Building Systems Design - Selected Rules and Regulations

Rule IX: Sanitation

• All buildings must have:
  • Adequate and potable water supply.
  • Adequate plumbing installation.
  • Suitable wastewater treatment or disposal system.
  • Stormwater drainage.
• Potable water should come from municipal waterworks.
• Water quality must meet National Standards for Drinking Water.
• Sanitary sewage should discharge into the nearest street sewer.
• If no sewer, use septic tanks.
• Rainwater drainage shall not discharge into the sanitary system.
• All plumbing must conform to the National Plumbing Code.

Rule X: Building Projections Over Public Streets

• No projections beyond the property line unless allowed by code.
• Footings at least $2.40$ m below grade may project $300$ mm (max).
• Foundations may encroach $500$ mm into the sidewalk if the top is at least $600$ mm below grade.
• Projections must not obstruct utilities unless the owner pays for rerouting.
• Balcony Projections:
  • Refer to Table X.1 for specific projections based on street width.
  • Clearance between street grade and balcony lowest portion must be at least $3$ meters.
• Arcades:
  • Allowed on sidewalks if permitted by building and zoning regulations.
  • Must be at least $3$ meters above the sidewalk grade.
• Canopies (Marquees):
  • Permanent roofed structure over a door or window.
  • Horizontal clearance from curb line: not less than $300$ mm.
  • Vertical clearance: not less than $3$ m.
  • Constructed of incombustible material or $2$-hour fire-resistive materials.
• Movable Awnings or Hoods:
  • Horizontal clearance from curb line: not less than $300$ mm.
  • Vertical clearance: not less than $2.40$ m.
• Doors/Windows:
  • Must be at least $2.40$ meters above pavement to project beyond the property line when opened, except fire exits.
• Corner Buildings with Chaflans:
  • For streets less than $3.60$ meters wide, a chaflan is required.
  • The length of the chaflan should be less than $4.00$ meters.
  • No chaflan needed if the building is arcaded.

Rule XI: Protection of Pedestrians During Construction or Demolition

• Streets, alleys, and sidewalks can only be used with a building permit and per the Rule's provisions.
• Pedestrians must be protected during adjacent work.
• Materials on public property, including fences and walkways, must be lighted between sunset and sunrise.
• Materials shall not obstruct fire hydrants, alarm boxes, utility boxes, or drainage.
• Mixing mortar/concrete on public streets is prohibited.
• Utilities must be protected from damage.
• Temporary Walkways:
  • Minimum width of $1.20$ meters when a sidewalk is closed; can be reduced to $600$ mm if no sidewalk exists.
  • Not allowed if RROW is $5$ meters wide or less.
• Pedestrian Protection:
  • Protective railings are needed where the walkway is near the roadway or excavation; minimum height is $1$ meter.
  • Fences must enclose the construction site; minimum height is $2.40$ meters.
  • If the horizontal distance (X) between the outermost face of the building (OFB) and the inner edge of the sidewalk is more than half the building height (H/2), only a fence is required.
  • If X <= H/2, both a fence and canopy (at least $2.40$ m above the walkway) are required.
• Maintenance of Protective Devices: Must be in good order.
  • Sufficient light for safety.
  • Welding/cutting by TESDA-accredited workers.
  • Secure materials against wind.
  • Hoisting machinery with adequate brakes.
  • Platform hoists with covers.
  • Hoist towers on solid foundations.
  • Regularly lubricated derricks and cranes.
  • Tested ropes/cables.
  • Ladders not extended; maximum single ladder length is $6.00$ meters. Use intermediate platforms for greater heights.
  • Runways/ramps with a slope not greater than $1:3$, with a maximum rise of $1.80$ meters between landings.
  • Scaffolds to support at least four times the maximum load.
  • Temporary flooring not more than three unfilled floors below the highest permanent floor.
  • Floor openings protected by barricades or guardrails (minimum $900$ mm high).
  • Guardrails and toe boards (top rail at least $900$ mm, intermediate rail provided).
• Removal: Protective fences/canopies must be removed within 30 days after protection is no longer required.
• Demolition:
  • Adjoining owners must be notified before demolition.
  • Shoring is needed to prevent movement.
  • Demolish floor-by-floor if possible.
• Other Safeguards:
  • Skilled workmen and supervision required.
  • Report unsafe equipment.
  • Walkways free of protruding nails.
  • Machinery must maintain a $5.00$ m clearance from overhead electrical facilities.
  • Workers must wear safety helmets and protective gear.
  • Enclosed flame heaters in fire zones.
  • Constant heater supervision.
  • Clean toilet facilities.
  • Potable water and washing facilities.
  • First aid supplies; first-aid room for >200 workers.