Building Permit in Davao City
Building a home or renovating a property? Learn the permit requirements and how to apply through Davao City’s official online building permit system.
Your Building Permit in 3 Steps
A quick look at the process before your construction project begins.
Get Your Documents Ready
Gather property records, application forms, and plans prepared by qualified professionals.
Submit Through OBPS
Apply through Davao City’s official online system and follow the document review process.
Complete Review & Payment
Address any required corrections, pay assessed fees, and obtain your approved building permit.
Responsible Office: Office of the City Building Official (OCBO). Printed plans or in-person verification may also be required during processing.
Who Needs a Building Permit in Davao City?
Most construction and major alteration projects require approval before work begins. Whether you’re building a house or changing an existing structure, check the nature of your project before starting construction.
Check Your Construction Project
Under the National Building Code, the following types of work generally require a building permit or other approval from the City Building Official.
New Building Construction
Constructing a new house, apartment, commercial building, warehouse, or other permanent structure.
Building Extensions & Additions
Adding another floor, extending living space, or increasing the existing building’s size.
Structural Renovations & Major Repairs
Altering columns, beams, foundations, load-bearing walls, or other important structural parts of a building.
Changes in Building Use
Converting a residential property into a commercial space or making alterations for a different occupancy classification.
Demolition or Relocation
Demolishing or moving an existing structure. Separate demolition or other accessory permits may also be required.
What About Minor Repairs?
Certain minor, non-structural repairs, such as replacing damaged floor finishes, repairing doors or windows, or replacing roofing sheets without changing structural members, may qualify for an exemption.
Ask OCBO first. An exemption depends on the exact work and applicable building rules. Do not assume that every small renovation is automatically exempt.
Property Owners & Authorized Applicants
Property owners, developers, businesses, and other persons or entities with legal authority over the property may apply for a building permit.
If someone applies on the owner’s behalf, OCBO may require written authorization and supporting ownership or property-use documents.
Building Permit Requirements in Davao City
Prepare your ownership records, application forms, and professional building plans before submitting your request. Some documents depend on the size, location, and type of construction.
Application & Property Documents
These documents establish who is applying and their legal authority to build on the property.
- Notarized application letter from the owner or authorized applicant.
- Notarized Unified Building Permit Application Form, properly completed and signed.
- Certified true copy of the land title and the property’s current tax declaration.
- Current Real Property Tax Receipt from the City Treasurer’s Office.
- Valid government ID of the owner or applicant, with three specimen signatures.
- Proof of authority to construct, if applicable. Non-owners may need a notarized lease, deed of sale, authority to construct, or Special Power of Attorney.
Architectural & Engineering Plans
Hire qualified, licensed professionals to prepare and sign the technical plans for your construction project.
- Architectural plans and permit form showing the proposed building layout, elevations, and design.
- Civil and structural plans covering foundations, columns, beams, and other structural elements.
- Sanitary and plumbing plans and the corresponding permit form.
- Electrical plans and permit form prepared by the appropriate licensed electrical professional.
- Mechanical and electronics plans with their permit forms, where applicable to the project.
- Lot plan, vicinity map, relocation survey plan, and reports signed and sealed by a licensed Geodetic Engineer.
- PRC ID, current Professional Tax Receipt (PTR), and TIN of each signing professional.
Supporting Reports & Clearances
The proposed construction must also meet applicable zoning, fire safety, and technical requirements.
- Zoning/Locational Clearance from the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO).
- Fire Safety Evaluation Certificate from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
- Project technical specifications signed and sealed by the qualified design professional.
- Bill of materials and cost estimates for the proposed construction.
- Seismic analysis prepared by the relevant technical professionals.
- Clear site photographs showing the location and nearby landmarks, or a detailed map image.
Additional Requirements, If Applicable
Larger buildings, roadside properties, and specialized developments may need extra documents.
