The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) is a state regulation promulgated by the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development 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. (ICC). The ICC 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 establishing requirements for the enforcement of the code by the local building departments and other code enforcement agencies. The 2018 edition of the USBC became effective on July 1, 2021, and includes a provision to allow permits filed no later than June 30, 2022, to remain subject to the previous (2015) edition of the USBC. Links to the various editions of the USBC and the referenced ICC model codes are listed below.
ICC Codes with VA Amendments
Virginia Codes (External Link to International Code Council Website)
Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Codes and Related Regulations
Virginia Building, Fire and Related Regulations (External Link to Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Website)
2018 Residential Code Changes – Building and Trades
2018 Residential Building Code Changes (PowerPoint)
2018 Residential Trade Code Changes(Coming soon!)
