REPUBLIC ACT No. 6541
AN ACT TO ORDAIN AND INSTITUTE A NATIONAL BUILDING
CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
TITLE 1 – ADMINISTRATIVE
Chapter 1.01
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 1.01.01
Title
This Act shall be known as the "National Building Code of the Philippines"
and shall hereinafter be referred to as the "Code"
SECTION 1.01.02
Declaration of Policy
It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State to safeguard life,
health, property, and public welfare, consistent with the principles of environmental
management and control; and to this end, make it the purpose of this Code to
provide for all buildings and structured, a framework of minimum standards and
requirements by guiding, regulating, and controlling their location, siting,
design, quality of materials, construction, use, occupancy, and maintenance,
including their environment, utilities, fixtures, equipment, and mechanical
electrical, and other systems and installations.
SECTION 1.01.03
Scope
(a) The provisions of this Code shall apply to the
design, location, siting, construction, alteration, repair, conversion, use,
occupancy, maintenance, moving, and demolition of, and addition to, public and
private buildings and structures.
(b) Additions, alterations, repairs, and changes of use
or occupancy in all buildings and structures shall comply with requirements for
new buildings and structures except as otherwise herein provided. Only such
portion or portions of the existing building or structure which have to be
altered to effect the addition, alteration, or repair shall be made to conform
to the requirements for new buildings or structures. Alterations should
preserve the aesthetic value of the building to be altered.
(c) Where, in any specific case, different section of
this Code specify different materials, methods of construction, or other
requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.
SECTION 1.01.04
Application
(a) This Code shall apply to all buildings and
structures constructed and any change or repair made thereon after the approval
of said Code. Buildings or structures constructed before the approval of this
Code shall not be affected thereby; Except, where their continued use or
occupancy is dangerous to life or limb; or where alterations, additions,
conversions, or repairs are to be made thereon, this Code shall apply only to
such portions of the buildings or structure which have to be altered in order
to effect such damages or repairs.
(b) This Code shall apply to chartered cities, poblaciones
of municipalities and municipal districts with a population of at least two
thousand (2,000) inhabitants, and to barrios of urban areas with a population
of at least two thousand (2,000) inhabitants. This Code shall also apply to any
area where there are fifty (50) or more families per hectare.
(c) This Code shall likewise apply to any area proposed
for or being developed into a new town site, residential subdivision,
commercial or residential site, school site, housing project, and similar
construction projects where five or more buildings not covered by paragraph (d)
of this Section will be constructed even if the poblacion or barrio population
is less than two thousand (2,000) or the density of population is less than
fifty (50) families per hectare.
(d) The design and construction requirements of this
Code shall not apply to any traditional indigenous family dwelling costing not
more than five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) and intended for use and occupancy of
the family of the owner only. The traditional type of family dwellings are
those that are constructed of native materials such as bamboo, nipa, logs, or
lumber, wherein the distance between vertical supports or suportales does not
exceed 3.00 meters (10 feet); and if masonry walls or socalos are used, such
shall not be more than 1.00 meter (3 feet, 3 inches) from the ground: Provided,
however, That such traditional indigenous family dwelling will not constitute a
danger to life or limb of its occupants or of the public; will not be fire
hazard or an eyesore to the community; and does not contravene any fire zoning
regulation of the city or municipality in which it is located.
(e) Notwithstanding paragraph (d) of this Section, this
Code shall apply to Group A dwellings produced on a commercial scale and
intended for use by the general public.
SECTION 1.01.05
Building Use Affecting
Public Health and Safety
(a) Any building or structure, or any ancillary or
accessory facility thereto, and any alteration or addition to any building or
structure already existing, shall conform in all respects to the principles of
safe construction, shall be suited to the purpose for which the building is
designed, and shall, in no case contribute to making the community in which it
is located at eyesore, a slum, or a blighted area.
(b) Adequate environmental safeguards shall be observed
in the design, construction, and use of any building or structure for the
manufacture and production of any kind of article or product which constitutes
a hazard or nuisance affecting public health and safety, such as explosives,
gas, noxious chemicals, inflammable compounds, or the like.
SECTION 1.01.06
Maintenance
All buildings or structures, both existing and new, and all parts
thereof shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. All devices or
safeguards, which are required by this Code in a building or structure when
constructed, altered, or repaired, shall be maintained on good working order.
SECTION 1.01.07
Insanitary, Unsafe,
Hazardous, or Dangerous Sites
(a) The land or site upon which will be constructed any
building or structure, or any ancillary or auxillary facility thereto, shall be
sanitary, hygienic or safe. Where the land or site is polluted, insanitary,
unhygienic, unsafe, or hazardous, conditions contributing to or causing its
being polluted, insanitary, unhygienic, unsafe, or hazardous shall be
reasonably improved or corrected, or proper remedial measures shall be
prescribed or incorporated in the design or construction of the building or
structure in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
(b) The land or site upon which be constructed a
building of structure or any ancillary or accessory facility thereto, for use
of human habitation or abode, shall be at a safe distance from streamers or
bodies of water and/source of air considered to be polluted, volcano or
volcanic site, and building or structure considered to be a potential source of
fire or explosion, such as ammunitions factory or dump and storage place for
highly inflammable material.
SECTION 1.01.08
Dangerous and Ruinous
Buildings or Structures
(a) General
The provisions of this Code
shall apply to all dangerous buildings, as herein defined, which are now in
existence or which may hereafter be constructed, as well as to ruinous
buildings as defined in Article 482 of the Civil Code of the Philippines.
(b) Dangerous Buildings Defined
Dangerous buildings are
those which are structurally unsafe or not provided with safe egress, or which
constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life, or which in
relation to existing use constitute a hazard to safety or health or public
welfare, by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire
hazard, or abandonment; or which otherwise contribute to the pollution of the
site or the community to an intolerable degree. Any building or structure which
has any or all of the conditions or defects hereinafter described, or
conditions or 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 sufficient width or size, or is not so arranged
as to provide safe and adequate means of exit in case of fire or panic;
(2) Whenever the stress in any materials member or
portion thereof, due to all dead and live loads is more than one and one-half
times the working stresses or stresses allowed in this Code for new building of
similar structure, purpose, or location: Provided, That in determining working
stress, the working stress method of analysis shall be used, and in the case of
engineering "overstress", the ultimate strength method;
(3) Whenever any portion thereof has been damaged by
fire, earthquake, wind, flood, or by any other cause, to such an extent that
the structural strength or the stability thereof is materially less than it was
before such catastrophe and is less than the minimum requirements of this Code
for new buildings of similar structures, purpose, or location;
(4) Whenever any portion or member or appurtenance
thereof is likely to fall, or to become detached or dislodged, or to collapse
and thereby injure persons or damage property;
(5) Whenever any portion or member or any appurtenance
or ornamentation of the exterior thereof is not of such sufficient strength or
stability, or is not so anchored, attached, or fastened - place so as to be
capable of resisting a wind pressure of one-half of that specified in this Code
for new buildings of similar structure; purpose, or location without exceeding
the working stresses permitted for such buildings;
(6) Whenever any portion thereon has wracked, warped,
buckled, or settled to such an extent that walls or other structural portions
have materially less resistance to winds or earthquake than is required in the
case similar new construction;
(7) Whenever the building or structure, or any portion
thereof, because of: (i) dilapidation, deterioration, or delay; (ii) faulty
construction; (iii) the removal, movement, or instability of any portion of the
ground necessary for the purpose of supporting such building; (iv) the
deterioration, decay, or inadequacy of its foundation; or (v) any other cause,
is likely to partially or completely collapse;
(8) Whenever, for any reason, the building or structure,
or any portion thereof, is manifestly unsafe for the purpose for which it is
being used;
(9) Whenever the exterior walls or other vertical
structural members list, lean, or buckle to such an extent that the structure
falls within the condition described in the preceding subparagraph (2), above,
or whenever any portion thereof suffers a material reduction of the fire and
weather resistance qualities of characteristics required by this Code for newly
constructed buildings of like area, height, and occupancy in the same location;
(10) Whenever a building or structure, used or intended
to be used for dwelling purposes, because of inadequate maintenance,
dilapidation, decay, damage, faulty construction or arrangement, inadequate
light, air, or sanitation facilities, or otherwise, is found to be unsanitary,
unfit for human habitation, or in such a condition that is likely to cause
sickness or disease;
(11) Whenever any building or structure, because of
obsolescence, dilapidated, condition, deterioration, damage, inadequate exists,
lack of sufficient fire-resistive construction, or other cause, is found to be
a fire hazard;
(12) Whenever any portion of a building or structure
remains on a site after demolition or destruction of the building or structure
is abandoned for a period in excess of six months, so as to constitute a
nuisance or hazard to the public;
(13) Whenever any building or structure is in such a
condition as to constitute a public nuisance defined in Article 694 and 695 of
the Civil Code of the Philippines.
(c) Abatement of Dangerous Buildings. In all cases of
dangerous buildings, except those covered by Article 482 and 694 to 707 of the
Civil Code of the Philippines, the Building Official shall order their repair,
vacation, or demolition in accordance with the following procedure:
(1) Where the dangerous building can reasonably be
repaired such that it will no longer be dangerous, it shall be ordered
repaired;
(2) Where the dangerous building is such that to repair
it would cost more than 50 per cent of the current to replacement cost of the
building, it shall be repaired or demolished at the opinion of the owner;
(3) Where the dangerous building poses an immediate
threat to life, limb, or property, it shall be vacated immediately, then
repaired or demolished in accordance with subparagraphs (1) or (2) herein.
SECTION 1.01.09
Alternate or new Design,
Material, Method of Construction, or Workmanship; Tests:
(a) Any design, material, method of construction, or
workmanship not specifically included in this Code may be used: Provided, That
such alternate or new design, material, method of construction, or workmanship
is at least the equivalent of those prescribed in this Code in effectiveness.
(b) Tests for design, materials, method of construction,
or workmanship shall be prescribed by the Secretary of Public Works and
Communication in appropriate rules and regulations therefor.
SECTION 1.01.10
Municipal and Provincial
Ordinances and Regulations
(a) Local ordinances should conform to the Code and
suppletory requirements hereto shall in no case diminish minimum requirements
embodied in this Code. The Secretary of Public Works and Communications or, in
the proper case, the Secretary of Justice shall take any and all appropriate
steps in cases where local ordinances conflict with the Code.
SECTION 1.01.11
Definitions and Tables
The definitions in Annex A and the Tables in Annex B of this Code are
hereby adopted as part thereof.
SECTION 1.01.12
Separability Clause
If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Code shall be
declared unconstitutional or invalid, no other section or provision of this
Code shall be affected thereby.
SECTION 1.01.13
Repealing Clause
Any and all statutes, orders, ordinances, rules and regulations or
parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Code, are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.
SECTION 1.01.14
Effectivity This Code shall take effect upon its approval within the Greater Manila Metropolitan Area and in other areas where there are already existing local building codes, and four (4) years thereafter, in all other areas in the Philippines: Provided, however, That this provision shall not prevent any city or municipal council or board from adopting this Code immediately upon its approval.
Chapter 1.02
ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 1.02.01
Joint Building and
Environmental Planning Research and Standards Commission
(a) Membership
There is hereby created a
Joint Building and Environmental Planning Research and Standards Commission
composed of two Senators, two Congressmen, and five other members to be
appointed by the President of the Philippines. The members shall elect a
Chairman from among themselves.
(1) The President of the Senate shall designate the
chairman of the Committee on Housing, Urban Development and Resettlement and
one Senator from the minority party as members of the Commission.
(2) The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall
designate the Chairman of the Committee on Housing and one Congressman from the
minority party as members of the Commission.
(3) The President of the Philippines shall appoint two
architects, two engineers, and one building contractor chosen from those
officially recommended by their respective national professional organizations,
to serve for four years or until their successors shall have been duly
appointed and qualified.
(4) The members thereof shall serve without
compensation: except, That the members from the professional organizations may
receive a per diem of one hundred pesos (P100.00) each per meeting actually
attended: Provided, That the total per diem the members may receive shall not
exceed six hundred pesos (P600.00) per month. A monthly transportation
allowance of two hundred fifty pesos (P250.00) shall be granted each of the
members from the professional organizations.
(b) Duties and Responsibilities
The Commission shall have
the following duties and responsibilities:
(1) Conduct or cause to be conducted continuing research
and studies on building, housing, and environmental planning standards and
requirements to safeguard life or limb, health, property, and public welfare;
(2) Prepare a draft of a uniform code of criteria,
standards, and detailed specifications covering design, construction, and other
related matters suited to local needs and indigenous conditions for adoption by
local governments to supplement the minimum standards provided in this Code;
(3) Prepare drafts of environmental planning, management
and control codes, subdivision policies and standards, zoning regulations and
other codes for legislative enactment; and recommend, from time to time,
changes in this Building Code for submission to Congress; and
(4) Transmit appropriate recommendation to the Secretary
of Public Works and Communications as a basis for the promulgation by the
Secretary of the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of
this Code.
(c) Technical Staff
The Commission shall be
assisted by a Technical Staff which shall be headed by an Executive Director
and an Assistant Executive Director. All personnel shall be appointed by the
Chairman subject to civil service laws, rules, and regulations.
(d) Appropriations
The amount of two hundred
and fifty thousand pesos (P250,000) or such amount thereof as may be necessary
for the operation of the Commission is hereby authorized to be appropriated out
of any funds not otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973.
Such sums may be necessary for the operating expenses of the Commission in
succeeding fiscal years shall be included in the annual General Appropriations
Act.
SECTION 1.02.02:
Secretary of Public Works
and Communications and Building Officials
(a) The Secretary of Public Works and Communications,
hereinafter referred to as the "Secretary", shall promulgate such
rules and regulations necessary to enable the Building Official to enforce the
provisions of this Code.
(b) In municipalities, the Municipal Engineer shall be
the Building Official; Provided, That when there is no such Municipal Engineer,
or a duly licensed engineer performing the duties of a Municipal Engineer, or a
Land and Building Official, the Provincial Engineer, or in the absence thereof,
the Public Works Engineer within whose jurisdiction the municipality falls
shall be the Building Official. In case of cities, the City Public Works
Supervisor shall be the Building Official: Provided, That when there is no such
City Public Works Supervisor, the City Engineer shall be the Building Official.
For the purpose of the enforcement of the provisions of this Code, the Building
Official shall be under the supervision of the Secretary of Public Works and
Communications, any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding.
(c) Subject to the approval of the Municipal Mayor, City
Mayor, or Provincial Governor in the proper case, and other civil service laws
and rules, the Building Official may appoint such number of officers,
inspectors, assistants, or other employees possessing the necessary
qualifications and competency as may be authorized by the Municipal Council,
City Council, or Provincial Board, as the case may be. He may deputize such
technically qualified employees as may be necessary to carry out the provisions
of this Code. For purposes of this Subsection, the terms "necessary
qualifications and competency" and "technically qualified" shall
mean that the person to be deputized shall have passed the highest grade of
examination called for in the applicable law regulating the practice of the
branch of engineering or architecture related to or associated with the duties
and powers which the person to be deputized shall assume.
SECTION 1.02.03
Building permits
(a) Any person, firm, or corporation, including any
department, office, bureau, agency of instrumentality of the government
intending to construct, alter, repair, move, convert or demolish any building
or structure, or cause the same to be done, shall obtain a building permit from
the Building Official for whichever of such work is proposed to be undertaken
for the building or structure, before any such work is started.
(b) Appropriate rules and regulations shall be set by
the Secretary concerning:
(1) Forms for application for building permits;
(2) Procedures to be observed in securing such permits;
(3) Procedures to be observed in the issuance,
suspension, and revocation of such building permits; and
(4) Type, nature, and scope of plans and specifications,
and other requisite documents, which shall be prepared and designed by a
licensed architect or engineer.
(c) When authorized by the Building Official in
accordance with the provisions of this Code, plans and specifications need not
be submitted for the following:
(1) Group A traditional indigenous type of dwelling
construction costing not more than three thousand pesos (P3,000.00); and
(2) Group J Division 1 Occupancy of Type 1 conventional
wood frame construction or of the traditional indigenous type of construction
costing not more than three thousand pesos (P3,000.00).
(d) The applicant for a building permit for private
buildings or structures after having complied with all the requirements
prescribed therefor in accordance with the provisions of this Code, shall be
issued a building permit within fifteen (15) days from the date of payment of
the permit fee for Groups A and J Occupancies and within thirty (30) days from
the date of payment of the permit fee for other Group Occupancies, unless the
Building Official or his Deputy authorized to issue the permit shall inform the
applicant in writing why the permit should not be issued, and shall indicate
thereon the particular provisions of the Code violated by the applicant or the
particular requirements not complied with. Within fifteen (15) days from the
date of receipt by the applicant of advice from the Building Official or his
Deputy authorized to issue the permit why the building permit should not be issued,
or why the building permit is suspended or revoked, the applicant may appeal
the non-issuance, suspension, or revocation thereof, to the Mayor of the
chartered city or municipality, or the Governor of the province where the
building or structure for which the permit is being applied for is located.
Said appeal shall be decided within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof,
otherwise, the applicant may bring the matter to the proper Court of Justice
for final disposition.
(e) All public buildings shall conform to the provisions
of this Code and the Building Official of the city or province where the public
building is located shall issue the building permit therefor, stating in
writing that such public building conforms to the requirements of the Code. For
national public buildings, the Secretary of Public Works and Communications
shall issue a certification that such a building conforms to the Code. Public
buildings shall be exempt from payment of building permit, inspection, another
fees.
SECTION 1.02.04
Fees
Regulations on building permit, inspection and other fees, and for
compliance with the same shall be covered by city and municipal ordinances:
Provided, That Traditional indigenous family dwellings under Section 1.01.04
(d) shall be exempt from payment of building permit fees.
SECTION 1.02.05
Inspection and Certificates
of Occupancy
(a) Inspection
The duly licensed architect
or engineer engaged by the owner to undertake inspection and detailed
supervision of the construction shall periodically certify that the
construction conforms to the plans and specifications submitted in the
application for a building permit. Upon submission of such periodic
certifications during the progress of construction, the Building Official shall
periodically issue the required authority to continue with the subsequent
phases of construction, without prejudice to his right to conduct on his own
initiative any inspection of the said construction. Upon completion of the
construction, the said duly licensed architect or engineer shall submit to the
Building Official the final certification that the building conforms to the provisions
of the Code and with the detailed plans and specifications submitted.
