Free up sidewalks, Binay orders

Sidewalks should be available for the use of pedestrians for their safety.

Makati City Mayor Mar-len Abigail Binay yesterday warned owners of all commercial and residential structures in the city to strictly comply with parking regulations since these are in accordance with the National Building Code.

A total of 139 commercial and business establishments have failed to conform with parking regulations based on the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the National Building Code, according to local officials.

A memorandum reiterating the required strict compliance with parking slot, parking area and loading unloading space requirements of the Building Code will be issued soon by Binay’s office.

“We reiterate our call to all residential and commercial building owners and administrators to comply with the parking requirements and free the sidewalk from all impediments.”

She pointed out that under the law, if the setback provided is less than five meters, the curb and gutter shall be restored and no ramp is allowed along the sidewalk.

Moreover, the size of an average automobile parking slot must be computed at 2.50 meters by 5.00 meters for perpendicular or diagonal parking, and at 2.15 meters by 6.00 meters for parallel parking, she continued.

The mayor emphasized that “all structures in the city, whether residential or commercial, must properly observe the road right-of-way for the safety of pedestrians and motorists as well as for unimpeded traffic flow.”

Since sidewalks and roadway carriageway are included in the road right-of-way (RROW), these should be equally enjoyed by the community, according to the building code.

Violation of the said provisions of the code is a ground for the stoppage of use in accordance with Section 305 (Validity of Building Permits) and Section 306 (Non-issuance, Suspension or Revocation of Permits) of the Building Code.

Among those that got notices were 12 hotels, eight banks, 17 restaurants, six condominiums/apartment buildings, 29 commercial buildings, four convenience stores, two supermarkets and 61 other establishments.