Every Step. Every Document. Approved.
The complete guide to securing building permits in the Philippines — from DPWH requirements to LGU submission, with checklists for every project type.
Why the Permit Process Matters
Under the National Building Code (PD 1096), no building or structure may be constructed, altered, or demolished without a valid Building Permit issued by the Office of the Building Official (OBO) of the LGU. Non-compliance exposes owners to stop-work orders, demolition orders, and fines. Our permit processing service handles every step — from document preparation to OBO follow-up — so your project stays on schedule.
The Process
Step-by-Step Permit Process
Zoning Verification
1–3 daysConfirm land use classification with the Municipal/City Planning Office. Obtain a Zoning Certification or Locational Clearance confirming the proposed use is permitted in the zone.
Barangay Clearance
1–2 daysSecure a Barangay Clearance from the barangay where the project is located. Required before the LGU OBO will accept the building permit application.
Document Preparation
2–4 weeksPrepare the complete set of plans and technical documents. All plans must be signed and sealed by PRC-licensed professionals: Architect, Civil/Structural Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Sanitary Engineer, and Mechanical Engineer as applicable.
OBO Application Filing
1 daySubmit the complete application package to the Office of the Building Official. The OBO issues an Order of Payment for building permit fees based on project cost and floor area.
Fee Payment & Assessment
1–3 daysPay building permit fees at the City/Municipal Treasurer's Office. Fees are computed based on the NBC fee schedule — typically 1–3% of project cost. Present official receipt to the OBO.
Plan Review & Evaluation
5–20 working daysThe OBO evaluates plans for code compliance. Reviewers from structural, architectural, electrical, and sanitary divisions check plans against NSCP, NBC, and local ordinances. Deficiencies are returned for correction.
Permit Release
1–2 daysUpon approval, the Building Permit and ancillary permits (Electrical, Sanitary, Mechanical) are released. Post the permit on-site before commencing construction.
Construction & Inspections
Per construction scheduleThe OBO conducts mandatory inspections at foundation, framing, and completion stages. Ensure the licensed professionals of record are available for inspection sign-offs.
Checklists
Document Checklists by Project Type
Residential (1–3 Storeys)
- Unified Application Form
- Lot plan (signed by Geodetic Engineer)
- TCT/OCT certified copy
- Tax declaration
- Barangay clearance
- Zoning/locational clearance
- Architectural plans (floor plans, elevations, sections)
- Structural plans + design calculations
- Electrical plans
- Sanitary/plumbing plans
- Bill of materials
- Specifications
- PRC IDs of all signing professionals
Commercial / Mixed-Use
- All residential requirements above
- Fire safety compliance plan (BFP clearance)
- Sanitary permit (DOH/LGU)
- Environmental compliance certificate (DENR, if applicable)
- HLURB/DHSUD approval (for subdivisions)
- Mechanical plans (if with elevator, generator, HVAC)
- Accessibility compliance plan (BP 344)
- Structural peer review (for 6+ storeys)
Industrial / Warehouse
- All commercial requirements above
- DENR Environmental Compliance Certificate
- DOLE safety and health program
- PEZA/BOI endorsement (if applicable)
- Fire suppression system plans
- Hazardous materials handling plan (if applicable)
Regulatory Bodies
Key Regulatory Agencies
Office of the Building Official
Issues building permits, conducts inspections, and enforces the National Building Code at the LGU level.
Dept. of Public Works and Highways
Sets national standards for infrastructure and building construction. Issues permits for projects along national roads.
Bureau of Fire Protection
Issues Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance (FSEC) required for commercial and industrial permits.
Dept. of Environment & Natural Resources
Issues Environmental Compliance Certificates for projects with significant environmental impact.
Dept. of Labor & Employment
Enforces occupational safety standards including DO-13 fall protection requirements on construction sites.
Professional Regulation Commission
Licenses all professionals who sign and seal permit documents: architects, engineers, and other technical professionals.
Timelines
Realistic Processing Timelines
Timelines vary significantly by LGU. Metro Manila OBOs (Makati, BGC, Pasig) tend to be faster than provincial offices. Incomplete submissions are the single biggest cause of delays.
| Project Type | Document Prep | OBO Processing | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Residential | 2–3 weeks | 2–4 weeks | 4–7 weeks |
| Multi-Storey Residential | 3–5 weeks | 4–8 weeks | 7–13 weeks |
| Commercial Low-Rise | 4–6 weeks | 6–10 weeks | 10–16 weeks |
| Commercial Mid-Rise | 6–10 weeks | 8–14 weeks | 14–24 weeks |
Quick Assessment
What Permit Do You Need?
What type of project needs a permit?
Free Resource
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We'll email you the complete OBO submission checklist for your project type — including all ancillary permits, agency clearances, and professional requirements.
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Checklist Preview
Unified Application Form (UAF)
Signed by owner and all licensed professionals
Lot plan / survey plan
Signed by a licensed Geodetic Engineer
TCT / OCT certified copy
From the Register of Deeds
Barangay clearance
From the barangay where the project is located
Zoning / locational clearance
From the Municipal/City Planning Office
All signed and sealed plans
Architectural, structural, electrical, sanitary
+ more items in the full checklist
FAQ
Common Questions
Let Us Handle Your Permit
We prepare every document, coordinate with your LGU, and follow up until your permit is released.
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