Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
428 18. Delete sections 909.18.1 through 909.18.8.3.  
19. Change  [ Section  Sections  ] 909.18.8.3.1 and 909.18.9 
to read:  
*** 
13VAC5 -51-135.5. IFC Chapter 10.  Means of Egress.  
*** 
D. The following changes shall be made to Section 1005, 
Means of Egress Sizing:  
1. Change Section 1005.1 to read:  
(N)1005.1 General. All portions of the means of egress 
system shall be sized in accordance with the applicable 
[ building  ] code.  
*** 
VA.R. Doc. No. R16 -4665; Filed September 12, 2018, 9:51 a. m.  
Final Regulation  
REGISTRAR'S NOTICE:  The Board of Housing and 
Community Development is claiming an exemption from 
Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act in accordance 
with §  2.2-4006 A  3, which excludes regulations that consist 
only of changes in style or form or corrections of technica l 
errors. The Board of Housing and Community Development 
will receive, consider, and respond to petitions by any 
interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration 
or revision.  
Title of Regulation: 13VAC5 -63. Virginia Uniform 
Statewide Building Code  (amending 13VAC5 -63-210, 
13VAC5 -63-245, 13VAC5 -63-310, 13VAC5 -63-431, 
13VAC5 -63-432.5, 13VAC5- 63-433, 13VAC5- 63-433.3, 
13VAC5 -63-433.5, 13VAC5- 63-434, 13VAC5- 63-434.5, 
13VAC5 -63-435.5, 13VAC5- 63-440, 13VAC5- 63-450, 
13VAC5 -63-500, 13VAC5 -63-510).  
Statutory Authority:  § 36- 98 of the Code of Virginia.  
Effective Date: November 1, 2018.  
Agency Contact:  Kyle Flanders, Policy Analyst, Department 
of Housing and Community Developm ent, Main Street 
Centre, 600 East Main Street, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 
23219, telephone (804) 786- 6761, FAX (804) 371- 7090, TTY 
(804) 371- 7089, or email kyle.flanders@dhcd.virginia.gov.  
Summary:  
The technical amendments to the Uniform Statewide 
Building Code (USBC) (i) correct errors in numbering and 
punctuation, inadvertent omissions, and typos; (ii) remove 
sections and table rows erroneously included in the final 
version of the USBC; and (iii) clarify instances where 
sections of the incorporated code have  been amended or 
added.  13VAC5 -63-210. Chapter 3 Use and occupancy 
classification.  
A. Change Sections 303.1.1 and 303.1.2 of the IBC to read:  
303.1.1 Small buildings and tenant spaces. A building or 
tenant space used for assembly purposes with an occupan t 
load of less than 50 persons shall be permitted to be 
classified as a Group B occupancy.  
303.1.2 Small assembly spaces. The following rooms and 
spaces shall be permitted to be classified as Group B 
occupancies or as part of the assembly occupancy:  
1. A r oom or space used for assembly purposes with an 
occupant load of less than 50 persons and ancillary to 
another occupancy.  
2. A room or space used for assembly purposes that is 
less than 750 square feet (70 m2) in area and ancillary to 
another occupancy.  
B. Change Section 303.6 of the IBC to read:  
303.6 Assembly Group A -5. Assembly uses intended for 
participation in or viewing outdoor activities including, but 
not limited to:  
Amusement park structures  
Bleachers  
Grandstands  
Stadiums  
Swimming pools  
C. Add Section 304.1.1 to the IBC to read:  
304.1.1 Day support and day treatment facilities. Day 
support and day treatment facilities licensed by the 
Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and 
Developmental Services shall be permitted to be classified 
as Gr oup B occupancies provided all of the following 
conditions are met:  
1. Participants who may require physical assistance from 
staff to respond to an emergency situation shall be 
located on the level of exit discharge.  
2. Any change in elevation within the e xit access on the 
level of exit discharge shall be made by means of a ramp 
or sloped walkway.  
3. Where the facilities are located more than two stories 
above grade, an automatic sprinkler system shall be 
provided throughout the building in accordance with 
Section 903.3.1.1.  
D. Change exception 14 of Section 307.1.1 of the IBC and 
add exception 15 to Section 307.1.1 of the IBC to read:  
14. The storage of black powder, smokeless propellant and 
small arms primers in Groups M, R -3 and R -5 and special Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
429 industria l explosive devices in Groups B, F, M and S, 
provided such storage conforms to the quantity limits and 
requirements prescribed in the IFC, as amended in Section 
307.9.  15. The storage of distilled spirits and wines in wooden 
barrels and casks. Distillatio n, blending, bottling, and other 
hazardous materials storage or processing shall be in 
separate control areas complying with Section 414.2.  
