Getting Building Permits in the Philippines

Before any type of construction work starts, those who are looking to erect a building or conduct repairs are required by law to acquire a building permit.

What is a building permit?

A building permit essentially secures the safety, uniformity in design, and compliance with the law of a certain construction. It will only be issued once all the legal requirements and local regulations are met. It ensures that certain standards are complied with even before putting the building plan into action. The applicant will have to submit requirements with the appropriate government representatives. They will inspect things such as the architectural plans, seismic analysis, and electrical layout before the building permit is released.

Who needs a building permit?

Individuals, firms, or corporations who would like to perform construction works on a particular property must seek the authorization of the appropriate LGU for a building permit. This includes those who are looking to construct, alter, renovate, or demolish a property.

Building Permit Requirements in the Philippines

1. Properly filled-up application forms duly signed and sealed by Professions concerned:

• Building Permit Forms (5 copies)
• Electrical Permit Forms (3 copies)
• Sanitary Permit Forms (3 copies)

1. Architectural Plan - Signed and sealed by Licensed and accredited Architect
2. Structural Plan - Signed and sealed by Structural/Civil Engineer
3. Electrical Plan - Signed and sealed by Prof. Electrical Engineer
4. Plumbing Plan - Signed and sealed by Master Plumber/Sanitary Engineer
5. HVAC Plan - Signed and sealed by Mechanical Engineer
6. Telecom and CCTV plan - Signed and sealed by ECE 

1. Proof of Property

• Photocopy of Transfer Certificate if Title (TCT)
• Photocopy of tax Declaration of Property-lot (Certified True Copy) – 5 copies
• Photocopy of Current Tax Receipt (5 copies)

1. If property is not registered under the name of the applicant:

• Submit 5 copies of any of the following:
• Contract of Lease
• Contract of Sale
• Affidavit of Consent of the Lot Owner for the construction of building/house
• Deed of Absolute Sale

1. Permit Billboard (0.60 X 0.90 Plywood with the following contents):
2. Bill of Materials and Specification (5 copies) – signed and sealed by an engineer or an architect at every page
3. Locational Clearance
4. Photocopy of PTR # and PRC license of all concerned engineers and architects
5. Clearance from the DPWH if the construction is located along National Highway
6. DOLE Clearance

Those are the usual application forms you need gather and prepare.

How to get Building Permit in the Philippines – Procedures

1. Get a Requirements-Checklist and application forms from your municipal’s office (Office of the Building Official). Your architect mostly knows them but you need to get the documents from your municipal’s office since every form bears the municipal’s seal. Your architect and engineers then will be the ones who will fill them up.
2. Go to the Office of the Building Official and submit the papers. They will tell you then where to go next, in this case Assessor’s Office. If you’re in the city hall, they usually have windows where you have to submit each folder of each set of forms. But in the provinces, each section are usually close to each other if not on the same unit.
3. You will be issued Acknowledgement Slip which bears the date of the status of your application. It’s usually around 10 working days.
4. If your application is approved and in compliant with the National Building Code, you’ll be given an Order of Payment to pay the necessary building permit fees.
5. Present the Order of Payment at the Treasurer’s Office and pay the fees. Fees range from P6,000 and above depending on the your construction size, municipality location and the assessment plan. Fees in the provinces are usually cheaper than in the cities.
6. Photocopy the OR (Official Receipt) and bring a copy to the Office of the Building Official releasing section.
7. After 5 working days, go back to the releasing section of the Office of the Building Official and claim your building permit.