Significant changes to Uniform Statewide Building Code
As you may be well aware, the 2015 USBC went into effect on September 4th of this year. With each code update cycle, we receive a substantial amount of code change proposals and this cycle was no exception. There were several noteworthy changes made to the USBC, both at the national and state level.
Listed below are a few examples of those changes:
Exemptions from Permits (VA)—Work on billboard safety upgrades to add or replace steel catwalks, steel ladders, or steel safety cables was added to the list of permit exemptions in chapter 1.
Exceptions to the Exemptions (VA)—Building officials may now require a permit for work that is normally exempt where located in a flood hazard area.
Food Processing Establishments and Commercial Kitchens (ICC)—Facilities used for food processing/preparation 2500 square feet and under can now be classified as a Group B occupancy.
Existing Building Code Overhaul (VA)—One of the most significant changes this cycle was the complete re-organization and overhaul of the Existing Building Code (previously the Rehab Code). This was a concerted effort to make this code, which is mandatory for existing buildings, less confusing and more user-friendly.
College Labs (VA)—Another notable change was the creation of a new section for higher education laboratories. This carve-out was added to both the Virginia Construction Code and the Virginia Existing Building Code, Parts I and II of the USBC respectively.
DHCD continues to work with our stakeholders ensuring a comprehensive and collaborative code development process for building and fire regulations in Virginia. If you have questions about any changes or the upcoming code change cycle, slated to start early next year, please contact us at (804) 371-7000 or sbco@dhcd.virginia.gov.