(b) Certificates of Occupancy
The proper Certificate of
Occupancy shall be issued to the applicant within seven (7) days from
completion of the requirements for inspection and occupancy and payment of any
and all fees there for, unless the building Official or his Deputy issuing the
Certificate shall show cause in writing why the Certificate should not be
issued and shall indicate there on the particular provisions of the Code
violated or the particular requirements not complied with. Within fifteen (15)
days from receipt by the applicant of the advice from Building Official or his
Deputy authorized to issue the certificate why the certificate should not be
issued, or why the certificate is suspended or revoked, the applicant may
appeal the non-issuance, suspension, or revocation thereof, to the Mayor of the
chartered city or municipality, or the Governor of the province where the
building for which the certificate is being applied for is located. Said appeal
shall be decided within fifteen (15) days from receipts thereof, otherwise, the
applicant may bring the matter to the proper Court of Justice for final
disposition. The building may be occupied only upon issuance of the Certificate
of Occupancy.
SECTION 1.02.06
Violations of This Code
Covering Designs, Materials, Methods of Construction, and Workmanship
(a) In all cases of violation of this Code covering
design, materials, methods of construction, and workmanship, the Building
Official shall observe the following procedure in ordering the alteration to
conform to this Code or demolition of the building or portion thereof:
(1) Where the building is in the process of
construction, the construction of the portion or portions in violation of this
Code shall be stopped until the same shall have been altered to conform to this
Code, unless such partial violation will impair the stability and safety of the
whole or part of the structure, in which case, the whole construction shall be
stopped.
(2) Where a building or portion thereof has been
constructed, the following procedure shall be observed:
(i) In case it can be reasonably altered to conform to
the requirements of this Code, it shall be altered accordingly;
(ii) In case the alteration will cost more than 50 per
cent of the current construction cost of the building, it shall be altered to
conform to this Code or demolished at the option of the owner;
(iii) In case the building or portion thereof poses an
immediate danger to life, limb, or property, the same shall be vacated
immediately, then altered to conform to the requirements of this Code or
demolished in accordance with subparagraphs (1) and (2) herein.
(3) If the owner, after receipts of the order of
alteration or demolition fails to comply with such order within a period of one
year, said construction shall be declared a nuisance and be abated in
accordance with the provisions of Article 699 of the Civil Code of the
Philippines.
(b) This Code shall not be construed to deprive any
person the right to avail himself of any and all judicial proceedings or
remedies available under existing laws.
(c) Nothing in this Chapter is intended to diminish the
powers vested in the different Boards of Examiners of the various architectural
and engineering professions as provided for in existence laws regulating the
practice of architecture and engineering, nor to restrict the designing
engineering or architect in the exercise of his professional discretion within
the basic minimum standards and requirements embodied in Section 1.01.02 of
this Code.
TITLE 2 – FIRE AND FIRE-RESISTIVE STANDARDS
Chapter 2.01
REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE ZONES
SECTION 2.01.01
General
(a) Fire Zones Defined
Fire zones are areas within
which only certain types of building are permitted to be constructed based on
their use, occupancy, type of construction, and resistance to fire.
(b) Building Located in More Than One Fire Zone
If a building or structure
is located in more than one fire zone and more than one-third of its total
floor area is in a more restricted fire zone, then the entire building shall
conform to the requirements for the more restricted area.
(c) Moved Building
Any building or structure
moved within or into any fire zone shall be made to comply with all the
requirements for buildings of that fire zone.
(d) Temporary Buildings
Temporary buildings or
structures conforming to the requirements of this Code, used for the protection
of the public around and in conjunction with construction work may be erected
in any of the fire zones: Provided, that such work is allowed by special permit
from the Building Official and such is used only for a limited period of time.
(e) Center Lines of Streets
For the purpose of this
Chapter, the center line of an adjoining street or alley may be considered an
adjacent property line. Distance shall be measured at right angles to the
street or alley.
SECTION 2.01.02
Designation of Fire Zones
(a) The Secretary shall classify each type of fire zone
in accordance to use, occupancy, type of construction, and resistance to fire
subject to the provisions of this Code.
(b) Based on the classification of fire zones, City
Counsels or Municipal Boards, by resolution, shall divide cities and
municipalities into fire zones. Such division shall be in accordance with the
local physical and spatial framework plans or the recommendation of the local
city or municipal development body.
Chapter 2.02
FIRE-RESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR FIRE
PROTECTION
SECTION 2.02.01
Fire-Resistive Requirements
(a) Exterior bearing and nonbearing walls of Types II
and III constructions shall have one-hour fire-resistive rating; while those of
types IV and V shall have four-hour fire-resistive rating.
(b) Interior bearing walls, permanent partitions,
floors, and roofs of Types II to IV constructions shall have one-hour
fire-resistive rating; while those of Type V shall have three-hour
fire-resistive rating for walls, one-hour fire-resistive rating for partitions,
and two-hour fire-resistive rating for vertical openings, floors, and roofs.
(c) Structural frames of Types II and III constructions
shall have one-hour fire-resistive rating; those of Type IV shall have two-hour
fire-resistive rating; and those of Type V shall have three-hour fire-resistive
rating.
(d) Exterior doors and windows shall have
three-fourths-hour fire-resistive rating for all types of construction.
SECTION 2.02.02
Fire-Resistive Standards
(a) General. Materials and systems of fire-resistive
purposes shall be classified according to their fire-resistive ratings as
determined by internationally accepted testing methods, subject to the
provisions of this Section.
(b) One-Hour Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating
(1)
The following walls and partitions shall have a
one-hour fire-resistive rating: Solid masonry, 10 centimeters (4 inches) thick;
hollow unit masonry, 15 centimeters (6 inches) thick; solid concrete, 10
centimeters (4 inches) thick; stud walls covered on each side with 1.9
centimeters (3/4 inch) lath and plaster, 1.6 centimeters (5/8 inch) of
vermiculite gypsum board, or 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) of gypsum board; and 5
centimeters (2 inches) nominal thickness tongue and groove wood, or two layers
of 1.9 centimeters (3/4 inch) tongue and groove wood separated by sheet metal
or asbestos paper and treated on each side with a fire-retardant coating having
a flame-spread rating of 50 or less. Square-edged boards may be used is the
layers are laid at right angles with each other.
(2) The following floors shall have a one-hour
fire-resistive rating: masonry or concrete, 10 centimeters (4 inches) thick;
wood joists having two layers of flooring above and a plaster or gypsum board
ceiling, 1.9 centimeters (3/4 inch) in thickness - the two layers of flooring
shall be separated by sheet metal or asbestos building paper; 6.3 centimeters
(2-1/2 inches) net thickness tongue and grooved wood floors covered with 1.9
centimeters (3/4 inch) wood flooring laid at right angles thereto. The supporting
beams for such floors shall be not less than 15 centimeters (6 inches) in
minimum dimension.
(3) The following protections for metal structural
members shall have one-hour fire-resistive rating: 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) of
concrete; 3.8 centimeters (1-1/2 inches) of masonry; and metal lath and 2.5
centimeters (1 inch) of plaster.
(4) The following shall also have a one-hour
fire-resistive rating; wood columns, 20 centimeters (8 inches) or more in least
dimension; and wood beams, 15 centimeters (6 inches) or more in least
dimension.
(c) Two-Hour Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating
(1) The following partitions, walls, and floors shall
have a two-hour fire-resistive rating: solid masonry, 15 centimeters (6 inches)
thick; hollow unit masonry, 20 centimeters (8 inches) thick; and solid
concrete, 127 centimeters (5 inches) thick.
(2) The following protections for metal structural
members shall have a two-hour fire-resistive rating. 3.8 centimeters (1-1/2
inches) of concrete; 5 centimeters (2 inches) of masonry; and two layers of
metal lath and plaster with 1.9 centimeters (3/4 inch) air space between and
having a total thickness of 6.3 centimeters (2-1/2 inches).
(d) Three-Hour Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating
(1)
The following partitions, walls, and floors shall
have a three-hour fire-resistive rating: solid masonry, 17.8 centimeters (7
inches) thick; hollow unit masonry, 25.4 centimeters (10 inches) thick; and
solid concrete, 15 centimeters (6 inches) thick.
(2)
The following protection for metal structural
members shall have a three-hour fire resistive rating: centimeters (2 inches)
of concrete; 7.6 centimeters (3 inches) of masonry.
(e)
Four-Hour Fire-Resistive Time Period Rating
(1)
The following partitions, walls, and floors shall
have a four-hour fire resistive rating: solid masonry walls, 20 centimeters (8
inches) thick; hollow unit masonry, 30 centimeters (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-resistive rating based on internationally accepted standards
of engineering.
(g) Flame-Proof Materials. Materials required to be
flame-proofed shall be treated with a flame-retardant having flame-spread
rating of 50 less as determined by the "Tunnel Test".
SECTION 2.02.03
Interior Wall and Ceiling
Finish
(a) General
Finishes for interior walls
and ceilings of any building shall be classified according to their
flame-spread characteristics using the internationally accepted "Tunnel
Test" or other equivalent test for fire protection. The class of materials
according to flame-spread characteristics shall be determined for each
occupancy group. The smoke density shall not be greater than that obtain from
the burning of untreated wood under similar conditions when tested in
accordance with the "Tunnel Test" in the way intended for use. The
products of combustion shall be no more toxic than the burning of untreated
wood under similar conditions.
(b) Interior Finish Materials
Interior walls and ceiling
finish shall mean interior wainscoting, paneling, or other finish applied
structurally or for decoration, acoustical correction, surface insulation or
similar purposes. Requirements for finishes shall not apply to trim, doors, and
windows or their frames, nor to materials which are less than one millimeter
(0.039 inch) in thickness cemented to an incombustible backing. Interior finish
materials applied to walls and ceilings shall be tested as specified herein and
regulated for purposes of limiting flame-spread.
SECTION 2.02.04
Promulgation of
Fire-Resistive Regulations
The Secretary shall promulgate appropriate standards and regulations on
the testing of materials for flame-spread characteristics; application of
controlled interior finish; finishes based on occupancy; materials and tests on
fire dampers, fire tests of building construction and materials, fire tests of
door assemblies, tin-clad fire doors, fire test of window assemblies,
installation of fire door and fire windows, and smoke and fire detectors for
fire protective signaling systems; fire-resistive protection of structural
members; fire-resistive walls and partitions; fire-resistive floor-ceilings or
roof-ceilings; fire-resistive assemblies for protection of openings; and
fire-retardant roof coverings.
TITLE 3 – REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY
Chapter 3.01
CLASSIFICATION OF ALL BUILDINGS BY
USE OR OCCUPANCY AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
FOR ALL OCCUPANCIES
SECTION 3.01.01
Occupancy Classified
(a) Building
proposed, for construction shall be identified according to its use or the
character of 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 or lodging houses, hotels, apartment houses, convents, and
monasteries (each accommodating more than 10 persons).
(3) Group C – Education and Recreation
Group C Occupancies shall be
any building used for school or day care purposes more than eight hours per
week, involving assemblage for instruction, education, or recreation, and not
classed in Group I or in Divisions 1 and 2 of Group H Occupancies.
(4) Group D – Institutional
Group D Occupancies shall
include:
Division
1
– Mental hospitals, mental sanitariums, jails, prisons, reformatories, and
buildings where personal liberties of inmates are similarly restrained;
Division
2
– Nurseries for full-time care of children under kindergarten age, hospitals,
sanitariums, nursing homes with non-ambulatory patients, and similar buildings
(each accommodating more than five persons);
Division
3
– Nursing homes for ambulatory patients, homes for children of kindergarten age
or over (each accommodating more than five persons);
Provided, That Group D
Occupancies shall not include buildings used only for private residential
purposes or for a family group.
(5) Group E – Business and Mercantile
Group E Occupancies shall
include:
Division
1
– Gasoline filling and service stations; storage garage and boat storage
structures where no work is done except exchange of parts and maintenance
requiring no open flame, welding, or the use of highly flammable liquids;
Division
2
– Wholesale and retail stores, office buildings, drinking and dining
establishments having an occupant load test than 100, printing plants,
municipal police and fire stations, factories and workshops using materials not
highly flammable or combustible, storage and sales room for combustible goods,
and paint stores without bulk handling, and
Division
3
– Aircraft hangars where no repair work is done except exchange of parts and
maintenance requiring no open flame, welding, or the use of highly flammable
liquids; open parking garages and heliports.
(6) Group F – Industrial
Group F Occupancies shall
include: Ice plants, power plants, pumping plants, cold storage, and
creameries; factories and workshops using incombustible and non-explosive
materials; and storage and sales rooms of incombustible and non-explosive
materials.
(7) Group G – Storage and Hazardous
Group G Occupancies shall
include:
Division
1
– Storage and handling of hazardous and highly flammable or explosive materials
other than flammable liquids;
Division
2
– Storage and handling of flammable liquids; dry cleaning plants using
flammable liquids; paint stores with bulk handling; paint shops and spray
painting rooms, and shops;
Division
3
– Wood working establishments, planning mills and box factories, shops
factories where loose, combustible fibers or dust are manufactured, processed
or generated; warehouses where highly combustible material is stored;
Division
4
– Repair garages; and
Division
5
– Aircraft repair hangars.
(8) Group H – Assembly Other Than Group I
Group H Occupancies shall
include:
Division
1
– Any assembly building with a stage and an occupant load of less than 100 in
the building;
Division
2
– Any assembly building without a stage and having an occupant load of 300 or
more in the building;
Division
3
– Any assembly building without a stage and having an occupant load of less
than 300 in the building, including such buildings used for school purposes
less than eight hours per week; and
Division
4
– Stadiums, reviewing stands, amusement park structures not included within
Group I or Divisions 1, 2, and 3, Group H Occupancies.
(9) Group I – Assembly Occupant Load 1000 or More. Group
I Occupancies shall be any assembly building with a stage and an occupant load
of 1000 or more in the building.
(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
subgroupings or divisions within Groups A to J may be determined by the
Secretary. Any other occupancy not mentioned specifically in this Section, or
about which there is any question, shall be included in the Group which its use
most nearly resembles based on the existing or proposed life and fire hazard.
(c) The Building
Officials shall identify and indicate in the Certificate of Occupancy the
appropriate classification to which a building or structure to be constructed
belongs.
SECTION 3.01.02
Change in Use
No change shall be made in the character of occupancies or use of any
building which would place the building in a different division of the same
group of occupancy or in a different group of occupancies, unless such
buildings is made to comply with the requirements for such division or group of
occupancy: Except, That the character of occupancy of existing buildings may be
changed subject to the approval of the Building Official and the building may
be occupied for purposes set forth in other Groups without conforming to all
the requirements for those Groups, provided the new or proposed use is less hazardous,
based on life and fire risk, than the existing use.
SECTION 3.01.03
Mixed Occupancy
(a) General
When a building is used for
more than one occupancy purposes, each part of the building comprising a
distinct "Occupancy" shall be separated from any other occupancy.
When a building is used for more than one occupancy purpose, it shall be subject
to the most restrictive requirements for the occupancies concerned: Except,
(1) When a one-story building houses more than one
occupancy, each portion of the building shall conform to the requirements for
the occupancy housed therein, and the area of the building shall be such that
the sum of the actual areas divided by the allowable area for each separate
occupancy shall not exceed one; and
(2) Where minor accessory uses do not occupy more than
10 per cent of the area of any floor of a building, nor more than 10 per cent
of the basis are permitted in the occupancy requirements. The major use of the
building shall determine the occupancy classification provided the uses are
separated in accordance with requirements for occupancy separation.
(b) Forms of Occupancy Separation
Occupancy separations shall
be vertical or horizontal or both, or when necessary, of such other form as may
be required to afford a complete separation between the various occupancy
divisions in the building.
(c) Types of Occupancy Separation
Occupancy separations shall
be classed as "One-Hour Fire-Resistive" "Two-Hour
Fire-Resistive", "Three-Hour Fire-Resistive", and
"Four-Hour Fire-Resistive".
(1) A "One-Hour
Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separations" shall be of not less than
one-hour fire-resistive construction. All openings in such a separations shall
be protected a fire assembly having a one-hour fire-resistive rating.
(2) A "Two-Hour
Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation" shall be of not less than
two-hour fire-resistive construction. All openings in such separation shall be
protected by a fire assembly having a one and one-half-hour fire-resistive
rating.
(3) A "Three-Hour
Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation" shall be of not less than
three-hour fire-resistive construction. All openings in walls forming such
separation shall be protected by a fire assembly having a three-hour
fire-resistive rating. The total width of all openings in any three-hour
fire-resistive occupancy separation wall in any one-story shall not exceed 25
per cent of the length of the wall in that story and no single opening shall
have an area greater than 10.00 square meters (107.1 square feet). All openings
in floors forming a "Three-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation"
shall be protected by vertical enclosures extending above and below such
openings. The walls of such vertical enclosures shall be of not less than
ten-hours fire-resistive construction, and all openings therein shall be
protected by a fire assembly having one and one-half-hour fire-resistive
rating.
(4) A "Four-Hour
Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation" shall have no openings therein
and shall be of not less than four-hour fire-resistive construction.
(d) Fire Ratings for Occupancy Separation
Occupancy separations shall
be provided between various groups, subgroupings, or divisions of occupancies.
The Secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations for appropriate occupancy
separations in buildings of mixed occupancy: Provided, That where any occupancy
separation is required, the minimum shall be a "One-Hour Fire-Resistive
Occupancy Separation"; and where the occupancy separation is horizontal,
structural members supporting the separation shall be protected by equivalent
fire-resistive construction.
SECTION 3.01.04
Location on Property
(a) General
Buildings shall adjoin or
have access to a public space, yard, or street on not less than one side.
Required yards shall be permanently maintained. For the purpose of this
Section, the center line of an adjoining street or alley shall be considered an
adjacent property line. Eaves over required windows shall be not less than 75
centimeters (30 inches) from the side and rear and rear property lines.
(b) Fire Resistance of Walls
Exterior walls shall have
fire resistance and opening protection in accordance with requirements set by
the Secretary. Projections beyond the exterior wall shall not extend beyond a
point one-third the distance to the property line from an exterior wall; or a
point one-third the distance from an assumed vertical plane located where fire-resistive
protection of openings is first required due to location on property, whichever
is the least restrictive. Distance shall be measured at right angles from the
property line. When openings in exterior walls are required to be protected due
to distance from property line, the sum of the area of such openings shall not
exceed 50 per cent of the total area of the wall in each story.
(c) Buildings on Same Property and Buildings Containing
Courts
For the purpose of
determining the required wall and opening protection, buildings on the same
property and court walls shall be assumed to have a property line between them.
