Building Permit - A written authorization granted by the Building Official to an applicant allowing him to proceed with the construction of a specific project after plans, specifications and other pertinent documents have been found to be in conformity with the National Building Code (PD 1096).
Building - Any independent, free-standing structure comprised of one or more rooms or other spaces, covered by a roof and enclosed with external walls or dividing walls which extend from the foundation to the roof.
Residential Building - A building for which its major parts or more than half of its gross floor area is built for dwelling purposes. This type of building can be of the single type, duplex, an apartment and/or accessoria.
Single House - A complete structure intended for a single family or household.
Duplex - A structure intended for two households, with complete living facilities for each; it is a single structure divided into two dwelling units by a wall extending from the floor to the ceiling.
Apartment - A structure, usually of several storeys made up of independent living quarters, with independent entrances from internal walls and courts.
Accessoria - A one or two-floor structure divided into several dwelling units having their own separate entrances from outside.
Non-Residential Building - This type includes commercial, industrial, agricultural and institutional buildings.
Additions/ Alterations and Repairs - Construction works by which the utility of building or structure is raised or at least renewed or which materially extends the normal life of the building or structure.
Floor Area of Building - The sum of the area of each floor of the building measured to the outer surface of the outer walls including the area of lobbies, cellars, elevator shafts and all communal spaces in multi-dwellings. Areas of balconies are excluded.
Total Value of Construction - The total cost per square meter of floor area of the building based on group classifications. This value is derived from the approved building permit and represents the estimated value of the building or structure when completed.