 
E. Change the "Flammable liquid, combination (IA, IB, IC)" row in Table 307.1(1), add a new "Permissible fireworks" row to 
Table 307.1(1) of the IBC, and add footnote "r" to Table 307.1(1) of the IBC to read:  
Flammable 
liquid, 
combination 
(IA, IB, IC)  NA H-2 
or 
H-3 NA 120d,e,h NA NA 120d,h NA NA 30d,h,r 
Permissible 
fireworks  1.4G  H-3 125d,e,l NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 
r. The tabular value for distilled spirit distillation and blending rooms is 120 gallons.  
F. Add Section 307.9 to the IBC to read:  
307.9 Amendments. The following changes shall be made 
to the IFC for the use of Exception 14 in Section 307.1.1:  
1. Change the following definition in Section 202 of the 
IFC to read:  
Smokeless propellants. Solid propellants, commonly 
referred to as smokeless powders, or any propellants 
classified by DOTn as smokeless propellants in 
accordance with NA3178 (Smokeless Powder for Small 
Arms), used in small arms ammunition, firearms, 
cannons, rockets, propellant -actuated devices, and similar 
articles.  
2. Change Section 314.1 of the IFC to read as follows:  
314.1 General. Indoor displays constructed within any 
building or structure shall comply with Sections 314.2 
through 314.5.  
3. Add new Section 314.5 to the IFC to read as follows:  
314.5 Smokeless powder and small arms primers. 
Vendors shall not store, display or sell smokeless powder 
or small arms primers during trade shows inside 
exhibition halls except as follows:  
1. The amount of smo keless powder each vender may 
store is limited to the storage arrangements and storage 
amounts established in Section 5606.5.2.1.  
2. Smokeless powder shall remain in the manufacturer's 
original sealed container and the container shall remain 
sealed while inside the building. The repackaging of 
smokeless powder shall not be performed inside the 
building. Damaged containers shall not be repackaged 
inside the building and shall be immediately removed 
from the building in such manner to avoid spilling any 
powd er.  3. There shall be at least 50 feet separation between 
vendors and 20 feet from any exit.  
4. Small arms primers shall be displayed and stored in 
the manufacturer's original packaging and in accordance 
with the requirements of Section 5606.5.2.3.  
4. Change Exception 4 and add Exceptions 10 and 11 to 
Section 5601.1 of the IFC as follows:  
4. The possession, storage and use of not more than 15 
pounds (6.75 kg) of commercially manufactured sporting 
black powder, 20 pounds (9 kg) of smokeless powder and 
any amount of small arms primers for hand loading of 
small arms ammunition for personal con sumption.  
10. The display of small arms primers in Group M when 
in the original manufacturer's packaging.  
11. The possession, storage and use of not more than 50 
pounds (23 kg) of commercially manufactured sporting 
black powder, 100 pounds (45 kg) of smokeless powder, 
and small arms primers for hand loading of small arms 
ammunition for personal consumption in Group R -3 or 
R-5, or 200 pounds (91 kg) of smokeless powder when 
stored in the manufacturer's original containers in 
detached Group U structures at least 10 feet (3048 mm) 
from inhabited buildings and are accessory to Group R -3 
or R-5.  
5. Change Section 5606.4 of the IFC to read as follows:  
5606.4 Storage in residences. Propellants for personal 
use in quantities not exceeding 50 pounds (23 kg) of 
black powder or 100 pounds (45 kg) of smokeless 
powder shall be stored in original containers in 
occupancies limited to Group R -3 and R -5 or 200 pounds 
(91 kg) of smokeless powder when stored in the 
manufacturer's original containers in detached Group U 
structures at least 10 feet (3048 mm) from inhabited Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
430 buildings and are accessory to Group R -3 or R -5. In other 
than Group R -3 or R -5, smokeless powder in quantities 
exceeding 20 pounds (9 kg) but not exceeding 50 pounds 
(23 kg) shall be kept in a wooden box or  cabinet having 
walls of at least one inch (25 mm) nominal thickness or 
equivalent.  
6. Delete Sections 5606.4.1 and 5606.4.2 of the IFC.  
7. Change Section 5606.5.1.1 of the IFC to read as follows:  
5606.5.1.1 Smokeless propellant. No more than 100 
pounds  (45 kg) of smokeless propellants in containers of 
eight pounds (3.6 kg) or less capacity shall be displayed 
in Group M occupancies.  
