Virginia · Fire code

The fire code in force in Virginia now.

2021 Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC, 13VAC5-52), incorporating the 2021 IFC with Virginia amendments; effective Jan 18, 2024. Enforced by 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. Verified on the primary source, re-checked weekly.

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Fire code in Virginia

Verified on the source
In force

2021 Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC, 13VAC5-52), incorporating the 2021 IFC with Virginia amendments; effective Jan 18, 2024

Applies 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.

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

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

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; the building view resolves them from your ZIP.

What changes next

2024 SFPC target Oct 2027

2024 SFPC targeted to take effect Oct 2027 (day not set) per DHCD schedule: proposed regs Nov 2026, final approval Mar 2027, final publication Jul 2027

The federal layer

No federal fire code applies to a private building; OSHA's exit-route, fire-extinguisher and emergency-plan rules (29 CFR 1910 Subparts E and L) apply to every employer alongside the state fire code.

Dated items

Next 24 months
Nov 28, 2026
End of the 18-month period of the USBC emergency regulation (13VAC5-63-240, eff. May 29, 2025) allowing NFPA 13R sprinklers in R-2 buildings with roofs under 45 ft and R-3 up to 60 ft, unless extended or made permanentBoard of Housing and Community Development
Dated
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
Dated

Questions about the fire code in Virginia

Which fire code applies in Virginia today?

2021 Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC, 13VAC5-52), incorporating the 2021 IFC with Virginia amendments; effective Jan 18, 2024. Applies 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.

Who enforces the fire code in Virginia?

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.

What changes next for the fire code in Virginia?

2024 SFPC target Oct 2027. 2024 SFPC targeted to take effect Oct 2027 (day not set) per DHCD schedule: proposed regs Nov 2026, final approval Mar 2027, final publication Jul 2027

Other areas in Virginia

Everything in force in Virginia

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