Building Code Information

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 2015 edition of the USBC became effective on September 4, 2018 and includes a provision to allow permits filed no later than September 4, 2019 to remain subject to the previous (2012) edition of the USBC. The applicable 2012 and 2015 editions of the USBC and the referenced ICC model codes are listed below.