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Building Development Division

VUSBC

VIRGINIA UNIFORM STATEWIDE BUILDING CODE

The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) establishes the minimum safety requirements for buildings and structures, as well as the administrative process and procedures for enforcing the code. For the technical requirements, the VUSBC adopts by reference the applicable codes listed in the table below.

2015 VUSBC referenced Codes include: 2018 VUSBC referenced Codes include:
2015 International Building Code​​ 2018 International Building Code
2015 International Residential Code 2018 International Residential Code
2015 International Mechanical Code 2018 International Mechanical Code
2015 International Plumbing Code 2018 International Plumbing Code
2015 International Energy Conservation Code​​​ 2018 International Energy Conservation Code
2015 International Fuel Gas Code 2018 International Fuel Gas Code
2014 National Electrical Code​​  2017 National Electrical Code
2009 ICC/ANSI A117.1 for Accessibility Standards​​  2009 ICC/ANSI A117.1 for Accessibility Standards
2015 International Existing Building Code​​  2018 International Existing Building Code

For more information, access the free, read only versions of the Virginia Building Code Regulations for 2015 code books and 2018 code books.

TRANSITION FROM THE 2015 TO THE 2018 VIRGINIA UNIFORM STATEWIDE BUILDING CODE

The 2018 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code went into effect on July 1, 2021.  As of July 1, 2022, all Prince William County construction permit applications must be compliant with the 2018 VUSBC.

 

During the transition period, permit applicants have the option to choose either the 2015 VUSBC or the 2018 VUSBC. The plans/construction documents shall specify the VUSBC code year that is used for the design of the project, and shall not intermix code years.

Code Interpretations and Policies & Procedures written in previous code years will remain unchanged, regardless of the date they were written, provided the intent remains applicable to the current code.

Web pages will state the different VUSBC and definitions where applicable.