devices
(a) Maintenance.Such protection devices shall be properly maintained in place and keptin good order for the entire length of time pedestrians may beendangered.
(b) Removal. Everyprotection fence or canopy shall be removed within 30 days after suchprotectionis no longer required.
SECTION 6.02.09: Demolition
(a) The work ofdemolishingany building shall not be commenced until the required pedestrianprotectionstructures are in place.
(b) The BuildingOfficialrequire the permitee to submit plans and complete schedule fordemolition.Where such required, no work shall be done until such plans and/orscheduleare approved by the Building Official.
(a) The design andconstructionof all buildings and structures shall be in compliance with theprovisionsof the National Structural Code for Buildings, latest edition, adoptedand promulgated by the Board of examiners of civil engineers pursuanttoRepublic Act Numbered 544, as amended, otherwise known as the "CivilEngineeringLaw".
TITLE 8 - DETAILEDREGULATIONS
Chapter 8.01 - GENERALREQUIREMENTS
SECTION 8.01.01: General
(a) Buildings proposedforconstruction shall comply with all the regulations and specificationshereinset forth governing quality, characteristics and properties ofmaterials,methods of design and construction, type of occupancy, andclassificationof construction.
SECTION 8.01.02: Excavations,Foundations, and Retaining Walls
(a) General.Subjectto the provisions of Articles 684 to 686 of the Civil Code of thePhilippineson lateral and subjacent support, the quality of materials and designusedstructurally in excavations, footings and shall conform to theinternationallyrecognized and accepted principles of engineering.
(b) Excavation orfills.
(1) Excavation or fillsfor any building structure and excavations or fills accessory theretoshallbe so constructed or protected that they do not endanger life andproperty.
(2) Whenever orwhereverthe depth of any excavation for a new construction is such that thelateraland subjacent support of the adjoining property or existing structurethereonwould be affected in a manner that the stability of safety of the sameis in endanger, the person undertaking or causing the excavation to beundertaking or causing the excavation to be undertaken shall beresponsiblefor the expense of underpinning or extending the foundation or footingsof the aforementioned property or structure only when such underpinningis necessary for the safety of the same during excavation.
(3) Excavations andothersimilar disturbances made on public property caused by public utilitiesshall be repaired immediately and returned to its former conditionwithin48 years from the start of such excavations and disturbances by thepublicutility franchise owner and the duly constituted officials thereof.Adequatesigns and safeguards shall be installed around and near the excavationto protect the public from any danger of falling into the excavation.Repeatedand flagrant violations of this Section shall be the basis ofrevocationof any public utility franchise. This provision shall not exempt thefranchiseowner and the duly constituted officials thereof from any criminal orcivilliabilities arising from such excavations and disturbances to thirdpersons.
(c) Footings andFoundations,and Retining Walls
(1) Footings andfoundationsshall be of the appropriate type, of adequate size, and capacity inorderto safely sustain the superimposed loads under seismic or any conditionto external forces that may affect the safety or stability of thestructure.It shall be the responsibility of the architect and/or engineer toadoptthe type and design of the same in accordance with generally acceptedprinciplesand standards of engineering.
(2) Whenever orwhereverthere exists in the site of the construction on abrupt change in thegroundlevels or levels of the foundation such that instability of the soilcouldresult, retaining walls shall be provided and such shall be of adequatedesign and type of construction in accordance with generally acceptedstandardsand principles of engineering.
SECTION 8.01.03: Veneer
(a) Definition.Veneeris a nonstructural facing of brick, concrete, stone, tile, metal,plastic,glass, or other similar approved materials attached to a backing orstructuralcomponents of the building for the purpose of ornamentation,protection,or enclosure that may be adhered, integrated, or anchored either on theexterior or interior of the building or structure.
(b) DesignRequirements.The design of all veneer shall comply with the following:cralaw:red
- (1) Veneershall supportno load other than its own weight and the vertical dead load of veneerabove.
(2) Surfaces to whichveneeris attached shall be designed to support the additional vertical andlateralloads imposed by the veneer.
(3) Considerationshallbe given for differential movement of supports including that caused bytemperature changes, shinkage, creep, and deflection.
(4) Adhered veneeranditsbacking shall be designed to have a bond to the supporting elementssufficientto withstand shearing stresses due to their weights including seismiceffectson the total assemblage.
(5) Anchored veneerandits attachments shall be designed to resist external forces equal totwicethe weight of the veneer.
(6) Anchors,supports,andveneers shall be incombustible corrosion-resistant.
(c) Construction. Theperson undertaking a causing a construction to be undertaken shallobserve,to the satisfaction of the Building Official, internationallyrecognizedand accepted principles governing dimensions of units, weights ofmaterials,methods of construction, attachment or anchorage, bonding or anchorage,bonding or adhesion, structural adequacy and type and rigidity ofbacking,and considerations for differential movements of supports includingthatcaused by temperature changes, shinkage, creep, and deflection.
SECTION 8.01.04: Enclosureof Vertical Openings
(a) General.Verticalopenings be enclosed depending upon the fire-resistive requirements ofa particular type of construction as set forth in this Code.
(b) ElevatorEnclosures.Walls and partitions enclosing elevators and escalators shall benotless than the fire-resistive construction required under the Types ofConstruction.Enclosing walls of elevators shafts may consist of wire glass set inmetalframes on the entrance side only. Elevator shafts extending throughmorethan two stories shall be equipped with an approved means of adequateventilationto and through the main roof of the building: Provided, Thatinbuildings housing Groups G and F Occupancies equipped with automaticfire-extinguishingsystems throughout, enclosures shall not be required to escalators:Provided,further, That the top of the escalator opening at each story shall beprovidedwith a draft curtain. Such draft curtain shall enclose the perimeter ofthe unenclosed opening and shall extend from the ceiling downward atleast30 centimeters (12 inches) on all sides. Automatic sprinklers shall beprovided around the perimeter of the opening and within 60 centimeters(2 feet) of the draft curtain. The distance between the sprinklersshallnot exceed 1.80 meters (6 feet) center-to-center.
(c) Other VerticalOpenings.All shafts, ducts, chutes, and other vertical openings not covered inparagraph(b), above shall have enclosing walls conforming to the requirementsspecifiedunder the Type of Construction of the building in which they arelocated.In other than Group A Occupancies rubbish and linen chutes shallterminatein rooms separated from the remainder of the bidding by a One-HourFire-ResistiveOccupancy Separation. Openings into the chutes shall not be located inrequired exit corridors or stairways.chan robles virtual lawlibrary
(d) Air Ducts.Airducts passing through a floor shall be enclosed in a shaft. The shaftshallbe as required in this Code for vertical openings. Dampers shall beinstalledwhere ducts pierce the shaft enclosure walls. Air ducts in Group AOccupanciesneed not be enclosed in a shaft if conforming to the mechanicalprovisionsof this Code.
SECTION 8.01.05: FloorConstruction
(a) Floor constructionshallbe of materials and construction as specified under Title 2 on FiredZonesand Fire-Resistive Standards and under Title 4 on Types of Construction.
(b) All floors shall beso framed and tied into the framework and supporting walls as to formanintegral part of the whole building.
(c) The types of floorconstructionused shall provide means to keep the beams and girders from spreadingbyinstalling either ties or bridging, with no laterally unsupportedlengthof joints being permitted to exceed 2.40 meters (8 feet) except asotherwisespecified in this Code.
SECTION 8.01.06: RoofConstruction ad Covering
(a) Roof Coverings.Roof coverings for all buildings shall be either fire-retardant orordinarydepending upon the fire-resistive requirements of the particular TypeofConstruction. The use of combustible roof insulation shall be permittedin all Types of Construction provided it is covered with approved roofcovering applied directly thereto.
(b) Roof Trusses.All roofs shall be so framed and tied into the framework and supportingwalls so as to form an integral part of the whole building. Rooftrussesshall have all joints well fitted and shall have all tension memberswelltightened before any load is placed on the truss. Diagonal and swaybracingshall be used to brace all roof trusses. The allowable working stressesof materials in trusses shall conform to this Code. The minimum netsectionof the members after framing shall be used in determining the strengthon the truss at any point.
(c) Attics
(1) Access. Anatticaccess opening shall be provided in the ceiling of the top floor ofbuildingswith combustible ceiling or roof construction. The opening shall belocatedin a corridor or hallway of buildings or three or more stories inheight,and readily accessible in buildings of any height. The opening be notlessthan 55 centimeters by 75 centimeters (22 inches by 30 inches).Seventy-fivecentimeters (30 inches) minimum clear headroom shall be provided abovethe access opening. Attics with a maximum vertical clear height of lessthan 75 centimeters (30 inches) need not be provided with accessopenings.
(2) AreaSeparations.Enclosed attics spaces formed of combustible construction shall bedividedinto horizontal areas not exceeding 230 square meters (2500 squarefeet)by partitions extending from the ceiling to the roof. Such partitionsshallbe not less than 13 millimeters (1/2 inch) thick gypsum wallboard, or2.5centimeters (1 inch) nominal thickness tight-fitting wood, 10millimeters(3/28 inch) thick plywood or approved incombustible materialsadequatelysupported. Openings in the partitions shall be protected byself-closingdoors constructed as required for the partitions: Except, That wheretheentire attic is equipped with an approved automatic fire-extinguishingsystem, the attic space may be divided into areas not to exceed 700squaremeters (7500 square feet).
(3) Draft Stops. Regardlessof the Type of Construction, draft stops shall be installed in trussedroofs, between roof and bottom chord of trusses, in all buildingsexceeding1900 square meters (20,000 square feet). Draft stops shall beconstructedas for attic area separations, and in accordance with Type ofConstruction.
(4) Ventilation.Enclosed attics and enclosed rafter spaces formed where ceilings areapplieddirect to the underside of roof rafters, shall have cross ventilationforeach separate space by ventilating and openings protected against theentranceof rain. The net free ventilating area shall be not less than 1/150thsof the area of the space ventilated, except that the area nay be1/300thsthis provided by ventilators located in the upper portion of the spaceto be ventilated at least 90 centimeters (3 feet) above eave or cornicevents with the balance of the required ventilation provide by eave orcornicevents.
(d) Roof Drainage.Roof systems not designed to support accumulated water shall be slopedfor drainage.
(1) Roof Drains.Unless roofs are sloped to drain over roof edges or are designed tosupportaccumulated water, roof drains shall be installed at each low point ofthe roof. Roof drains shall be adequate in size to convey the watertributaryto the roof drains.
(2) Overflow DrainsandScuppers. Where roof drains are required, overflow drains havingthesame size as the roof drains shall be installed with the inlet flowlinelocated 5 centimeters (2 inches) above the low point of the roof, oroverflowscuppers having three times the size of the roof drains may beinstalledin adjacent parapet walls with the inlet flow line 5 centimeters (2inches)above the low the point of the adjacent roof and having minimum openingheight of 10 centimeters (4 inches). Overflow drains shall be connectedto drain lines independent from the roof drains.
(3) ConcealedPiping.Roof drainage overflow drains, when concealed within the constructionofthe building, shall be installed.
(4) Over PublicProperty.Roof drainage water from a building shall not be permitted to flow overpublic property, except for Groups A and J Occupancies.
(e) Flashing. Atthe juncture of the roof and vertical surface, flashing andcounterflashingshall be provided.
SECTION 8.01.07: Stairs,Exits, and Occupant Loads
(a) General.Theconstruction of stairs, exits, and occupant loads shall conform torequirementsfor occupants of buildings, reviewing stands, bleachers, andgrandstands.
(1) Determination ofOccupant Loads. The occupant load permitted in any building orportionthereof shall be determined by dividing the floor area assigned to thatuse by the square meters or square feet per occupant accordinggenerallyaccepted principles of engineering. The capacity of a buildingcontainingmixed occupancies shall be determined by adding the number of occupantsof the various parts of the building classified as to Occupancy andTypeof Construction.
