RULE 3 - PERMITS

Question 1

Building Permit

Answer 1

A written authorization granted by the
Building Official to an applicant allowing
him to proceed with construction after
plans, specifications and other pertinent
documents have been found to be in
conformity with the Code

Question 2

When is a building permit required?

Answer 2

Before constructing, altering, repairing,
converting, moving, adding to,
demolishing a building.

Question 3

Building permit exemptions

Answer 3

Minor constructions
Repair works

Question 4

Minor construction

Answer 4

Minor structures 6 sqm or less detached
from other buildings, for private use only.
(Example: Sheds, poultry houses,
greenhouses)
Open terraces or patios not exceeding 20
sqm
Window grilles
Garden pools 500mm deep or shallower
Garden masonry walls not exceeding
1.20m in height

Question 5

Repairs

Answer 5

Not involving structural members
Of non-load bearing partition walls
Not involving addition or alteration
Of doors, windows, floors, fences and
walls
Of plumbing fixtures

Question 6

Permit requirements

Answer 6

Application forms
If lot is owned,
OCT or TCT
Tax declaration
Current real property tax receipt
If lot is NOT owned,
Contract of Lease or Deed of Absolute Sale in
place of TCT
Five sets of plans and specs, signed and
sealed by various professionals

Question 7

Issuance of permits

Answer 7

15 days from payment of fees

Question 8

Liability clause

Answer 8

Article 1723 of the Civil Code states that
the engineer or architect who drew up the
plans and specs is liable for 15 years from
completion of the building should it
collapse due to defects in the plans or the
ground.
In case the building collapses due to
defects in construction or the use of
inferior materials, the contractor along
with the construction supervisor shall be
liable.

Question 9

Certificate of occupancy

Answer 9

Shall be secured before using or
occupying a building
Requirements:
Certificate of completion
Logbook
As-built plans and specs
Building inspection sheet

Question 10

Expiration of building permits

Answer 10

Construction does not commence within 1
year from date of issue
Construction does not resume 120 days
after suspension or abandonment of work

Question 11

Non-issuance, suspension, revocation

Answer 11

Errors in plans and specs
Incorrect or inaccurate data declared
Non-compliance with the Code

Question 12

Inspection and supervision

Answer 12

The owner of the building must engage
the services of a licensed architect or civil
engineer to undertake the full-time
inspection and supervision of the
construction.