Title
Supreme Court
Regulations on Outdoor Advertising Signs
Law
Executive Order No. 165
Decision Date
May 5, 1987
Executive Order No. 165 regulates the construction and display of non-mobile advertising signs and billboards, setting standards for size, height, and distance, while streamlining the permitting process and encouraging local ordinances to supplement national regulations.

Law Summary

Coverage of Regulation

  • All non-mobile advertising signs and billboards and their supporting structures.
  • Includes new constructions, modifications, retrofits, rehabilitations, and conversions (e.g., static to LED).

Standards for Signs and Billboards

  • Setback: Minimum 5 meters from frontage property line for new billboards; existing billboards with lesser setbacks must comply with size, height, and clearance standards.
  • Size of Display Surface: Maximum 250 square meters for static signs; LED billboards must be between 55 and 250 square meters.
  • Height Limits:
    • Free-standing structures: max 36 meters.
    • Roof-mounted billboards: max 26 meters in urban areas, max 36 meters in rural areas.
  • Rooftop Billboards: Not to exceed one-fourth of the building’s street frontage; support base max 10 sqm; constructed from incombustible materials.
  • Wall-mounted Billboards: Must not exceed the blank wall surface area on which they are mounted.
  • Spacing: Minimum 100 meters apart on the same side of the road to avoid obstructing views; visibility within 200 meters must be maintained.
  • Owners must comply with standards within two years of the order’s effectivity.
  • Local governments may not impose more burdensome standards than those prescribed.

Permitting and Licensing System

  • DPWH to streamline and establish an online platform for permit and license application and processing.
  • Manual applications may be allowed at DPWH discretion under justifiable circumstances.

Authority of City and Municipal Building Officials

  • Local Building Officials to strictly implement the Order, Building Code, and relevant rules.
  • Permit processing time capped at seven working days to promote efficiency as mandated by the Anti-Red Tape laws.

Role and Responsibilities of Local Government Units (LGUs)

  • LGUs are enjoined to enact ordinances supplementing national regulations to:
    • Protect natural landscapes and cultural aesthetics.
    • Establish restricted areas where billboards pose traffic hazards.
    • Designate billboard-free zones in sensitive locations like historic sites and parks.
  • The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to assist LGUs in implementation.

Role of National Government Agencies

  • DPWH: Enforce the Order and associated regulations, including collection of fees.
  • Department of Finance (DOF): Develop fee guidelines, provide training, assist LGUs.
  • DILG: Aid DPWH in ensuring LGU compliance.
  • Other government bodies to support implementation as needed; DPWH Secretary may call on officials for assistance.

Implementing Guidelines

  • DPWH, in consultation with relevant agencies and industry stakeholders, to create implementing rules and procedures.
  • Guidelines to cover permit issuance and other operational details.

Sanctions and Penalties

  • Building Officials may order non-issuance, suspension, or revocation of permits for non-compliance.
  • Non-complying officials may face administrative proceedings under civil service and local government laws.

Funding

  • Initial funding from current DPWH and agency budgets.
  • Future funding incorporated into the General Appropriations Act.

Separability Clause

  • Invalidity of any part of the Order does not affect the remaining provisions.

Repealing Clause

  • Previous inconsistent orders, rules, or regulations are repealed or modified accordingly.

Effectivity

  • The Order takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

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