(2) ExitRequirements.Exit requirements of a building or portion thereof used for differentpurposesshall be determined by the occupant load which gives the largest numberof persons. No obstruction shall be placed the required width of anexitexcept projections permitted by this code.
(3) Posting of RoomCapacity.Any room having an occupant load of more than 50 where fixed seats arenot installed, and which is used for classroom, assembly, or similarpurpose,shall have the capacity of the room posted in a conspicuous place nearthe main exit from the room. Approved signs shall be maintained in alegiblemanner by the owner or his authorized agent, and shall indicate thenumberof occupants permitted for each room use.
(4) Changes inElevation.Except in Group A Occupancies, changes in elevation of not less than 30centimeters (12 inches) along any exit serving a tributary occupantloadof 10 or more shall be by means of ramps.
(1) Number of Exits.Every building or usable portion thereof shall have at least one exit.In all occupancies, floors above the first story having an occupantloadof more than 10 shall have not less than two exits. Each mezzanine usedfor other than storage purposes, if greater in area than 185 squaremeters(2000 square feet), or if more than 18.00 meters (60 feet) in anydimensionshall have not less than two stairways to an adjacent floor. Everystoryor portion thereof, having an occupant load of 500 to 999 shall havenotless than three exits. Every story or portions thereof, having anoccupantload of 1000 or more shall have not less than four exits. The number ofexits required from any story of a building shall be determined byusingthe occupant loads of floors which exit through the level underconsiderationas follows: 50 per cent of the occupant load in the first adjacentstoryabove (and the first adjacent story below, when a story below exitsthroughthe level under consideration) and 25 per cent of the occupant load inthe story immediately beyond the first adjacent story. The maximumnumberof exits required for any story shall be maintained until egress isprovidedfrom the structure. For purposes of this Section, basem*nts or cellarsand occupied roofs shall be provided with exits as required forstories.Floors above the second story, basem*nts, and cellars used for otherthanservice of the building shall have not less than two exits.
(2) Width. Thetotalwidth of exists in meters shall be not less than the total occupantloadserved divided by 165 (in feet, by 50). Such width of exits shall bedividedapproximately equally among the separate exits. The total exit widthrequiredfrom any story of a building shall be determined by using the occupantload of that story, plus the percentage of the occupant loads of floorswhich exit through the level under considerations as follows: 50 percentof the occupant load in the first adjacent story above (and the firstadjacentstory below when a story below exits through the level underconsideration)and 25 per cent of the occupant load in the story immediately beyondthefirst adjacent story. The maximum exit width required from any story ofa building shall be maintained.
(3) Arrangement ofExits.If only two exits are required they shall be placed a distance apartequalto not less than one-fifth of the perimeter of the area served measuredin a straight line between exits. Where three or more exits arerequiredthey shall be arranged a reasonable distance apart so that if onebecomesblocked others will be available.
(4) Distance toExits.No point in an unsprinkled building shall be more than 45.00 meters(150 feet) from an exterior exit door, a horizontal exit, exitpassageway,or an enclosed stairway, measured along the line of travel. In buildingequipped with a complete automatic fire-extinguishing system thedistancefrom exits may be increased to 60.00 meters (200 feet).
(c) Doors. Theprovisionsherein shall apply to every exit door serving an area having anoccupantload more than 10, or serving hazardous rooms or areas.
(1) Swing. Exitdoorsshall swing in the direction of exit travel when serving any hazardousareas or when serving an occupant load of 50 or more. Double actingdoorsshall not be used as a part of fire assembly, nor equipped with panichardware.A double acting door shall be provided with a view panel of not lessthan1300 square centimeters (200 square inches).
(2) Type of Lock orLatch.Exit door shall be openable from the inside without the use of akeyor any special knowledge or effort: Except, That this requirement shallnot apply to exterior exit doors in a Group E or F Occupancy if thereisa conspicuous, readily visible and durable sign on or adjacent to thedoor,stating that the door is to remain unlocked during business hours. Thelocking device must be of a type that will be readily distinguishableaslocked. Flush bolts or surface bolts are prohibited.
(3) Width andHeight.Every required exit doorway shall be of a size as to permit theinstallationof a door not less than 90 centimeters (3 feet) in width and not lessthan2.00 meters (6 feet, 7 inches) in height. When installed in exitdoorways,exits doors shall be capable of opening at least 90 degrees and shallbeso mounted that the clear width of the exitway is not less than 70centimeters(2 feet, 4 inches). In computing the required exit width, the netdimensionof the exitway shall be used.
(4) Door LeafWidth.No leaf an exit door shall exceed 1.20 meters (4 feet) in width.
(5) Special Doors.Revolving, sliding, and overhead doors shall not be used as requiredexits.
(6) Egress fromDoor.Every required exit door shall give immediate access to an approvedmeans of egress from the building.
(7) Change in FloorLevelat Doors. Regardless of the occupant load, there shall be a floororlanding on each side of and exit door. The floor or landing shall belevelwith, or not more than 5 centimeters (2 inches) lower than thethresholdof the doorway: Except, That in Groups A and B Occupies, a door mayopenon the top step of a flight of stairs or an exterior landing providingthe door does not swing over the top step or exterior landing and thelandingis not more than 19 centimeters (7-1/2 inches) below the floor level.
(8) DoorIdentification.Glass doors shall conform to the requirements specified in Section10.05.05. Other exit doors shall be so marked that they are readilydistinguishablefrom the adjacent construction.
(9) AdditionalDoors.When additional doors are provided for egress purposes, they shallconform to all provisions in the following cases: Approved revolvingdoorhaving leaves which will collapse under opposing pressures may be usedin exit situations: Provided, That such doors have a minimumwidthof 2.00 meters (6 feet, 7 inches); or they are not used in occupancieswhere exits are required to be equipped with panic hardware; or atleastone conforming exit door is located adjacent to each revolving doorinstalledin a building, and the revolving door shall not be considered toprovideany exit width.
(1) Width. Everycorridor or exterior exit balcony shall be not less in which 1.12meters(3 feet, 8 inches).
(2) Projections.The required width of corridors and exterior exit balconies shall beunobstructed:Except, That trim, handrails, and doors when fully opened shall notreducethe required width by more than 18 centimeters (7 inches). Doors in anyposition shall not reduce the required width by more than one-half.
(3) Access to Exits.When more than one exit is required, they shall be so arranged to allowgoing to either direction from any point in the corridor or exteriorexitbalcony to a separate exit, except for dead ends permitted.
(4) Dead Ends.Corridorsand exterior exit balconies with dead ends are permitted when the deadends does not exceed 6.00 meters (20 feet) in length.
(5) Construction.Walls and ceilings of corridors shall be not less than one hourfire-resistiveconstruction: Except, That this requirement shall not apply to exteriorexit balcony railings, corridors of a one-story building housing aGroupE or F Occupancy occupied by one tenant only and which serves anoccupantload of 30 less, nor to corridors, formed by temporary partitions.Exteriorexit balconies cannot project into an area where protected openings arerequired.
(6) Openings. Wherecorridor walls are required to be one-hour fire-resistive constructionevery interior door opening shall be protected as set forth ingenerallyrecognized and accepted requirements for dual purpose fire exit doors.Other interior openings, except ventilation louvers equipped withapprovedautomatic fire shutters shall be 6.3 millimeters (1/4 inch) fixed wireglass set in steel frames. The total area of all openings other thandoors,in any portion of an interior corridor wall shall not exceed 25 percentof the area of the corridor wall of the room which it is separatingfromthe corridor.
(c) Stairways.Everystairway serving any building or portion thereof shall conform to thefollowingrequirements of this Code except stairs or ladders used only to attendequipment.
(1) Width.Stairwaysserving an occupant load of more than 50 shall be not less in widththan1.12 meters (3 feet, 8 inches). Stairways serving an occupant load of50less may be 90 centimeters (3 feet) wide. Private stairways serving anoccupant load less than 10 may be 75 centimeters (2 feet, 6 inches)wide.Trim and handrails shall not reduce the required width may more than 9centimeters (3-1/2 inches).
(2) Rise and Run.The rise of every step in a stairway shall not exceed 19 centimeters(7-1/2inches) and the run shall not be less than 25 centimeters (10 inches).Except as provided under paragraph (d) the maximum variations in theheightof risers and the width of treads in any one flight shall be 5millimeters(3-1/2 inch): Except, That in private stairways serving an occupantloadof less than 10, the rise may be 20 centimeters (8 inches) and run maybe 23 centimeters (9 inches).
(3) Winding Stairway.In Group A Occupancies and in private stairways in Group B Occupancies,winders may be used if the required width of run is provided at a pointnot more than 30 centimeters (12 inches) from the side of the stairwaywhere the treads are the narrower, but in no case shall any width ofrunbe less than 15 centimeters (6 inches) at any point.
(4) CircularStairways.Circular stairs may be used as an exit provided the minimum width ofrunis not less than 25 centimeters (10 inches). All treads in any oneflightbetween landing shall have identical dimensions within a 5-millimeters(3/16-inch) tolerance.
(5) Landings.Everylanding shall have a dimension measured in the direction of travelequalto the width of the stairway. Such dimension need not exceed 1.20meters(4 feet) when the stair has a straight run. Landings, when providedshallnot be reduced in width by more than 9.3 centimeters (3-1/2 inches) bya door when fully open.
(6) Basem*ntStairways.Where a basem*nt stairway and stairway to an upper story terminate inthesame exit enclosure, an approved barrier shall be provided to preventpersonsfrom continuing on into the basem*nt. Directional exit signs shall beprovidedas specified in this Code.
(7) DistanceBetweenLandings. There shall be not more than 3.65 meters (12 feet)verticallybetween landings.
(8) Handrails.Stairwaysshall have handrails on each side, and every stairway required to bemorethan 3.00 meters (9 feet) in width shall be provided with not less thanone intermediate handrail for each 3.00 meters (9 feet of requiredwidth.Intermediate handrails shall be spaced approximately equal within theentirewidth of the stairway. Handrails shall be placed not less than 75centimeters(2 feet, 6 inches) nor more than 85 centimeters (2 feet, 10 inches)abovethe nosing of threads, and ends of handrails shall be returned or shallterminate in newel posts or safety terminals: Except, in the followingcases: Stairways 1.12 meters (3 feet, 8 inches or less in width andstairwayserving one individual dwelling unit in Group A or B Occupancies mayhaveone handrails, except that such stairway open on one or both sidesshallhave handrails provided on the open side or sides; or stairways havingless four than four risers need not have handrails.
(9) ExteriorStairwayProtection. All openings in the exterior wall below or within 3.00meters (10 feet), measured horizontally, of an exterior exit stairwayservinga building over two stories in height shall be protected by aself-closingfire assembly having a three-fourths-hour fire-resistive rating:Except,That openings may be unprotected when two separated exterior stairwaysserve an exterior exit balcony.
(10) StairwayConstruction-Interior.Interior stairways shall be constructed as specified in this Code.Where there is enclosed usable space shall be protected on the enclosedside as required for one-hour fire-resistive construction.
(11) StairwayConstruction-Exterior.Exterior stairways shall be of incombustible material: Except, Thaton Type III buildings which do not exceed two stories in height, andarelocated in less fire-resistive Fire Zones, as well as on Type Ibuildings,these may be of wood not less than 5 centimeters (2 inches) in nominalthickness. Exterior stairs shall be protected as required for exteriorwalls due to location on property as specified in this Code. Exteriorstairwaysshall not project into an area where openings are required to beprotected.Where there is enclosed usable space under stairs the walls and soffitsof the enclosed space shall be protected on the enclosed side asrequiredfor one-hour fire-resistive construction.
(12) Stairway toRoof.In every building more than two stories in height, one stairway shallextendto the roof surface, unless the roof has a slope greater than 1 in 3.
(13) Headroom.Everyrequired stairway shall have a headroom clearance of not less than2.00meters (6 feet, 8 inches). Such clearance shall be established bymeasuringvertically from a plane parallel and tangent to the stairway treadnosingto the soft above all points.
