Building Permit Requirements in Manila, Metro Manila

(2025 Updated)

Partially Verified

Last verified: December 3, 2024

Quick Summary

Estimated Fees

₱15,000-200,000 depending on project size and location

Processing Time

2-3 months including clearances

Plan Sets Required

5 sets

Documentary Requirements

Check off items as you prepare them:

  • Five (5) Sets of Location Plan with Vicinity Map (Signed & Sealed by Licensed Geodetic Engineer)
  • Five (5) Copies Specification (Signed and Sealed by Architect/Civil Engineer)
  • Five (5) Copies Bill of Materials (Signed and Sealed by Architect/Civil Engineer)
  • Structural Computation (For Two Storey and above) signed and sealed by Civil/Structural Engineer
  • Soil Analysis (For three storey and above)
  • Certified True Copy of Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) issued by Registry of Deeds
  • Xerox Copy of Tax Declaration
  • Xerox Copy of Tax Receipt for current year
  • Barangay Clearance
  • Homeowners Presidents Clearance/CRO Clearance (if applicable)
  • Approved Locational Clearance Certificate issued by Planning Office
  • Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance (FSEC)

Required Clearances

Barangay Clearance

Fee: ₱100-500 depending on barangay
Processing: 1-3 days
  • Valid ID of applicant/owner
  • Proof of ownership (TCT or Tax Declaration)
  • Cedula

Locational Clearance

Fee: Contact City Planning Office for current fees
Processing: 5-10 working days

Where: City Planning Office

  • Application form
  • Barangay Clearance
  • TCT or Tax Declaration copy
  • Site development plan

Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance (FSEC)

Fee: ₱1,000-5,000 depending on project size
Processing: 3-5 working days
  • Building plans with fire safety features
  • Electrical layout

Tips

  • Department email: depw@manila.gov.ph
  • Location: Manila City Hall Bldg., A. Villegas St., Ermita, Manila 1000
  • Divisions: Electrical (electrical permits), Industrial Safety (mechanical permits), Manila Building Office (building permits), Public Utilities (excavation permits)
  • Soil Analysis required for 3 storey and above
  • Structural Computation required for 2 storey and above
  • Processing typically takes 1-2 months or longer

Common Mistakes

  • Missing soil analysis for 3+ storey buildings
  • Missing structural computation for 2+ storey buildings
  • Not getting HOA/CRO clearance where applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I contact the Department of Engineering in Manila?

Email depw@manila.gov.ph. The office is at Manila City Hall Bldg., A. Villegas St., Ermita, Manila 1000.

How long does building permit processing take in Manila?

Processing typically takes 1-2 months or longer depending on project complexity and completeness of requirements.

Download Checklist

Get a printable PDF checklist for your building permit application

Email required for download

Contact Information

Where:
Department of Engineering and Public Works, Manila City Hall Bldg., A. Villegas St., Ermita, Manila 1000
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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