QuestionsQuestions (LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 641)
It took effect fifteen (15) days after the completion of publication, or on 03 June 1999.
It governs the processing of applications for locational clearance of funeral establishments, including standards and requirements for allowing such establishments to operate within certain land use/zoning and compliance conditions.
It includes funeral parlors, funeral chapels and similar places used for the preparation, storage, and care of the body for burial or cremation.
Category I: with chapels and embalming facilities offering funeral services; Category II: with chapels and offering funeral services without embalming facilities; Category III: offering only funeral services from the house of the deceased to the burial place.
Category II & III must have an existing valid contract with a Category I establishment for embalming purposes.
It is the pervasive land use within a perimeter of 500 meter radius from a specific parcel of land or building.
For all proposed funeral establishments to be located in cities and municipalities with or without Comprehensive Land Use Plans and/or Zoning Ordinances.
Examples include: vicinity map (1:10,000) showing exact location and adjacent land uses within 500m; site development plan (1:200) with boundaries, building layout and entrance/exit; TCT or contract of sale/lease with approved survey plan if available; and a floor plan of rooms. Also required are health office initial clearance plans compliance (after securing locational clearance), and for Category I an ECC from DENR prior to building permit application.
Conformity to land use plan/zoning ordinance or compatibility with dominant existing land use; accessibility and ability to provide utilities/facilities; degree of traffic generation (especially during wakes/interment) per LGU traffic management; and whether the site is flood-prone (observation/interview, etc.).
Substantial conformance to the standards and applicable codes, including PD 825 and PD 856 and other related rules and regulations.
No funeral establishment shall be allowed in flood-prone areas.
At least 25m from restaurants/food centers/other food establishments; at least 50m from markets; and at least 200m from abattoirs, schools, and hospitals.
An Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from DENR is required prior to application for building permit.
No establishment may be operated without a sanitary permit issued by the city or municipal health officer. Any extension/additional construction/alteration requires a new sanitary permit before it can be operated.
They must be adequately lighted and ventilated; power connected to an approved power system and a standby generator provided; sanitary facilities per DOH standards; adequate potable water available (connected to an approved public/community system if available); DOH-approved sewage disposal system; two waste receptacles (biodegradable/non-biodegradable) with tight-fitting covers; and a regular vermin abatement program.
Concrete or semi-concrete construction; minimum working space 1.50m x 2.0m per remains; impervious/sloped floors with rounded angles and floor drains draining to waste water treatment separate from septic tank; appropriate receptacles/bag colors for wastes and sharps; non-absorbent dust-proof surfaces; effective ventilation; embalming on a specified minimum slab size; PPE for personnel; washing facilities with soaps/detergents/germicidal solutions; and lockers/closets including separate storage for chemicals.
They must program the phase-out and relocation of the non-conforming use within five (5) years from the effectivity of the Rule.
DOH/LGU may monitor projects granted locational clearance and may exercise visitorial power at any reasonable hours during weekdays.
Based on project cost: P1,000 for P100,000.00 and below; and for over P100,000.00: P1,000 plus 1/10 of 1% of cost in excess of P100,000.00.