(f) Ramps. Arampconforming to the requirements of this Code may be used as an exit. Thewidth of ramps shall be as required for corridors.
(g) HorizontalExit. If conforming to the provisions of this Code, a horizontalexitmay be required exit. All openings in a separation wall shall beprotectedby a fire assembly having a fire-resistive rating of not less than onehour. A horizontal exit shall lead into a floor area having capacityforan occupant load not less than the occupant load served by such exit.Thecapacity shall be determined by allowing 0.28 square meter (3 squarefeet)of net clear floor area per ambulatory occupant and 1.86 square meters(20 square feet) per non-ambulatory occupant. The dispersal area intowhichthe horizontal exit leads shall be provided with exits as required bythisCode.
(h) ExitEnclosures.Every interior stairway, ramp, or escalator shall be enclosed asspecifiedin this Code: Except, That in other than Group D Occupancies, anenclosurewill not be required for a stairway, ramp, or escalator serving onlyoneadjacent floor and connected with corridors or stairways serving otherfloors. Stairs in Group A Occupancies need not be enclosed.
(1) Enclosure walls shallbe of not less than two-hour fire-resistive construction elsewhere.Thereshall be no openings into exit enclosures except exit doorways andopeningsin exterior walls. All exit doors in an exit enclosure shallappropriatelybe protected.
(2) Stairway and rampenclosuresshall include landings and parts of floors connecting stairway flightsand shall also include a corridor on the ground floor leading from thestairway to the exterior of the building. Enclosed corridors orpassagewaysare not required from unenclosed stairways.
(3) A stairway in anexitenclosure shall not continue below the grade level exit unless anapprovedbarrier is provided at the ground floor level to prevent persons fromaccidentallycontinuing into the basem*nt.
(4) There shall be noenclosedusable space under stairways in an exit enclosure, nor shall the openspaceunder such stairways be used for any purpose.
(i) SmokeproofEnclosures.A smoke enclosure shall consist of a continuous stairway enclosedfromthe highest point top the lowest point by walls of two-hourfire-resistiveconstruction. In buildings five stories or more in height, one of therequiredexits shall be smokeproof enclosure.
(1) Stairs in smokeproofenclosures shall be of incombustible construction.
(2) There shall be noopeningsin smokeproof enclosure, except exit doorways and openings in exteriorwalls. There shall be no openings directly into the interior of thebuilding.Access shall be through a vestibule with one wall at 50 per cent opentothe exterior and having an exit door from the interior of the buildingand an exit door leading to the smokeproof enclosure. In lieu of avestibule,access may be by way of an open exterior balcony of incombustiblematerials.
(3) The opening fromthebuilding to the vestibule or balcony shall be protected with aself-closingfire assembly having one-hour fire-resistive rating. The opening fromthevestibule or balcony to the stair tower shall be protected aself-closingfire assembly having a one-hour fire-resistive rating.
(4) A smokeproof ofenclosureshall exit into a public way or into an exit passageway leading to apublicway. The exit passageway shall be without other openings and shall havewalls, floors, and ceilings of two-hour exit resistance.
(5) A stairway in asmokeproofenclosure shall not continue below the grade level exit unless anapprovedbarrier is provided at the ground floor level to prevent persons fromaccidentallycontinuing into the basem*nt.chan robles virtual lawlibrary
(j) Exit Outlets,Courts,and Passageways. Every exit shall discharge into a public way, exitcourt, or exit passageway. Every exit court shall discharge into apublicway or exit passageway. Passageways shall be without openings otherthanrequired exits and shall have walls, floors, and ceilings of thebuildingbut shall be not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction.
(1) Width. Everyexit court and exit passageway shall be at least as wide as therequiredtotal width of the tributary exits, such as required width being basedon the occupant load served. The required width of exit courts or exitpassageways shall be unobstructed except as permitted in corridors. Atany point where the width of an exit court is reduced from any cause,thereduction in width shall be affected gradually by a guardrail at least90 centimeters (3 feet) in height. The guardrail shall make an angle ofnot more than 30 degrees with the exit court.
(2) Slope. Theslopeof exit courts shall not exceed 1 in 10. The slope of exit passagewaysshall not exceed 1 in 8.
(3) Number of Exits.Every exit court shall be provided with exits as required by this Code.
(4) Openings. Allopenings into an exit court less than 3.00 meters (10 feet) wide shallbe protected by fire assemblies having a three-fourths-hour fireresistiverating: Except, That openings more than 3.00 meters (10 feet) above thefloor of the exit court may be unprotected.
(k) Exit Signs andIllumination.Exits shall be illuminated at any time the building is occupied withlighthaving an intensity of not less than one-foot candle at floor level:Except,That for Group A Occupancies the exit illumination shall be providedwithseparate circuits or separated sources of power (but not necessarilyseparatefrom exit signs) when these are required for exit sign illumination.
(l) Aisles.Everyportion of every building in which are installed seats, tables,merchandise,equipment, or similar materials shall be provided with aisles leadingtoan exit.
(1) Width. Everyaisle shall be not less than 90 centimeters (3 feet) wide if servingonlyone side, and not less than 1.07 meters (3 feet, 6 inches) wide ifservingboth sides. Such minimum width shall be measured at the point farthestfrom an exit, cross aisles, or foyer and shall be increased by 4centimeters(1 1/2 inches) for each 1.50 meters (5 feet) in length toward the exit,cross aisle, or foyer. With continental spacing, side aisle shall benotless than 1.12 meters (3 feet, 8 inches) in width.
(2) Exit Distance. Inarea occupied by seats and in Group H and I Occupancies without seats,the line of travel to an exit door by an aisle shall not be not morethan46.00 meters (150 feet). With standard spacing, as specified in thisCode,aisles shall be so located that there will be not more than sixinterveningseats between any seat and the nearest aisle. With continental spacing,the number of intervening seats may be increased to 29 where exit doorsare provided along each aisle of the row of seats at the rate of onepairof exit doors for five rows of seats. Such exit doors shall provide aminimumclear width of 1.75 meters (5 feet, 6 inches).
(3) Cross Aisle.Aisles shall terminate in a cross aisle, foyer, or exit. The width ofthecross aisle shall be not less than the sum of the required width of thewidest aisle plus 50 per cent of the total required width of theremainingaisle leading thereto. In Groups C, H, and E Occupancies, aisles shallnot be provided a dead end greater than 6.00 meters (20 feet) in length.
(4) Vomitories.Vomitoriesconnecting the foyer or main exit with the cross aisles shall have atotalwidth not less than the sum of the required width of the widest aislesleading thereto plus 50 per cent of the total required width of theremainingaisles leading thereto.
(5) Slope. Theslopeportion of aisles shall not exceed 1 in 8.
(m) Seats
(1) Seat Spacing.With standard seating the spacing of rows of seats from back-to-backshallbe not less than 84 centimeters (2 feet, 9 inches), nor shall less than69 centimeters (2 feet, 3 inches) plus the sum of the thickness of theback and inclination of the back. Automatic or self-rising seats shallbe measured in the seat-up position, other seats shall be measured intheseat-down position. With continental seating, the spacing of rows ofunoccupiedseats shall provide a clear width measured horizontally, as follows: 45centimeters (18 inches) clear for rows of 18 seats or less; 51centimeters(20 inches) clear for rows of 35 seats or less; 51 centimeters (21inches)clear for rows of 45 seats or less; and 56 centimeters (22 inches)clearfor rows of 46 seats or more.
(2) Width. Thewidthof any seat shall not less than 45 centimeters (1 foot, 6 inches).
(n) Special Hazards
(1) Boiler Rooms.Except in Group A Occupancies, every boiler room and every roomcontainingan incinerator or L-P Gas or liquid fuel-fired equipment shall beprovidedwith at least two means of egress, one of which may be a ladder. Allinterioropenings shall be protected as set by internationally recognized andacceptedpractice for dual purpose fire exit doors.
(2) CelluloseNitrateHandling. Film laboratories, projection rooms, and nitro-celluloseprocessing rooms shall have not less than two exits.
(o) ReviewingStands,Grandstands, and Bleachers
(1) Height of Stands.Stands employing combustible framing shall be limited to 11 rows or2.70meter (9 feet) in height.
(2) DesignRequirements.The minimum unit live load for reviewing stands, grandstands, andbleachersshall be 488 kilograms per square meter (100 pounds per square foot) ofhorizontal projection for the structure as a whole. Seat and footboardsshall be 178.5 kilograms per linear meter (120 pounds per linear foot).The sway force, applied to seats, shall be 35.7 kilograms per linearmeter(24 pounds per linear foot) parallel to the seats and 14.8 kilogramsperlinear meter (10 pounds per linear foot) perpendicular to the seats.Swayforces need not be applied simultaneously with other lateral forces.
(3) Spacing of Seats
(3.1) Row Spacing.The minimum spacing of rows of seats measured from back-to-back shallbe:55 centimeters (22 inches) for seats without backrests in open airstandards;76 centimeters (30 inches) for seats with backrests; and 84 centimeters(33 inches) for chair seating. There shall be a space of not less than30 centimeters (12 inches) between the back of each seat and front oftheseat immediately behind it.
(3.2) Rise BetweenRows.The maximum rise from one row of seats to the next shall not exceed 40centimeters (16 inches).
(3.3) SeatingCapacity.For determining the seating capacity of a stand, the width of anyseatshall be not less than 45 centimeters (18 inches) nor more than 48centimeters(19 inches).
(3.4) Number ofSeatsBetween Aisles. The number of seats between any seats and an aisleshall not be greater than 15 for open air stands with seats withoutbackrests;9 for open air stands with seats having backrest in buildings, and 6forseats with backrest in building.
(4) Aisles
(4.1) Aisles Required.Aisles shall be provided in all stands: Except, That aisles may beomittedwhen all the following conditions exists: Seats are without backrest;therise from row to row does not exceed 30 centimeters (12 inches) perrow;the number of rows does not exceed 11 in height; the top seating boardis not over 3.00 meters (10 feet) above grade; and first seating boardis not more than 50 centimeters (20 inches) above grade.
(4.2) Obstructions.Noobstruction shall be placed in the required width of any aisle orexitway.
(4.3) StairsRequired.When an aisle is elevated more than 20 centimeters (8 inches) abovegrade, the aisle shall be provided with a stairway or ramp whose widthis not less than the width of the aisles.
(4.4) Dead End.Novertical aisle shall have a dead and more than 16 rows in depthregardlessof the number of exits required.
(4.5) Width.Aislesshall have a minimum width of 1.07 meters (3 feet, 6 inches).
(5) Stairs andRamps.The requirements in this Code shall apply to all stairs and rampsexceptfor portions that pass through the seating area.
(5.1) Stair Rise andRun. The maximum rise of treads shall not exceed 20 centimeters (8inches) and the minimum width of the run shall be 28 centimeters (11inches).The maximum variations in the width of treads in any one flight shallbenot more than 5 millimeters (3/16 inch) and the maximum variation intheheight of two adjacent rises shall not exceed 5 millimeters (3/16 inch).
(5.2) Ramp Slope.The slope of ramp shall be of approved nonslip material.
(5.3) Handrails.A ramp with a slope exceeding 1 in 10 shall have handrails. Stairs forstands shall have handrails. Handrails shall conform to therequirementsof this Code.
(6) Guardrails
(6.1) Guardrails shall berequired in all locations where the top of seat plank is more than 1.20meters (4 feet) above the grade and at the front of stands elevatedmorethan 60 centimeters (2 feet) above grade. Where only sections of standsare used, guardrails shall be provided as required in this Code.
(6.2) Railings shall be1.07 meters (3 feet, 6 inches) above the rear of a seat plank or 1.07meters(3 feet 6 inches) above the rear of the steps in an aisle when theguardrailis parallel and adjacent to the aisle: Except, That the height may bereducedto 90 centimeters (3 feet) for guardrails located in front of thegrandstand.
