The building codes and regulations of the state of Virginia are administered through the Virginia Uniform State Construction Code (USBC) and its associated rules and regulations for industrialized or modular buildings, prefabricated homes, and entertainment devices. The codes and regulations are adopted by the Housing and Community Development Board and periodic amendments are used to update the codes and incorporate new reference standards. Virginia is a leader in building and fire code development, and stakeholder input is essential to the code development process. Participation is encouraged, with remote participation enabled through the CDPVA.
The board bases the technical requirements of the USBC on nationally accepted models, codes, and standards, making as few modifications as possible. While some states have their own set of building codes, most states have adopted the International Code Council series. This code is much more national than international today, but it still provides a solid foundation for construction projects. The Housing and Community Development Board of the Department of Housing and Community Development enacts regulations for industrialized buildings (IB), often referred to as modular buildings, through the Industrialized Building Safety Regulations (IBSR).
Prefabricated houses, sometimes referred to as HUD code houses, are built in a factory on a permanent chassis, can be transported in one or more sections, are used as single-family homes, and can be located with or without a permanent base. Building codes must be used for new construction or additions to existing buildings. They must also be used to maintain or repair an existing building or to renovate or change the use of a building or structure. Its original purpose is to provide minimum standards for the protection of life, physical integrity, property, the environment, and for the safety and well-being of the consumer, the general public, and the owners and occupants of residential buildings regulated by this code. Another thing to remember about building codes is that they are not intended to limit the appropriate use of materials, appliances, equipment, or design or construction methods not specifically prescribed in the code. The building official may determine that proposed alternative materials, appliances, equipment, or design or construction methods are at least equivalent to those prescribed in this code. Find your local construction officer, fire officer, or property maintenance officer for locations in Virginia.
DHCD will provide Virginia locations with free subscriptions to the ICC Digital Codes Premium Complete for its staff responsible for enforcing the codes. Learn about the in-person training offered by Code Academy for in-person and live virtual courses, including course enrollment, tuition and fees, eligibility details, and access to many other useful resources. As provided for in the Virginia Code, the regulation also establishes a Transaction Recovery Fund and administrative procedures for carrying out this consumer protection program. This includes procedures for filing claims, hearings or conferences, paying claims for damages, and possible disciplinary action against program license holders. Find information and resources to obtain a DHCD certification, maintain a DHCD certification through continuing education and code-change training, and check the status of a person's DHCD certification.
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