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.
| 2018 VUSBC referenced Codes include: | 2021 VUSBC referenced Codes include: |
|---|---|
| 2018 International Building Code | 2021 International Building Code |
| 2018 International Residential Code | 2021 International Residential Code |
| 2018 International Mechanical Code | 2021 International Mechanical Code |
| 2018 International Plumbing Code | 2021 International Plumbing Code |
| 2018 International Energy Conservation Code | 2021 International Energy Conservation Code |
| 2018 International Fuel Gas Code | 2021 International Fuel Gas Code |
| 2017 National Electrical Code | 2020 National Electrical Code |
| 2009 ICC/ANSI A117.1 for Accessibility Standards | 2017 ICC/ANSI A117.1 for Accessibility Standards |
| 2018 International Existing Building Code | 2021 International Existing Building Code |
For more information, access the free, read only versions of the Virginia Building Code Regulations.
TRANSITION FROM THE 2018 TO THE 2021 VIRGINIA UNIFORM STATEWIDE BUILDING CODE
The 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code went into effect on January 18, 2024. As of January 18, 2025, all Prince William County construction permit applications must be compliant with the 2021 VUSBC.
During the transition period, permit applicants have the option to choose either the 2018 VUSBC or the 2021 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.
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