Who enforces each one, what edition applies, and what changes next. 7 of 8 areas verified on primary sources. OSHA state plan: Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Program, Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.
| Area | In force | Authority | Next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire | 2021 Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC, 13VAC5-52), incorporating the 2021 IFC with Virginia amendments; effective Jan 18, 2024Applies to existing structures and premises; equipment and safeguards approved at construction must be maintained. IFC Chapter 1 and appendices not adopted; IFC Chapter 11 deleted, so retrofit mandates sit in VEBC Chapter 11. SourceVerified on the source | Local fire officials where the locality has adopted SFPC enforcement (optional, full or partial); State Fire Marshal enforces where localities do not (Code of Va. 27-98); Board of Housing and Community Development adopts | 2024 SFPC target Oct 2027 |
| Building | 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC, 13VAC5-63): Part I VCC (2021 IBC), Part II VEBC (2021 IEBC), Part III VMC (2021 IPMC); effective Jan 18, 2024References 2021 IPC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, IRC and 2020 NFPA 70. Emergency regulation effective May 29, 2025 allows NFPA 13R sprinklers in Group R-2 with roof under 45 ft and R-3 up to 60 ft. SourceVerified on the source | Local building departments enforce Part I (mandatory, Code of Va. 36-105; localities without one must contract); VMC (Part III) enforcement optional for localities; Board of Housing and Community Development adopts, DHCD State Building Codes Office administers | 2024 USBC target Oct 2027 |
| Elevators | USBC: VCC (IBC Ch. 30) for new installations; VMC Sec. 606.1 requires maintenance to ASME A17.1, edition set by 2021 IBC Ch. 35 (reported A17.1-2019/CSA B44-19); no A17.3 reference foundAnnual periodic inspections (localities may require every six months); periodic tests at ASME A17.1 Appendix N intervals, witnessed by the code official; current certificate displayed in car or at a posted location. SourceReported, in verification | Local building departments must inspect and enforce elevators, escalators and related conveyances (Code of Va. 36-105; single-family, two-family and townhouse units exempt); inspections by code official, approved agency or Virginia-certified elevator inspectors | In force |
| Boilers | Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Act (Code of Va. Title 40.1, Ch. 3.1) + Boiler and Pressure Vessel Regulations 16VAC25-50 (inspection-frequency rule last amended Nov 1, 2018)Certificate inspections: power boilers internal and external annually; steam and hot-water heating boilers biennially; pressure vessels biennially (internal if subject to corrosion, otherwise external); owner-user agency vessels on agreed intervals. SourceVerified on the source | Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) boiler and pressure vessel program issues certificates; inspections by insurance-company special inspectors, contract fee inspectors or owner-user inspectors (DOLI does not do routine inspections) | In force |
| Pools | 12VAC5-460 Regulations Governing Tourist Establishment Swimming Pools and Other Public Pools (last amended eff. Oct 17, 2019) + 12VAC5-462 water-quality posting rules; Code of Va. 32.1-248.1 as amended 2026 c. 53 (HB222)12VAC5-460 governs design, disinfection, filtration, records and lifeguards for pools at tourist establishments such as hotels. Amended 32.1-248.1 requires Board of Health rules for public-use pools and water recreation facilities; structure design stays under USBC. SourceVerified on the source | Virginia Department of Health with local health departments (tourist-establishment permits and inspections); State Board of Health adopts rules | Rule repeal and replace pending |
| Lodging | 12VAC5-431 Sanitary Regulations for Hotels (VDH lodging permit for facilities renting more than two rooms) + Code of Va. 35.1-15.1 human-trafficking training (2022 c. 751)Rule 12VAC5-431-420 requires hotels to comply with the SFPC. Guest-facing, management and room-access staff need approved trafficking training within six months of hire, then every two years; VDH checks records at routine inspections since Jul 1, 2023. SourceVerified on the source | Virginia Department of Health; local health departments issue lodging permits and inspect; DCJS provides the free course and approves alternatives | Rule revision in drafting |
| Workplace | Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Program, OSHA-approved State Plan administered by the Virginia Department of Labor and IndustryCovers private-sector employers and state and local government workers; initial approval Sep 28, 1976, final 18(e) approval Nov 30, 1988. Federal OSHA keeps maritime/shipyards, federal enclaves and military facilities, and federal employees. SourceVerified on the source | Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (VOSH); federal OSHA for excluded sectors | In force |
| Retrofit | VEBC Chapter 11 Retrofit requirements (13VAC5-63-435.5), statewide: hotels and motels had to have automatic sprinklers by Sep 1, 1997 and smoke alarms per the 1990 USBC, regardless of construction dateAlso nursing homes (sprinklers 1993, alarms 1994), dormitories over 75 ft or six stories (1999), address/FDC signage. All deadlines past. SFPC 510: owners must give localities access and space for radio amplification; no structural recertification law found. SourceVerified on the source | Local building departments enforce the Section 1101 retrofits (VEBC Sec. 103.3); fire officials enforce ongoing maintenance under the SFPC | In force |
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