(6.3) A midrail shallbeplaced adjacent to any seat to limit the open distance above the top ofany part of a seat to 3.00 meters (10 feet) where the seat is at theextremeend or at the extreme rear of the bleachers of grandstand. Theinterveningspace shall have one additional rail midway in the opening: Except,Thatrailings may be omitted when stands are placed directly against a wallor fence giving equivalent protection; stairs and ramps shall beprovidedwith guardrails. Handrails at the front of stands and adjacent to anaisleshall be designed at resist a load of 74 kilograms per linear meter (50pounds per linear foot) applied at the top rail. Other handrails shallbe designed at resist a load of 9 kilograms (20 pounds).
(7) Footboards.Footboardsshall be provided for all rows of seats above the third row, orbeginningat such point where the seating plank is more than 60 centimeters (2feet)above grade.
(8) Exits
(8.1) Distance to Exit.The line of travel to an exit shall be not more than 45.00 meters (150feet). For stands with seats without backrests this distance may bemeasuredby direct line from a seat to the exit from the stand.
(8.2) Aisle Used asExit.An aisle may be considered as only one exit unless it is continuous atboth ends to a legal building exit or to a safe dispersal area.
(8.3) Two ExitsRequired.A stand with the first seating board not more than 50 centimeters(20inches) above grade of floor may be considered to have two exits whenthebottom of the stands is open at both ends. Every stand or section of astand within a building shall have at least two means of egress whenthestand accommodates more than 50 persons. Every open air stand havingseatswithout backrest shall have at least two means of egress when the standaccommodates more than 300 persons.
(8.4) Three ExitsRequired.Three exits shall be required for stands within a building when therearemore than 300 occupants within a stands, and for open air stands withseatswithout backrests where a stand or section of a stand accommodates morethan 1000 occupants.
(8.5) Four ExitsRequired.Four exits shall be required when a stand or section of standaccommodatesmore than 1000 occupants. Except, That for an open air stand with seatswithout backrest four exits need not be provided unless there areaccommodationsfor more than 3000 occupants.
(8.6) Width. Thetotal width of exits in meters shall be not less than the totaloccupantload served divided by 165 (by 50 in feet): Except, that for open airstandswith seats without backrests the total width of exits in meters shallbenot less than the total occupant load served divided by 500 (150 infeet)when exiting by stairs, and divided by 650 (by 200 in feet) whenexitingby ramps or horizontally. When both horizontal and stair exits areused,the total width of exits shall be determined by using both figures asapplicable.No exit shall be less than 1.07 meters (42 inches) in width. Exitsshallbe arranged a reasonable distance apart. When but two exits areprovided,they shall be spaced not less than one-fifth of the perimeter apart.
(9) Securing ofChairs.Chairs and benches used on raised stands shall be secured to theplatformupon which they are placed: Except, That when less than 25 chairs areusedupon a single raised platform the fastening of seats to the platformmaybe omitted. When more than 500 loose chairs are used in connection withathletic events, chairs shall be fastened together in groups of notlessthan three, and shall be tied or staked to the ground.
(10) Safe DispersalArea.Each safe dispersal area shall have at least two exits. If more than6000persons are to be accommodated within such an area, there shall be aminimumof three exits, and for more than 9000 persons there shall be a minimumof four exits. The aggregate clear width of exits from a safe dispersalarea shall be determined on the basis of not less than one exit unit 56centimeters (22 inches) for each 500 persons to be accommodated and noexit shall be less than 1.12 meters (44 inches) in width. Exits shallbea reasonable distance apart but shall be spaced not less than one-fifthof the perimeter of the area apart from each other.
SECTION 8.01.08: Skylights
(a) All skylights shallbe constructed with metal frames, except those for Groups A and JOccupancies.Frames of skylights shall be designed to carry loads required forroofs.All skylights, the glass of which is set an angle of less than 45degreesfrom the horizontal, if located above the first story, shall be atleast10 centimeters (4 inches) above the roofs. Curbs on which the skylightrests shall be constructed of incumbustible materials except for Type Ior II constructions.
(b) Spacing betweensupportsin one direction for flat wired glass skylights shall not exceed 7.60meters(25 feet). Corrugated wired glass may have supports 1.50 meters (5feet)apart in the direction of the corrugation. All glass in skylights shallbe wire glass: Except, That skylights over vertical shafts extendingthroughtwo or more stories shall be glazed with plain glass as specified inthisCode: Provided, That wire glass may be used if ventilationequalto not less than one-eighth the cross-sectional area of the shaft butneverless than 1.20 meters (4 feet) is provided at the top of such shaft.Anyglass not wire glass shall be protected above and below with a screenconstructedof wire not smaller than 12 U.S. gauge with a mesh not larger than 2.5centimeters (1 inch). The screen shall be substantially supported belowthe glass.
(c) Skylights installedfor the use of photographers may be constructed of metal frames andplateglass without wire netting.
(d) Ordinary glass maybeused in the roofs and skylights for greenhouses, provided the height ofthe greenhouse at the ridge does not exceed 6.00 meters (20 feet) abovethe grade. The use of wood in the frames of skylights will be permittedin greenhouses outside of highly restrictive Fire Zones if the heightofthe skylights does not exceeds 6.00 meters (20 feet) above the grade,butin other cases metal frames and metal sash bars shall be used.
(e) Glass used for thetransmissionof light, if placed in floors or sidewalks, shall be supported by metalor reinforced concrete frames, and such glass shall be not less than12.7millimeters (1/2 inch) in thickness. Any such glass over 103 squarecentimeters(16 square inches) in area shall have wire mesh embedded in the same orshall be provided with a wire screen underneath as specified forskylightsin this Code. All portions of the floor lights or sidewalk lights shallbe of the same strength as required for floor or sidewalk lights shallbe of the same strength as construction, except in cases where theflooris surrounded by a railing not less than 1.07 meters (3 feet, 6 inches)in height, in which case the construction shall be calculated for notlessthan roof loads.
SECTION 8.01.09: Bays,Porches, Balconies
(a) Walls and floors inbay and oriel windows shall conform to the construction allowed forexteriorwalls and floors of the type of construction of the building to whichtheyare attached. The roof covering of a bay or oriel window shall conformto the requirements of the roofing of the main roof. Exterior balconiesattached to or supported by walls required to be of masonry, shall havebrackets or beams constructed of incombustible materials. Railingsshallbe provided for balconies, landings, or porches, which are more than 75centimeters (2 feet, 6 inches) above grade.
SECTION 8.01.10: Penthousesand Roof Structures
(a) Height. Nopenthouseor other projection above the roof when used as an enclosure for tanksor elevators which run to the roof and in all other cases shall be notextend more than 3.60 meters (12 feet)in height above the roof.
(b) Area. Theaggregatearea of all penthouses and other roof structures shall not exceed33-1/3per cent of the area of the supporting roof.
(c) Prohibited Uses.No penthouse, bulkhead, or any other similar projection above the roofshall be used for purposes other than shelter of mechanical equipmentorshelter of vertical shaft openings in the roof. A penthouse or bulkheadused for purposes other than that allowed by this Section shall conformto the requirements of this Code for an additional story.
(d) Construction.Roof structures constructed with walls, floors, and roof as requiredforthe main portion of the building except in the following cases:
(1) On Types II and IIIbuildings the exterior walls and roofs of penthouses which are 1.50meters(5 feet) pr more from an adjacent property line may be of one-hourfire-resistiveincombustible construction.
(2) Walls not less than1.50 meters (5 feet) from an exterior wall of a Type IV building may beof one-hour fire-resistive incombustible construction.
(e) Towers andSpires.Towers or spires when closed shall have exterior walls as required forthe building to which they are attached. Towers not enclosed and whichextend more than 23.00 meters (75 feet) above grade shall have theirframeworkconstruction of iron, steel, or reinforced concrete. No tower or spireshall occupy more than one-fourth of the street frontage of anybuildingto which is attached and in no case shall the base area exceed 150squaremeters (1600 square feet) unless it conforms entirely to the type ofconstructionrequirements of the building to which it is attached and is limited inheight as a main part of the building. If the area of the tower orspireexceeds 10.00 square meters (107 square feet) at any horizontal crosssection,its supporting frame shall extend directly to the ground. The roofcoveringof the spires shall be as required for the main roof of the roof of therest of the structure. Skeleton towers used as radio masts, neon signs,or advertisem*nt frames and placed on the roof of any building shall beconstructed entirely of incombustible materials when more than 7.60meters(25 feet) in height and shall be directly supported on an incombustibleframework to the ground. No such skeleton towers shall be supported onroofs of combustible framings. They shall be design to withstand a windload from any direction in addition to any other loads.
SECTION 8.01.11: Chimneys,Fireplaces, and Barbecues
(a) Chimneys
(1) StructuralDesign.Chimneys shall be designed, anchored, supported, reinforced,constructed,and installed in accordance with generally accepted principles ofengineering.Every chimney shall be capable of producing a draft at the appliancenotless than the required for the safe operation of the applianceconnectedthereto. No chimney shall support any structural load than its ownweightunless it is designed to act as a supporting member. Chimneys in anwood-framedbuilding shall be anchored laterally at the ceiling and each floor linewhich is more than 1.80 meters (6 feet) above grade, except whenentirelywithin the framework on when designed to be free standing.
(2) Walls.Everymasonry chimneys shall have walls of masonry units, bricks, stones,listedmasonry units, reinforced concrete or equivalent solid thickness ofhollowmasonry and lined with suitable liners in accordance with the followingrequirements:cralaw:red
- (2.1) MasonryChimneysfor Residential-type Appliances. Masonry chimneys shall beconstructedof masonry units or reinforced concrete with walls not less than 10centimeters(4 inches) thick or rubble stone masonry not less than 30 centimeters(12inches) thick. The chimney linear shall be in accordance with this Code.
(2.2) MasonryChimneysfor Low-heat-Appliances. Masonry chimneys shall be constructed ofmasonryunits or reinforced concrete with walls not less than 20 centimeters (8inches) thick except that rubbles stone masonry shall be not less than30 centimeters (12 inches) thick. The chimneys linear shall be inaccordancewith this Code.
(2.3) MasonryChimneysfor Medium-heat-Appliances. Masonry chimneys for medium-heatappliancesshall be constructed of solid masonry units of reinforced concrete notless than 20 centimeters (8 inches) thick, except that stone masonryshallbe not at less than 30 centimeters (12 inches) thick and, in additionshallbe lined with not less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) of firebrick laidin a solid bed of fire clay mortar with solidity filled head, bed, andwall joints, starting not less than 60 centimeters (2 feet) below thechimneyconnector entrance and extending for a distance of at least 7.60 meters(25 feet) above the chimney connector entrance. Chimneys extending 7.60meters (25 feet) or less above the chimney connector shall be lined tothe top.
(2.4) MasonryChimneysfor High-heat Appliances. Masonry chimneys for high-heat appliancesshall be constructed with double walls of sold masonry units ofreinforcedconcrete not less than 20 centimeters (8 inches) in thickness, with anair space of not less than 5 centimeters (2 inches) between walls. Theinside of the interior walls shall be of firebrick not less than 10centimeters(4 inches) in thickness laid in a solid bid of fire clay mortar withsolidlyfilled head, bed and wall joints.
(2.5) MasonryChimneysfor Incinerators Installed in Multi-Story Buildings (Apartment-typeIncinerators).Chimneys for incinerators installed in multi-story buildings using thechimney passageway as a refuse chute where the horizontal grate area ofcombustion chamber does not exceed 0.84 square meter (9 square feet)shallhave walls of solid masonry or reinforced concrete, not less than 10centimeters(4 inches) thick with a chimneys lining as specified in this Code. Ifthegrate area of such an incinerator exceeds 0.84 square meter (9 squarefeet),walls shall be not less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) of firebrickexceptthat higher than 9.00 meters (30 feet) above the roof of the combustionchamber, common brick alone, 20 centimeters (8 inches) in thickness,maybe used.