When a new building is to be erected on the same property with an existing
building, the assumed property line from the existing building shall be the
distance to the property line for each occupancy as set forth by the Secretary:
Provided, That two or more buildings on the same property may be considered as
portions of one building of the aggregate area of such buildings is within the
limits of allowable floor areas for a single building; and that when the
buildings so considered house different occupancies or are of different types
of construction, the area shall be that allowed for the most restricted
occupancy or construction.
SECTION 3.01.05
Allowable Floor Areas
(a) Areas of One-Story Buildings and Building Over One
Story
Allowable floor areas for
one-story buildings and buildings over one story shall not exceed the limits
determined in accordance with occupancy groups and types of construction.
(b) Area Separation Walls
Each portion of a building
separated by one or more area separation walls may be considered a separate
building provided the area separation wall meet the requirements of this Code.
SECTION 3.01.06
Allowable Area Increases
The floor area hereinabove provided may be increased in certain
specific instances and under appropriate conditions, based on the existence of
public space, streets, or yards extending along the adjoining two or more sides
of the building or structure.
SECTION 3.01.07
Maximum Height of Buildings
and Increases
The maximum height and number of stories of every building shall be
dependent upon the character of the occupancy and the type of construction, and
shall not exceed the limits determined by population density, building bulk,
widths of streets, and car parking requirements. The height shall be measured
from the highest adjoining sidewalk or ground surface, provided that the height
measured from the lowest adjoining surface shall not exceed such maximum height
by more than 3.00 meters (10 feet): Except, That towers, spires, and steeples,
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 of incombustible
materials, or may extend not to exceed 6.00 meters (19 feet, 8 inches) above
the height limits for each occupancy group if of combustible materials.
SECTION 3.01.08
Maximum Requirements for
Group A Dwellings: One Two Stories
(a) Dwelling Location and Lot Occupancy
The dwelling shall occupy
not more than 90 per cent of a corner lot and 80 per cent of an inside lot, and
subject to the provisions on easements of light and view of the Civil Code of
the Philippines, shall be at least 2.00 meters (6 feet, inches) from the
property line.
(b) Light and Ventilation
Every dwelling shall be so
constructed and arranged as to provide adequate light and ventilation.
(1) Habitable rooms, bathrooms, toilet rooms and utility
rooms shall have a height of not less than 2.40 meters (8 feet), measured from
floor to ceiling.
(2) Rooms shall have a minimum size of 6.00 square
meters (65 square feet) with a least horizontal dimension of 2.00 meters (6
feet, 7 inches) for rooms of human habitations; 3.00 square meters (32 feet)
with a least horizontal dimension of 1.50 meters (5 feet) for kitchens; and
1.20 square meters (13 square feet) with a least horizontal dimension of 90
centimeters (3 feet) for bathrooms.
(3) Windows shall be at least 1/10th of the floor area
of the room.
(c) Sanitation
Every dwelling shall be
provided with at least one sanitary toilet and adequate washing and drainage
facilities.
(d) Foundation
Footing shall be of
sufficient size and strength to support the load and dwelling and shall be at
least 30 centimeters (1 foot) thick and 60 centimeters (2 feet) below the
surface of the ground. Each post shall be anchored to such footings by straps
and bolts of adequate size.
(e) Post or Suportales
The dimensions of wooden
post or suportales shall be those found in Table 3.01 - A Dimension of Wooden
Posts or Suportales (Annex B).
(f) Floor
The live load of the first
floor shall be at least 200 kilograms per square meter (40 pounds per square
foot) and for the second floor, at least 150 kilograms per square meter (30
pounds per square foot).
(g) Roof
The wind load for roofs
shall be at least 150 kilograms per square meter (30 pounds per square foot).
(h) Stairs
Stairs may be 75 centimeters
(30 inches) wide, with a rise of 20 centimeters (8 inches) and a run of 23
centimeters (9 inches).
(i) Entrance and Exit
There shall be one entrance
and one exit.
(j) Electrical Outlets
There shall be at least one
convenience outlet per 6.00 meters (20 feet) of wall measured along the floor
and one light outlet for every room.
(k) Mechanical Requirements
Family dwellings not more
than two stories shall be exempt from the requirements of the Mechanical Code.
SECTION 3.01.09
Requirements for Group
Occupancies
Subject to the provisions of this Code, the Secretary shall promulgate
regulations for each occupancy group covering: allowable construction, height,
and area; location on property, exit facilities, light, ventilation, and
sanitation; enclosure of vertical openings; fire-extinguishing system; and
special hazards.
TITLE 4 – TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
Chapter 4.01
CLASSIFICATION OF ALL BUILDINGS BY TYPES OF
CONSTRUCTION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 4.01.01
Types of Construction
(a) The requirements of this Chapter are minimum for the
varying degrees of public safety and resistance to fire. Every building
proposed for construction shall be identified according to the following:
(1) Type I. Type I Buildings shall be of wood
construction. The structural elements may be any of the materials permitted by
this Code.
(2) Type II. Type II Buildings shall be
of wood construction with protective fire-resistant materials and one-hour
fire-resistive throughout: Except, that permanent nonbearing partitions may use
fire-retardant treated wood within the framing assembly.
(3) Type III. Type III Buildings shall be
masonry and wood construction, Structual elements may be any of the materials
permitted by this Code: Provided, That the building shall be one-hour
fire-resistive throughout. Exterior walls shall be of incombustible
fire-resistive construction.
(4) Type IV. Type IV Building shall be
of steel, iron, concrete, or masonry construction. Walls and permanent
partitions shall be of incombustible fire-resistive construction: Except, That
permanent nonbearing partitions of one-hour fire resistive construction framing
assembly.
(5) Type V. Type V Buildings shall be fire-resistive.
The structural elements shall be of steel, iron, concrete, or masonry
construction. Walls and permanent partitions shall be incombustible
fire-resistive construction.
(b) Other subtypes or divisions within Types I to V may
be determined by the Secretary. Any building which does not conform entirely to
a type of construction herein set forth shall be classified into a type having
an equal or lesser degree of fire-resistance of the building.
(c) The Building Official shall identify and indicate in
the Certificate of Occupancy the appropriate classification to which a building
or structure to be constructed belongs.
SECTION 4.01.02
Change in Type
No change shall be made in the type of construction of any building
which would place the building in a different subtype or type of construction
unless such bidding is made to comply with the requirements for such subtype or
type of construction: Except, That the type of construction of existing buildings
may be changed subject to the approval of the Building Official and the
building may be constructed for purposes set forth in other Types without
conforming to all the requirements for those Types, provided the new or
proposed construction is less hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than the
existing construction.
SECTION 4.01.03
Requirements on Types of
Construction
Subject to the provisions of this Chapter, the Secretary shall
promulgate regulations for each type of construction, and promulgate rules and
regulations therefore, covering: structural framework, exterior walls and
openings, interior walls and enclosures, floors, exits and stars construction,
and roofs.
TITLE 5– LIGHT, VENTILATION, AND SANITATION
Chapter 5.01
LIGHT AND VENTILATION
SECTION 5.01.01:
General
(a) Subject to the provisions of the Civil Code on
easement on light and view, and to provisions of this Title, every building
shall be so constructed, arranged, and equipped as to provide adequate light
and ventilation.
(b) All building erected shall face a street or public
alley or private street which has been officially approved.
(c) No building shall be altered nor arranged so as to
reduce the size of any room or the relative area of windows to less than that
provided for buildings under this Code, or so as to create an additional room,
unless such additional room conforms to the requirements of this Code.
(d) No building shall be enlarged, so that the
dimensions of any required court yard would be less than that prescribed for
any such building.
SECTION 5.01.02
Measurement of Site
Occupancy
(a) The measurement of site occupancy or lot occupancy
shall be taken at the ground level and shall be exclusive of courts, yards, and
light wells.
(b) Courtyards and light wells shall be measured clear
of any projections from the walls enclosing such wells or yards with the
exception of roof leaders, wall copings, sills, or steel fire escapes, not
exceeding 1.20 meters (4 feet) in width.
Percentage of Site Occupancy
The maximum site occupancy shall be governed by the use, type of
construction, and height of the building, and the use, area, nature and
location of the site, subject to the provisions of local zoning requirements
and in accordance with rules and regulations set forth by the Secretary.
SECTION 5.01.04
Minimum Size of Courts and
Their Least Dimensions
(a) The minimum size of courts and their least
dimensions shall be dependent upon the use, type of construction, and height of
the building subject to the requirements set forth by the Secretary: Provided, that
in no case shall be the minimum horizontal dimension of courts be less than
2.00 meters (6 feet, 7 inches).
(b) All inner courts shall be connected to a street or
yard, either by a passageway with a minimum width of 1.20 meters (4 feet) or by
a door through a room or rooms.
SECTION 5.01.05
Ceiling Heights
Habitable rooms, bathrooms, toilet rooms, storage rooms, and utility
rooms shall have a ceiling height of not less than 2.40 meters (8 feet),
measured from the floor to the ceiling: Provided, That for buildings of more
than one story, the minimum ceiling height of the first story shall be 2.70
meters (9 feet) and 2.40 meters (8 feet) for the second story, and succeeding
stories. Garages shall have an unobstructed headroom clearance of not less than
2.10 meters (7 feet) above the finished floor.
SECTION 5.01.06
Minimum Size of Rooms and
Their Least Dimensions
The minimum sizes of rooms and their least horizontal dimensions shall
be as follows: 6:00 square (65 square feet) with at least nominal dimension of
2.00 meters (6 feet 7 inches) for rooms for human habitation; 3.00 square
meters (32 square feet) with a least horizontal dimension of 1.50 meters (5
feet) for kitchens; and 1.20 square meters (12 square feet) with a least
horizontal dimension of 0.90 meter (3 feet) for bathrooms.
SECTION 5.01.07
Minimum Air Space
Requirements in Determining the Size of Rooms
The following minimum air spaces shall be provided:
(1) For school rooms: 3.00 meters (106 cubic feet) with
1.00 square meter (10.7 square feet) of floor area per person.
(2) For workshops, factories, and offices: 10.00 cubic
meters (354 cubic feet) or air space per person at daytime and 14.00 cubic
meters (494 cubic feet) of air space per person at night time.
(3) For habitable rooms: 14.00 cubic meters (494 cubic
feet) of air space per adult person and 7.00 cubic meters (247 cubic feet) of
air space per child under 10 years of age.
SECTION 5.01.08
Window Openings
Every room intended for any use, not otherwise provided with
air-conditioning or mechanical ventilation system as herein provided in this
Code, shall be provided with a window or windows whose total area of openings
shall be at least 1/10th the 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
Mezzanine Floor
(a) A Mezzanine floor is a partial, intermediate floor
in any story or room of a building having an area not more than one-half of the
area of the room or space in which it is constructed.
(b) A mezzanine floor shall be constructed with a clear
ceiling height of not less than 1.90 meters (6 feet, 4 inches) above and below.
SECTION 5.01.10
Vent Shafts
(a) Size
Vent shafts shall have a
cross-sectional area of not less than 1/10th of a square meter for every meter
of height of shafts (1 square foot per 10 feet) but not less than 1.00 square meters
(10.7 square feet) in any case. No such shaft shall be less than 60 centimeters
(2 feet) in its least dimension.
(b) Skylights
Unless open to the outer air
at the top for its full area, such shaft shall be covered by a skylight having
a net area of fixed louver openings equal to the maximum required shaft area.
(c) Air Ducts
Air ducts shall be connected
to a street or court by a horizontal duct or intake at a point below the lowest
window opening on such shaft. Such duct or intake shall have a minimum
unobstructed cross-sectional area of not less than 0.30 square meter (3.2
square feet) with a minimum dimension of 30 centimeters (1 foot). The opening
to the duct or intake shall not be less than 30 centimeters (1 foot) above the
bottom of the shaft and the street surface or bathroom of court, at the
respective ends of the conduct or intake.
SECTION 5.01.11
Ventilating Skylights
(a) Skylights. Skylights shall have a
glass area not less than that required for the window they replace. They shall
be equipped with movable sashes or louvers of an aggregate net area not less
than that required for openable parts in the window they replace or with
approved ventilation of equal efficiency.
(b) Ventilation. Rooms containing industrial
heating equipment shall be provided with adequate artificial means of
ventilation to prevent excessive accumulation of hot or polluted air.
SECTION 5.01.12
Artificial Ventilation
A. General. When artificial ventilation
is required, the equipment shall be designed and constructed to meet the
following requirements in air changes:
1. Business and Workrooms
a. For rooms wholly above grade occupied for office,
clerical or administrative purposes, or as stores, sales, rooms, restaurants,
markets, factories, workshops, or machinery rooms, not less than three changes
of air per hour shall be provided.
b. For rooms
wholly above grade, occupied as bakeries, hotel or restaurant kitchen,
laundries other than accessory to dwellings, and boiler rooms, of not less than
ten changes or air per hour shall be provided.
2. Rooms in
Public and Institutional Buildings
a. For auditoriums and other rooms used for assembly
purposes, not less than 0.85 cubic meters (30 cubic feet) of air per minute
shall be supplied for each person for whom seating or other accommodation is
provided.
b. For ward and dormitories of institutional buildings,
not less than 0.85 cubic meters (30 cubic feet) of air per minute shall be
supplied for each person accommodated.
Chapter 5.02
SANITATION
SECTION 5.02.01
General
All buildings hereafter erected for human habitation should be provided
with plumbing facilities installed in conformity with the National Plumbing
Code adopted and promulgated by the National Master Plumbers Association of the
Philippines pursuant to Republic Act 1378, otherwise known as the
"Plumbing Law".
TITLE 6 – REGULATIONS FOR USE OF PUBLIC PROPERTY
Chapter 6.01
BUILDING PROJECTION OVER PUBLIC STREETS
General
(a) No part of any building structure or any of its
appendages shall project beyond the property line of the building site, except
as provided in this Code.
(b) The projection of any structure of appendage over a
public property shall be the distance measured horizontally from the property
line to the outermost point of the projection.
SECTION 6.01.02
Projection into Alleys and
Streets
(a) No part of any structure or its appendage shall
project into any alley or street except as provided in this Code.
(b) No projection shall be allowed on any national roads
or public highway.
(c) Footing located at least 2.40 meters (8 feet) below
grade may project not more than 30 centimeters (12 inches) beyond the property
line.
(d) Foundation may be permitted to encroach into public
sidewalk areas to a width not exceeding 50 centimeters (1 foot, 8 inches):
Provided, That the top of the said foundations or footings does not reach
beyond the level of a plane 60 centimeters (2 feet) below the established
grade; and Provided, further, That said projection does not obstruct any
existing utility such as power, communication, gas, water, or sewer lines,
unless the owner concerned shall pay the corresponding entities for the
re-routing of the parts affected.
SECTION 6.01.03
Projection of Balconies and
Appendages over Streets
(a) The extent of any projection over an affected alley
or street shall be uniform within a block and shall conform to the limitations
set forth in Table 6.01-A: Projection of balconies and Appendages (Annex B).
(b) The clearance between the established grade of the
street or sidewalk and the undersurface of the balcony shall be not less than
3.00 meters (10 feet).
SECTION 6.01.04
Arcades Arcades shall be constructed on sidewalks when required by local ordinances. The width of the arcade and its height over affected sidewalks shall be uniform within a block: Provided, That, in no case, shall an arcade be less than 3.00 meters (10 feet) above the establishment sidewalk grade of the established street.
(1) General. For the purpose of this
Section, a marquee shall include by any object or decoration attached thereto.
(2) Projection and Clearance. The horizontal
clearance between the outmost edge of the marquee and the curb line shall be
not less than 30 centimeters (1 foot). The vertical clearance between the
payment or grounds line and the undersurface of the marquee shall be not less
than 2.70 meters (9 feet).
(3) Construction. A Marquee shall be
constructed of incombustible material or materials of not less than one-hour
fire-resistive construction. It shall provide with the necessary drainage
facility.
(4) Location Prohibited. Every marquee shall be so
located as not to interfere with the operation of any exterior standpipe
connection or to obstruct the clear passage from stairways or exists from the
building or the installation or maintenance of electroliers.
Movable Awnings or Hoods
(a) Definition. An awning is a movable
shelter supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and of a type
which can be retracted, folded, or collapsed against the face of a supporting
building.
(b) Clearance. The horizontal clearance
between the awning and the curb line shall be not less than 30 centimeters (1
foot). The vertical clearance between the undermost surface of the awning and
the payment or ground line shall be not less than 2.40 meters (8 feet). Collapsible
awnings shall be so designed that they shall not block required when collapsed.
SECTION 6.01.07
Doors
Doors either sullies opened or when opening, shall not projects beyond
the property line.
SECTION 6.01.08
Corner Buildings with Chaflans
(a) Every corner building on a public street or alley
less than 30.60 meters (12 feet) in width shall be made with a chaflan or
truncated angle at the corner. The face of the triangle so formed shall be at
right angles to the bisector of the angle of intersection of the street lines;
Provided, That, in no case, shall the length of the chaflan be less than 4.00
meters (13 feet, 4 inches). In special cases, the Building Official shall
determine the size and form of the chaflan.
(b) If the buildings are arcaded, no chaflan is required
notwithstanding the width of the public street or alleys less than 12.00 meters
(39 feet, 4 inches).
Chapter 6.02
PROTECTION OR PEDESTRIANS DURING CONSTRUCTION OR
DEMOLITION
SECTION 6.02.01
(a) No person shall use or occupy a street, alley, or
public sidewalk for the performance or work under a building permit except in
accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.
(b) No person shall perform any work on any work on any
building or structure adjacent to a public way in general use by the public for
pedestrian travel, unless the pedestrians are protected as specified in this
Chapter.
(c) Any material or structure temporarily occupying
public property, including fences, canopies, and walkways, shall be adequately
lighted between sunset and sunrise.
SECTION 6.02.02
Temporary Use of Streets and
Alleys
The use of public property shall meet legal requirements and subject to
permit to be issued officially by the Building Official.
SECTION 6.02.03
Materials and equipment necessary for work to be done under a permit
shall not be placed or stored on public property so as to obstruct free and
convenient approach to and use of any fire hydrant, fire or police alarm box,
utility box, catch basin, or manhole or so as not to interfere with any
drainage of any street or alley gutter.
SECTION 6.02.04
Mixing Mortar on Public
Property
The mixing or handling of mortar, concrete, or similar materials on
public street shall not be allowed except when the same are to be used on such
streets or any portion thereof such as curbs, gutters, manholes, sidewalks,
culverts and the like.
SECTION 6.02.05
Protection of Utilities
All public or private utilities above or below the ground shall be
protected from any damages by any work being done under the permit. This
protection shall be maintained while such work is being done and shall not
obstruct the normal functioning of any such utility.