- Three-storey or taller projects: Construction Safety and Health Program (CSHP) and applicable geotechnical or load-test reports.
- Adding another floor: supporting affidavit confirming the foundation can carry the proposed additional storey.
- Roadside properties: DPWH clearance for national highways, or Road Right-of-Way Clearance from the City Engineer’s Office where required.
- Special structures: CAAP clearance for applicable tall structures, or DENR environmental clearance when required.
- Major developments: drainage clearance or Traffic Impact Assessment and supporting site plans, as applicable.
- Corporate or subdivision applicants: relevant board authorization, development permit, or approved project plans.
Before submitting: The 2026 City Citizen’s Charter lists multiple signed paper copies and plan sets. Because OBPS supports online pre-evaluation, confirm the final printed-copy requirement with OCBO before paying for reproduction.
How to Apply for a Building Permit in Davao City
From preparing your documents to receiving approval, follow these eight steps to understand how the application moves through Davao City’s building permit process.
Prepare & Submit
Complete your application and send the required plans and documents for initial evaluation.
Open the OBPS Portal
Visit Davao City’s official Online Building-Related Permit System (OBPS). Register or sign in as prompted, then begin a building permit application.
Fill Out Your Application
Provide the owner’s details, project address, construction type, and other requested information. Have the required forms and professional plans signed and sealed.
Upload Your Documents
Submit ownership records, architectural and engineering plans, and applicable clearances. Save the application reference for future tracking.
Review & Inspection
OCBO examines your submission and checks compliance before payment and final approval.
Wait for Technical Review
OCBO evaluates the submitted plans and requirements. Check your status in OBPS and respond to requests for corrected plans, additional documents, or relevant technical clearances.
Complete Required Site Checks
If a site inspection or in-person verification is required, follow OCBO’s schedule and instructions. Make the site accessible and resolve any deficiencies identified during the review.
Payment & Permit Release
Complete the assessed payment and follow the instructions for the release of your permit.
Get the Payment Assessment
Once the required evaluation is complete, review the assessed charges and obtain the Order of Payment when issued for your transaction.
Pay the Permit Fees
Settle the required fees through the payment channel indicated by OCBO or OBPS. Keep the official receipt or payment confirmation.
Receive Your Permit
Follow the release instructions once the permit is approved. Obtain the permit and approved plans, and retain them for construction and future inspections.
Ready to Start Your Application?
Use Davao City’s official system to submit your application, track its status, and follow payment or release instructions.
Important: OCBO may require printed plans, original documents, or an in-person appointment even after online submission. Do not begin construction requiring a permit until the permit is officially issued.
Building Permit Fees, Processing Time & Validity
Understand how permit charges are assessed, how long processing may take, and when an issued building permit can expire.
How Much Does a Building Permit Cost?
There is no single fixed fee for every building project in Davao City. OCBO calculates the applicable charges based on your submitted plans and the official fee schedule.
The official assessment considers:
- Building occupancy or use
- Total construction cost
- Floor area of the structure
- Building height
The 2026 Citizen’s Charter gives an example of a 75-square-meter Division A-1 building assessed at ₱4.80 per square meter, resulting in a ₱360 basic building fee.
This is an example of one building fee component, not the total cost of a complete permit. Other applicable permit, inspection, clearance, and professional fees may increase the overall expense.
How Long Does Approval Take?
Processing begins with the assessment of submitted documents and continues through technical review, inspection, payment, and final permit approval.
This is the published total processing time in Davao City’s 2026 Citizen’s Charter for the issuance of a building permit.
The estimate is not a guaranteed completion date. It excludes the separate processing time of the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO). Incomplete submissions, requested corrections, and additional clearances can extend the actual timeline.
When Does a Building Permit Expire?
Under Section 305 of the National Building Code, an issued building permit can become null and void in either of these situations.
Construction Not Started
The permit expires if the authorized building work does not begin within one year from the permit date.