(2.6) MasonryChimneysfor Commercial and Industrial-type Incinerators. Masonry chimneysforcommercial and industrial-type incinerators of a size designed for notmore than 115 kilograms (250 pounds) or refuse per hour and having ahorizontalgrate area not exceeding 0.84 meter (9 square feet) shall have walls ofsolid masonry or reinforced concrete not less than 10 centimeters (4inches)thick with lining shall extend for not less than 10 centimeters (4inches)for firebrick, which lining shall extend for not less than 12.00 meters(40 feet) above the roof of the combustion chamber. If the designcapacityor grate area of such an incinerator exceed 115 kilograms (250 pounds)per hour and 0.84 square meter (9 square feet) respectively, wallsshallbe not less than 20 centimeters (8 inches) thick, lined with not lessthan10 centimeters (4 inches) of firebrick extending the full height of thechimney.
(3) Linings. Fire claychimney lining shall be not less than 16 millimeters (5/8 inch) thick.The lining shall extend from 20 centimeters (8 inches) below the lowestinlet or, in the case of fireplaces, from the throat of the fireplacetoa point above enclosing masonry walls. Fire clay chimney linings shallbe installed ahead of the construction of the chimney as it is carriedup, carefully bedded one on the other in fire clay mortar, withclose-fittingjoints left so smooth on the inside. Firebrick not less than 5centimeters(2 inches) thick may be used in place of fire clay chimney.
(4) Area. Nochimneypassageway shall be smaller in area than the vent connection on theapplianceattached thereto.
(5) Height. Everymasonry chimney shall extend at least 60 centimeters (2 feet) above thepart of the roof through which it passes and at least 60 centimeters (2feet) above the highest elevation of any part of a building within 3.00meters (10 feet) to the chimney.
(6) Corbeling.Nomasonry chimney shall be corbel from a wall more than 15 centimeters (6inches) nor shall a masonry chimney be corbeled from a wall which islessthan 30 centimeters (12 inches) in thickness unless it projects equallyon each side of the wall. In the second story of a two-story buildingofGroup A Occupancy, corbeling of masonry chimneys on the exterior of theenclosing walls may equal the wall thickness. In every case thecorbelingshall not exceed 2.5-centimeter (1 inch) projection for each course ofbrick.
(7) Change in SizeorShape. No change in the size or shape of a masonry chimney wherethechimney passes through the roof shall be made within a distance of 15centimeters(6 inches) above or below the roof joists or rafters.
(8) Separation.Whenmore than one passageway is contained in the same chimney, masonryseparationat least 10 centimeters (4 inches) thick bonded into the masonry wallofthe chimney shall be provided to separate passageways.
(9) Inlets.Everyinlet to masonry chimneys shall enter the side thereof and shall be ofnot less than 3 millimeters (1/8 inch) thick metal or 16 millimeters(5/8inch) refractory materials.
(10) Clearance.Combustiblematerials shall not be placed within 5 centimeters (2 inches) of smokechamber walls or masonry chimney walls when built within a structure,orwith 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) when the chimney is built entirelyoutsidethe structure.
(11) Termination. Allincineration shall terminate in a substantially constructed sparkarresterhaving a mesh not exceeding 19 centimeters (3/4 inch).
(12) Cleanouts.Cleanoutopening shall be provided at the base of every masonry chimney.
(b) Fireplaces andBarbecues.Fireplaces, barbecues, smoke chamber, and fireplace chimneys shallbe of solid masonry or reinforced concrete and shall conform to theminimumrequirements specified in this Code. Factory-built metal room heatingstovesmay be used in accordance with generally recognized engineeringpractices.
(1) Fireplace Walls.Walls of fireplaces shall be not less than 20 centimeters (8 inches) inthickness. Walls of fireboxes shall be not less than 25 centimeters (10inches) in thickness: Except, That where a lining of firebrick is usedsuch walls shall be not less than 20 centimeters (8 inches) inthickness.The firebox shall be not less than 50 centimeters (20 inches) in depth.The maximum thickness of joints in firebrick shall be 6 millimeter (1/4inch).
(2) Hoods.Metalhoods used as a part of a fireplace or barbecue shall be not less thanNo. 18 gauge copper, galvanized steel, or other equivalentcorrosion-resistantferrous metal with all seams and connections of smokeproof unsolderedconstruction.The hoods shall be sloped at an angle of 45 degrees or less from theverticaland shall extend horizontally at least 15 centimeters (6 inches) beyondthe limits of the firebox. Metal hoods shall be kept a minimum of 40centimeters(18 inches) from combustion materials unless approved for reducedclearances.
(3) Circulators.Approved metal heat circulators may be installed fireplaces.
(4) Smoke Chamber.Front and side walls shall be not less than 20 centimeters (8 inches)inthickness. Smoke chamber back walls shall not be not less than 15centimeters(6 inches) in thickness.
(5) FireplaceChimneys.Walls of chimneys without flue lining shall be not less than 20centimeters(8 inches) in thickness. Walls of chimneys with flue lining shall benotless than 10 centimeters (4 inches) in thickness and shall not beconstructedin accordance with this Code.
(6) Clearance toCombustibleMaterial. Combustible material shall not be placed within 5centimeters(2 inches) of fireplace, smoke chamber, or chimneys walls when builtentirelywithin a structure, or within 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) when the chimneyis built entirely outside the structure. In lieu of 2.5-centimeter (1inch)clearance between chimney and exterior wall, 12 millimeters (1/2 inch)gypsum board may be substituted. Combustible materials shall not beplacedwithin 15 centimeters (6 inches) of the fireplace opening. No suchcombustiblematerial within 30 centimeters (12 inches) of the fireplace openingshallproject more than 3 millimeters (1/8 inch) for each 2.5-centimeter (1inch)clearance from such opening. No part of metal hoods used as part of afireplace,barbecue, or heating stove shall be less than 40 centimeters (18inches)from combustible material. This clearance may be reduced to the minimumrequirements set forth in this Code.
(7) Areas of Flues,Throats,and Dampers. The net cross-sectional area of the flue and of thethroatbetween the firebox and the smoke chamber of a fireplaces shall be notless than the requirements according to internationally recognized andaccepted principles of engineering. Where dampers are used, they shallbe of not less than No. 12 gauge metal. When fully opened, damperopeningsshall be not less than 90 per cent of the required flue area. Whenfullyopened, damper blade shall not extent the line of inner face of theflue.
(8) Lintel.Masonryover the fireplace opening shall be supported by an incombustiblelintel.
(9) Hearth.Everyfireplace shall be provided with a brick, concrete, stone, or otherapprovedincombustible hearth slab at least 30 centimeters (12 inches) wider oneach side than the fireplace opening and projecting at least 30centimeters(18 inches) therefrom. This slab shall be not less than 10 centimeters(4 inches) thick and shall be supported by incombustible materials orreinforcedto carry its own weight and all imposed loads. Combustible forms andcenteringshall be removed.
SECTION 8.01.12: Fire-ExtinguishingSystems
(a) AutomaticFire-ExtinguishingSystems: Where Required. Standard automatic fire-extinguishingsystemsshall comply with requirements of generally recognized and acceptedpracticesand shall be installed in the following places:cralaw:red
- (1) In everybasem*nt orcellar with an area of 200 square meters (2152 square feet) or morewhichis used for habitation, recreation, dining, study, or work, and whichbasean occupant load of more than 20.
(2) In all dressingrooms,rehearsal rooms, workshops or factories, and other rooms with anoccupantload of more than 10, assembly halls under Groups H and I Occupies withan occupant load of more than 500, and if the exit doors of said roomsare more than 30.00 meters (100 feet) from the nearest safe firedispersalarea of the building or opening to a court or street.
(3) In all rooms usedasstorage or handling of photographic and x-ray nitrocellulose films andother inflammable articles.
(b) Dry Standpipes.Everybuilding six more stories in height shall be equipped with one or moredry standpipes.
(1) Construction andtests. Dry standpipes shall be of wrought iron or galvanized steeland together with fittings and connections shall be of sufficientstrengthto withstand 20 kilograms per square centimeter (300 pounds per squareinch) of water pressure when ready for service, without leaking at thejoints, valves, or fittings. Tests shall be conducted by the owner orhisrepresentative or contractor in the presence of a representative of theCity or Municipal Fire Department whenever deemed necessary for thepurposeof certification of its proper function.chan robles virtual lawlibrary
(2) Size. Drystandpipesshall be of such size as to be capable of delivering 946 liters (250gallons)per minute from each of any three outlets simultaneously under thepressurecreated by one fire engine or pumper, based on the existing cityequipmentavailable. The local Fire Department shall be consulted as to thepropersize and threads of those connections.
(3) Number Required.Every building six or more stories in height where the area of anyfloorabove the fifth floor is 950 square meters (10,000 square feet) or lessshall be equipped with not less than one dry standpipe and anadditionalstandpipe shall be installed for each additional 950 square meters(10,000square feet) or fraction thereof.
(4) Location.Standpipesshall be located within stairway landings or near such stairways aspossibleor immediately inside of an exterior wall and 30 centimeters (12inches)of an opening in a stairway enclosure of the balcony or vestibule of asmokeproof tower or an outside exit stairway.
(5) SiameseConnection.Subject to the provisions of subparagraph (2), all 10-centimeter(4-inch)dry standpipes shall be equipped with a two-way Siamese fire departmentconnection. All 12.5-centimeters (5-inch) dry standpipes shall beequippedwith a three-way Siamese fire department connection and 15-centimeter(6-inch)dry standpipes shall be equipped with a fourway Siamese fire departmentconnection. All Siamese inlet connections shall be located on a streetfront of the building and not less than 30 centimeters (12 inches) normore than 1.20 meters (4 feet above the grade and shall be equippedwithclapper-checks and substantial plugs. All Siamese inlet connectionsshallbe recessed in the wall or otherwise substantially protected.
(6) Outlets.Alldry standpipes shall be extend from the ground floor to and over theroofand shall be equipped with a 6.3-centimeter (2-1/2-inch) outlet notmorethan 1.20 meters (4 feet) above the floor level at each story. All drystandpipes shall be equipped with a two-way 6.3-centimeters (2-1/2inch)outlet above the roof. All outlets shall be equipped with gate valveswithsubstantial chains.
(7) Signs. Anironor bronze sign with raised letters at least 2.5 centimeters (1 inch)highshall be rigidly attached to the building adjacent to all Siameseconnectionsand such sign shall read: "CONNECTION TO DRY STANDPIPE."
(c) Wet Standpipes.Every Group H and I Occupancy of any height and every Group C Occupancyof two or more stories in height, whose corridors are flanked on bothsides,and every Group C Occupancy of two or more stories in height, whosecorridorsserve only one row of rooms on one side and with an open court on theotherside, and every Group B, D, E, F, and G Occupancy of three or morestoriesin height and every Group G and E Occupancy over 1800 square meters(20,000square feet) in area shall be equipped with one or more interior wetstandpipesextending from the cellar or basem*nt into the topmost story: Provided,That Group H buildings having no stage and having a seating capacity ofless than 500 need to be equipped with interior standpipes.
(1) Construction.Interior wet standpipes shall be constructed as required for drystandpipes.
(2) Size
(2.1) Interior wetstandpipesshall have an internal diameter sufficient to deliver 189 liters (50gallons)of water per minute under 2.1 kilograms per square centimeter (30poundsper square inch) pressure at the lose connection, based on theavailablewater supply. Buildings of Groups H and I Occupancies shall have wetstandpipesystems capable of delivering the required quantity and pressure fromanytwo outlets simultaneously; for all other occupancies only one outletneedbe figured to be at one time. In no case shall the internal diameter ofa vet standpipe be less than 5 centimeters (2 inches), except when thestandpipe is attached to an automatic fire-extinguishing system as setby the internationally recognized and accepted engineering practices.
(2.2) Any approvedformulawhich determines pipe sizes on a pressure drop basis may be used todeterminepipe size for wet standpipe systems. The Building Official may requiredelivery and pressure tests on completed wet standpipe systems beforeapprovingsuch systems.