SECTION 6.02.06
Walkway
(a) A temporary walkway not less than 1.20 meters (4
feet) wide shall be provided in lieu of the sidewalk, or in case there is none,
in front of the building site during construction or demolition unless the
Building Official authorizes the sidewalk to be fenced and closed. Adequate
signs and railings shall be provided to direct pedestrian traffic.
(b) The walkway shall be capable of supporting a uniform
live load of 633 kilograms per square meter (150 pounds per square foot). a
durable wearing surface shall be provided throughout the construction period.
SECTION 6.02.07
Pedestrian protection
(a) Protection Required. Pedestrian traffic shall be
protected by a railing on the street side when the walkway extends into the
roadway, by a railing when adjacent to excavations, and by such other
appropriate portion such as set forth in Table 6.02-A: Type of Protection Required
for Pedestrian (Annex B).
(b) Railings. Railings shall be built
substantially and should be at least 1.00 meter (3 feet, 3 inches) in height.
(c) Fence. Fences shall be built of an approved
material, not less than 2.40 meters (8 feet) in height above grade, and to be
placed on the side of the walkway nearest to the building site. Fences shall
enclose entirely the building site. Openings in such fences shall be provided
with doors which shall be kept closed at all times.
(d) Canopies. The protective canopy shall
have a clear height of 2.40 meters (8 feet) above the walkway, and shall be
constructed structurally safe. Every canopy shall have a solid fence built
along its entire length on the construction side. If materials are stored or
work is done on top of the canopy, the edge along the street shall be adopted
by a tight curb board not less than 30 centimeters (1 foot) high and a railing
not less than 1.00 meters (3 feet, 3 inches) high shall be provided. The entire
structure shall be designed to carry the loads imposed upon it: Provided, That
the live load shall be not less than 633 kilograms per square meter (150 pounds
per square foot).
SECTION 6.02.08
Maintenance and Removal of
Protection Devices
(a) Maintenance. Such protection devices
shall be properly maintained in place and kept in good order for the entire
length of time pedestrians may be endangered.
(b) Removal. Every protection fence or
canopy shall be removed within 30 days after such protection is no longer
required.
SECTION 6.02.09
Demolition
(a) The work of demolishing any building shall not be
commenced until the required pedestrian protection structures are in place.
(b) The Building Official requires the permitee to
submit plans and complete schedule for demolition. Where such required, no work
shall be done until such plans and/or schedule are approved by the Building
Official.
TITLE 7 – ENGINEERING REGULATIONS
Chapter 7.01
GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 7.01.01
Scope
The design and construction of all buildings and structures shall be in
compliance with the provisions of the National Structural Code for Buildings,
latest edition, adopted and promulgated by the Board of examiners of civil
engineers pursuant to Republic Act Numbered 544, as amended, otherwise known as
the "Civil Engineering Law".
TITLE 8 – DETAILED REGULATIONS
Chapter 8.01
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 8.01.01
General
Buildings proposed for construction shall comply with all the
regulations and specifications herein set forth governing quality,
characteristics and properties of materials, methods of design and
construction, type of occupancy, and classification of construction.
SECTION 8.01.02
Excavations, Foundations,
and Retaining Walls
(a) General
Subject to the provisions of
Articles 684 to 686 of the Civil Code of the Philippines on lateral and
subjacent support, the quality of materials and design used structurally in
excavations, footings and shall conform to the internationally recognized and
accepted principles of engineering.
(b) Excavation or fills
(1) Excavation or fills for any building structure and
excavations or fills accessory thereto shall be so constructed or protected
that they do not endanger life and property.
(2) Whenever or wherever the depth of any excavation for
a new construction is such that the lateral and subjacent support of the
adjoining property or existing structure thereon would be affected in a manner
that the stability of safety of the same is in endanger, the person undertaking
or causing the excavation to be undertaking or causing the excavation to be
undertaken shall be responsible for the expense of underpinning or extending the
foundation or footings of the aforementioned property or structure only when
such underpinning is necessary for the safety of the same during excavation.
(3) Excavations and other similar disturbances made on
public property caused by public utilities shall be repaired immediately and
returned to its former condition within 48 years from the start of such
excavations and disturbances by the public utility franchise owner and the duly
constituted officials thereof. Adequate signs and safeguards shall be installed
around and near the excavation to protect the public from any danger of falling
into the excavation. Repeated and flagrant violations of this Section shall be
the basis of revocation of any public utility franchise. This provision shall
not exempt the franchise owner and the duly constituted officials thereof from
any criminal or civil liabilities arising from such excavations and
disturbances to third persons.
(c) Footings and Foundations, and Retining Walls
(1) Footings and foundations shall be of the appropriate
type, of adequate size, and capacity in order to safely sustain the
superimposed loads under seismic or any condition to external forces that may
affect the safety or stability of the structure. It shall be the responsibility
of the architect and/or engineer to adopt the type and design of the same in
accordance with generally accepted principles and standards of engineering.
(2) Whenever or wherever there exists in the site of the
construction on abrupt change in the ground levels or levels of the foundation
such that instability of the soil could result, retaining walls shall be
provided and such shall be of adequate design and type of construction in
accordance with generally accepted standards and principles of engineering.
SECTION 8.01.03
Veneer
(a) Definition. Veneer is a nonstructural
facing of brick, concrete, stone, tile, metal, plastic, glass, or other similar
approved materials attached to a backing or structural components of the
building for the purpose of ornamentation, protection, or enclosure that may be
adhered, integrated, or anchored either on the exterior or interior of the
building or structure.
(b) Design Requirements. The design of all veneer
shall comply with the following:cralaw
(1) Veneer shall support no load other than its own
weight and the vertical dead load of veneer above.
(2) Surfaces to which veneer is attached shall be
designed to support the additional vertical and lateral loads imposed by the
veneer.
(3) Consideration shall be given for differential
movement of supports including that caused by temperature changes, shrinkage,
creep, and deflection.
(4) Adhered veneer and its backing shall be designed to
have a bond to the supporting elements sufficient to withstand shearing
stresses due to their weights including seismic effects on the total
assemblage.
(5) Anchored veneer and its attachments shall be designed
to resist external forces equal to twice the weight of the veneer.
(6) Anchors, supports, and veneers shall be
incombustible corrosion-resistant.
(c) Construction. The person undertaking a
causing a construction to be undertaken shall observe, to the satisfaction of
the Building Official, internationally recognized and accepted principles
governing dimensions of units, weights of materials, methods of construction,
attachment or anchorage, bonding or anchorage, bonding or adhesion, structural
adequacy and type and rigidity of backing, and considerations for differential
movements of supports including that caused by temperature changes, shrinkage,
creep, and deflection.
SECTION 8.01.04
Enclosure of Vertical
Openings
(a) General. Vertical openings be
enclosed depending upon the fire-resistive requirements of a particular type of
construction as set forth in this Code.
(b) Elevator Enclosures. Walls and partitions
enclosing elevators and escalators shall be not less than the fire-resistive
construction required under the Types of Construction. Enclosing walls of
elevators shafts may consist of wire glass set in metal frames on the entrance
side only. Elevator shafts extending through more than two stories shall be
equipped with an approved means of adequate ventilation to and through the main
roof of the building: Provided, That in buildings housing Groups G and F
Occupancies equipped with automatic fire-extinguishing systems throughout,
enclosures shall not be required to escalators: Provided, further, That the top
of the escalator opening at each story shall be provided with a draft curtain.
Such draft curtain shall enclose the perimeter of the unenclosed opening and
shall extend from the ceiling downward at least 30 centimeters (12 inches) on
all sides. Automatic sprinklers shall be provided around the perimeter of the
opening and within 60 centimeters (2 feet) of the draft curtain. The distance
between the sprinklers shall not exceed 1.80 meters (6 feet) center-to-center.
(c) Other Vertical Openings. All shafts, ducts, chutes,
and other vertical openings not covered in paragraph (b), above shall have
enclosing walls conforming to the requirements specified under the Type of
Construction of the building in which they are located. In other than Group A Occupancies
rubbish and linen chutes shall terminate in rooms separated from the remainder
of the bidding by a One-Hour Fire-Resistive Occupancy Separation. Openings into
the chutes shall not be located in required exit corridors or stairways.
(d) Air Ducts. Air ducts passing through a
floor shall be enclosed in a shaft. The shaft shall be as required in this Code
for vertical openings. Dampers shall be installed where ducts pierce the shaft
enclosure walls. Air ducts in Group A Occupancies need not be enclosed in a
shaft if conforming to the mechanical provisions of this Code.
SECTION 8.01.05
Floor Construction
(a) Floor
construction shall be of materials and construction as specified under Title 2
on Fired Zones and Fire-Resistive Standards and under Title 4 on Types of
Construction.
(b) All floors shall
be so framed and tied into the framework and supporting walls as to form an
integral part of the whole building.
(c) The types of
floor construction used shall provide means to keep the beams and girders from
spreading by installing either ties or bridging, with no laterally unsupported
length of joints being permitted to exceed 2.40 meters (8 feet) except as
otherwise specified in this Code.
SECTION 8.01.06
Roof Construction ad
Covering
(a) Roof Coverings. Roof coverings for all
buildings shall be either fire-retardant or ordinary depending upon the
fire-resistive requirements of the particular Type of Construction. The use of
combustible roof insulation shall be permitted in all Types of Construction
provided it is covered with approved roof covering applied directly thereto.
(b) Roof Trusses. All roofs shall be so
framed and tied into the framework and supporting walls so as to form an
integral part of the whole building. Roof trusses shall have all joints well
fitted and shall have all tension members well tightened before any load is
placed on the truss. Diagonal and sway bracing shall be used to brace all roof
trusses. The allowable working stresses of materials in trusses shall conform
to this Code. The minimum net section of the members after framing shall be
used in determining the strength on the truss at any point.
(c) Attics
(1) Access. An attic access opening shall be provided in
the ceiling of the top floor of buildings with combustible ceiling or roof
construction. The opening shall be located in a corridor or hallway of
buildings or three or more stories in height, and readily accessible in
buildings of any height. The opening be not less than 55 centimeters by 75
centimeters (22 inches by 30 inches). Seventy-five centimeters (30 inches)
minimum clear headroom shall be provided above the access opening. Attics with
a maximum vertical clear height of less than 75 centimeters (30 inches) need
not be provided with access openings.
(2) Area Separations. Enclosed attics spaces
formed of combustible construction shall be divided into horizontal areas not
exceeding 230 square meters (2500 square feet) by partitions extending from the
ceiling to the roof. Such partitions shall be not less than 13 millimeters (1/2
inch) thick gypsum wallboard, or 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) nominal thickness
tight-fitting wood, 10 millimeters (3/28 inch) thick plywood or approved
incombustible materials adequately supported. Openings in the partitions shall
be protected by self-closing doors constructed as required for the partitions:
Except, That where the entire attic is equipped with an approved automatic
fire-extinguishing system, the attic space may be divided into areas not to
exceed 700 square meters (7500 square feet).
(3) Draft Stops. Regardless of the Type of
Construction, draft stops shall be installed in trussed roofs, between roof and
bottom chord of trusses, in all buildings exceeding 1900 square meters (20,000
square feet). Draft stops shall be constructed as for attic area separations,
and in accordance with Type of Construction.
(4) Ventilation. Enclosed attics and enclosed
rafter spaces formed where ceilings are applied direct to the underside of roof
rafters, shall have cross ventilation for each separate space by ventilating
and openings protected against the entrance of rain. The net free ventilating
area shall be not less than 1/150ths of the area of the space ventilated,
except that the area nay be 1/300ths this provided by ventilators located in
the upper portion of the space to be ventilated at least 90 centimeters (3
feet) above eave or cornice vents with the balance of the required ventilation
provide by eave or cornice vents.
(d) Roof Drainage. Roof systems not designed
to support accumulated water shall be sloped for drainage.
(1) Roof Drains. Unless roofs are sloped to
drain over roof edges or are designed to support accumulated water, roof drains
shall be installed at each low point of the roof. Roof drains shall be adequate
in size to convey the water tributary to the roof drains.
(2) Overflow Drains and Scuppers. Where roof
drains are required, overflow drains having the same size as the roof drains
shall be installed with the inlet flow line located 5 centimeters (2 inches)
above the low point of the roof, or overflow scuppers having three times the
size of the roof drains may be installed in adjacent parapet walls with the
inlet flow line 5 centimeters (2 inches) above the low the point of the
adjacent roof and having minimum opening height of 10 centimeters (4 inches).
Overflow drains shall be connected to drain lines independent from the roof
drains.
(3) Concealed Piping. Roof drainage overflow
drains, when concealed within the construction of the building, shall be
installed.
(4) Over Public Property. Roof drainage water from a
building shall not be permitted to flow over public property, except for Groups
A and J Occupancies.
(e) Flashing. At the juncture of the roof
and vertical surface, flashing and counter flashing shall be provided.
SECTION 8.01.07
Stairs, Exits, and Occupant
Loads
(a) General. The construction of stairs,
exits, and occupant loads shall conform to requirements for occupants of
buildings, reviewing stands, bleachers, and grandstands.
(1) Determination of Occupant Loads. The occupant load
permitted in any building or portion thereof shall be determined by dividing
the floor area assigned to that use by the square meters or square feet per
occupant according generally accepted principles of engineering. The capacity
of a building containing mixed occupancies shall be determined by adding the
number of occupants of the various parts of the building classified as to
Occupancy and Type of Construction.
(2) Exit Requirements. Exit requirements of a
building or portion thereof used for different purposes shall be determined by
the occupant load which gives the largest number of persons. No obstruction
shall be placed the required width of an exit except projections permitted by
this code.
(3) Posting of Room Capacity. Any room having
an occupant load of more than 50 where fixed seats are not installed, and which
is used for classroom, assembly, or similar purpose, shall have the capacity of
the room posted in a conspicuous place near the main exit from the room.
Approved signs shall be maintained in a legible manner by the owner or his
authorized agent, and shall indicate the number of occupants permitted for each
room use.
(4) Changes in Elevation. Except in Group A
Occupancies, changes in elevation of not less than 30 centimeters (12 inches)
along any exit serving a tributary occupant load of 10 or more shall be by
means of ramps.
(b) Exits Required
(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 occupant load of more than 10 shall have not less
than two exits. Each mezzanine used for other than storage purposes, if greater
in area than 185 square meters (2000 square feet), or if more than 18.00 meters
(60 feet) in any dimension shall have not less than two stairways to an
adjacent floor. Every story or portion thereof, having an occupant load of 500
to 999 shall have not less than three exits. Every story or portions thereof,
having an occupant load of 1000 or more shall have not less than four exits.
The number of exits required from any story of a building shall be determined
by using the occupant loads of floors which exit through the level under
consideration as follows: 50 per cent of the occupant load in the first
adjacent story above (and the first adjacent story below, when a story below
exits through the level under consideration) and 25 per cent of the occupant load
in the story immediately beyond the first adjacent story. The maximum number of
exits required for any story shall be maintained until egress is provided from
the structure. For purposes of this Section, basements or cellars and occupied
roofs shall be provided with exits as required for stories. Floors above the
second story, basements, and cellars used for other than service of the
building shall have not less than two exits.
(2) Width. The total width of exists in meters shall be
not less than the total occupant load served divided by 165 (in feet, by 50).
Such width of exits shall be divided approximately equally among the separate
exits. The total exit width required from any story of a building shall be
determined by using the occupant load of that story, plus the percentage of the
occupant loads of floors which exit through the level under considerations as
follows: 50 per cent of the occupant load in the first adjacent story above
(and the first adjacent story below when a story below exits through the level
under consideration) and 25 per cent of the occupant load in the story
immediately beyond the first adjacent story. The maximum exit width required
from any story of a building shall be maintained.
(3) Arrangement of Exits. If only two exits are
required they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one-fifth
of the perimeter of the area served measured in a straight line between exits.
Where three or more exits are required they shall be arranged a reasonable
distance apart so that if one becomes blocked others will be available.
(4) Distance to Exits. No point in an unsprinkled
building shall be more than 45.00 meters (150 feet) from an exterior exit door,
a horizontal exit, exit passageway, or an enclosed stairway, measured along the
line of travel. In building equipped with a complete automatic
fire-extinguishing system the distance from exits may be increased to 60.00
meters (200 feet).
(c) Doors. The provisions herein shall apply to every
exit door serving an area having an occupant load more than 10, or serving
hazardous rooms or areas.
(1) Swing. Exit doors shall swing in the direction of
exit travel when serving any hazardous areas or when serving an occupant load
of 50 or more. Double acting doors shall not be used as a part of fire
assembly, nor equipped with panic hardware. A double acting door shall be
provided with a view panel of not less than 1300 square centimeters (200 square
inches).
(2) Type of Lock or Latch. Exit door shall be openable
from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort:
Except, That this requirement shall not apply to exterior exit doors in a Group
E or F Occupancy if there is a conspicuous, readily visible and durable sign on
or adjacent to the door, stating that the door is to remain unlocked during
business hours. The locking device must be of a type that will be readily
distinguishable as locked. Flush bolts or surface bolts are prohibited.
(3) Width and Height. Every required exit doorway
shall be of a size as to permit the installation of a door not less than 90
centimeters (3 feet) in width and not less than 2.00 meters (6 feet, 7 inches)
in height. When installed in exit doorways, exits doors shall be capable of
opening at least 90 degrees and shall be so mounted that the clear width of the
exitway is not less than 70 centimeters (2 feet, 4 inches). In computing the
required exit width, the net dimension of the exitway shall be used.
(4) Door Leaf Width. 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 required exits.
(6) Egress from Door. Every required exit door
shall give immediate access to an approved means of egress from the building.
(7) Change in Floor Level at Doors. Regardless of
the occupant load, there shall be a floor or landing on each side of and exit
door. The floor or landing shall be level with, or not more than 5 centimeters
(2 inches) lower than the threshold of the doorway: Except, That in Groups A
and B Occupies, a door may open on the top step of a flight of stairs or an
exterior landing providing the door does not swing over the top step or
exterior landing and the landing is not more than 19 centimeters (7-1/2 inches)
below the floor level.
(8) Door Identification. Glass doors shall conform
to the requirements specified in Section 10.05.05. Other exit doors shall be so
marked that they are readily distinguishable from the adjacent construction.