8. Delete Section 5606.5.1.3 of the IFC.  
9. Change Section 5606.5.2.1 of the IFC as follows:  
5606.5.2.1 Smokeless propel lant. Commercial stocks of 
smokeless propellants shall be stored as follows:  
1. Quantities exceeding 20 pounds (9 kg), but not 
exceeding 100 pounds (45 kg) shall be stored in portable 
wooden boxes having walls of at least one inch (25 mm) 
nominal thicknes s or equivalent.  
2. Quantities exceeding 100 pounds (45 kg), but not 
exceeding 800 pounds (363 kg), shall be stored in storage 
cabinets having walls at least one inch (25 mm) nominal 
thickness or equivalent. Not more than 400 pounds (182 
kg) shall be stor ed in any one cabinet, and cabinets shall 
be separated by a distance of at least 25 feet (7620 mm) 
or by a fire partition having a fire -resistance rating of at 
least one hour.  
3. Storage of quantities exceeding 800 pounds (363 kg), 
but not exceeding 5,000 pounds (2270 kg) in a building 
shall comply with all of the following:  
3.1. The storage is inaccessible to unauthorized 
personnel.  
3.2. Smokeless propellant shall be stored in nonportable 
storage cabinets having wood walls at least one inch (25 
mm) nomi nal thickness or equivalent and having shelves 
with no more than 3 feet (914 mm) of vertical separation 
between shelves.  
3.3. No more than 400 pounds (182 kg) is stored in any 
one cabinet.  
3.4. Cabinets shall be located against walls with at least 
40 fee t (12 192 mm) between cabinets. The minimum 
required separation between cabinets may be reduced to 
20 feet (6096 mm) provided that barricades twice the 
height of the cabinets are attached to the wall, midway 
between each cabinet. The barricades must extend  a 
minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) outward, be firmly 
attached to the wall, and be constructed of steel not less than 0.25 inch thick (6.4 mm), 2- inch (51 mm) nominal 
thickness wood, brick, or concrete block.  
3.5. Smokeless propellant shall be separated from  
materials classified as combustible liquids, flammable 
liquids, flammable solids, or oxidizing materials by a 
distance of 25 feet (7620 mm) or by a fire partition 
having a fire -resistance rating of 1 hour.  
3.6. The building shall be equipped throughout w ith an 
automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 
Section 903.3.1.1.  
4. Smokeless propellants not stored according to Item 1, 
2, or 3 above shall be stored in a Type 2 or 4 magazine in 
accordance with Section 5604 and NFPA 495.  
G. Add the following to the list of terms in Section 308.2 of 
the IBC:  
Hospice facility  
H. Change Section 308.3 of the IBC to read:  
308.3 Institutional Group I -1. This occupancy shall include 
buildings, structures or portions thereof for more than 16 
persons, excludi ng staff, who reside on a 24- hour basis in a 
supervised environment and receive custodial care. 
Buildings of Group I -1, other than assisted living facilities 
licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services, 
shall be classified as the occupancy condi tion indicated in 
Section 308.3.1. Assisted living facilities licensed by the 
Virginia Department of Social Services shall be classified 
as one of the occupancy conditions indicated in Section 
308.3.1 or 308.3.2. This group shall include, but not be 
limite d to, the following:  
Alcohol and drug centers  
Assisted living facilities  
Congregate care facilities  
Group homes  
Halfway houses  
Residential board and care facilities  
Social rehabilitation facilities  
I. Change Sections 308.3.1 and 308.3.2 of the IBC to read:  
308.3.1 Condition 1. This occupancy condition shall 
include buildings in which all persons receiving custodial 
care who, without any assistance, are capable of 
responding to an emergency situation to complete building 
evacuation. Not more than five of the residents may require 
physical assistance from staff to respond to an emergency 
situation when all residents who may require the physical 
assistance reside on a single level of exit discharge.  
308.3.2 Condition 2. This occupancy condition shall 
include buildings in which there are persons receiving Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
431 custodial care who require assistance by not more than one 
staff member while responding to an emergency situation 
to complete building evacuation. Five of the residents may 
require physical assistance from more than one staff 
member to respond to an emergency.  
J. Change Section 308.4 of the IBC to read:  
308.4 Group I -2. This occupancy shall include buildings 
and structures used for medical care on a 2 4-hour basis for 
more than five persons who are incapable of self -
preservation. This group shall include, but not be limited 
to, the following:  
Convalescent facilities  
Detoxification facilities  
Foster care facilities  
Hospice facilities  
Hospitals  
Nurs ing homes  
Psychiatric hospitals  
Exception: Hospice facilities occupied by 16 or less 
occupants, excluding staff, are permitted to be classified 
as Group R -4.  