(3) Numbered Required.Wetstandpipes shall be so located that any portion of the can be reachedtherefromwith a hose not exceeding 23.00 meters (75 feet) in length.
(4) Location. InGroups H and I Occupancies, outlets shall be located as follows: one oneither side of the stage, one at the rear of the auditorium, and one atthe rear of the balconies. Where occupant loads are less than 500 theaboverequirements may be waived: Provided, That portable fire-extinguishersof appropriate capacity and type are installed within easy access fromthe said locations. In Groups B, C, D, E, F, and G Occupancies thelocationof all interior wet standpipes shall be in accordance with therequirementsfor dry standpipes: Provided, That at least one wet standpipe isinstalledto cover not more than 650 square meters (700 square feet).
(5) Outlets.Allinterior wet standpipes shall be equipped with a 3.8-centimeter (1-1/2inch) valve in each story including the basem*nt or cellar of thebuilding, and located not less than e0 centimeters (1 foot) nor more than 1.50meters (5 feet) above the floor.
(6) Threads.Allhose threads in connection with the installation of such standpipes,includingvalves and reducing fittings, shall be uniform with that used by thelocalFire Department.
(7) Water Supplies.Allinterior wet standpipes shall be connected to a street water main notlessthan 10 centimeters (4 inches) in diameter, or when the water pressureis sufficient, to a water tank of sufficient size as provided insubparagraph(8). When more than one interior wet standpipe is required in thebuilding,such standpipes shall be connected at their bases or at their tops bypipesof equal size.
(8) Pressure andGravityTanks. Tanks shall have a capacity sufficient to furnish at least1346liters (250 gallons) per minute for a period of not less than 10minutes.Such tanks shall be located so as to provide not less than 11.3kilograms(25 pounds) pressure at the topmost hose outlet for its entire supply.Discharge pipes from pressure tanks shall extend 5 centimeters (2inches)into and above the bottom of such tanks. All tanks shall be tested inplaceafter installation and proved tightly at a hydrostatic pressure 50 percent in excess of the working pressure required. Where such tanks areusedfor domestic purpose the supply pipe for such purposes shall be locatedat or above the center line of such tanks. Incombustible supports shallbe provided for all such supply tanks and not less than 90-centimeters(3-foot) clearance shall be maintained over the top and under thebottomof all pressure tanks.
(9) Fire Pumps.Firepumps shall have a capacity of not less than 1346 liters (250 gallons)per minute with a pressure of not less than 11.3 kilograms (25 pounds)at the topmost hose outlet. The source of supply for such pump shall bea street water main of not less than 10-centimeter (4-inch) diameter ora well or cistern containing a one-hour supply. Such pumps shall besuppliedwith an adequate source of power of the building and shall be automaticin operation.
(10) Hose and HoseReels.Each hose outlet of all interior wet standpipes shall be supplied witha hose not less than 3.8 centimeters (1-1/2 inches) in diameter. Suchhoseshall be equipped with a suitable brass or bronze nozzle and shall benotover 23.00 meters (75 feet) in length. An approved standard form ofwallhose reel or racks shall be provided for the hose and shall be locatedso as to make the hose readily accessible at all times and shall berecessedin the walls or protected suitable cabinets.
(d) Basem*nt PipeInlets.Basem*nt pipe inlets shall be installed in the first floor of everystore, warehouse, or factory where there are cellars or basem*nts undersame: Except, Where in such cellars or basem*nts there is installed afire-extinguishingsystem as specified in this Code, or where the cellars or basem*nts areused for banking purposes, safe deposit vaults, or similar uses.
(1) Materials. Allbasem*nt pipe inlets shall be of cast iron, steel brass, or bronze withlids of cast brass or bronze and shall consist of a sleeve not lessthan20 centimeters (8 inches) in diameter through the floor extending toandflush with the ceiling below and with a top flange, recessed with aninsideshoulder, to receive the lid and flush with the finish floor surface.Thelid shall be a solid casting and have a ring lift recessed on the topthereof,so as to be flush. The lid shall have the words "FIRE DEPARTMENTONLY,DO NOT COVER UP", cast on the top thereof. The lid shall beinstalledin such a manner as to permit its removal readily from the inlet.
(2) Location.Basem*ntpipe inlets shall be strategically located and kept readily accessibleat all times to the Fire Department.
(e) Approval.Allfire-extinguishing systems, including automatic sprinkles, wet and drystandpipes, automatic chemical extinguishers, basem*nt pipe inlets, andthe appurtenance thereto shall meet the approval of the Fire Departmentof the particular municipality or city as to installation and locationand shall be subject to such periodic tests as may require.
SECTION 8. 01.13: Stagesand Platforms
(a) StageVentilators.There shall be one or more ventilators constructed of metal or otherincombustiblematerial near the center and above the highest part of any workingstageraised above the stage roof and having a total ventilation area equaltoat least five per cent of the floor area within the stage walls. Theentireequipment shall conform to the following requirements:
(1) Opening Action.Ventilators shall open by spring action or force of gravity sufficientto overcome the effects of neglect, rust, dirt, or expansion by heat orwarning of the framework.
(2) Glass.Glass,if used in ventilators, must be protected against falling on the stage.A wire screen, if used under the glass, must be so placed that ifcloggedit cannot reduce the required ventilating area of interfere with theoperatingmechanism or obstruct the distribution of water from the automaticfire-extinguishingsystems.
(3) Design.Ventilators,penthouses, and supporting framework shall be designed in accordancewiththis Code.
(4) AutomaticOpenings.Each ventilator shall be arranged to open automatically after theoutbreakof fire by the use of an approved automatic closing device as definedinthis Code. The fusible link and operating cable shall hold each doorclosedagainst a minimum 13.5-kilogram (30-pound) counterforce exerted byspringsor counterweights. This minimum counterforce shall be exerted on eachdoorthrough its entire arc of travel and for a minimum 115 degrees. Amanualcontrol shall be provided.
(5) SpringActuations.Springs, when employed to actuate ventilator doors, shall becapableof maintaining full required tension indefinitely. Springs shall not bestressed more than 50 per cent of their rated capacity and shall not belocated directly in the air stream, nor exposed to the elements.
(6) Location ofFusibleLinks. A fusible link shall be placed in the cable control systemonthe underside of the ventilator at or above the roof line, and shall beso located as not to be affected by the operation of fire-extinguishingsystems.
(7) Control. Remote,manual, or electrical control shall provide for both opening andclosingof the ventilator doors for periodic testing and shall be located at apoint on the stage designated by the Building Official. When remotecontrolof ventilator is electrical, power failure shall not affect its instantoperation in the event of fire. Hand winches may be employed tofacilitateoperation of manually controlled ventilators.
(8) CurbConstruction.Curbs shall constructed as required for the roof.
(b) Gridirons
(1) Gridirons, flygalleries,and pin-rails shall be constructed of incombustible materials and fireprotection of steel and iron may be omitted. Gridirons and flygalleriesshall be designed to support a live load of not less than 112 kilogramsper square meter (75 pounds per square foot). Each loft block wellshallbe designed to support 37.2 kilograms per linear meter (250 pounds perlinear foot) and the block well shall be designed to support theaggregateweight of all the loft block well served. The head block well must beprovidedwith an adequate strongback of lateral brace to offset torque.
(2) The maincounterweightsheave beam shall be designed to support a horizontal and verticaluniformlydistributed live load sufficient to accommodate the weight imposed bythetotal number of loft blocks in the gridiron. The sheave blocks shall bedesigned to accommodate the maximum load for the loft blocks or headblocksserved with a safety factor of five.
(c) Rooms AccessorytoStage. In buildings having a stage, the dressing room sections,workshops,and storerooms shall be located on the stage side of the prosceniumwalland shall be separated from each other and from the stage by not lessthana One-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation.
(d) ProsceniumsWalls.A stage shall be completely separated from the auditorium by aprosceniumwall of not less than two-hour incombustible construction. Theprosceniumwall shall extend not less than 1.20 meters (4 feet) above the roofoverthe auditorium. Proscenium walls may have, in addition to the mainprosceniumopening at the orchestra pit level and not more than two openings atthestage floor level, each of which shall be not more than 2.00 squaremeters(25 square feet) in area. All openings in the proscenium wall of astageshall be protected by a fire assembly having a one and one-half-hourfire-resistiverating. The proscenium opening, which shall be the main opening forviewingperformances, shall be provided with a self-closing fire-resistivecurtainaccording to generally recognized and accepted engineering practices.
(e) Stage Floors.The Type of Construction for stage floors shall depend upon therequirementbased on the Type of Occupancy and the corresponding fire-resistiverequirements.All parts of the stage floor shall be designed to support not less than185 kilograms per square meter (125 pounds per square foot). Openingsthroughstage floors shall be equipped with tight-fitting trap doors.
(f) Platforms. TheType of Construction for platforms shall depend upon the requirementsbasedon the Type of Occupancy and corresponding fire-resistive requirements.Enclosed platforms shall be provided with one or more ventilatorsconformingto the requirements of stage ventilators: Except, That the total areashallbe equal to five per cent of the area of the platform. When more thanoneventilators is provided, they shall be so spaced as to provide properexhaustventilation. Ventilators shall not be required for enclosed platformshavinga floor area of 45.00 square meters (500 square feet) or less.
(g) Stage Exits.At least one exit not less than 90 centimeters (3 feet) wide shall beprovidedfrom a passageway not less than 90 centimeters (3 feet) in width to astreetor exit court. An exit stair not less than 75 centimeters (2 feet, 6inches)wide shall be provided for egress from each fly gallery. Each tier ofdressingrooms shall be provided with at least two means of egress each not lessthan 75 centimeters (2 feet, 6 inches) wide and all such stairs shallbeconstructed as specified in this Code. The stairs required in thisSubsectionneed to be enclosed.
SECTION 8.05.14: MotionPicture Projection Rooms
(a) General.Theprovisions of this Section shall apply only where ribbon type motionpicturefilm in excess of 22-millimeter (7/8-inch) width and electric areprojectionequipment are used. Every motion picture machine using ribbon type inexcessof 22-millimeter (7/8-inch) width and electric arc projectionequipment,together with all electrical devices, rheostats, machines, and all suchfilms present in any Group C, I, or H Occupancy, shall be enclosed in aprojection room large enough to permit the operator to walk freely oneitherside and back of the machine.
(b) Construction.Every projection room shall be of not less than one-hour fire-resistiveconstruction throughout and the walls and ceiling shall be finishedwithincombustible material. The ceiling shall be not less than 2.40 meters(8 feet) from the finished floor. The room shall have a floor area ofnotless than 7.00 square meters (80 square feet) and 3.50 square meters(40square feet) for each additional machine.
(c) Exits.Every projection room shall have at least two doorway separated by notless than one-third the perimeter of the room, each at least 75centimeters(2 feet, 6 inches) wide and 2.00 meters (6 feet, 7 inches) high. Allentrancesto a projection room shall be protected by a self-closing fire assemblyhaving a three-fourths hour fire-resistive rating. Such doors shallopenoutward and lead to proper exits as required in this Code and shall notbe equipped with any latch. The maximum width of such door need be nomorethan 75 centimeters (2 feet, 6 inches).
(d) Ports andOpenings.Ports in projection room walls shall be of three kinds: projectionports;observation ports; and combination ports used for both observation andfor stereopticon, spot, or floodlight machines.
(1) Ports Required.There shall be provided for each motion picture projector not more thanone projection port, which shall be limited in area to 774 squarecentimeters(120 square inches), and not more than one observation port, whichshallbe limited in area to 1290 square centimeters (200 square inches).Thereshall be not more than three combination ports, each of which shall notexceed 75 centimeters by 60 centimeters (30 inches by 24 inches). Eachport opening shall be completely covered with a pane of glass: Except,That when acetate (safety) film is used projection ports may beincreasedin size to an area not to exceed 4644 square centimeters (720 squareinches).
