Virginia building code

Codes in force in Virginia

Each code family with the edition and the date it took effect, as the adopting agency or statute states them.

Scope, amendments and transition rules

International Building Code (IBC)

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere⁶

Local amendments allowed?

No⁶

Amendments

13VAC5-63 (Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code)¹

Transition period

One year from the effective date (applicant may choose prior edition)⁷

International Residential Code (IRC)

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere⁶

Applies to

Detached one-family and two-family dwellings and townhouses¹

Local amendments allowed?

No⁶

Amendments

13VAC5-63 (Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code)¹

Transition period

One year from the effective date (applicant may choose prior edition)⁷

International Plumbing Code (IPC)

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere⁶

Local amendments allowed?

No⁶

Amendments

13VAC5-63 (Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code)¹

Transition period

One year from the effective date (applicant may choose prior edition)⁷

International Mechanical Code (IMC)

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere⁶

Local amendments allowed?

No⁶

Amendments

13VAC5-63 (Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code)¹

Transition period

One year from the effective date (applicant may choose prior edition)⁷

International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere⁶

Local amendments allowed?

No⁶

Amendments

13VAC5-63 (Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code)¹

Transition period

One year from the effective date (applicant may choose prior edition)⁷

National Electrical Code (NEC)

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere⁶

Local amendments allowed?

No⁶

Amendments

13VAC5-63 (Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code)¹

Transition period

One year from the effective date (applicant may choose prior edition)⁷

Energy code, residential

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere⁶

Local amendments allowed?

No⁶

Amendments

13VAC5-63 (Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code)¹

Transition period

One year from the effective date (applicant may choose prior edition)⁷

Energy code, commercial

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere⁶

Local amendments allowed?

No⁶

Amendments

13VAC5-63 (Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code)¹

Transition period

One year from the effective date (applicant may choose prior edition)⁷

International Existing Building Code (IEBC)

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere⁶

Applies to

Construction and rehabilitation in existing buildings⁷

Local amendments allowed?

No⁶

Amendments

13VAC5-63 (Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code)⁴

Transition period

One year from the effective date (applicant may choose prior edition)⁷

International Fire Code (IFC)

Scope

Statewide minimum; local governments may go further⁵

Local amendments allowed?

Yes⁵

State code

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere⁶

Local amendments allowed?

No⁶

Amendments

13VAC5-63 (Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code)¹

Transition period

One year from the effective date (applicant may choose prior edition)⁷

How Virginia adopts building codes

Va. Code § 36-98; § 36-99; 13VAC5-63

• Board adopts a single Uniform Statewide Building Code. The Board is hereby directed and empowered to adopt and promulgate a Uniform Statewide Building Code.⁶
• USBC supersedes local building codes. Such building code shall supersede the building codes and regulations of the counties, municipalities and other political subdivisions and state agencies.⁶
• USBC also supersedes certain local single-family ordinances. Such Code also shall supersede the provisions of local ordinances applicable to single-family residential construction that (a) regulate dwelling foundations or crawl spaces, (b) require the use of specific building materials or finishes in construction, or (c) require minimum surface area or numbers of windows…⁶
• Based on ICC and NFPA model codes. In formulating the Code provisions, the Board shall have due regard for generally accepted standards as recommended by nationally recognized organizations, including, but not limited to, the standards of the International Code Council and the National Fire Protection Association.⁸
• Three-year update cycle. The Virginia Building Codes are updated on a three-year cycle through the code development process.⁹
• Enforced by local building departments. Enforcement of the USBC is the responsibility of the local government's building inspections department.³
• USBC has three parts: VCC, VEBC, VMC. The USBC is comprised of three parts: Virginia Construction Code, Virginia Existing Building Code and Virginia Maintenance Code.³
• 2021 I-codes and 2020 NEC currently in effect. Effective January 18, 2024, Virginia adopted the 2021 I-codes as referenced in the Virginia Construction Part 1 and the 2021 Statewide Fire Prevention Code; and the 2020 National Electrical Code.²

Applies to

All buildings except listed exemptions (e.g. farm buildings, federally owned buildings)¹⁰

Can local rules be stricter?

No⁶

Residential code in Virginia cities

The edition each city enforces, from the city’s own adoption page or ordinance.

For permits, exemptions and owner-builder rules, see Virginia building permits. To compare editions across states, see the code adoption map.