Virginia building code is a comprehensive guide to make sure everything is safe, durable and of high quality in construction projects across the state. Permitting requirements complement this – they allow construction activities to meet local compliance standards in tandem. The Energy Code provides specific ways for builders and homeowners to reduce their impact on the environment and their costs through energy efficiency.
Virginia Building Code, Permit, Energy Code & Licensing Information
Updated: Jan. 25, 2023
Licensing information also guarantees that contractors possess professional qualifications and the public’s feelings of trust and integrity in construction practices. This combination of these elements forms a dependable basis for sound and sustainable development.
Virginia Construction Code Agency:
State Building Official
Department of Housing and Community Development
600 East Main Street, Suite 300
Richmond, Virginia 23219
https://dhcd.virginia.gov/codes
(804) 371-7150
Which Virginia Building Code Editions Are Adopted:
The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) is updated on a three-year cycle and must be complied with when constructing a new building, structure, or addition to an existing building. The updated codes must also be used when maintaining or repairing an existing building or renovating or changing the use of a building.
- 2018 Virginia Building and Fire Code Related Regulations
- 2018 Virginia Construction Code
- 2018 Virginia Residential Code
- 2018 Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code
- 2018 Virginia Energy Conservation Code
- 2018 Virginia Existing Building Code
- 2018 Virginia Fuel Gas Code
- 2018 Virginia Mechanical Code
- 2018 Virginia Plumbing Code
- 2018 Virginia Maintenance Code
- 2018 International Fire Code (IFC)
- 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)
- 2017 National Electric Code (NEC) – Effective July 1, 2021
- State Energy Code 2018 IECC and 90.1-2016
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code 2018
Applicability (statewide, local, limited): STATEWIDE
The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) is a state regulation working under the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development. It is a Governor-appointed board, to establish minimum regulations to govern the construction and maintenance of buildings and structures.
The provisions of the USBC are based on nationally recognized model building and fire codes published by the International Code Council, Inc. The model codes are made part of the USBC through a regulatory process known as incorporation by reference. The USBC also contains administrative provisions governing the use of the model codes and reestablishing requirements for the enforcement of the code by the local building departments and other code enforcement agencies.
Applicability (statewide, local, limited): LIMITED
The local party will adopt and enforce codes primarily. All local jurisdictions can make any amendments they deem necessary in their jurisdictions.
| State Website | https://www.virginia.gov/ |
| State Licensing | Anybody who is performing or managing construction, removal, repair, or improvements when the total value of a single project is over $1,000 must obtain a license from DPOR. There are three license classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C: |
| State Licensing Division | https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/node/6 |
| State Fire Marshal | https://www.vafire.com/state-fire-marshals-office/ |
| State Environmental Permit | https://www.deq.virginia.gov/permits-regulations/permits |
Additional Building Codes by State
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming