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Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Housing and Community Development
 
Board
Board of Housing and Community Development
 
chapter
Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code [13 VAC 5 ‑ 63]
 
Guidance Documents
Chapter Information
Description § 36-98 of the Code of Virginia directs and empowers the Board of Housing and Community Development to adopt and promulgate a Uniform Statewide Building Code which supersedes the building codes and regulations of the counties, municipalities and other political subdivisions and state agencies.
State Authority None entered
Federal Authority None entered
Text of Regulation Link to Virginia Administrative Code
Goals of Regulation None entered
Meetings See all meetings (98) relating to this chapter.

Contact Information
Name / Title: Chase Sawyer  / Policy & Legislative Services Manager
Address: Main Street Centre
600 East Main Street, Suite 300
Richmond, VA 23219
Email Address: Chase.Sawyer@dhcd.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)310-5872    FAX: (804)371-7090    TDD: (804)371-7089
Current Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Review and Update of the Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC)
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
NOIRA Comment period is underway and will end on 12/02/2025.

Past Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Emergency Regulations to Amend USBC Related to NFPA 13R Sprinkler Systems Requirements Emergency Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 05/29/2025 and expires on 11/28/2026.
Update the Uniform Statewide Building Code
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/18/2024.
Update the Uniform Statewide Building Code
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/01/2021.
Cooling Temperature Amendment Part 2 of 2 - Permanent Replacement Regulation
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/17/2020.
Cooling Temperature Amendment Part 1 of 2 - Emergency Regulation Emergency/NOIRA Stage complete. Emergency regulation expired on 11/12/2020.
USBC Technical Corrections
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/01/2018.
Update the Uniform Statewide Building Code
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/04/2018.
Update the Uniform Statewide Building Code
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final StageComplete: After suspension, the rulemaking entity elected to retain this regulation as it is.
Drywall Remediation Protocol
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/29/2011.
Amendment to Conform to Statute
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/28/2011.
Update the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/01/2011.
Amend USBC to Update Manufactured Housing Installation Reference
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/01/2009.
Amend Uniform Statewide Building Code
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 05/01/2008.
Uniform Statewide Building Code Transfer of Ownership
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/12/2006.
Promulgate new USBC regulation to update to the 2003 ICC and repeal current USBC regulation Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/16/2005.