How much does a building permit cost in the Philippines?

Building permit costs in the Philippines typically range from ₱15,000 to ₱50,000+ for residential construction, depending on the project size and location. Fees include the building permit itself, plus clearances from the barangay, fire department, and other offices.

What documents are required for a building permit in the Philippines?

Required documents include: land title (TCT/OCT) or contract to sell, tax declaration, tax clearance, barangay clearance, locational clearance, 5 sets of architectural and structural plans signed by licensed professionals, bill of materials, and specifications.

How long does it take to get a building permit in the Philippines?

The official processing time is 15-30 working days under the Ease of Doing Business Act. However, realistically it takes 4-8 weeks including gathering clearances. Complex projects or those requiring special permits may take longer.

Do I need a building permit for renovation in the Philippines?

Yes, most renovations require a building permit, especially if they involve structural changes, additions, or changes to electrical/plumbing systems. Minor cosmetic repairs like repainting typically don't require a permit.

What happens if I build without a permit in the Philippines?

Building without a permit can result in: fines, demolition orders, inability to sell the property, no insurance coverage, and criminal liability. It's always better to obtain proper permits before construction.

Who can sign building plans in the Philippines?

Architectural plans must be signed by a licensed architect, structural plans by a licensed civil/structural engineer, and electrical/plumbing plans by their respective licensed professionals. All must be PRC-licensed and have valid PTR.

Building Permit Guide Philippines 2025 | Requirements, Fees & Process

Quick Overview

Typical Cost

₱15,000 - ₱50,000+

Varies by floor area

Processing Time

3-8 weeks

With all clearances

Valid For

1 year

Renewable

Find Your LGU Requirements →

Who Needs a Building Permit?

Under the National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096), you need a building permit for:

New Construction

Any building or structure

Additions/Extensions

To existing buildings

Major Renovations

Structural alterations

Demolition

Of existing structures

Change of Use

E.g., residential to commercial

Small Projects Exception

Minor repairs like repainting, re-roofing with same materials, or repairs that don't affect structural elements may not require a full building permit. Check with your LGU for specific thresholds.

Documentary Requirements

While requirements vary slightly by LGU, here are the standard documents you'll need:

Legal Documents

Certified True Copy of Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) or OCT
If not owner: Contract of Lease, Deed of Sale, or Authorization Letter
Tax Declaration and current Real Property Tax Receipt
Tax Clearance from the City/Municipal Treasurer

Architectural Plans

5 sets minimum, signed and sealed by licensed architect

• Site Development Plan / Lot Plan

• Floor Plans (all levels)

• Elevations (all sides)

• Sections

• Reflected Ceiling Plan

• Roof Plan

• Doors and Windows Schedule

Structural Plans

Signed and sealed by licensed Civil/Structural Engineer

• Foundation Plan

• Floor Framing Plans

• Roof Framing Plan

• Structural Details

• Structural Analysis and Computations

Electrical Plans

By licensed Professional Electrical Engineer

• Power Layout
• Lighting Layout
• Load Computation
• Single Line Diagram

Sanitary/Plumbing Plans

By licensed Sanitary Engineer or Master Plumber

• Water Supply Layout
• Drainage Layout
• Septic Tank Details

Required Clearances

Before you can apply for a building permit, you'll need to secure these clearances:

Barangay Clearance

First step in the process. Certifies you're a resident in good standing.

₱100-500

1-3 days

Locational Clearance / Zoning Certificate

Confirms your project complies with zoning regulations. From City/Municipal Planning Office.

₱500-2,500

5-15 days

Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance (FSEC)

From Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Required for all new buildings.

₱1,000-10,000+

3-7 days

HOA Clearance

(if applicable)

Required for properties within subdivisions or gated communities.

₱1,000-10,000

1-4 weeks

Special Clearances (if applicable)

LLDA Clearance

Near Laguna Lake watershed

DENR/EMB Clearance

Large projects requiring ECC

DPWH Clearance

Projects along national roads

Civil Aviation Authority

Tall buildings near airports

Step-by-Step Process

1
Prepare Your Documents
Engage licensed professionals to prepare your plans. Get your lot documents in order.
2
Get Barangay Clearance
Visit your barangay hall with ID and property documents.
3
Apply for Locational Clearance
Submit to CPDO with barangay clearance and site plan.
4
Apply for FSEC
Submit building plans to BFP for fire safety evaluation.
5
Get HOA Clearance (if needed)
Submit plans to your subdivision's HOA for approval.
6
Submit Building Permit Application
Submit complete documents to Office of the Building Official (OBO).
7
Plan Review
OBO reviews plans for code compliance. May request revisions.
8
Pay Fees and Get Permit
Once approved, pay the assessed fees and receive your building permit.

Fees and Costs

Building permit fees are based on floor area and project cost. Here's what to expect:

Estimated Total Fees by Project Size

Small house (50-100 sqm)

₱15,000-25,000

Medium house (100-200 sqm)

₱25,000-45,000

Large house (200-400 sqm)

₱45,000-80,000

Mansion (400+ sqm)

₱80,000-200,000+

Includes

Electrical, sanitary, mechanical. Actual fees vary by LGU.

All ancillary permits

Realistic Timeline

Processing Duration by Step

Plan preparation

2-4 weeks

Barangay clearance

1-3 days

Locational clearance

1-2 weeks

FSEC

3-7 days

HOA clearance (if needed)

1-4 weeks

Building permit processing

2-4 weeks

TOTAL (typical)

Can be faster with complete documents

6-12 weeks

Tips for Faster Approval

Submit complete documents

Incomplete submissions are the #1 cause of delays

Use experienced professionals

Architects and engineers familiar with local requirements

Get clearances in parallel

Apply for FSEC and locational clearance simultaneously

Follow up regularly

Check status every 5-7 working days

Consider an expediter

For complex projects, a permit expediter can save time

Check LGU-specific requirements

Use our LGU database for location-specific info

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Inconsistent Plans

Floor areas don't match between architectural and structural plans. All plans must be consistent.

Causes: Rejection and rework

Missing Signatures/Seals

All plans must be signed and sealed by licensed professionals with valid PTR.

Causes: Automatic rejection

Wrong Lot Area

Plan shows different lot area than title. This is a common oversight that delays approval.

Causes: Major revision required

Expired Documents

Tax clearance must be current year. Check validity of all clearances before submission.

Causes: Need to reapply

Setback Violations

Not following required distances from property lines. Check local zoning requirements.

Causes: Plan redesign needed

Starting Without Permit

Building without a permit is illegal and can result in demolition, fines, or imprisonment.

Penalty: Demolition + heavy fines

Building Permit Guide Philippines 2025