(2) Shutters.Eachport and every other opening in projection room walls, including anyfresh-airinlets but excluding exit doors and exhaust ducts, shall be providedwitha shutter of not less than No. 10 U.S. gauge sheet metal or itsequivalentlarge enough to overlap at least 25 millimeters (1 inch) on all sidesofsuch opening. Shutters shall be arranged to slide without binding inguidesconstructed of material equal to the shutters in strength and fireresistance.Each shutter shall be equipped with a 74ºC (165ºF) fusiblelink,which when fused by heat will cause closure of the shutter by gravity.Shutters of a size greater than 1290 square centimeters (200 squareinches)shall be equipped with a counter-balance. There shall also be a fusiblelink located over the upper magazine of each projector, which, uponoperating,will close all the shutters. In addition, there shall be providedsuitablemeans for manually closing all shutters simultaneously from anyprojectorhead and from a point within the projection room near each exit door.Shutterson openings not in use shall be kept closed: Except, That shutters maybe omitted when acetate (safety) film only is used.
(1) Inlet. Afresh-airinlet from the exterior of the building not less than 928. 8 squarecentimeters(114 square inches) and protected with wire netting shall be installedwithin 50 millimeters (2 inches) of the floor in every projection room,the source of which shall be remote from other outside vents or flues.
(2) Outlets.Ventilationshall be provided by one or more mechanical exhaust systems which shalldraw air from each arc lamp and from one or more points near theceiling.Systems shall exhaust to outdoors either directly or through anincombustibleflue used for no other purpose. Exhaust capacity shall be not less than0.42 cubic meter (15 cubic feet) nor more than 1.40 cubic meters (50cubicfeet) per minute for each are lamp plus 5.60 cubic meters (200 cubicfeet)per minute for the room itself. Systems shall be controlled from withinthe enclosure and have pilot lights to indicate operation. The exhaustsystem serving the projection room may be extended to cover roomassociatedtherewith such as rewind rooms. No dampers shall be installed in suchexhaustsystems. Ventilation of these rooms shall not be connected in any wayventilatingor air conditioning system serving other portions of the building.Exhaustducts shall be of incombustible material, and shall either be kept 25millimeters(1 inch) from combustible material or covered with 10 millimeters (1/2inch) of incombustible heat-insulating material.
(f) Regulation ofEquipment.All shelves, fixtures, and fixed equipment in a projection room shallbeconstructed of incombustible materials. All films not in actual useshallbe stored in metal cabinets having individuals compartments for reelsorshall be in generally accepted shipping containers. No solder shall beused in the construction of such metal cabinets.
(g) SanitaryRequirements.Every projection room shall be provided with unenclosed waterclosetand lavatory.
SECTION 8.01.15: Lathing,Plastering, and Installation of Wallboards
(a) General.Theinstallation of lath, plaster, and gypsum wallboards shall conform tothefire-resistive rating requirements and the Type of Construction of thebuilding and shall be designed in accordance with the legally acceptedprinciples of engineering.
SECTION 9.01.01: MechanicalCode
(a) All mechanicalsystemsequipment, and installations mentioned in this Code shall conform totheprovisions of the Mechanical Code of the Philippines, latest edition,adoptedand promulgated by the Board of Mechanical Engineering Examinerspursuantto Commonwealth Act Numbered 294, as amended.
SECTION 9.02.01: ElectricalCode
(a) All electricalsystemsand installations mentioned in this Code shall conform to theprovisionsof the Philippine Electrical Code, latest edition, adopted andpromulgatedby the Board of Electrical Engineering Examiners pursuant to RepublicActNo. 184, otherwise known as the Electrical Engineering Law.
SECTION 10.01.01: Storageand Handling
(a) In the storage andhandlingof photographic and x-ray nitrocellulose film, automatic sprinklersshallbe provided in the following case:cralaw:red
- (1) Whenunexposed andthefilms exceed the aggregate of 14.00 cubic meters (500 cubic feet),theseshould be in generally accepted safety shipping containers for films;
(2) Where shelvingusedfor storage of individual packages not in said safety shippingcontainersand the films exceeds 1.40 cubic meters (50 cubic feet) in capacity; or
(3) Storage not ingenerallyaccepted safety shipping containers in any fire section equipped withautomaticsprinklers may be permitted up to 14.00 cubic meters (500 cubic feet).
(b) Film negatives in storageor in process of handling shall be kept in heavy manila envelopes notexceeding12 films to an envelope. Expanding envelopes shall not be used.
(c) Film negativesshallbe kept in properly insulated vented cabinets, vented storage vaults oroutside storage houses. Not more than 113 kilograms (250 pounds shallbestored in any single cabinet. Where the film stored exceeds 453.5kilograms(1000 pounds), it shall be in vented storage vaults or in a detachedstructureor roof vault. Door openings in vault shall be of four hourfire-resistiveconstruction and shall be kept close except when in use.
(d) Only incandescentelectriclights shall be permitted, protected with substantial wire guards orvaporproof globes, or both. Portable lights on extension cords areprohibited.Smoking shall be prohibited and conspicuous no smoking sign posted.
(e) No films shall bestoredwithin 60 centimeters (2 feet) seam pipes, chimneys, or other sourcesofheat.chan robles virtual lawlibrary
(f) First aidappliancesof types using water or water solutions shall be provided. Discardedfilmsshall be stored and handled in the same manner as other films untilremovedfrom the premises.
SECTION 10.01.02: NitrocelluloseMotion Picture Film
(a) Nitrate motionpicturefilm shall be stored or handled only in buildings of fire-resistiveconstruction.Every room where nitrate film is stored or handled in quantitiesgreaterthan 22.5 kilograms (50 pounds), except in motion picture booths orrewindingrooms connected with such booths, shall be equipped with automaticsprinklers.
(b) Buildings used for,or housing, a nitrate picture film laboratory or studio shall haveautomaticsprinklers. A minimum of one sprinkler for every 6.00 square meters (64square feet) shall be provided.
SECTION 10.01.03: Classesof Film Exempted
(a) The provisions ofthisSection do not apply to: film for amateur photographic use in originalpackages of "roll" and "film pack" films in quantities of less than1.40cubic meters (50 cubic feet); safety film (cellulose acetate base);dentalx-ray film; establishments manufacturing photographic films and theirstorageincidental thereto; and films stored or being used in standard motionpicturebooths.
(b) Safety photographicX-ray films (cellulose acetate base) may be identified by the markingonthe edge of the film.
SECTION 10.01.04: Sprinklers
(a) Unless otherwiseprovidedin this Code, all sprinklers when so required shall be of a type,specifications,and method of installations in accordance with generally acceptedpractices.
(a) Prefabricatedassemblyis a structural unit, the integral parts of which have been built up orassembled prior to incorporation in the building.
(b) Special tests basedon internationally recognized and accepted engineering practices shallbe required on assemblies to determine heir structural appropriateness,durability, soundness, and weather and fire resistance. Materials andtheirassembly shall comply with the latest generally accepted engineeringandarchitectural specifications and standards.
(c) Every device orsystemdesigned to connect prefabricated assemblies shall be capable ofdevelopingthe strength of the different members as a hom*ogenous or monolithicstructure,except in the case of members forming part of a structural frame asspecifiedin this Code. Anchorages and connections between members and thesupportingelements of the structure or walls shall be capable of withstanding allprobable external and internal forces or other conditions for astructurallysound construction. In structural design, proper allowances shall bemadefor any material to be displaced or removed for the installations ofpipes,conduits, or others.
(d) Placement ofprefabricatedassemblies shall be inspected to determined compliance with this Code.
SECTION 10.03.01: General
(a) ApprovedPlastics.Approved plastic materials shall be those which have a flame-spreadratingof 225 or less and a smoke density not greater than that obtained fromthe burning of untreated wood under similar conditions when tested inaccordancewith generally recognized and accepted engineering practices forsurfaceburning characteristics of building materials in the way intended foruse.The products of combustion shall be no more toxic than the burning ofuntreatedwood under similar conditions.
SECTION 10.03.02: Installation
(a) StructuralRequirements.All plastic materials and their assemblies shall be of adequatestrengthand durability to withstand the prescribed design loads. Sufficient andsubstantial technical data shall be submitted to establish stresses,maximumunsupported spans, and such other information as may be deemednecessaryfor the various thickness and forms used.
(b) Fastenings.Fasteningsshall be adequate to withstand design loads and internal and externalstressesrequired of the assembly, Proper allowances shall be made for expansionand contraction of plastic materials in conjunction with othermaterialswith which it assembled or integrated.
SECTION 10.03.03: Glazingof Openings
(a) Doors, sash andframedopenings in exterior walls of all building except Types IV and Vconstructionmay be glazed or equipped with approved plastic: Provided, That:cralaw:red
- (1) The wallin whichsuchglazing is installed is so located that openings are not required to befire-protected.
(2) Except for Type Ibuildings,the location, size, and spacing of such glazed openings do not exceedthevalues set by generally recognized and accepted principles ofengineering.
(3) Plastics used inglazedopenings of Type II buildings shall be of materials appropriate to useaccording to flame-spread characteristics and the location, size andspacingof the openings do not exceed the values set forth by generallyacceptedprinciples of engineering.
SECTION 10.03.04: Skylights
(a) General.Approvedplastics may be used in skylights installed on roofs Types I, II, orIIIbuildings and all buildings equipped with an approved automaticfire-extinguishingsystem in Groups A, B, C, E, F, J, H-3, an H-4 Occupancies: Except,That:cralaw:red
- (1) Approvedplasticsmaybe used in any type of construction or occupancy as a fire ventingsystemwhen approved by the Building Official.
(2) Plastics may beusedin approved skylights in Type I one-hour constructions which arelocated30 centimeters (12 inches) or more above the lower plane of theceiling.The walls of the skylight well shall be no less fire-resistive than theadjacent ceiling.
(3) Where afire-resistiveceiling is not required in one-story buildings, approved plastics maybeused in skylights.
(b) InstallationRequirements
(1) Except in Group AOccupancies,no skylight shall be installed within 3.00 meters (10 feet) of apropertyline.
(2) The edges ofdome-typeskylights shall be properly flashed.
(3) Plastic skylightsshallbe separated from each other by at least 2.50 meters (feet, 4 inches)Laterallyand 3.00 meters (10 feet) along the slope of the roof.
(c) Allowable Areas.The area of individual plastic skylights shall not exceed 10.00 squaremeters (107 square feet). The total aggregate area of plastics used inskylights, monitors, and sawtooth glazing shall not exceed 20 per centof the floor area of the room or occupancy sheltered.
(d) CurbRequirements.Plastic skylights in roofs having a slope of less than 1 in 3 shallhave a 10 centimeter (4-inch) high curb. The curb may be omitted wherea wire screen not smaller the No. 12 U.S. gauge with 25-millimeter(1-inch)mesh is provided immediately below the skylight. The screen shall besubstantiallymounted below the skylight.
SECTION 10.03.05: Light-TransmittingPanels in Monitors and Sawtooth Roofs
(a) General.Wherea fire-resistive rating is not required for the roof structure, and inall buildings provided with an approved automatic fire-extinguishingsystem,approved plastics may be used with or without sash as thelight-transmittingmedium in monitors and sawtooth roofs: Except, That plastics used inmonitorsor sawtooth roofs of Type II buildings shall be of materialsappropriateto use according to flame-spread characteristics.
(b) Allowable Areas.The area of individual plastic glazing used in monitors and sawtoothglazingshall not exceed 15.00 square meters (150 square feet). The totalaggregatearea of plastics used in skylights, monitors, and sawtooth glazingshallnot exceed 20 per cent of the floor area of the room or occupancysheltered.
(c) AreaSeparations.The areas of such plastic panels shall be separated from each other bya section incombustible materials or by a section of the roofingmaterialof the structure not less than 1.50 meters (5 feet) in length. Theloweredge of the plastic material shall be at least 15 centimeters (6inches)above the surface of the adjoining roof surface.
