Virginia · Building code

The building code in force in Virginia now.

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, 2024. Enforced by 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. Checked on the primary source; the state record was last reviewed 2026-11-12.

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Building code in Virginia

Checked on the source

In force

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, 2024

References 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.

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

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

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; confirm the local office for the address.

What changes next

2024 USBC target Oct 2027

USBC update (13VAC5-63, 2024 model codes): Virginia Register NOIRA (published Jun 2, 2025, comment to Dec 2, 2025) gives no proposed-stage date; DHCD pages (read Oct 21, 2026) list none; emergency NFPA 13R regulation effective May 29, 2025 expires Nov 28, 2026, Town Hall notice shows no extension

Dated items

Next 24 months

Nov 28, 2026

Expiry of the USBC emergency regulation (eff. May 29, 2025) allowing NFPA 13R sprinklers in certain R-2 and R-3 buildings; Town Hall action 6750 (read Oct 31, 2026) says it 'expires on 11/28/2026'; no extension or permanent replacement shownBoard of Housing and Community Development

Confirmed date

Oct 1, 2027

TARGET MONTH, day not set: 2024 USBC (VCC, VEBC, VMC) and 2024 SFPC take effect; a one-year transition allowing 2021 or 2024 codes, with mandatory compliance Oct 2028, is reported by a trade associationBoard of Housing and Community Development; enforced by local building and fire officials

Target date, not confirmed

What a building has to do

1 recurring duties

These apply when the building has the equipment or fits the type named. The frequency is the standard one; your local official can set a stricter one, so confirm it for the address.

Monthly

Accessible pool entry: a pool lift or sloped entry in place and working whenever the pool is open (pools with 300 or more linear feet of wall need two accessible entries; a spa needs one: lift, transfer wall or transfer system); the rule sets no inspection interval; a monthly check that it works and is charged is common practice2010 ADA Standards §242 and §1009; 28 CFR 36.211 · U.S. Department of Justice (enforced through complaints and lawsuits) · Checked against the source 2026-09-28.

Questions about the building code in Virginia

Which building code applies in Virginia today?

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, 2024. References 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.

Who enforces the building code in Virginia?

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.

What changes next for the building code in Virginia?

2024 USBC target Oct 2027. USBC update (13VAC5-63, 2024 model codes): Virginia Register NOIRA (published Jun 2, 2025, comment to Dec 2, 2025) gives no proposed-stage date; DHCD pages (read Oct 21, 2026) list none; emergency NFPA 13R regulation effective May 29, 2025 expires Nov 28, 2026, Town Hall notice shows no extension