Building Energy Code

NOTE: Much of the information presented in this summary is drawn from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program and the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP). For more detailed information about building energy codes, visit the DOE and BCAP web sites.

The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) is a statewide minimum requirement that local jurisdictions cannot amend. The code is applicable to all new buildings in the commonwealth. The Board of Housing and Community Development (a Governor-appointed board) has authority to adopt changes to the USBC. The process is very similar to the federal regulatory process. The Board of Housing and Community Development may adopt whatever provision it deems necessary. Enforcement of the USBC is handled by local building department through plan reviews and inspections.

Effective July 14, 2014, the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development updated the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) to coincide with the 2012 editions of the International Code Council model codes. The 2012 Virginia Codes incorporate the customized text of the Virginia administrative and technical amendments within the base text of the ICC model codes.

Effective July 1, 2021, the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development adopts and amended the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) to coincide with the 2018 IECC model codes for commercial and residential buildings,