BAGUIO CITY — If the law were fully enforced, the Baguio City government would have to demolish nearly 74 percent of all recorded structures in the city for lacking the necessary building permits.

According to Stephen Capuyan, assistant head of the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO), a total of 61,627 structures across 105 surveyed barangays in Baguio City currently do not have building permits. Another 23 barangays are still being verified to determine the permit status of their structures.

Capuyan said the primary obstacle for many property owners is financial. Obtaining a permit requires technical assistance from architects and engineers to certify a building’s structural integrity. Land ownership issues also play a role, as permits cannot be issued for structures built on untitled lots.

Some property owners with valid land titles have also failed to comply with setbacks and easements, which dictate the required distance between a structure and the road right of way.

Baguio City Administrator VJ Cawis said the local government is exploring ways to help residents and simplify the permit application process. One proposed solution is for the city to assist with lot surveys, helping property owners meet legal requirements more easily.