BP 220, also known as Batas Pambansa Bilang 220, is a law in the Philippines that sets standards and regulations for the development of economic and socialized housing projects. It was enacted to make housing more affordable for the lower-income sector by providing developers with flexible standards compared to the traditional building codes (like the National Building Code or PD 1096). The aim is to address the growing need for affordable housing while ensuring basic safety and livability.
Here’s a summary of the key standards and guidelines under BP 220:
1. Scope of BP 220
BP 220 applies specifically to the following types of housing:
Socialized Housing Projects: Housing projects intended for marginalized and low-income families, typically with lower land development costs and simpler infrastructure.
Economic Housing Projects: More affordable than traditional housing, but with higher quality and standards than socialized housing, aimed at the low- to middle-income sector.
2. Minimum Lot Sizes
BP 220 allows for smaller lot sizes than traditional housing developments under the National Building Code to reduce costs and make homes more affordable.
Socialized Housing:
Single-detached unit: Minimum lot size of 64 square meters.
Rowhouse (attached unit): Minimum lot size of 28 square meters.
Duplex/Single-attached unit: Minimum lot size of 48 square meters.
Economic Housing:
Single-detached unit: Minimum lot size of 72 square meters.
Rowhouse: Minimum lot size of 36 square meters.
Duplex/Single-attached unit: Minimum lot size of 54 square meters.
3. Minimum Floor Areas
The minimum required floor areas under BP 220 vary depending on the type of housing.
Socialized Housing: Minimum floor area of 18 square meters for a house with a loft or mezzanine and 22 square meters for a two-storey unit.
Economic Housing: Minimum floor area of 22 square meters for a single-storey unit and 30 square meters for two-storey units.
4. Road Width Requirements
Roads within a subdivision or housing development must be wide enough to accommodate traffic and emergency vehicles, but BP 220 allows for narrower roads compared to standard housing projects.
Socialized Housing:
Major Roads: Minimum width of 8 meters.
Minor Roads: Minimum width of 6.5 meters.
Alley: Minimum width of 2 meters.
Economic Housing:
Major Roads: Minimum width of 8 meters.
Minor Roads: Minimum width of 6.5 meters.
Alley: Minimum width of 2 meters.
5. Setback Requirements
A setback is the distance between the house and the property boundary. BP 220 mandates smaller setbacks than traditional housing developments.
Front Setback: Minimum of 1.5 meters.
Side Setback: For rowhouses, no side setbacks are required since the houses are attached. For single-detached units, side setbacks may be required, typically 1.5 meters.
Rear Setback: Minimum of 2 meters.
6. Open Space Allocation
The development must allocate a percentage of land for open spaces, such as parks, playgrounds, and community facilities. The percentage of open space required depends on the total land area of the project.
For subdivisions:
Projects with 1 hectare or less: Minimum of 3.5% open space.
Projects larger than 1 hectare: 9% to 11% of the total area must be dedicated to open spaces.
This ensures residents have access to recreational areas, which is important for improving the overall quality of life.
7. Water Supply and Sanitation
Developers are required to provide adequate water supply, drainage, and sanitation systems in accordance with local government regulations.
Water Supply: Each unit must be supplied with potable water, with standpipes or community water supply systems allowed for low-income housing projects.
Sewage and Drainage: The development must include provisions for proper drainage and sewage disposal to avoid flooding or health hazards.
8. Electrical and Power Supply
The housing project must include provisions for electrical systems that are safe and compliant with local building codes.
Socialized Housing: Electrical systems can be designed to accommodate more basic needs, but must still meet safety standards.
Economic Housing: A full power supply system must be provided, including provisions for future upgrades if necessary.
9. Parks and Playgrounds
BP 220 emphasizes the need for recreational spaces for residents.
Parks and Playgrounds: In addition to the required open spaces, there should be designated areas for parks and playgrounds, particularly for developments larger than 1 hectare. These recreational spaces are crucial for the well-being of families, particularly those with children.
10. Utilities and Services
The law ensures that developers provide the following:
Street Lighting: Adequate street lighting must be installed on all roads within the housing project for safety and security.
Garbage Collection: Proper waste disposal facilities and garbage collection systems must be available.
Fire Safety: Fire hydrants and other fire safety provisions must be incorporated into the design and layout of the development.
11. Financial Considerations
BP 220 encourages the use of low-cost housing materials that still meet safety and durability standards, thereby helping reduce the overall cost of construction. The aim is to keep housing affordable while ensuring that the structures are resilient and comfortable for the occupants.
Low-Cost Housing Materials: Builders can use alternative or locally sourced materials as long as they meet the required quality and safety standards.
12. Implementation and Enforcement
BP 220 is enforced by the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), which ensures compliance with the law’s requirements. Developers must submit their plans for approval by the HLURB, and all housing units must meet the standards outlined by BP 220.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: Developers who fail to meet BP 220 standards may face penalties, including fines or the revocation of their building permits.
BP 220 sets affordable housing standards that balance cost-efficiency with basic safety and livability. It allows developers to build homes for low-income and middle-income families at reduced costs, while ensuring that these homes meet acceptable standards for space, safety, and access to amenities. This law has been a significant tool in the mass housing programs of the Philippines, addressing the country’s growing housing needs.
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