Question & AnswerQ&A (QUEZON CITY ORDICE NO. SP-2399, S-2015)
The ordinance aims to provide incentives for the planting and maintenance of vegetation on building walls and rooftops to promote environmental protection, reduce global warming effects, and 'green' the urban landscape.
A 'Green Roof' refers to building rooftops dedicated to plants and trees. A 'Green Wall' or 'vertical garden' refers to vegetated wall surfaces such as green facades and living walls fixed vertically to a structural wall or frame.
Buildings covered include residential, commercial, or industrial establishments.
Buildings dedicating roof or wall areas to plants and trees are entitled to real property tax discounts ranging from 5% to 20%, depending on the percentage of the area devoted (25% to 100%). The exemption lasts for five years starting from the initial assessment.
Building owners must maintain and water the vegetation regularly to ensure proper upkeep.
Applicants must submit 5R photographs from specific angles of the planted areas along with a certification from the concerned Barangay Council verifying construction and maintenance during the annual property tax payment.
Plants taller than six feet are prohibited on rooftops; plants should not obstruct doors, fire exits, windows, or cause nuisance; and planting illegal plants may lead to revocation of building and occupancy permits.
The City Assessor’s Department, Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department, City Planning and Development Office, Engineering Department, and City Treasurer’s Office.
Such declaration does not affect other parts or sections of the ordinance, which will remain in effect.
Quezon City Ordinance No. SP-1940, S-2009 was repealed, but previous beneficiaries retain their discounts until the end of their 10-year period.
The ordinance took effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation following its approval on April 20, 2015.