The Office of the City Building Official (OCBO) has warned residents from hiring fixers in complying with the requirements of the National Building Code when applying for building permits.
Architect Khash Toghyani, OCBO officer in charge, said Wednesday said the office does not make building plans but checks applicants’ compliance with the National Building Code.
He said that hiring fixers would further delay the process as they are not knowledgeable about the requirements for building permit applications.
“No fixers kay bawal man gyud. Vocal kaayo ko ana. Kasagaran kabalo sila nga bawal, magbuhat gyud binuang kung naay problema dili na makit-an,” he said.
Toghyani, a former building inspector, also said that deploying “non-technical” people to process building permits is often the cause of the delay in the application process.
“Gina-explain again and again, application for the building permit is the work of engineers. Kung duna mo’y pangutana about sa technicality of the project, kinahanglan ipadala pud technical people, dili pwede secretary o fixer nga dili ma-absorb kung unsa’y kinahanglan nga requirements,” he said.
Construction professionals, such as engineers and architects, according to him, are the best people to send to OCBO when inquiring about a building’s compliance and the needed requirements for a building permit.
A building permit, he said, is often released within 30 working days.
The OCBO chief also said that aside from submitting complete requirements, building permit applicants must also check their compliance with the National Building Code, which an engineer or architect can better understand.
“Dili pasabot nga kumpleto imong requirements kay okay na dayon. We have to check the compliance. Kay kung pagbasa namo sa plano, duna’y mali, ibalik gihapon na sa inyoha ,” Toghyani said, adding that their office strives to improve its services.
Unlike in the past when engineers and architects would queue as early as 5 a.m. outside the OCBO office, Toghyani said consultation desks with OCBO engineers, architects, and signatories have been set up in their office for easier access.
OCBO is also eyeing to digitalize its system for the convenience of building permit applicants.
He reminded Dabawenyos that a building permit is a way of seeking permission to build from the city government.
It should be acquired before and not after building any structure.
After securing a building permit and the construction proceeds as planned, OCBO will then issue a certificate of occupancy to check the building’s safety for occupants and if it followed the plan that the permit was issued.
Otherwise, it would be illegal, he added.
After securing a building permit and the construction proceeds as planned, OCBO will then issue a certificate of occupancy to check the building’s safety for occupants and if it followed the plan that the permit was issued. Otherwise, it would be illegal to occupy a building without a certificate of occupancy.
Toghyani reminded Dabawenyos that a building permit is a way of seeking permission to build from the city government. It should be acquired before and not after building any structure. He also emphasized that compliance with the National Building Code is important for safety reasons and that hiring fixers will only further delay the process.
For inquiries and assistance, Dabawenyos may contact OCBO at telephone number (082) 291-6695 or email ocbo.davao@gmail.com. They may also visit the official OCBO website https://ocbo.davaocity.gov.ph/index.php/services/.
OCBO’s efforts to improve its services include consultation desks with engineers, architects, and signatories, as well as the digitalization of its system for the convenience of building permit applicants. By following the proper procedures and complying with safety regulations, Dabawenyos can ensure the safety of their buildings and the people who will occupy them.
