Baguio council pushes stop to exemptions on making new buildings

By Jordan G. Habbiling

BAGUIO CITY – Members of the city council during the regular session Jan. 11 said the body will expedite enactment of a moratorium on the unabated construction of buildings that are in contravention to the city’s zoning ordinance.
    In July 2020, a city ordinance was proposed imposing a moratorium on the application and issuance of zoning exemptions by the Local Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeal (LZBAA).
    Once approved, the ordinance shall suspend the grant of exemptions by the LZBAA.
    No locational clearance shall be issued if the intended structure will deviate from the zoning ordinance of the city.
    No building permit shall be issued by the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) for construction of any structure that does not conform with land classification or land use of a lot under the city’s zoning ordinance.
    “The city government as regulating agency has responsibility to counter-check effects of these exemptions or variance on the utilization of lands covered in the zoning, thus the need to impose moratorium save for valid reasons,” the ordinance stated.
    The city council opposes construction of commercial buildings on areas in the city classified as residential zones due to exemptions granted to private companies from the restrictions imposed by the zoning ordinance.
    Architect Donna Tabangin, chief City Planning and Development Office  said the moratorium would give their office a breather from receiving numerous applications for the zoning exemption.
    “The intended usage of lands is being disregarded. It is too chaotic already. We seem to have lost control of our imposition of the requirements of the zoning code because of our past mistakes. This moratorium will give us that breathing space,” Tabangin said.
    Tabangin revealed there are about 20 applications received by their office on a monthly basis.
    The city officials unanimously agreed passage of the moratorium would be the best course of action at the moment while the Comprehensive Land Use Plan is being revamped and updated by the CPDO.