Height restrictions in buildings a setback to investors

HEIGHT restrictions among city buildings is a setback for investors, a consultancy and real estate serve firm said.

Prime Philippines founder and managing director Jettson Yu said the height limitation among buildings is among the concerns raised by prospective investors in Davao City.

“Land property values in both prime and off-city areas in Davao City started to shoot up since 2015 because Davao is expected to become a major investment destination, and one way to maximize the pricey land areas is to build higher buildings but the restrictions implemented here concerns them,” he said.

At present, the Davao City Government's study on the legal implication of limiting height of buildings in the city is underway.

“The legal implication on the height regulation will be considered,” Davao City Planning and Development Office head Ivan Cortez said in a previous interview.

Cortez explained that the ordinance worked out in some areas internationally like in Paris, France.

“In Paris, France, they have height limitation, and the common feedbacks of the tourist are that it has a calming effect to them,” Cortez said.

Cortez said they target to place different height limitations depending on the location of the proposed building. He said they will consider higher buildings near transit areas and much shorter buildings are considered in areas away from the transit areas.

City Administrator Zuleika Lopez said that, at present, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines is currently the only government agency that sets limit to the height of buildings as it ensures the buildings are not too high to distract the flight of the airplanes.