Work Suspended or Abandoned
The permit becomes null and void if construction is suspended or abandoned for 120 days after work has begun.
Project delayed? Contact OCBO before restarting construction to confirm whether a new permit or further approval is required.
Important: Pay only the amount stated in your official assessment or Order of Payment, and keep the Official Receipt for permit release and future inspections.
View Official 2026 Fee ScheduleTrack Your Building Permit & Resolve Delays
Already submitted your application? Learn how to check progress, respond to document requests, and follow up when your permit is taking longer than expected.
How to Check Your Application Status
Online TrackingOpen OBPS
Visit Davao City’s official building permit portal and sign in using the account associated with your application.
Find Your Application
Locate your submitted project and review its current status. Keep your application reference handy for identification.
Review the Updates
Check for evaluation results, requested corrections, or further instructions. Also monitor any SMS updates sent by OCBO.
Tip: If your application needs changes, read the evaluator’s instructions carefully before uploading revised documents.
Check Status on OBPSCommon Issues & What to Do
Troubleshooting GuideMissing or Unreadable Documents
Review the missing document notice. Upload a complete, readable copy and make sure all required signatures, seals, or notarizations are present before resubmitting.
Plans Returned for Correction
Ask your licensed architect or engineer to review the evaluator’s comments. Correct the relevant plans and resubmit the revised files following OCBO’s instructions.
Pending Zoning or Fire Clearance
Check which clearance is outstanding. Follow up with the relevant office, such as CPDO or BFP, and provide the document or confirmation requested for your application.
Inspection or Verification Delay
Contact OCBO using your application reference to confirm whether a site visit, original document inspection, or appointment is still required.
Payment or Permit Release Pending
Check that the assessed fees were paid through an authorized channel. Keep your Official Receipt or payment confirmation and ask OCBO whether anything else is required for release.
Still Waiting for an Update?
Contact the Office of the City Building Official. Provide your application reference, project address, submission date, and a brief explanation of the issue so staff can identify your transaction.
Important: A pending application is not an approved building permit. Do not begin construction requiring a permit until OCBO issues the official approval.
Building Permit FAQs
Quick answers to common questions about construction permits, applications, and approvals in Davao City.
01 Do small home renovations require a building permit?
It depends on the work involved. Structural changes, extensions, and major repairs generally require approval. Certain minor, non-structural repairs may be exempt. Confirm your project’s classification with OCBO before construction starts.
02 Can I apply for a building permit online?
Yes. Davao City’s Online Building-Related Permit System (OBPS) supports document submission, application tracking, and payment procedures. OCBO may still request printed plans or an in-person appointment during processing.
03 Can I apply if the land is not registered in my name?
You may apply if you have the necessary legal authority to construct. Depending on your situation, OCBO may require a lease agreement, owner’s authorization, or other supporting documents together with the property title.
04 Can construction begin while my permit is pending?
No. Work requiring a building permit should not begin until the Building Official has issued the required approval. Submitting an application or paying an assessment does not authorize construction.
05 Can I change my building plans after approval?
Changes to approved plans require the Building Official’s approval. Coordinate with your licensed architect or engineer and submit revised plans as instructed by OCBO before carrying out the changes.
06 Is the building permit fee the same for every project?
No. The amount depends on your project’s classification, dimensions, and applicable technical permits or charges. OCBO provides the official assessment. Pay only through an authorized channel and retain your receipt.
07 How long is an approved building permit valid?
Under the National Building Code, a permit becomes null and void if construction does not start within one year from issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 120 days after starting. Contact OCBO about any expired permit before resuming work.
08 Do I need another permit after construction is finished?
Yes, a Certificate of Occupancy is required before a completed building is used or occupied. OCBO reviews the completion documents and applicable inspection results before issuing occupancy approval.
Next Guide: Occupancy Permit
Finished your construction project? Learn how to apply for an Occupancy Permit in Davao City, prepare the required documents, and complete the inspection and approval process.