(9) Additional Doors. When additional doors are
provided for egress purposes, they shall conform to all provisions in the
following cases: Approved revolving door having leaves which will collapse
under opposing pressures may be used in exit situations: Provided, That such
doors have a minimum width of 2.00 meters (6 feet, 7 inches); or they are not
used in occupancies where exits are required to be equipped with panic
hardware; or at least one conforming exit door is located adjacent to each
revolving door installed in a building, and the revolving door shall not be
considered to provide any exit width.
(d) Corridors and Exterior Exit Balconies. The provisions
herein shall apply to every corridor and exterior exit balcony serving as
required exit for an occupant load of more than 10.
(1) Width. Every corridor or exterior exit balcony
shall be not less in which 1.12 meters (3 feet, 8 inches).
(2) Projections. The required width of
corridors and exterior exit balconies shall be unobstructed: Except, That trim,
handrails, and doors when fully opened shall not reduce the required width by
more than 18 centimeters (7 inches). Doors in any position 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 allow going to either direction from any
point in the corridor or exterior exit balcony to a separate exit, except for
dead ends permitted.
(4) Dead Ends. Corridors and exterior exit
balconies with dead ends are permitted when the dead ends does not exceed 6.00
meters (20 feet) in length.
(5) Construction. Walls and ceilings of
corridors shall be not less than one hour fire-resistive construction: Except,
That this requirement shall not apply to exterior exit balcony railings,
corridors of a one-story building housing a Group E or F Occupancy occupied by
one tenant only and which serves an occupant load of 30 less, nor to corridors,
formed by temporary partitions. Exterior exit balconies cannot project into an
area where protected openings are required.
(6) Openings. Where corridor walls are
required to be one-hour fire-resistive construction every interior door opening
shall be protected as set forth in generally recognized and accepted
requirements for dual purpose fire exit doors. Other interior openings, except
ventilation louvers equipped with approved automatic fire shutters shall be 6.3
millimeters (1/4 inch) fixed wire glass set in steel frames. The total area of
all openings other than doors, in any portion of an interior corridor wall
shall not exceed 25 per cent of the area of the corridor wall of the room which
it is separating from the corridor.
(d) Stairways. Every stairway serving any
building or portion thereof shall conform to the following requirements of this
Code except stairs or ladders used only to attend equipment.
(1) Width. Stairways serving an occupant load of more
than 50 shall be not less in width than 1.12 meters (3 feet, 8 inches).
Stairways serving an occupant load of 50 less may be 90 centimeters (3 feet)
wide. Private stairways serving an occupant 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 9 centimeters (3-1/2 inches).
(2) Rise and Run. The rise of every step in a
stairway shall not exceed 19 centimeters (7-1/2 inches) and the run shall not
be less than 25 centimeters (10 inches). Except as provided under paragraph (d)
the maximum variations in the height of risers and the width of treads in any
one flight shall be 5 millimeters (3-1/2 inch): Except, That in private stairways
serving an occupant load of less than 10, the rise may be 20 centimeters (8
inches) and run may be 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 point not more than 30 centimeters (12
inches) from the side of the stairway where the treads are the narrower, but in
no case shall any width of run be less than 15 centimeters (6 inches) at any
point.
(4) Circular Stairways. Circular stairs may be used
as an exit provided the minimum width of run is not less than 25 centimeters
(10 inches). All treads in any one flight between landings shall have identical
dimensions within a 5-millimeters (3/16-inch) tolerance.
(5) Landings. Every landing shall have a
dimension measured in the direction of travel equal to the width of the
stairway. Such dimension need not exceed 1.20 meters (4 feet) when the stair
has a straight run. Landings, when provided shall not be reduced in width by
more than 9.3 centimeters (3-1/2 inches) by a door when fully open.
(6) Basement Stairways. Where a basement stairway
and stairway to an upper story terminate in the same exit enclosure, an
approved barrier shall be provided to prevent persons from continuing on into
the basement. Directional exit signs shall be provided as specified in this
Code.
(7) Distance between Landings. There shall be
not more than 3.65 meters (12 feet) vertically between landings.
(8) Handrails. Stairways shall have
handrails on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 3.00 meters
(9 feet) in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate
handrail for each 3.00 meters (9 feet of required width. Intermediate handrails
shall be spaced approximately equal within the entire width of the stairway.
Handrails shall be placed not less than 75 centimeters (2 feet, 6 inches) nor
more than 85 centimeters (2 feet, 10 inches) above the nosing of threads, and
ends of handrails shall be returned or shall terminate in newel posts or safety
terminals: Except, in the following cases: Stairways 1.12 meters (3 feet, 8
inches or less in width and stairway serving one individual dwelling unit in
Group A or B Occupancies may have one handrails, except that such stairway open
on one or both sides shall have handrails provided on the open side or sides;
or stairways having less four than four risers need not have handrails.
(9) Exterior Stairway Protection. All openings in
the exterior wall below or within 3.00 meters (10 feet), measured horizontally,
of an exterior exit stairway serving a building over two stories in height
shall be protected by a self-closing fire assembly having a three-fourths-hour
fire-resistive rating: Except, That openings may be unprotected when two
separated exterior stairways serve an exterior exit balcony.
(10) Stairway
Construction-Interior. Interior stairways shall be constructed as
specified in this Code. Where there is enclosed usable space shall be protected
on the enclosed side as required for one-hour fire-resistive construction.
(11) Stairway
Construction-Exterior. Exterior stairways shall be of incombustible
material: Except, That on Type III buildings which do not exceed two stories in
height, and are located in less fire-resistive Fire Zones, as well as on Type I
buildings, these may be of wood not less than 5 centimeters (2 inches) in
nominal thickness. Exterior stairs shall be protected as required for exterior
walls due to location on property as specified in this Code. Exterior stairways
shall not project into an area where openings are required to be protected.
Where there is enclosed usable space under stairs the walls and soffits of the
enclosed space shall be protected on the enclosed side as required for one-hour
fire-resistive construction.
(12) Stairway to Roof. In every
building more than two stories in height, one stairway shall extend to the roof
surface, unless the roof has a slope greater than 1 in 3.
(13) Headroom. Every required
stairway shall have a headroom clearance of not less than2.00 meters (6 feet, 8
inches). Such clearance shall be established by measuring vertically from a
plane parallel and tangent to the stairway tread nosing to the soft above all
points.
(e) Ramps. A ramp conforming to the requirements of
this Code may be used as an exit. The width of ramps shall be as required for
corridors.
(f) Horizontal Exit. If conforming to the
provisions of this Code, a horizontal exit may be required exit. All openings
in a separation wall shall be protected by a fire assembly having a
fire-resistive rating of not less than one hour. A horizontal exit shall lead
into a floor area having capacity for an occupant load not less than the
occupant load served by such exit. The capacity shall be determined by allowing
0.28 square meter (3 square feet) of net clear floor area per ambulatory
occupant and 1.86 square meters (20 square feet) per non-ambulatory occupant.
The dispersal area into which the horizontal exit leads shall be provided with
exits as required by this Code.
(g) Exit Enclosures. Every interior stairway,
ramp, or escalator shall be enclosed as specified in this Code: Except, that in
other than Group D Occupancies, an enclosure will not be required for a
stairway, ramp, or escalator serving only one adjacent floor and connected with
corridors or stairways serving other floors. Stairs in Group A Occupancies need
not be enclosed.
(1) Enclosure walls shall be of not less than two-hour
fire-resistive construction elsewhere. There shall be no openings into exit
enclosures except exit doorways and openings in exterior walls. All exit doors
in an exit enclosure shall appropriately be protected.
(2) Stairway and ramp enclosures shall include landings
and parts of floors connecting stairway flights and shall also include a
corridor on the ground floor leading from the stairway to the exterior of the
building. Enclosed corridors or passageways are not required from unenclosed
stairways.
(3) A stairway in an exit enclosure shall not continue
below the grade level exit unless an approved barrier is provided at the ground
floor level to prevent persons from accidentally continuing into the basement.
(4) There shall be no enclosed usable space under
stairways in an exit enclosure, nor shall the open space under such stairways
be used for any purpose.
(h) Smokeproof Enclosures. A smoke enclosure shall
consist of a continuous stairway enclosed from the highest point top the lowest
point by walls of two-hour fire-resistive construction. In buildings five
stories or more in height, one of the required exits shall be smokeproof
enclosure.
(1) Stairs in smokeproof enclosures shall be of
incombustible construction.
(2) There shall be no openings in smokeproof enclosure,
except exit doorways and openings in exterior walls. There shall be no openings
directly into the interior of the building. Access shall be through a vestibule
with one wall at 50 per cent open to the exterior and having an exit door from
the interior of the building and an exit door leading to the smokeproof
enclosure. In lieu of a vestibule, access may be by way of an open exterior
balcony of incombustible materials.
(3) The opening from the building to the vestibule or
balcony shall be protected with a self-closing fire assembly having one-hour
fire-resistive rating. The opening from the vestibule or balcony to the stair
tower shall be protected a self-closing fire assembly having a one-hour
fire-resistive rating.
(4) A smokeproof of enclosure shall exit into a public
way or into an exit passageway leading to a public way. The exit passageway
shall be without other openings and shall have walls, floors, and ceilings of
two-hour exit resistance.
(5) A stairway in a smokeproof enclosure shall not
continue below the grade level exit unless an approved barrier is provided at
the ground floor level to prevent persons from accidentally continuing into the
basement.
(i) Exit Outlets, Courts, and Passageways. Every exit shall
discharge into a public way, exit court, or exit passageway. Every exit court
shall discharge into a public way or exit passageway. Passageways shall be
without openings other than required exits and shall have walls, floors, and ceilings
of the building but shall be not less than one-hour fire-resistive
construction.
(1) Width. Every exit court and exit passageway shall
be at least as wide as the required total width of the tributary exits, such as
required width being based on the occupant load served. The required width of
exit courts or exit passageways shall be unobstructed except as permitted in
corridors. At any point where the width of an exit court is reduced from any
cause, the reduction in width shall be affected gradually by a guardrail at
least 90 centimeters (3 feet) in height. The guardrail shall make an angle of
not more than 30 degrees with the exit court.
(2) Slope. The slope of exit courts shall not exceed 1
in 10. The slope of exit passageways shall not exceed 1 in 8.
(3) Number of Exits. Every exit court shall be
provided with exits as required by this Code.
(4) Openings. All openings into an exit
court less than 3.00 meters (10 feet) wide shall be protected by fire
assemblies having a three-fourths-hour fire resistive rating: Except, That
openings more than 3.00 meters (10 feet) above the floor of the exit court may
be unprotected.
(j) Exit Signs and Illumination. Exits shall be
illuminated at any time the building is occupied with light having an intensity
of not less than one-foot candle at floor level: Except, That for Group A
Occupancies the exit illumination shall be provided with separate circuits or
separated sources of power (but not necessarily separate from exit signs) when
these are required for exit sign illumination.
(k) Aisles. Every portion of every building in which are
installed seats, tables, merchandise, equipment, or similar materials shall be
provided with aisles leading to an exit.
(1) Width. Every aisle shall be not less than 90
centimeters (3 feet) wide if serving only one side, and not less than 1.07
meters (3 feet, 6 inches) wide if serving both sides. Such minimum width shall
be measured at the point farthest from an exit, cross aisles, or foyer and
shall be increased by 4 centimeters (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 be not less than 1.12 meters (3 feet, 8 inches) in
width.
(2) Exit Distance. In area 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 more than 46.00 meters (150 feet). With
standard spacing, as specified in this Code, aisles shall be so located that
there will be not more than six intervening seats between any seat and the
nearest aisle. With continental spacing, the number of intervening seats may be
increased to 29 where exit doors are provided along each aisle of the row of
seats at the rate of one pair of exit doors for five rows of seats. Such exit
doors shall provide a minimum clear width of 1.75 meters (5 feet, 6 inches).
(3) Cross Aisle. Aisles shall terminate in a
cross aisle, foyer, or exit. The width of the cross aisle shall be not less
than the sum of the required width of the widest aisle plus 50 per cent of the
total required width of the remaining aisle leading thereto. In Groups C, H,
and E Occupancies, aisles shall not be provided a dead end greater than 6.00
meters (20 feet) in length.
(4) Vomitories. Vomitories connecting the
foyer or main exit with the cross aisles shall have a total width not less than
the sum of the required width of the widest aisles leading thereto plus 50 per
cent of the total required width of the remaining aisles leading thereto.
(5) Slope. The slope portion of aisles shall not exceed
1 in 8.
(l) Seats
(1) Seat Spacing. With standard seating the
spacing of rows of seats from back-to-back shall be not less than 84
centimeters (2 feet, 9 inches), nor shall less than 69 centimeters (2 feet, 3
inches) plus the sum of the thickness of the back and inclination of the back.
Automatic or self-rising seats shall be measured in the seat-up position, other
seats shall be measured in the seat-down position. With continental seating,
the spacing of rows of unoccupied seats shall provide a clear width measured
horizontally, as follows: 45 centimeters (18 inches) clear for rows of 18 seats
or less; 51 centimeters (20 inches) clear for rows of 35 seats or less; 51
centimeters (21 inches) clear for rows of 45 seats or less; and 56 centimeters
(22 inches) clear for rows of 46 seats or more.
(2) Width. The width of any seat shall not less than 45
centimeters (1 foot, 6 inches).
(m) Special Hazards
(1) Boiler Rooms. Except in Group A
Occupancies, every boiler room and every room containing an incinerator or L-P
Gas or liquid fuel-fired equipment shall be provided with at least two means of
egress, one of which may be a ladder. All interior openings shall be protected
as set by internationally recognized and accepted practice for dual purpose
fire exit doors.
(2) Cellulose Nitrate Handling. Film
laboratories, projection rooms, and nitro-cellulose processing rooms shall have
not less than two exits.
(n) Reviewing Stands, Grandstands, and Bleachers
(1) Height of Stands. Stands employing
combustible framing shall be limited to 11 rows or 2.70 meter (9 feet) in
height.
(2) Design Requirements. The minimum unit live load
for reviewing stands, grandstands, and bleachers shall be 488 kilograms per
square meter (100 pounds per square foot) of horizontal projection for the
structure as a whole. Seat and footboards shall be 178.5 kilograms per linear
meter (120 pounds per linear foot). The sway force, applied to seats, shall be 35.7
kilograms per linear meter (24 pounds per linear foot) parallel to the seats
and 14.8 kilograms per linear meter (10 pounds per linear foot) perpendicular
to the seats. Sway forces need not be applied simultaneously with other lateral
forces.
(3) Spacing of Seats
i. Row Spacing. The minimum
spacing of rows of seats measured from back-to-back shall be: 55 centimeters
(22 inches) for seats without backrests in open air standards; 76 centimeters
(30 inches) for seats with backrests; and 84 centimeters (33 inches) for chair
seating. There shall be a space of not less than 30 centimeters (12 inches)
between the back of each seat and front of the seat immediately behind it.
ii. Rise between
Rows. The maximum rise from one row of seats to the next shall not exceed 40
centimeters (16 inches).
iii. Seating Capacity. For determining
the seating capacity of a stand, the width of any seat shall be not less than
45 centimeters (18 inches) nor more than 48 centimeters (19 inches).
iv. Number of Seats between
Aisles. The number of seats between any seats and an aisle shall not be
greater than 15 for open air stands with seats without backrests; 9 for open
air stands with seats having backrest in buildings, and 6 for seats with
backrest in building.
(4) Aisles
i. Aisles Required. Aisles shall be
provided in all stands: Except, That aisles may be omitted when all the
following conditions exists: Seats are without backrest; the rise from row to
row does not exceed 30 centimeters (12 inches) per row; the number of rows does
not exceed 11 in height; the top seating board is not over 3.00 meters (10
feet) above grade; and first seating board is not more than 50 centimeters (20
inches) above grade.
ii. Obstructions. No obstruction
shall be placed in the required width of any aisle or exitway.
iii. Stairs Required. When an aisle is
elevated more than 20 centimeters (8 inches) above grade, the aisle shall be
provided with a stairway or ramp whose width is not less than the width of the
aisles.
iv. Dead End. No vertical
aisle shall have a dead and more than 16 row in depth regardless of the number
of exits required.
v. Width. Aisles shall
have a minimum width of 1.07 meters (3 feet, 6 inches).
(5) Stairs and Ramps. The requirements in this
Code shall apply to all stairs and ramps except for portions that pass through
the seating area.
i. Stair Rise and
Run. The maximum rise of treads shall not exceed 20 centimeters (8 inches)
and the minimum width of the run shall be 28 centimeters (11 inches). The
maximum variations in the width of treads in any one flight shall be not more
than 5 millimeters (3/16 inch) and the maximum variation in the height of two
adjacent rises shall not exceed 5 millimeters (3/16 inch).
ii. Ramp Slope. The slope of
ramp shall be of approved nonslip material.
iii. Handrails. A ramp with a
slope exceeding 1 in 10 shall have handrails. Stairs for stands shall have
handrails. Handrails shall conform to the requirements of this Code.
(6) Guardrails
i. Guardrails shall be required in all locations where
the top of seat plank is more than 1.20 meters (4 feet) above the grade and at
the front of stands elevated more than 60 centimeters (2 feet) above grade.
Where only sections of stands are used, guardrails shall be provided as
required in this Code.
ii. Railings shall be 1.07 meters (3 feet, 6 inches)
above the rear of a seat plank or 1.07 meters (3 feet 6 inches) above the rear
of the steps in an aisle when the guardrail is parallel and adjacent to the
aisle: Except, That the height may be reduced to 90 centimeters (3 feet) for
guardrails located in front of the grandstand.
iii. A midrail shall be placed adjacent to any seat to
limit the open distance above the top of any part of a seat to 3.00 meters (10
feet) where the seat is at the extreme end or at the extreme rear of the
bleachers of grandstand. The intervening space shall have one additional rail
midway in the opening: Except, That railings may be omitted when stands are
placed directly against a wall or fence giving equivalent protection; stairs
and ramps shall be provided with guardrails. Handrails at the front of stands and
adjacent to an aisle shall be designed at resist a load of 74 kilograms per
linear meter (50 pounds per linear foot) applied at the top rail. Other
handrails shall be designed at resist a load of 9 kilograms (20 pounds).
(7) Footboards. Footboards shall be
provided for all rows of seats above the third row, or beginning at such point
where the seating plank is more than 60 centimeters (2 feet) above grade.
