IS SIDEWALK PART OF MY PROPERTY?

NO. Sidewalks are NOT considered part of your private property; they fall within the road right of way (RROW), which extends beyond property boundaries. They are intended to be a shared space for the entire community to enjoy equally. With

this in mind, sidewalks should be free from obstruction.

According to National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096), these are the prohibited developments at RROW, including sidewalks.

• Any form of semi-permanent/permanent or semi-enclosed/enclosed commercial structure/use and like structures/uses;

• Any form of temporary, semi-permanent/permanent or semi-enclosed/ enclosed residential structure/use and like structures/uses;

• Government structures/use unless the same are located below or above grade; in such cases, the proposed structure must be properly planned/designed and constructed

• Long-term or overnight vehicle parking, i.e., unless duly designated as day and/or night pay-parking zones;

• As a depository of stalled, wrecked or abandoned vehicles, mechanical devices and the like;

• The conduct of other commercial/business/industrial activities incompatible with the character of the RROW;

• Unauthorized recreational or entertainment usage and the like which will only benefit certain entities and which will ultimately result in inconvenience/ nuisance/safety problems to the general public; nor

• Any other form of private use, gain, enjoyment or profit at the expense of the motoring or walking public.

SOURCE: National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096)