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.
 
 2006 VUSBC referenced Codes include:  2009 VUSBC referenced Codes include:
 2006 International Building Code  2009 International Building Code
 2006 International Residential Code  2009 International Residential Code
 2006 International Mechanical Code  2009 International Mechanical Code
 2006 International Plumbing Code  2009 International Plumbing Code
 2006 International Energy Conservation Code  2009 International Energy Conservation Code
 2006 International Fuel Gas Code  2009 International Fuel Gas Code
 2005 National Electrical Code  2008 National Electrical Code
 2003 ICC/ANSI A117.1 for Accessibility Standards  2003 ICC/ANSI A117.1 for Accessibility Standards
 2006 International Existing Building Code  2009 International Existing Building Code
 
 
 
Adoption of the 2009 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code
The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code went into effect on March 1, 2011.
 
 
Transition from 2006 to the 2009 VUSBC
A 12 month transition period will be in effect from March 1, 2011* through Feb. 29, 2012, during which time permit applicants have the option to choose either the 2006 VUSBC or the 2009 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.
 
 
Starting on March 1, 2012, all Prince William County construction permit applications shall be compliant with the 2009 VUSBC.
 
 
During the transition period, Building Development is providing two versions of the applicable documents on the eBuildingDevelopmentForms Web page and Customer Handouts Web page. Documents identified as "2006" are specific for projects governed by the 2006 VUSBC. Documents identified as "2009" are specific to projects governed by the 2009 VUSBC. Documents unaffected by code years will remain the same through the transition period. 
 
 
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 specify one of the VUSBC editions and associated definitions where applicable.
 
 
*Please note: The Building Development Division is continuing to update all documents and forms to be consistent with the 2009 VUSBC, and the updated information will be posted on the County's website as it becomes available. If you would like to submit a permit application/plan under the 2009 VUSBC in advance of the forms being updated, contact Mr. Siavash Shahrzad, Chief of Building Construction Review, at BDD@pwcgov.org or 703-792-7462.