(8) Exits
i. Distance to Exit. The line of
travel to an exit shall be not more than 45.00 meters (150 feet). For stands
with seats without backrests this distance may be measured by direct line from
a seat to the exit from the stand.
ii. Aisle Used as
Exit. An aisle may be considered as only one exit unless it is continuous at
both ends to a legal building exit or to a safe dispersal area.
iii. Two Exits
Required. A stand with the first seating board not more than 50 centimeters (20
inches) above grade of floor may be considered to have two exits when the
bottom of the stands is open at both ends. Every stand or section of a stand
within a building shall have at least two means of egress when the stand
accommodates more than 50 persons. Every open air stand having seats without
backrest shall have at least two means of egress when the stand accommodates
more than 300 persons.
iv. Three Exits
Required. Three exits shall be required for stands within a building when there
are more than 300 occupants within a stands, and for open air stands with seats
without backrests where a stand or section of a stand accommodates more than
1000 occupants.
v. Four Exits
Required. Four exits shall be required when a stand or section of stand
accommodates more than 1000 occupants. Except, That for an open air stand with
seats without backrest four exits need not be provided unless there are
accommodations for more than 3000 occupants.
vi. Width. The total width
of exits in meters shall be not less than the total occupant load served
divided by 165 (by 50 in feet): Except, that for open air stands with seats
without backrests the total width of exits in meters shall be not less than the
total occupant load served divided by 500 (150 in feet) when exiting by stairs,
and divided by 650 (by 200 in feet) when exiting by ramps or horizontally. When
both horizontal and stair exits are used, the total width of exits shall be
determined by using both figures as applicable. No exit shall be less than 1.07
meters (42 inches) in width. Exits shall be arranged a reasonable distance
apart. When but two exits are provided, they shall be spaced not less than
one-fifth of the perimeter apart.
(9) Securing of Chairs. Chairs and benches used on
raised stands shall be secured to the platform upon which they are placed:
Except, That when less than 25 chairs are used upon a single raised platform
the fastening of seats to the platform may be omitted. When more than 500 loose
chairs are used in connection with athletic events, chairs shall be fastened
together in groups of not less than three, and shall be tied or staked to the
ground.
(10) Safe Dispersal
Area. Each safe dispersal area shall have at least two exits. If more than
6000 persons are to be accommodated within such an area, there shall be a
minimum of three exits, and for more than 9000 persons there shall be a minimum
of four exits. The aggregate clear width of exits from a safe dispersal area
shall be determined on the basis of not less than one exit unit 56 centimeters
(22 inches) for each 500 persons to be accommodated and no exit shall be less
than 1.12 meters (44 inches) in width. Exits shall be a reasonable distance
apart but shall be spaced not less than one-fifth of the perimeter of the area
apart from each other.
SECTION 8.01.08
Skylights
(a) All skylights shall be constructed with metal
frames, except those for Groups A and J Occupancies. Frames of skylights shall
be designed to carry loads required for roofs. All skylights, the glass of
which is set an angle of less than 45 degrees from the horizontal, if located
above the first story, shall be at least 10 centimeters (4 inches) above the
roofs. Curbs on which the skylight rests shall be constructed of incombustible
materials except for Type I or II constructions.
(b) Spacing between supports in one direction for flat
wired glass skylights shall not exceed 7.60 meters (25 feet). Corrugated wired
glass may have supports 1.50 meters (5 feet) apart in the direction of the
corrugation. All glass in skylights shall be wire glass: Except, That skylights
over vertical shafts extending through two or more stories shall be glazed with
plain glass as specified in this Code: Provided, That wire glass may be used if
ventilation equal to not less than one-eighth the cross-sectional area of the
shaft but never less than 1.20 meters (4 feet) is provided at the top of such
shaft. Any glass not wire glass shall be protected above and below with a
screen constructed of wire not smaller than 12 U.S. gauge with a mesh not
larger than 2.5 centimeters (1 inch). The screen shall be substantially
supported below the glass.
(c) Skylights installed for the use of photographers may
be constructed of metal frames and plate glass without wire netting.
(d) Ordinary glass may be used in the roofs and
skylights for greenhouses, provided the height of the greenhouse at the ridge
does not exceed 6.00 meters (20 feet) above the grade. The use of wood in the
frames of skylights will be permitted in greenhouses outside of highly
restrictive Fire Zones if the height of the skylights does not exceeds 6.00
meters (20 feet) above the grade, but in other cases metal frames and metal
sash bars shall be used.
(e) Glass used for the transmission of light, if placed
in floors or sidewalks, shall be supported by metal or reinforced concrete frames,
and such glass shall be not less than 12.7 millimeters (1/2 inch) in thickness.
Any such glass over 103 square centimeters (16 square inches) in area shall
have wire mesh embedded in the same or shall be provided with a wire screen
underneath as specified for skylights in this Code. All portions of the floor
lights or sidewalk lights shall be of the same strength as required for floor
or sidewalk lights shall be of the same strength as construction, except in
cases where the floor is 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 not less than roof loads.
SECTION 8.01.09
Bays, Porches, Balconies
Walls and floors in bay and oriel windows shall conform to the construction
allowed for exterior walls and floors of the type of construction of the
building to which they are attached. The roof covering of a bay or oriel window
shall conform to the requirements of the roofing of the main roof. Exterior
balconies attached to or supported by walls required to be of masonry, shall
have brackets or beams constructed of incombustible materials. Railings shall
be provided for balconies, landings, or porches, which are more than 75
centimeters (2 feet, 6 inches) above grade.
SECTION 8.01.10
Penthouses and Roof
Structures
(a) Height. No penthouse or other projection above the
roof when used as an enclosure for tanks or elevators which run to the roof and
in all other cases shall be not extend more than 3.60 meters (12 feet)in height
above the roof.
(b) Area. The aggregate area of all penthouses and
other roof structures shall not exceed 33-1/3 per cent of the area of the
supporting roof.
(c) Prohibited Uses. No penthouse, bulkhead, or
any other similar projection above the roof shall be used for purposes other
than shelter of mechanical equipment or shelter of vertical shaft openings in
the roof. A penthouse or bulkhead used for purposes other than that allowed by
this Section shall conform to the requirements of this Code for an additional
story.
(d) Construction. Roof structures constructed
with walls, floors, and roof as required for the main portion of the building
except in the following cases:
(1) On Types II and III buildings the exterior walls and
roofs of penthouses which are 1.50 meters (5 feet) pr more from an adjacent
property line may be of one-hour fire-resistive incombustible construction.
(2) Walls not less than 1.50 meters (5 feet) from an
exterior wall of a Type IV building may be of one-hour fire-resistive
incombustible construction.
The above restriction shall
not prohibit the placing of wood flagpoles or similar structures on the roof of
any building.
(e) Towers and Spires. Towers or spires when
closed shall have exterior walls as required for the building to which they are
attached. Towers not enclosed and which extend more than 23.00 meters (75 feet)
above grade shall have their framework construction of iron, steel, or
reinforced concrete. No tower or spire shall occupy more than one-fourth of the
street frontage of any building to which is attached and in no case shall the
base area exceed 150 square meters (1600 square feet) unless it conforms
entirely to the type of construction requirements of the building to which it
is attached and is limited in height as a main part of the building. If the
area of the tower or spire exceeds 10.00 square meters (107 square feet) at any
horizontal cross section, its supporting frame shall extend directly to the
ground. The roof covering of the spires shall be as required for the main roof
of the roof of the rest of the structure. Skeleton towers used as radio masts,
neon signs, or advertisement frames and placed on the roof of any building
shall be constructed entirely of incombustible materials when more than 7.60
meters (25 feet) in height and shall be directly supported on an incombustible
framework to the ground. No such skeleton towers shall be supported on roofs of
combustible framings. They shall be design to withstand a wind load from any
direction in addition to any other loads.
SECTION 8.01.11
Chimneys, Fireplaces, and
Barbecues
(a) Chimneys
(1) Structural Design. Chimneys shall be designed,
anchored, supported, reinforced, constructed, and installed in accordance with
generally accepted principles of engineering. Every chimney shall be capable of
producing a draft at the appliance not less than the required for the safe
operation of the appliance connected thereto. No chimney shall support any
structural load than its own weight unless it is designed to act as a
supporting member. Chimneys in an wood-framed building shall be anchored
laterally at the ceiling and each floor line which is more than 1.80 meters (6
feet) above grade, except when entirely within the framework on when designed
to be free standing.
(2) Walls. Every masonry chimneys shall have walls of
masonry units, bricks, stones, listed masonry units, reinforced concrete or
equivalent solid thickness of hollow masonry and lined with suitable liners in
accordance with the following requirements:
i. Masonry Chimneys
for Residential-type Appliances. Masonry chimneys shall be constructed of
masonry units or reinforced concrete with walls not less than 10 centimeters (4
inches) thick or rubble stone masonry not less than 30 centimeters (12 inches)
thick. The chimney linear shall be in accordance with this Code.
ii. Masonry Chimneys
for Low-heat-Appliances. Masonry chimneys shall be constructed of masonry
units or reinforced concrete with walls not less than 20 centimeters (8 inches)
thick except that rubbles stone masonry shall be not less than 30 centimeters
(12 inches) thick. The chimneys linear shall be in accordance with this Code.
iii. Masonry Chimneys
for Medium-heat-Appliances. Masonry chimneys for medium-heat appliances shall
be constructed of solid masonry units of reinforced concrete not less than 20
centimeters (8 inches) thick, except that stone masonry shall be not at less
than 30 centimeters (12 inches) thick and, in addition shall be lined with not
less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) of firebrick laid in a solid bed of fire
clay mortar with solidity filled head, bed, and wall joints, starting not less
than 60 centimeters (2 feet) below the chimney connector entrance and extending
for a distance of at least 7.60 meters (25 feet) above the chimney connector
entrance. Chimneys extending 7.60 meters (25 feet) or less above the chimney
connector shall be lined to the top.
iv. Masonry Chimneys
for High-heat Appliances. Masonry chimneys for high-heat appliances shall be
constructed with double walls of sold masonry units of reinforced concrete not
less than 20 centimeters (8 inches) in thickness, with an air space of not less
than 5 centimeters (2 inches) between walls. The inside of the interior walls
shall be of firebrick not less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) in thickness laid
in a solid bid of fire clay mortar with solidly filled head, bed and wall
joints.
v. Masonry Chimneys
for Incinerators Installed in Multi-Story Buildings (Apartment-type
Incinerators). Chimneys for incinerators installed in multi-story buildings using the
chimney passageway as a refuse chute where the horizontal grate area of
combustion chamber does not exceed 0.84 square meter (9 square feet) shall have
walls of solid masonry or reinforced concrete, not less than 10 centimeters (4
inches) thick with a chimneys lining as specified in this Code. If the grate
area of such an incinerator exceeds 0.84 square meter (9 square feet), walls
shall be not less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) of firebrick except that
higher than 9.00 meters (30 feet) above the roof of the combustion chamber,
common brick alone, 20 centimeters (8 inches) in thickness, may be used.
vi. Masonry Chimneys
for Commercial and Industrial-type Incinerators. Masonry chimneys for
commercial and industrial-type incinerators of a size designed for not more
than 115 kilograms (250 pounds) or refuse per hour and having a horizontal
grate area not exceeding 0.84 meter (9 square feet) shall have walls of solid
masonry or reinforced concrete not less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) thick
with lining shall extend for not less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) for
firebrick, which lining shall extend for not less than 12.00 meters (40 feet)
above the roof of the combustion chamber. If the design capacity or grate area
of such an incinerator exceed 115 kilograms (250 pounds) per hour and 0.84
square meter (9 square feet) respectively, walls shall be not less than 20
centimeters (8 inches) thick, lined with not less than 10 centimeters (4
inches) of firebrick extending the full height of the chimney.
(3) Linings. Fire clay chimney lining
shall be not less than 16 millimeters (5/8 inch) thick. The lining shall extend
from 20 centimeters (8 inches) below the lowest inlet or, in the case of
fireplaces, from the throat of the fireplace to a point above enclosing masonry
walls. Fire clay chimney linings shall be installed ahead of the construction
of the chimney as it is carried up, carefully bedded one on the other in fire
clay mortar, with close-fitting joints left so smooth on the inside. Firebrick
not less than 5 centimeters (2 inches) thick may be used in place of fire clay
chimney.
(4) Area. No chimney passageway shall be smaller in
area than the vent connection on the appliance attached thereto.
(5) Height. Every masonry chimney shall extend at least
60 centimeters (2 feet) above the part of the roof through which it passes and
at least 60 centimeters (2 feet) above the highest elevation of any part of a
building within 3.00 meters (10 feet) to the chimney.
(6) Corbeling. No masonry chimney shall be
corbel from a wall more than 15 centimeters (6 inches) nor shall a masonry
chimney be corbeled from a wall which is less than 30 centimeters (12 inches)
in thickness unless it projects equally on each side of the wall. In the second
story of a two-story building of Group A Occupancy, corbeling of masonry
chimneys on the exterior of the enclosing walls may equal the wall thickness.
In every case the corbeling shall not exceed 2.5-centimeter (1 inch) projection
for each course of brick.
(7) Change in Size or Shape. No change in the size or
shape of a masonry chimney where the chimney passes through the roof shall be
made within a distance of 15 centimeters (6 inches) above or below the roof joists
or rafters.
(8) Separation. When more than one
passageway is contained in the same chimney, masonry separation at least 10
centimeters (4 inches) thick bonded into the masonry wall of the chimney shall
be provided to separate passageways.
(9) Inlets. Every inlet to masonry chimneys shall enter
the side thereof and shall be of not less than 3 millimeters (1/8 inch) thick
metal or 16 millimeters (5/8 inch) refractory materials.
(10) Clearance. Combustible
materials shall not be placed within 5 centimeters (2 inches) of smoke chamber
walls or masonry chimney walls when built within a structure, or with 2.5
centimeters (1 inch) when the chimney is built entirely outside the structure.
(11) Termination. All incineration
shall terminate in a substantially constructed spark arrester having a mesh not
exceeding 19 centimeters (3/4 inch).
(12) Cleanouts. Cleanout opening
shall be provided at the base of every masonry chimney.
(b) Fireplaces and Barbecues. Fireplaces,
barbecues, smoke chamber, and fireplace chimneys shall be of solid masonry or
reinforced concrete and shall conform to the minimum requirements specified in
this Code. Factory-built metal room heating stoves may be used in accordance
with generally recognized engineering practices.
(1) Fireplace Walls. Walls of fireplaces shall
be not less than 20 centimeters (8 inches) in thickness. Walls of fireboxes
shall be not less than 25 centimeters (10 inches) in thickness: Except, That
where a lining of firebrick is used such walls shall be not less than 20
centimeters (8 inches) in thickness. The firebox shall be not less than 50
centimeters (20 inches) in depth. The maximum thickness of joints in firebrick
shall be 6 millimeter (1/4 inch).
(2) Hoods. Metal hoods used as a part of a fireplace or
barbecue shall be not less than No. 18 gauge copper, galvanized steel, or other
equivalent corrosion-resistant ferrous metal with all seams and connections of
smokeproof unsoldered construction. The hoods shall be sloped at an angle of 45
degrees or less from the vertical and shall extend horizontally at least 15
centimeters (6 inches) beyond the limits of the firebox. Metal hoods shall be
kept a minimum of 40 centimeters (18 inches) from combustion materials unless
approved for reduced clearances.
(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) in thickness. Smoke chamber back
walls shall not be not less than 15 centimeters (6 inches) in thickness.
(5) Fireplace Chimneys. Walls of chimneys without
flue lining shall be not less than 20 centimeters (8 inches) in thickness.
Walls of chimneys with flue lining shall be not less than 10 centimeters (4 inches)
in thickness and shall not be constructed in accordance with this Code.
(6) Clearance to Combustible Material. Combustible
material shall not be placed within 5 centimeters (2 inches) of fireplace,
smoke chamber, or chimneys walls when built entirely within a structure, or
within 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) when the chimney is built entirely outside the
structure. In lieu of 2.5-centimeter (1 inch) clearance between chimney and
exterior wall, 12 millimeters (1/2 inch) gypsum board may be substituted. Combustible
materials shall not be placed within 15 centimeters (6 inches) of the fireplace
opening. No such combustible material within 30 centimeters (12 inches) of the
fireplace opening shall project more than 3 millimeters (1/8 inch) for each
2.5-centimeter (1 inch) clearance from such opening. No part of metal hoods
used as part of a fireplace, barbecue, or heating stove shall be less than 40
centimeters (18 inches) from combustible material. This clearance may be
reduced to the minimum requirements set forth in this Code.
(7) Areas of Flues, Throats, and Dampers. The net
cross-sectional area of the flue and of the throat between the firebox and the
smoke chamber of a fireplaces shall be not less than the requirements according
to internationally recognized and accepted principles of engineering. Where
dampers are used, they shall be of not less than No. 12 gauge metal. When fully
opened, damper openings shall be not less than 90 per cent of the required flue
area. When fully opened, damper blade shall not extent the line of inner face
of the flue.
(8) Lintel. Masonry over the fireplace opening shall be
supported by an incombustible lintel.
(9) Hearth. Every fireplace shall be provided with a
brick, concrete, stone, or other approved incombustible hearth slab at least 30
centimeters (12 inches) wider on each side than the fireplace opening and
projecting at least 30 centimeters (18 inches) therefrom. This slab shall be
not less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) thick and shall be supported by
incombustible materials or reinforced to carry its own weight and all imposed
loads. Combustible forms and centering shall be removed.
Fire-Extinguishing Systems
(a) Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems where Required. Standard
automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall comply with requirements of
generally recognized and accepted practices and shall be installed in the
following places:
(1) In every basement or cellar with an area of 200
square meters (2152 square feet) or more which is used for habitation,
recreation, dining, study, or work, and which base an occupant load of more
than 20.
(2) In all dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, workshops or
factories, and other rooms with an occupant load of more than 10, assembly halls
under Groups H and I Occupies with an occupant load of more than 500, and if
the exit doors of said rooms are more than 30.00 meters (100 feet) from the
nearest safe fire dispersal area of the building or opening to a court or
street.
(3) In all rooms used as storage or handling of
photographic and x-ray nitrocellulose films and other inflammable articles.
(b) Dry Standpipes. Every building six more
stories in height shall be equipped with one or more dry standpipes.
(1) Construction and tests. Dry standpipes shall be of
wrought iron or galvanized steel and together with fittings and connections
shall be of sufficient strength to withstand 20 kilograms per square centimeter
(300 pounds per square inch) of water pressure when ready for service, without
leaking at the joints, valves, or fittings. Tests shall be conducted by the
owner or his representative or contractor in the presence of a representative
of the City or Municipal Fire Department whenever deemed necessary for the
purpose of certification of its proper function.
(2) Size. Dry standpipes shall be of such size as to
be capable of delivering 946 liters (250 gallons) per minute from each of any
three outlets simultaneously under the pressure created by one fire engine or
pumper, based on the existing city equipment available. The local Fire
Department shall be consulted as to the proper size and threads of those
connections.
