Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code
The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) contains the building regulations that must be complied with when constructing a new building, structure, or an addition to an existing building. They must also be used when maintaining or repairing an existing building, or renovating or changing the use of a building or structure.
The USBC is comprised of three parts known as:
The Board of Housing and Community Development adopts and amends the USBC. The board bases the technical requirements of the USBC on nationally accepted model codes and standards, and makes as few amendments as possible. The board encourages anyone who believes that a technical amendment is needed to submit their proposal directly to the International Code Council. Amendments made by that organization will then be considered for inclusion in future editions of the USBC.
Where practical, the code provisions are stated in terms of a required level of performance to facilitate the prompt acceptance of new building materials and methods of construction. The code provisions allow construction at the least possible cost consistent with nationally recognized standards for health, safety, welfare, accessibility, and energy and water conservation.
Enforcement of the USBC is the responsibility of the local government’s building inspections department. The local governing body may charge fees to defray the costs of enforcement and appeals arising from the application of the code. The USBC contains enforcement procedures that must be used by the enforcing agency. An administrative appeals system exists to resolve disagreements that may occur between the enforcing agency and an aggrieved party before the State Building Code Technical Review Board.
The local code officials and inspectors must enforce the USBC as adopted by the board, without authority to make any amendments. The purpose of this system of adoption and enforcement is to benefit the citizens of Virginia by promoting uniformity and efficiency in the construction industry, many aspects of which are interstate in nature.
The Virginia Rehabilitation Code contains optional regulations specific to the rehabilitation of existing buildings that may be used as an acceptable alternative to the Virginia Construction Code. The purpose of the Virginia Rehabilitation Code is to facilitate the rehabilitation of vacant, substandard or unsafe residential and commercial structures.
The Virginia Maintenance Code provides regulations to protect occupants of existing buildings and structures from health and safety hazards arising from the improper maintenance and use of those buildings and structures. Any local government may enforce the Virginia Maintenance Code and may assign enforcement responsibility to a local agency of its choice.
The USBC also provides optional enforcement regulations to protect occupants of existing buildings and structures from health and safety hazards arising from the improper maintenance and use of those buildings and structures. Any local government may enforce the maintenance provisions of the USBC and may assign the enforcement responsibility to a local agency of its choice.
For more information about the USBC, contact: USBC@dhcd.virginia.gov or (804) 371-7160.
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