SECTION 10.03.06: PlasticLight Diffusers in Ceilings
(a) General. Ceilinglight diffusers having an area greater than 10 per cent of any 10.00squaremeters (100 square feet) of room area shall be approved plasticsconformingto the requirements specified in this Code.
(b) Installation.Plastic light diffusers shall be installed in such a manner that theywillnot readily become detached when subjected to room temperature of149ºC(300ºF) for 25 minutes, except, for plastic light diffusers whichare installed in the first floor areas of Group C Occupancies havingegressdirectly to the exterior of the building; and plastic light diffuserswhichare located between an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system andthe areas to be protected other than public corridors or Groups A, B,C,D, E, G, H, and I Occupancies if tests in accordance with generallyacceptedand recognized principles of engineering have established that suchinstallationswill not interfere with the efficient operation of such automaticfire-extinguishingsystems.
SECTION 10.03.07: Partitions
(a) Where partitionsarenot required to be of fire-resistive or incombustible construction,approvedplastics conforming to the requirements specified in this Code may beused.
SECTION 10.03.08: ExteriorVeneer
(a) General.Exteriorveneer may be of approved plastic materials and shall conform to theprovisionsof this Section.
(b) Height.Plasticveneer may be attached to exterior walls above the first story ofbuildingslocated outside of highly restrictive Fire Zones: Provided, further,Thatthe height of veneer is not in excess of 10.50 meters (35 feet) abovetheadjacent grade elevation.
(c) Area. Sectionof plastic veneer shall not exceed 15.00 square meters (150 squarefeet)in area: Except, That in less restrictive Fire Zones the area may beincreasedby 50 per cent.
(d) Separation.Sectionsof plastic veneer shall be separated by a minimum of 1.20 meters (4feet)vertically and 60 centimeters (2 feet) horizontally.
SECTION 10.03.09: Awningsand Canopies
(a) Plastics ofmaterialsappropriate to use according to flame-spread characteristics may beutilizedin awnings and canopies, and all such awnings and canopies shall beconstructedin accordance with provisions governing projections and appendagesspecifiedin this Code.
(b) Approved plasticsmaybe used in awnings where untreated canvas is permitted.
(c) Approved plasticsmaybe used in lieu of plain glass in greenhouse in less restrictive FireZones.
(a) General.Paintspray booths shall be constructed of steel of not less than No. 18 U.S.gauge in thickness and shall be designed in accordance with this Code.
(b) Area. Theareaof a paint spray booth shall not exceed 150 square meters (1500 squarefeet) nor 10 per cent of the basic area permitted for the major use ofthe building according to the occupancy group.
(c) FloorConstruction.The floor shall be constructed of incombustible material.
(d) InteriorSurface.Paint spray booths shall be designed to permit the free passage ofexhaustair from all parts of the interior and all interior surfaces shall besmoothand continuous without outstanding edges.
SECTION 10.04.02: FireProtection
(a) Every spray boothhavingan open front elevation larger than 0.90 meter (9 square feet) andwhichis not equipped with doors, shall have a fire curtain or metaldeflectornot less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) deep installed that upper outeredge of the booth opening.
SECTION 10.04.03: Light
(a) Paint spray boothsshallilluminated through hammered wire or heat-treated glass panels. Theglasspanels shall be located in such a manner as to reduce the hazard ofignitioncaused by paint spray deposit.
SECTION 10.04.04: Ventilation
(a) General.Mechanicalventilation shall be provided direct to the exterior of the building.Themechanical exhaust system shall be designed to move the air through anyportion of the paint spray area at the rate of not less than 30.00linearmeters (100 linear feet) per minute. The blades of exhaust fan shall beconstructed of nonferous materials and shall be mounted in such amanneras to prevent contact with the exhaust duct. The motor shall not bemountedin the spray booth or the duct system and belts shall be enclosed wherethey enter the booth or duct system.
(b) Exhaust Ducts.Exhaust ducts shall be constructed of steel having a thickness not lessthan the values set by generally recognized and accepted principles ofengineering. The discharge paint for ducts in a paint spray booth shallbe not less than 1.80 meters (6 feet) from adjoining combustibleconstructionnor less than 7.50 meters (25 feet) from adjoining exterior wallopenings:Except, That the discharge point for exhaust ducts is not regulated ina water-wash spray booth.
(a) This Chapter shallapplyto exterior glass and glazing in all occupancies except Groups A, B,andJ Occupancies not over three stories in height, and to interior andexteriorglass and glazing in all occupancies subject to human impact asspecifiedin this Chapter.
(b) Standards formaterialsshall conform to this Chapter and to generally recognized and acceptedprinciples of engineering on glass dimensional tolerance, breakingstresslevels, and design (safety) factors.
(c) Each light shallbearthe manufacturer's label designating the type and thickness of glass.Eachlight with special performance characteristics such as laminated,heat-strengthened,fully tempered or insulated shall bear the manufacturer'sidentificationshowing the special characteristic and thickness by etching or otherpermanentidentification that shall be visible after the glass is glazed.
SECTION 10.05.02: AreaLimitation
(a) Exterior glass andglazingshall be capable of safety withstanding the loads set forth bygenerallyrecognized and accepted principles of engineering on wind pressures forvarious height zones above ground acting inward or outward. The area ofindividual lights shall not be more than those set by generallyrecognizedand acceptable principles of engineering on the maximum allowable areaof glass according to the wind load multiplied by the appropriateadjustmentfactor.
SECTION 10.05.03: Glazing
(a) Glass firmlysupportedon all four edges shall be glazed with a minimum laps and edgeclearancesin accordance with generally accepted and recognized principles ofengineeringfor minimum glazing requirements: Provided, That glass edgeclearancein fixed openings shall be not less than what is required for wind andearthquake drift. For glass not firmly supported on all four edges,designshall be submitted for approval. Glass supports shall be consideredfirmwhen deflection of the support at design load does not exceed 1/175thofthe span.
SECTION 10.05.04: WindowsLouvered
(a) Regular plate,sheet,or patterned glass in jalousies and louvered windows shall not bethinnerthan nominal 5.6 millimeters (7/32 inch) and no longer than 1.20 meters(4 feet) Exposed glass edged shall be smooth.chan robles virtual lawlibrary
SECTION 10.05.05: Impact
(a) Frameless glass,doors,glass in doors, fixed glass panels, and similar glazed openings whichmaybe subject to accidental human impact shall conform with generallyrecognizedand accepted principles of engineering on impact loads of glass:Except,in the following cases:cralaw:red
- (1) Bath tuband showerenclosures shall be constructed from approved shatter-resistantmaterials,such as: wire reinforced glass not less than 5-6-millimeter (7/32-inch)thickness; fully tempered glass not less than 4.8-millimeter(3/16-inch)thickness; or laminated safety glass of not less than 6.4-millimeter(1/4-inch)thickness.
(2) Glass lightslocatednot less than 45 centimeters (18 inches) above the adjacent finishedflooror walking surface.
(3) Glass lights whentheleast dimension is no greater than 45 centimeters (18 inches).
(4) Glass lights 0.55squaremeter (16 square feet) or less in area.
(a) No signs orsignboardsshall be erected in such a manner as to confuse or obstruct the view orinterpretation of any official traffic sign signal or device.
(b) No signboards shallbe constructed as to unduly obstruct the natural view of the landscape,distract or obstruct the view of the public as to constitute a traffichazard, or otherwise defile, debase, or offend the aesthetic andculturalvalues and traditions of the Filipino people.
SECTION 10.06.02: Maintenance
(a) All signs, togetherwith all of their supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept inrepair and in proper state of preservation. The display surfaces of allsigns shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times.
SECTION 10.06.03: Designand Construction
(a) General. Signsand signs structures shall be designed and constructed to resist allwindand seismic forces. All bracing systems shall be designed andconstructedto transfer lateral forces to the foundations. For signs on buildingsthedead and lateral loads shall be transmitted through the structuralframeof the building to the ground in such manner as not to overstress anyofthe elements thereof. The overturning moment produced from lateralforcesshall, in no case, exceed two-thirds of the dead-load resisting moment.Uplift due to overturning shall be adequately resisted by properanchorageto the ground or to the structural frame of the building. The weight ofearth superimposed over footings may be used in determining thedead-loadresisting moment. Such earth shall be carefully placed and thoroughlycompacted.
SECTION 10.06.04: Support
(a) General.Thesupports for all signs or signs structures shall be placed in or uponprivateproperty and shall be securely built, constructed, and erected inconformitywith the requirements of this Code.
(b) Materials.Materialsof construction for signs and sign structures shall be of the qualityandgrade as specified in this Code.
(c) RestrictionsandCombustible Materials. All signs and sign structures erected inhighlyrestrictive Fire Zones shall have structural members of incombustiblematerials.Ground signs may be constructed of any material meeting therequirementsof this Code. Combination signs, roof signs, walls signs, projectingsigns,and signs on marquees shall be constructed of incombustible materials.No combustible materials other than approved plastics shall be used inthe construction of electric signs.
(d) NonstructuralTrim.Nonstructural trim and portable display surface may be of wood, metal,approved plastics, or any combination thereof.
(e) Anchorage.Membersupporting unbraced signs shall be so proportioned that the bearingloadsimposed on the soil in either direction, horizontal or vertical, shallnot exceed the safe values. Braced ground signs shall be anchored toresistthe specified wind or seismic load in any direction. Anchors andsupportsshall be designed for safe bearing loads on the soil and for aneffectiveresistance to pull-out amounting to a force twenty five percent (25)greaterthan the required resistance to overturning. Anchors and supports shallpenetrate to a sufficient depth below ground. Portable ground signssupportedby frames or posts rigidly attached to the base shall be soproportionedthat the weight and size of the base will be adequate to resist thewindpressure. Signs attached to masonry, concrete, or steel shall be safelyand securely fastened thereto by means of metal anchors, bolts, orapprovedexpansion screws of sufficient size and anchorage to support safely theloads applied. No wooden blocks or plugs or anchors with wood used inconnectionwith screws or nails shall be considered proper anchorage, except inthecase of signs attached to wood framing. No anchor or support of anysignshall be connected to, or supported by, an unbraced parapet wall,unlesssuch wall is designed in accordance with the requirements for parapetwalls.
(f) DisplaySurfaces.Display surfaces in all types of signs may be made of metal, glass, orapproved plastics.
SECTION 10.06.05: Projectionand Clearance
(a) Clearance fromHighVoltage Power Lines. Signs shall be located not less than 1.80meters(6 feet) horizontally or 3.60 meters (12 feet) vertically from overheadelectrical conductors which are energized in excess of 750 volts. Theterm"overhead conductor" as used in this Section means anyelectricalconductor, either bare or insulated, installed above the ground exceptsuch conductors as are enclosed in an iron pipes or other materialcoveringof equal strength.
(b) Clearance fromFireEscapes, Exits, or Standpipes. No sign or signs structure shall beerected in such a manner that any portion of its surface or supportswillinterfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit, orstandpipe.
(c) Obstruction ofOpenings.No sign shall obstruct any opening to such an extent that light orventilationis reduced to a point below that required by this Code. Signs erectedwithin1.50 meters (5 feet) of an exterior wall in which there are openingswithinthe area of the sign shall be constructed of incombustible material orapproved plastics.chan robles virtual lawlibrary
(d) Projection OverAlleys.No sign or sign structures shall project into any public alley below aheight of 4.25 meters (14 feet) above grade nor project more than 30centimeters(12 inches) where the sign structure is located 4.25 meters (14 feet)to4.85 meters (16 feet) above grade. The sign or sign structure mayprojectnot more than 0.90 meter (3 feet) into the public alley where the signor sign structure is located more than 4.85 meters (16 feet) abovegraded.
Enacted withoutexecutiveapproval: August 26, 1972.
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©1998-2006byChanRoblesPublishing Company
All Rights Reserved
Since 19.07.98
