West Virginia Building Code

Which West Virginia Building Codes are adopted?

• 2018 International Building Code (IBC)
• 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
• 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
• 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
• 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
• 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
• 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)
• 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
• 2020 National Electric Code (NEC) – As of August 1, 2022
• State Energy Code 90.1-2010
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code 2018

Applicability (statewide, local, limited): STATEWIDE

The West Virginia State Fire Commission is responsible for statewide construction codes. The Administrative Procedures Act requires public hearings on the adoption of all codes by the State Fire Commission. When the State Fire Commission proposes to adopt a code, the code is filed with the Secretary of State. The commission conducts a public hearing and can modify the rule with the Secretary of State as and agency-approved rule. The rule is then filed with the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. Once the rule is approved or modified by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee, it is introduced as a separate bill during the legislative session. Legislation need not be initiated by the State Fire Commission; the legislature can modify the code by proposing legislation at any time during the regular session.