(3) Number Required. Every building six or more
stories in height where the area of any floor above the fifth floor is 950
square meters (10,000 square feet) or less shall be equipped with not less than
one dry standpipe and an additional standpipe shall be installed for each
additional 950 square meters (10,000 square feet) or fraction thereof.
(4) Location. Standpipes shall be located
within stairway landings or near such stairways as possible or immediately
inside of an exterior wall and 30 centimeters (12 inches) of an opening in a
stairway enclosure of the balcony or vestibule of a smokeproof tower or an
outside exit stairway.
(5) Siamese Connection. Subject to the provisions
of subparagraph (2), all 10-centimeter (4-inch) dry standpipes shall be
equipped with a two-way Siamese fire department connection. All
12.5-centimeters (5-inch) dry standpipes shall be equipped with a three-way
Siamese fire department connection and 15-centimeter (6-inch) dry standpipes
shall be equipped with a fourway Siamese fire department connection. All
Siamese inlet connections shall be located on a street front of the building
and not less than 30 centimeters (12 inches) nor more than 1.20 meters (4 feet
above the grade and shall be equipped with clapper-checks and substantial
plugs. All Siamese inlet connections shall be recessed in the wall or otherwise
substantially protected.
(6) Outlets. All dry standpipes shall be
extend from the ground floor to and over the roof and shall be equipped with a
6.3-centimeter (2-1/2-inch) outlet not more than 1.20 meters (4 feet) above the
floor level at each story. All dry standpipes shall be equipped with a two-way
6.3-centimeters (2-1/2 inch) outlet above the roof. All outlets shall be
equipped with gate valves with substantial chains.
(7) Signs. An iron or bronze sign with raised letters
at least 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) high shall be rigidly attached to the
building adjacent to all Siamese connections and such sign shall read:
"CONNECTION TO DRY STANDPIPE."
(c) Wet Standpipes. Every Group H and I
Occupancy of any height and every Group C Occupancy of two or more stories in
height, whose corridors are flanked on both sides, and every Group C Occupancy
of two or more stories in height, whose corridors serve only one row of rooms
on one side and with an open court on the other side, and every Group B, D, E,
F, and G Occupancy of three or more stories in height and every Group G and E
Occupancy over 1800 square meters (20,000 square feet) in area shall be
equipped with one or more interior wet standpipes extending from the cellar or
basement into the topmost story: Provided, That Group H buildings having no stage
and having a seating capacity of less than 500 need to be equipped with
interior standpipes.
(1) Construction. Interior wet standpipes
shall be constructed as required for dry standpipes.
(2) Size
i. Interior wet standpipes shall have an internal
diameter sufficient to deliver 189 liters (50 gallons) of water per minute
under 2.1 kilograms per square centimeter (30 pounds per square inch) pressure
at the lose connection, based on the available water supply. Buildings of
Groups H and I Occupancies shall have wet standpipe systems capable of
delivering the required quantity and pressure from any two outlets
simultaneously; for all other occupancies only one outlet need be figured to be
at one time. In no case shall the internal diameter of a vet standpipe be less
than 5 centimeters (2 inches), except when the standpipe is attached to an
automatic fire-extinguishing system as set by the internationally recognized
and accepted engineering practices.
ii. Any approved
formula which determines pipe sizes on a pressure drop basis may be used to
determine pipe size for wet standpipe systems. The Building Official may
require delivery and pressure tests on completed wet standpipe systems before
approving such systems.
(3) Numbered Required. Wet standpipes shall be so
located that any portion of the can be reached therefrom with a hose not
exceeding 23.00 meters (75 feet) in length.
(4) Location. In Groups H and I
Occupancies, outlets shall be located as follows: one on either side of the stage,
one at the rear of the auditorium, and one at the rear of the balconies. Where
occupant loads are less than 500 the above requirements may be waived:
Provided, That portable fire-extinguishers of appropriate capacity and type are
installed within easy access from the said locations. In Groups B, C, D, E, F,
and G Occupancies the location of all interior wet standpipes shall be in
accordance with the requirements for dry standpipes: Provided, That at least
one wet standpipe is installed to cover not more than 650 square meters (700
square feet).
(5) Outlets. All interior wet standpipes
shall be equipped with a 3.8-centimeter (1-1/2 inch) valve in each story
including the basement or cellar of the building , and located not less than e0
centimeters (1 foot) nor more than 1.50 meters (5 feet) above the floor.
(6) Threads. All hose threads in
connection with the installation of such standpipes, including valves and
reducing fittings, shall be uniform with that used by the local Fire
Department.
(7) Water Supplies. All interior wet standpipes
shall be connected to a street water main not less than 10 centimeters (4
inches) in diameter, or when the water pressure is sufficient, to a water tank
of sufficient size as provided in subparagraph (8). When more than one interior
wet standpipe is required in the building, such standpipes shall be connected
at their bases or at their tops by pipes of equal size.
(8) Pressure and Gravity Tanks. Tanks shall have
a capacity sufficient to furnish at least 1346 liters (250 gallons) per minute
for a period of not less than 10 minutes. Such tanks shall be located so as to
provide not less than 11.3 kilograms (25 pounds) pressure at the topmost hose
outlet for its entire supply. Discharge pipes from pressure tanks shall extend
5 centimeters (2 inches) into and above the bottom of such tanks. All tanks
shall be tested in place after installation and proved tightly at a hydrostatic
pressure 50 per cent in excess of the working pressure required. Where such
tanks are used for domestic purpose the supply pipe for such purposes shall be
located at or above the center line of such tanks. Incombustible supports shall
be provided for all such supply tanks and not less than 90-centimeters (3-foot)
clearance shall be maintained over the top and under the bottom of all pressure
tanks.
(9) Fire Pumps. Fire pumps 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 be a street water main of not less than
10-centimeter (4-inch) diameter or a well or cistern containing a one-hour
supply. Such pumps shall be supplied with an adequate source of power of the
building and shall be automatic in operation.
(10) Hose and Hose
Reels. Each hose outlet of all interior wet standpipes shall be supplied with
a hose not less than 3.8 centimeters (1-1/2 inches) in diameter. Such hose
shall be equipped with a suitable brass or bronze nozzle and shall be not over
23.00 meters (75 feet) in length. An approved standard form of wall hose reel
or racks shall be provided for the hose and shall be located so as to make the
hose readily accessible at all times and shall be recessed in the walls or
protected suitable cabinets.
(d) Basement Pipe Inlets. Basement pipe inlets shall
be installed in the first floor of every store, warehouse, or factory where
there are cellars or basements under same: Except, Where in such cellars or
basements there is installed a fire-extinguishing system as specified in this
Code, or where the cellars or basements are used for banking purposes, safe
deposit vaults, or similar uses.
(1) Materials. All basement pipe inlets
shall be of cast iron, steel brass, or bronze with lids of cast brass or bronze
and shall consist of a sleeve not less than 20 centimeters (8 inches) in
diameter through the floor extending to and flush with the ceiling below and
with a top flange, recessed with an inside shoulder, to receive the lid and
flush with the finish floor surface. The lid shall be a solid casting and have
a ring lift recessed on the top thereof, so as to be flush. The lid shall have
the words "FIRE DEPARTMENT ONLY, DO NOT COVER UP", cast on the top
thereof. The lid shall be installed in such a manner as to permit its removal
readily from the inlet.
(2) Location. Basement pipe inlets shall
be strategically located and kept readily accessible at all times to the Fire
Department.
(e) Approval. All fire-extinguishing
systems, including automatic sprinkles, wet and dry standpipes, automatic
chemical extinguishers, basement pipe inlets, and the appurtenance thereto
shall meet the approval of the Fire Department of the particular municipality
or city as to installation and location and shall be subject to such periodic
tests as may require.
SECTION 8.01.13
Stages and Platforms
(a) Stage Ventilators. There shall be one or more
ventilators constructed of metal or other incombustible material near the
center and above the highest part of any working stage raised above the stage
roof and having a total ventilation area equal to at least five per cent of the
floor area within the stage walls. The entire equipment shall conform to the
following requirements:
(1) Opening Action. Ventilators shall open by
spring action or force of gravity sufficient to overcome the effects of
neglect, rust, dirt, or expansion by heat or warning 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 if clogged it cannot reduce the required ventilating
area of interfere with the operating mechanism or obstruct the distribution of
water from the automatic fire-extinguishing systems.
(3) Design. Ventilators, penthouses, and supporting
framework shall be designed in accordance with this Code.
(4) Automatic Openings. Each ventilator shall be
arranged to open automatically after the outbreak of fire by the use of an
approved automatic closing device as defined in this Code. The fusible link and
operating cable shall hold each door closed against a minimum 13.5-kilogram
(30-pound) counterforce exerted by springs or counterweights. This minimum
counterforce shall be exerted on each door through its entire arc of travel and
for a minimum 115 degrees. A manual control shall be provided.
(5) Spring Actuations. Springs, when employed to
actuate ventilator doors, shall be capable of maintaining full required tension
indefinitely. Springs shall not be stressed more than 50 per cent of their
rated capacity and shall not be located directly in the air stream, nor exposed
to the elements.
(6) Location of Fusible Links. A fusible link
shall be placed in the cable control system on the underside of the ventilator
at or above the roof line, and shall be so located as not to be affected by the
operation of fire-extinguishing systems.
(7) Control. Remote, manual, or
electrical control shall provide for both opening and closing of the ventilator
doors for periodic testing and shall be located at a point on the stage
designated by the Building Official. When remote control of ventilator is
electrical, power failure shall not affect its instant operation in the event
of fire. Hand winches may be employed to facilitate operation of manually
controlled ventilators.
(8) Curb Construction. Curbs shall constructed as
required for the roof.
(b) Gridirons
(1)
Gridirons, fly galleries, and pin-rails shall be
constructed of incombustible materials and fire protection of steel and iron
may be omitted. Gridirons and fly galleries shall be designed to support a live
load of not less than 112 kilograms per square meter (75 pounds per square
foot). Each loft block well shall be designed to support 37.2 kilograms per
linear meter (250 pounds per linear foot) and the block well shall be designed
to support the aggregate weight of all the loft block well served. The head block
well must be provided with an adequate strongback of lateral brace to offset
torque.
(2)
The main counterweight sheave beam shall be designed
to support a horizontal and vertical uniformly distributed live load sufficient
to accommodate the weight imposed by the total number of loft blocks in the
gridiron. The sheave blocks shall be designed to accommodate the maximum load
for the loft blocks or head blocks served with a safety factor of five.
(c) Rooms Accessory to Stage. In buildings
having a stage, the dressing room sections, workshops, and storerooms shall be
located on the stage side of the proscenium wall and shall be separated from
each other and from the stage by not less than a One-Hour Fire-Resistive
Occupancy Separation.
(d) Prosceniums Walls. A stage shall be completely
separated from the auditorium by a proscenium wall of not less than two-hour
incombustible construction. The proscenium wall shall extend not less than 1.20
meters (4 feet) above the roof over the auditorium. Proscenium walls may have,
in addition to the main proscenium opening at the orchestra pit level and not
more than two openings at the stage floor level, each of which shall be not
more than 2.00 square meters (25 square feet) in area. All openings in the
proscenium wall of a stage shall be protected by a fire assembly having a one
and one-half-hour fire-resistive rating. The proscenium opening, which shall be
the main opening for viewing performances, shall be provided with a
self-closing fire-resistive curtain according to generally recognized and
accepted engineering practices.
(e) Stage Floors. The Type of Construction
for stage floors shall depend upon the requirement based on the Type of
Occupancy and the corresponding fire-resistive requirements. All parts of the
stage floor shall be designed to support not less than 185 kilograms per square
meter (125 pounds per square foot). Openings through stage floors shall be
equipped with tight-fitting trap doors.
(f) Platforms. The Type of Construction
for platforms shall depend upon the requirements based on the Type of Occupancy
and corresponding fire-resistive requirements. Enclosed platforms shall be
provided with one or more ventilators conforming to the requirements of stage
ventilators: Except, that the total area shall be equal to five per cent of the
area of the platform. When more than one ventilator is provided, they shall be
so spaced as to provide proper exhaust ventilation. Ventilators shall not be
required for enclosed platforms having a 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 be provided from a passageway not less
than 90 centimeters (3 feet) in width to a street or exit court. An exit stair
not less than 75 centimeters (2 feet, 6 inches) wide shall be provided for
egress from each fly gallery. Each tier of dressing rooms shall be provided
with at least two means of egress each not less than 75 centimeters (2 feet, 6
inches) wide and all such stairs shall be constructed as specified in this
Code. The stairs required in this Subsection need to be enclosed.
SECTION 8.05.14
Motion Picture Projection
Rooms
(a) General. The provisions of this
Section shall apply only where ribbon type motion picture film in excess of
22-millimeter (7/8-inch) width and electric are projection equipment are used.
Every motion picture machine using ribbon type in excess of 22-millimeter
(7/8-inch) width and electric arc projection equipment, together with all
electrical devices, rheostats, machines, and all such films present in any
Group C, I, or H Occupancy, shall be enclosed in a projection room large enough
to permit the operator to walk freely on either side and back of the machine.
(b) Construction. Every projection room shall
be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction throughout and the
walls and ceiling shall be finished with incombustible material. The ceiling
shall be not less than 2.40 meters (8 feet) from the finished floor. The room
shall have a floor area of not less than 7.00 square meters (80 square feet)
and 3.50 square meters (40 square feet) for each additional machine.
(c) Exits. Every projection room shall have at least
two doorway separated by not less than one-third the perimeter of the room,
each at least 75 centimeters (2 feet, 6 inches) wide and 2.00 meters (6 feet, 7
inches) high. All entrances to a projection room shall be protected by a
self-closing fire assembly having a three-fourths hour fire-resistive rating.
Such doors shall open outward and lead to proper exits as required in this Code
and shall not be equipped with any latch. The maximum width of such door need
be no more than 75 centimeters (2 feet, 6 inches).
(d) Ports and Openings. Ports in projection room
walls shall be of three kinds: projection ports; observation ports; and
combination ports used for both observation and for stereopticon, spot, or
floodlight machines.
(1) Ports Required. There shall be provided for
each motion picture projector not more than one projection port, which shall be
limited in area to 774 square centimeters (120 square inches), and not more
than one observation port, which shall be limited in area to 1290 square
centimeters (200 square inches). There shall be not more than three combination
ports, each of which shall not exceed 75 centimeters by 60 centimeters (30
inches by 24 inches). Each port opening shall be completely covered with a pane
of glass: Except, That when acetate (safety) film is used projection ports may
be increased in size to an area not to exceed 4644 square centimeters (720
square inches).
(2) Shutters. Each port and every other
opening in projection room walls, including any fresh-air inlets but excluding
exit doors and exhaust ducts, shall be provided with a shutter of not less than
No. 10 U.S. gauge sheet metal or its equivalent large enough to overlap at
least 25 millimeters (1 inch) on all sides of such opening. Shutters shall be
arranged to slide without binding in guides constructed of material equal to
the shutters in strength and fire resistance. Each shutter shall be equipped
with a 74ºC (165ºF) fusible link, which when fused by heat will cause closure
of the shutter by gravity. Shutters of a size greater than 1290 square centimeters
(200 square inches) shall be equipped with a counter-balance. There shall also
be a fusible link located over the upper magazine of each projector, which,
upon operating, will close all the shutters. In addition, there shall be
provided suitable means for manually closing all shutters simultaneously from
any projector head and from a point within the projection room near each exit
door. Shutters on openings not in use shall be kept closed: Except, That
shutters may be omitted when acetate (safety) film only is used.
(e) Ventilation
(1) Inlet. A fresh-air inlet from the exterior of the
building not less than 928. 8 square centimeters (114 square inches) and
protected with wire netting shall be installed within 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. Ventilation shall be
provided by one or more mechanical exhaust systems which shall draw air from
each arc lamp and from one or more points near the ceiling. Systems shall
exhaust to outdoors either directly or through an incombustible flue used for
no other purpose. Exhaust capacity shall be not less than 0.42 cubic meter (15
cubic feet) nor more than 1.40 cubic meters (50 cubic feet) per minute for each
are lamp plus 5.60 cubic meters (200 cubic feet) per minute for the room
itself. Systems shall be controlled from within the enclosure and have pilot
lights to indicate operation. The exhaust system serving the projection room
may be extended to cover room associated therewith such as rewind rooms. No
dampers shall be installed in such exhaust systems. Ventilation of these rooms
shall not be connected in any way ventilating or air conditioning system
serving other portions of the building. Exhaust ducts shall be of incombustible
material, and shall either be kept 25 millimeters (1 inch) from combustible material
or covered with 10 millimeters (1/2 inch) of incombustible heat-insulating
material.
(f) Regulation of Equipment. All shelves, fixtures, and
fixed equipment in a projection room shall be constructed of incombustible
materials. All films not in actual use shall be stored in metal cabinets having
individuals compartments for reels or shall be in generally accepted shipping
containers. No solder shall be used in the construction of such metal cabinets.
(g) Sanitary Requirements. Every projection room shall
be provided with unenclosed water closet and lavatory.
SECTION 8.01.15
Lathing, Plastering, and
Installation of Wallboards
The installation of lath, plaster, and gypsum wallboards shall conform
to the fire-resistive rating requirements and the Type of Construction of the
building and shall be designed in accordance with the legally accepted
principles of engineering.
TITLE 9 – MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL REGULATIONS
Chapter 9.01
MECHANICAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 9.01.01
Mechanical Code
All mechanical systems equipment, and installations mentioned in this
Code shall conform to the provisions of the Mechanical Code of the Philippines,
latest edition, adopted and promulgated by the Board of Mechanical Engineering
Examiners pursuant to Commonwealth Act Numbered 294, as amended.
Chapter 9.02
ELECTRICAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 9.02.01
Electrical Code
All electrical systems and installations mentioned in this Code shall
conform to the provisions of the Philippine Electrical Code, latest edition,
adopted and promulgated by the Board of Electrical Engineering Examiners
pursuant to Republic Act No. 184, otherwise known as the Electrical Engineering
Law.
