What Is the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC)?
If you're studying for a Virginia contractor license, you've probably come across the term Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC).
The name sounds complicated, but the concept is actually pretty simple.
The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, or USBC, is Virginia's statewide building code framework. It establishes the building regulations that apply to construction, alteration, repair, maintenance, and changes in use of buildings and structures throughout Virginia.
Virginia does not create all of its technical building requirements from scratch. Instead, the Commonwealth adopts nationally recognized model codes and standards, including codes published by the International Code Council (ICC), and incorporates Virginia-specific requirements and amendments.
The current USBC is divided into three parts:
Virginia Construction Code (VCC)
Virginia Existing Building Code (VEBC)
Virginia Maintenance Code (VMC)
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers the state building-code system, while the Board of Housing and Community Development adopts and amends the USBC. Local building departments are generally responsible for enforcing it.
Who Creates the Building Codes?
The International Code Council (ICC) develops a family of model construction codes commonly called the International Codes, or I-Codes.
Some of the most common include:
International Building Code (IBC)
International Residential Code (IRC)
International Plumbing Code (IPC)
International Mechanical Code (IMC)
International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
These are model codes intended to provide a common technical foundation that jurisdictions can adopt.
Virginia adopts applicable editions of these model codes and modifies them through its own regulations.
For the current 2021 Virginia code cycle, Virginia adopted the 2021 editions of the International Codes referenced by the USBC. The 2021 Virginia Codes became effective January 18, 2024.
How Does Virginia Use the International Codes?
Virginia incorporates applicable International Codes into its building regulations and adds state-specific administrative provisions and amendments.
For example, Part I of the USBC incorporates Chapters 2 through 35 of the 2021 International Building Code by reference, subject to Virginia's requirements and amendments.
A simple way to think about the process is:
ICC develops model codes → Virginia adopts applicable editions → Virginia adds state-specific provisions and amendments → those requirements become part of Virginia's statewide building-code system.
How Virginia building codes are created. The International Code Council (ICC) develops model codes, Virginia adopts them into the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) with state-specific requirements, and ICC publishes integrated Virginia code books based on those adopted codes.
Where Can I Find the USBC?
There are two common ways to access Virginia's building-code requirements.
Option 1: Official Virginia Regulations and Amendment Documents
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) publishes the official Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) documents free of charge.
These documents contain Virginia's administrative provisions and state amendments to the International Codes.
For the current code cycle, you can download the official USBC documents directly from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Building Codes & Regulations page.
Why this matters: If you already own the applicable 2021 International Code book, these official Virginia amendment documents may be all you need to reference Virginia's adopted changes. Always verify the approved reference materials for your specific examination in the applicable Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB).
Option 2: Integrated Virginia Code Books
ICC publishes fully integrated Virginia code books that combine the applicable model-code provisions with Virginia's amendments in one publication.
Examples include the:
Virginia Construction Code (VCC)
Virginia Residential Code (VRC)
ICC identifies the current 2021 Virginia Construction Code as a fully integrated code based on the 2021 International Building Code, and the current Virginia Residential Code as a fully integrated code based on the 2021 International Residential Code.
Why Is the USBC Important?
If you're applying for a Virginia contractor license, you'll see the USBC referenced throughout the licensing process, including in Candidate Information Bulletins (CIBs) and approved reference materials.
You don't need to memorize the entire USBC before taking your exams.
The important thing to remember is this:
The USBC is Virginia's building code system. Virginia creates it by adopting International Codes and adding Virginia-specific administrative provisions and amendments.
Once you understand that concept, it becomes much easier to understand Virginia code books, approved exam references, and the licensing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
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USBC stands for Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
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Not from scratch. Virginia adopts the model codes published by the International Code Council (ICC) and adds Virginia-specific administrative requirements and amendments.
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Virginia's requirements can be accessed in different publication formats. Some references contain only Virginia's amendments, while others are fully integrated Virginia code books published by ICC.
