National Building Code of the Philippines

SECTION 1804. Louvered Windows. Regular plate, sheet, or patterned glass in jalousies and louvered windows shall not be thinner than 5.6 millimeters minimal and not longer than 1.20 meters. Exposed glass edges shall be smooth. SECTION 1805. Impact. Frameless glass doors, glass in doors, fixed glass panels, and similar glazed openings which may be subject to accidental human impact shall conform with the requirements set forth by the Secretary on impact loads of glass: Except in the following cases: (1) Bathtub and shower enclosures shall be constructed  from approved shatter-resistant materials, such as: wire reinforced glass not less than 5.6 millimeters thick; fully tempered glass not less than 4.8 millimeters thick: or laminated safety glass not less than 6.4 millimeters thick. (2) Glass lights located not less than 450 millimeters above the adjacent finished floor or walking surface. (3) Glass lights when the least dimension is not greater than 450 millimeters. (4) Glass lights 1.50 square meters or less in area. CHAPTER 19 THE USE OF COMPUTERS SECTION 1901. General Rule. The use of computers for all or any part of the design of buildings under this Code is permitted provided that all programs to be used are documented. SECTION 1902. Program Documentation. Documenting a program under this Code consists of filing with the Building Official a reference to a publication or publications accessible to him were the detailed description of the program or a brief statement of the theoretical background of the program including a description of the algorithms used are found. SECTION 1903. Submission of Computer-Generated Computations. A copy of the output sheets for computer-generated computations shall be submitted as a part of the design computations. The out sheets shall be accompanied by a certification of a designer and/or consultant that the output sheets are the results obtained through the use of documented programs. The certification should include the identification of the specific program used for each portion of the computer-generated computations being submitted. CHAPTER 20 SIGNS SECTION 2001. General Requirements. (a) No sign or signboard shall be erected in such manner as to confuse or obstruct the view or interpretation of any official traffic sign, signal, or device. (b) No sign or signboard 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 aesthetic and cultural values and traditions. SECTION 2002. 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 of all signs shall be kept nearly painted and secured at all times. SECTION 2003. Design and Construction. Sign structures shall be designed and constructed to resist all forces in accordance with the National Structural Code for Buildings. For signs on buildings, the dead and lateral loads shall be transmitted through structural frame of the building to the ground in such a manner as not to overstress any of the elements 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 2004. Supports and Anchorages. (a) General . The supports and anchorage of all signs or sign structures shall be placed in or upon private property and shall be constructed in conformity with the requirements of this Code. (b) Materials . Materials for construction of signs or sign structures shall be of the quality and grade as specified (c) Restrictions on Combustible Materials . All signs or 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. Combinations signs, roof signs, wall signs, projecting signs, and signs on marquees shall be constructed of incombustible materials. No combustible material other than approved plastics shall be used in the construction of electrical signs. (d) Non-Structural Trim . Non-structural trim and portable display surfaces may be of wood, metal, approved plastics, or any combination thereof. (e) Display Surfaces . Display surfaces in all types of signs may be made of metal, glass, or approved plastics. SECTION 2005. Projections and Clearances. (a) Clearances from High Voltage Power Lines . Clearances of signs from high voltage power lines shall be in accordance with the Philippine Electrical Code. (b) Clearances from Fire Escapes, Exits, or Standpipes . No signs or sign structures shall be erected in such a manner than any portion to 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 ventilation is reduced to a point below that required by this Code. Signs erected within 1.50 meters 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 structure shall project into any public alley below a height of 3.00 meters above established sidewalk grade, nor project more than 300 millimeters where the sign structure is located 3.00 meters to 4.5 meters above established sidewalk grade. The sign or sign structure must not project more than 1.00 meter into the public alley where the sign or sign structure is located more than 4.50 meters above established sidewalk grade. SECTION 2006. Lighting. Signs shall be illuminated only by electrical means in accordance with the Philippine Electrical Code. CHAPTER 21 TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS SECTION 2101. Existing Buildings and Structures. All buildings or structures constructed under R.A. 6541 or existing city or municipal building codes or ordinances, if legally done in accordance therewith, shall be respected subject to such limitations established in this Code. However, alterations, additions, conversions, and/or repairs to be made in such building or structures shall be subject to the provisions of this Code. SECTION 2102. Interim Rules and Regulations. Interim rules and regulations on buildings promulgated by the Secretary before the adoption of this Code pursuant to existing laws or decrees shall continue to have binding force and effect, when not in conflict with the provisions of this Code. SECTION 2103. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Decree or the application thereof is to any person or circumstance declared unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions. SECTION 2104. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, provisions of charters, executive orders, ordinances, rules and regulations or parts thereof contrary to or inconsistent with the provision of this Decree are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.