TITLE 10 – SPECIAL SUBJECTS
Chapter 10.01
PHOTOGRAPHIC AND X-RAY FILMS
SECTION 10.01.01
Storage and Handling
(a) In the storage and handling of photographic and
x-ray nitrocellulose film, automatic sprinklers shall be provided in the
following case:
(1)
When unexposed and the films exceed the aggregate of
14.00 cubic meters (500 cubic feet), these should be in generally accepted
safety shipping containers for films;
(2)
Where shelving used for storage of individual
packages not in said safety shipping containers and the films exceeds 1.40
cubic meters (50 cubic feet) in capacity; or
(3)
Storage not in generally accepted safety shipping
containers in any fire section equipped with automatic sprinklers may be
permitted up to 14.00 cubic meters (500 cubic feet).
(b)
Film negatives in storage or in process of handling
shall be kept in heavy manila envelopes not exceeding 12 films to an envelope.
Expanding envelopes shall not be used.
(c)
Film negatives shall be kept in properly insulated
vented cabinets, vented storage vaults or outside storage houses. Not more than
113 kilograms (250 pounds shall be stored in any single cabinet. Where the film
stored exceeds 453.5 kilograms (1000 pounds), it shall be in vented storage
vaults or in a detached structure or roof vault. Door openings in vault shall
be of four hour fire-resistive construction and shall be kept close except when
in use.
(d)
Only incandescent electric lights shall be permitted,
protected with substantial wire guards or vapor proof globes, or both. Portable
lights on extension cords are prohibited. Smoking shall be prohibited and
conspicuous no smoking sign posted.
(e)
No films shall be stored within 60 centimeters (2
feet) seam pipes, chimneys, or other sources of heat.
(f) First aid appliances of types using water or water
solutions shall be provided. Discarded films shall be stored and handled in the
same manner as other films until removed from the premises.
SECTION 10.01.02
Nitrocellulose Motion
Picture Film
(a) Nitrate motion picture film shall be stored or
handled only in buildings of fire-resistive construction. Every room where
nitrate film is stored or handled in quantities greater than 22.5 kilograms (50
pounds), except in motion picture booths or rewinding rooms connected with such
booths, shall be equipped with automatic sprinklers.
(b) Buildings used for, or housing, a nitrate picture
film laboratory or studio shall have automatic sprinklers. A minimum of one
sprinkler for every 6.00 square meters (64 square feet) shall be provided.
SECTION 10.01.03
Classes of Film Exempted
(a) The provisions of this Section do not apply to: film
for amateur photographic use in original packages of "roll" and
"film pack" films in quantities of less than 1.40 cubic meters (50
cubic feet); safety film (cellulose acetate base); dental x-ray film; establishments
manufacturing photographic films and their storage incidental thereto; and
films stored or being used in standard motion picture booths.
(b) Safety photographic X-ray films (cellulose acetate
base) may be identified by the marking on the edge of the film.
SECTION 10.01.04
Sprinklers
Unless otherwise provided in this Code, all sprinklers when so required
shall be of a type, specifications, and method of installations in accordance
with generally accepted practices.
Chapter 10.02
PREFABRICATED CONSTRUCTION
SECTION 10.02.01:
General
(a) Prefabricated assembly is a structural unit, the
integral parts of which have been built up or assembled prior to incorporation
in the building.
(b) Special tests based on internationally recognized
and accepted engineering practices shall be required on assemblies to determine
their structural appropriateness, durability, soundness, and weather and fire
resistance. Materials and their assembly shall comply with the latest generally
accepted engineering and architectural specifications and standards.
(c) Every device or system designed to connect
prefabricated assemblies shall be capable of developing the strength of the
different members as a homogenous or monolithic structure, except in the case
of members forming part of a structural frame as specified in this Code.
Anchorages and connections between members and the supporting elements of the
structure or walls shall be capable of withstanding all probable external and
internal forces or other conditions for a structurally sound construction. In
structural design, proper allowances shall be made for any material to be
displaced or removed for the installations of pipes, conduits, or others.
(d) Placement of prefabricated assemblies shall be
inspected to determined compliance with this Code.
Chapter 10.03
PLASTICS
SECTION 10.03.01
Approved plastic materials shall be those which have a flame-spread
rating of 225 or less and a smoke density not greater than that obtained from
the burning of untreated wood under similar conditions when tested in
accordance with generally recognized and accepted engineering practices for
surface burning characteristics of building materials in the way intended for
use. The products of combustion shall be no more toxic than the burning of
untreated wood under similar conditions.
Installation
(a) Structural Requirements. All plastic materials and
their assemblies shall be of adequate strength and durability to withstand the
prescribed design loads. Sufficient and substantial technical data shall be
submitted to establish stresses, maximum unsupported spans, and such other
information as may be deemed necessary for the various thickness and forms
used.
(b) Fastenings. Fastenings shall be
adequate to withstand design loads and internal and external stresses required
of the assembly, Proper allowances shall be made for expansion and contraction
of plastic materials in conjunction with other materials with which it
assembled or integrated.
SECTION 10.03.03
Glazing of Openings
(a) Doors, sash and framed openings in exterior walls of
all building except Types IV and V construction may be glazed or equipped with
approved plastic: Provided, That:
(1) The wall in which such glazing is installed is so
located that openings are not required to be fire-protected.
(2) Except for Type I buildings, the location, size, and
spacing of such glazed openings do not exceed the values set by generally
recognized and accepted principles of engineering.
(3) Plastics used in glazed openings of Type II
buildings shall be of materials appropriate to use according to flame-spread
characteristics and the location, size and spacing of the openings do not
exceed the values set forth by generally accepted principles of engineering.
SECTION 10.03.04
Skylights
(a) General. Approved plastics may be
used in skylights installed on roofs Types I, II, or III buildings and all
buildings equipped with an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system in
Groups A, B, C, E, F, J, H-3, an H-4 Occupancies: Except, That:
(1) Approved plastics may be used in any type of
construction or occupancy as a fire venting system when approved by the
Building Official.
(2) Plastics may be used in approved skylights in Type I
one-hour constructions which are located 30 centimeters (12 inches) or more
above the lower plane of the ceiling. The walls of the skylight well shall be
no less fire-resistive than the adjacent ceiling.
(3) Where a fire-resistive ceiling is not required in
one-story buildings, approved plastics may be used in skylights.
(b) Installation Requirements
(1) Except in Group A Occupancies, no skylight shall be
installed within 3.00 meters (10 feet) of a property line.
(2) The edges of dome-type skylights shall be properly
flashed.
(3) Plastic skylights shall be separated from each other
by at least 2.50 meters (feet, 4 inches) Laterally and 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 square meters (107 square feet). The
total aggregate area of plastics used in skylights, monitors, and sawtooth
glazing shall not exceed 20 per cent of the floor area of the room or occupancy
sheltered.
(d) Curb Requirements. Plastic skylights in roofs
having a slope of less than 1 in 3 shall have a 10 centimeter (4-inch) high
curb. The curb may be omitted where a 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 be substantially mounted below the skylight.
SECTION 10.03.05
Light-Transmitting Panels in
Monitors and Sawtooth Roofs
(a) General. Where a fire-resistive
rating is not required for the roof structure, and in all buildings provided
with an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system, approved plastics may be
used with or without sash as the light-transmitting medium in monitors and
sawtooth roofs: Except, That plastics used in monitors or sawtooth roofs of
Type II buildings shall be of materials appropriate to use according to
flame-spread characteristics.
(b) Allowable Areas. The area of individual
plastic glazing used in monitors and sawtooth glazing shall not exceed 15.00
square meters (150 square feet). The total aggregate area of plastics used in
skylights, monitors, and sawtooth glazing shall not exceed 20 per cent of the
floor area of the room or occupancy sheltered.
(c) Area Separations. The areas of such plastic
panels shall be separated from each other by a section incombustible material
or by a section of the roofing material of the structure not less than 1.50
meters (5 feet) in length. The lower edge of the plastic material shall be at
least 15 centimeters (6 inches) above the surface of the adjoining roof
surface.
SECTION 10.03.06
Plastic Light Diffusers in
Ceilings
(a) General. Ceiling light diffusers
having an area greater than 10 per cent of any 10.00 square meters (100 square
feet) of room area shall be approved plastics conforming to the requirements
specified in this Code.
(b) Installation. Plastic light diffusers
shall be installed in such a manner that they will not readily become detached
when subjected to room temperature of 149ºC (300ºF) for 25 minutes, except, for
plastic light diffusers which are installed in the first floor areas of Group C
Occupancies having egress directly to the exterior of the building; and plastic
light diffusers which are located between an approved automatic
fire-extinguishing system and the 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 generally accepted and recognized principles of engineering
have established that such installations will not interfere with the efficient
operation of such automatic fire-extinguishing systems.
SECTION 10.03.07
Partitions
Where partitions are not required to be of fire-resistive or
incombustible construction, approved plastics conforming to the requirements
specified in this Code may be used.
SECTION 10.03.08
Exterior Veneer
(a) General. Exterior veneer may be of
approved plastic materials and shall conform to the provisions of this Section.
(b) Height. Plastic veneer may be attached to exterior
walls above the first story of buildings located outside of highly restrictive
Fire Zones: Provided, further, That the height of veneer is not in excess of
10.50 meters (35 feet) above the adjacent grade elevation.
(c) Area. Section of plastic veneer shall not exceed
15.00 square meters (150 square feet) in area: Except, That in less restrictive
Fire Zones the area may be increased by 50 per cent.
(d) Separation. Sections of plastic veneer
shall be separated by a minimum of 1.20 meters (4 feet) vertically and 60
centimeters (2 feet) horizontally.
SECTION 10.03.09
Awnings and Canopies
(a) Plastics of materials appropriate to use according
to flame-spread characteristics may be utilized in awnings and canopies, and
all such awnings and canopies shall be constructed in accordance with
provisions governing projections and appendages specified in this Code.
(b) Approved plastics may be used in awnings where
untreated canvas is permitted.
(c) Approved plastics may be used in lieu of plain glass
in greenhouse in less restrictive Fire Zones.
Chapter 10.04
SHEET METAL SPRAY BOOTHS
SECTION 10.04.01
General
(a) General. Paint spray 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. The area of a paint spray booth shall not
exceed 150 square meters (1500 square feet) nor 10 per cent of the basic area
permitted for the major use of the building according to the occupancy group.
(c) Floor Construction. The floor shall be
constructed of incombustible material.
(d) Interior Surface. Paint spray booths shall be
designed to permit the free passage of exhaust air from all parts of the
interior and all interior surfaces shall be smooth and continuous without
outstanding edges.
SECTION 10.04.02
Fire Protection
Every spray booth having an open front elevation larger than 0.90 meter
(9 square feet) and which is not equipped with doors, shall have a fire curtain
or metal deflector not less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) deep installed that
upper outer edge of the booth opening.
SECTION 10.04.03
Light
Paint spray booths shall illuminate through hammered wire or
heat-treated glass panels. The glass panels shall be located in such a manner
as to reduce the hazard of ignition caused by paint spray deposit.
SECTION 10.04.04
Ventilation
(a) General. Mechanical ventilation
shall be provided direct to the exterior of the building. The mechanical
exhaust system shall be designed to move the air through any portion of the
paint spray area at the rate of not less than 30.00 linear meters (100 linear
feet) per minute. The blades of exhaust fan shall be constructed of nonferous
materials and shall be mounted in such a manner as to prevent contact with the
exhaust duct. The motor shall not be mounted in the spray booth or the duct
system and belts shall be enclosed where they enter the booth or duct system.
(b) Exhaust Ducts. Exhaust ducts shall be
constructed of steel having a thickness not less than the values set by
generally recognized and accepted principles of engineering. The discharge
paint for ducts in a paint spray booth shall be not less than 1.80 meters (6
feet) from adjoining combustible construction nor less than 7.50 meters (25
feet) from adjoining exterior wall openings: Except, that the discharge point
for exhaust ducts is not regulated in a water-wash spray booth.
Chapter 10.05
GLASS AND GLAZING
SECTION 10.05.01
General
(a) This Chapter shall apply to exterior glass and
glazing in all occupancies except Groups A, B, and J Occupancies not over three
stories in height, and to interior and exterior glass and glazing in all
occupancies subject to human impact as specified in this Chapter.
(b) Standards for materials shall conform to this
Chapter and to generally recognized and accepted principles of engineering on
glass dimensional tolerance, breaking stress levels, and design (safety)
factors.
(c) Each light shall bear the manufacturer's label
designating the type and thickness of glass. Each light with special
performance characteristics such as laminated, heat-strengthened, fully
tempered or insulated shall bear the manufacturer's identification showing the
special characteristic and thickness by etching or other permanent
identification that shall be visible after the glass is glazed.
SECTION 10.05.02
Area Limitation
Exterior glass and glazing shall be capable of safety withstanding the
loads set forth by generally recognized and accepted principles of engineering
on wind pressures for various height zones above ground acting inward or
outward. The area of individual lights shall not be more than those set by
generally recognized and acceptable principles of engineering on the maximum
allowable area of glass according to the wind load multiplied by the
appropriate adjustment factor.
SECTION 10.05.03
Glazing
Glass firmly supported on all four edges shall be glazed with a minimum
laps and edge clearances in accordance with generally accepted and recognized
principles of engineering for minimum glazing requirements: Provided, That
glass edge clearance in fixed openings shall be not less than what is required
for wind and earthquake drift. For glass not firmly supported on all four
edges, design shall be submitted for approval. Glass supports shall be
considered firm when deflection of the support at design load does not exceed
1/175th of the span.
SECTION 10.05.04
Windows Louvered
Regular plate, sheet, or patterned glass in jalousies and louvered
windows shall not be thinner than nominal 5.6 millimeters (7/32 inch) and no
longer than 1.20 meters (4 feet) Exposed glass edged shall be smooth.
SECTION 10.05.05
Impact
(a) Frameless glass, doors, glass in doors, fixed glass
panels, and similar glazed openings which may be subject to accidental human
impact shall conform with generally recognized and accepted principles of
engineering on impact loads of glass: Except, in the following cases:
(1) Bath tub and shower enclosures shall be constructed
from approved shatter-resistant materials, 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 lights located not less than 45 centimeters
(18 inches) above the adjacent finished floor or walking surface.
(3) Glass lights when the least dimension is no greater
than 45 centimeters (18 inches).
(4) Glass lights 0.55 square meters (16 square feet) or
less in area.
Chapter 10.06
SIGNS
SECTION 10.06.01
General
(a) No signs or signboards shall be erected in such a
manner as to confuse or obstruct the view or interpretation of any official
traffic sign signal or device.
(b) No signboards shall be constructed as to unduly
obstruct the natural view of the landscape, distract or obstruct the view of
the public as to constitute a traffic hazard, or otherwise defile, debase, or
offend the aesthetic and cultural values and traditions of the Filipino people.
SECTION 10.06.02
Maintenance
All signs, together with all of their supports, braces, guys and
anchors, shall be kept in repair and in proper state of preservation. The
display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all
times.
SECTION 10.06.03
Design and Construction
Signs and signs structures shall be designed and constructed to resist
all wind and seismic forces. All bracing systems shall be designed and
constructed to transfer lateral forces to the foundations. For signs on
buildings the dead and lateral loads shall be transmitted through the
structural frame of the building to the ground in such manner as not to
overstress any of the elements thereof. The overturning moment produced from
lateral forces shall, in no case, exceed two-thirds of the dead-load resisting
moment. Uplift due to overturning shall be adequately resisted by proper
anchorage to the ground or to the structural frame of the building. The weight
of earth superimposed over footings may be used in determining the dead-load
resisting moment. Such earth shall be carefully placed and thoroughly
compacted.
SECTION 10.06.04
Support
(a) General. The supports for all signs
or signs structures shall be placed in or upon private property and shall be
securely built, constructed, and erected in conformity with the requirements of
this Code.
(b) Materials. Materials of construction
for signs and sign structures shall be of the quality and grade as specified in
this Code.
(c) Restrictions and Combustible Materials. All signs and
sign structures erected in highly restrictive Fire Zones shall have structural
members of incombustible materials. Ground signs may be constructed of any
material meeting the requirements of this Code. Combination signs, roof signs,
walls signs, projecting signs, and signs on marquees shall be constructed of
incombustible materials. No combustible materials other than approved plastics
shall be used in the construction of electric signs.
(d) Non-structural Trim. Nonstructural trim and
portable display surface may be of wood, metal, approved plastics, or any
combination thereof.
(e) Anchorage. Member supporting unbraced
signs shall be so proportioned that the bearing loads imposed on the soil in
either direction, horizontal or vertical, shall not exceed the safe values. Braced
ground signs shall be anchored to resist the specified wind or seismic load in
any direction. Anchors and supports shall be designed for safe bearing loads on
the soil and for an effective resistance to pull-out amounting to a force
twenty five percent (25) greater than the required resistance to overturning.
Anchors and supports shall penetrate to a sufficient depth below ground.
Portable ground signs supported by frames or posts rigidly attached to the base
shall be so proportioned that the weight and size of the base will be adequate
to resist the wind pressure. Signs attached to masonry, concrete, or steel
shall be safely and securely fastened thereto by means of metal anchors, bolts,
or approved expansion screws of sufficient size and anchorage to support safely
the loads applied. No wooden blocks or plugs or anchors with wood used in
connection with screws or nails shall be considered proper anchorage, except in
the case of signs attached to wood framing. No anchor or support of any sign
shall be connected to, or supported by, an unbraced parapet wall, unless such
wall is designed in accordance with the requirements for parapet walls.
(f) Display Surfaces. Display surfaces in all
types of signs may be made of metal, glass, or approved plastics.
Projection and Clearance
(a) Clearance from High Voltage Power Lines. Signs shall be
located not less than 1.80 meters (6 feet) horizontally or 3.60 meters (12
feet) vertically from overhead electrical conductors which are energized in excess
of 750 volts. The term "overhead conductor" as used in this Section
means any electrical conductor, either bare or insulated, installed above the
ground except such conductors as are enclosed in an iron pipes or other
material covering of equal strength.
(b) Clearance from Fire Escapes, Exits, or Standpipes. No sign or signs
structure shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface or
supports will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit,
or standpipe.
(c) Obstruction of Openings. No sign shall obstruct any
opening to such an extent that light or ventilation is reduced to a point below
that required by this Code. Signs erected within 1.50 meters (5 feet) of an
exterior wall in which there are openings within the area of the sign shall be
constructed of incombustible material or approved plastics.
(d) Projection over Alleys. No sign or sign structures
shall project into any public alley below a height of 4.25 meters (14 feet)
above grade nor project more than 30 centimeters (12 inches) where the sign
structure is located 4.25 meters (14 feet) to 4.85 meters (16 feet) above
grade. The sign or sign structure may project not more than 0.90 meter (3 feet)
into the public alley where the sign or sign structure is located more than
4.85 meters (16 feet) above graded.
Enacted without executive approval:
August 26, 1972
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