K. Add an exception to Section 308.6 of the IBC to read:  
Exception: Family day homes under Sec tion 310.9.  
L. Change Section 310.3 of the IBC to read:  
310.3 Residential Group R -1. Residential occupancies 
containing sleeping units where the occupants are 
primarily transient in nature, including:  
Boarding houses (transient) with more than 10 occupa nts  
Congregate living facilities (transient) with more than 10 
occupants  
Hotels (transient)  
Motels (transient)  
Exceptions:  
1. Nonproprietor occupied bed and breakfast and other 
transient boarding facilities not more than three stories 
above grade plan e in height with a maximum of 10 
occupants total are permitted to be classified as either 
Group R -3 or R -5 provided that smoke alarms are 
installed in compliance with Section 907.2.11.2 for 
Group R -3 or Section R314 of the IRC for Group R -5.  
2. Proprietor  occupied bed and breakfast and other 
transient boarding facilities not more than three stories 
above grade plane in height, that are also occupied as the 
residence of the proprietor, with a maximum of five guest 
room sleeping units provided for the transi ent occupants are permitted to be classified as either Group R -3 or R -5 
provided that smoke alarms are installed in compliance 
with Section 907.2.11.2 for Group R -3 or Section R314 
of the IRC for Group R -5.  
M. Change Section 310.6 of the IBC to read:  
310.6 Residential Group R -4. This occupancy shall include 
buildings, structures or portions thereof for more than five 
but not more than 16 persons, excluding staff, who reside 
on a 24- hour basis in a supervised environment and receive 
custodial care. Buil dings of Group R -4, other than assisted 
living facilities licensed by the Virginia Department of 
Social Services, shall be classified as the occupancy 
condition indicated in Section 310.6.1. Assisted living 
facilities licensed by the Virginia Department of  Social 
Services shall be classified as one of the occupancy 
conditions indicated in Section 310.6.1 or 310.6.2. This 
group shall include, but not be limited to the following:  
Alcohol and drug centers  
Assisted living facilities  
Congregate care facilities  
Group homes  
Halfway houses  
Residential board and care facilities  
Social rehabilitation facilities  
This occupancy shall also include hospice facilities with 
not more than 16 occupants, excluding staff.  
Group R -4 occupancies shall meet the requiremen ts for 
construction as defined for Group R -3, except as otherwise 
provided for in this code.  
Exceptions:  
1. Group homes licensed by the Virginia Department of 
Behavioral Health and Developmental Services that 
house no more than eight persons with one or m ore 
resident counselors shall be classified as Group R -2, R-3, 
R-4 or R -5. Not more than five of the persons may 
require physical assistance from staff to respond to an 
emergency situation.  
2. In Group R -4 occupancies classified as the occupancy 
condition  indicated in Section 310.6.1, other than in 
hospice facilities, not more than five of the residents may 
require physical assistance from staff to respond to an 
emergency situation when all residents who may require 
the physical assistance from staff resid e on a single level 
of exit discharge and other than using a ramp, a change 
of elevation using steps or stairs is not within the path of 
egress to an exit door.  
3. Assisted living facilities licensed by the Virginia 
Department of Social Services that hous e no more than Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
432 eight persons, with one or more resident counselors, and 
all of the residents are capable of responding to an 
emergency situation without physical assistance from 
staff, may be classified as Group R -2, R-3 or R -5.  
4. Assisted living facilities licensed by the Virginia 
Department of Social Services that house no more than 
eight persons, with one or more resident counselors, may 
be classified as Group R -5 when in compliance with all 
of the following:  
4.1. The building is protected by an autom atic sprinkler 
system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 or 
Section P2904 of the IRC.  
4.2. Not more than five of the residents may require 
physical assistance from staff to respond to an emergency 
situation.  
4.3. All residents who may require phy sical assistance 
from staff to respond to an emergency situation reside on 
a single level of exit discharge and other than using a 
ramp, a change in elevation using steps or stairs is not 
within the path of egress to an exit door.  
5. Hospice facilities with five or fewer occupants are 
permitted to comply with the IRC provided the building 
is protected by an automatic sprinkler system in 
accordance with IRC Section P2904 or IBC Section 
903.3.  
N. Change Sections 310.6.1 and 310.6.2 to the IBC to read:  
310.6.1 Condition 1. This occupancy condition shall 
include buildings in which all persons receiving custodial 
care who, without any assistance, are capable of 
responding to an emergency situation to complete building 
evacuation and hospice facilities.  
310.6. 2 Condition 2. This occupancy condition shall 
include buildings in which there are persons receiving 
custodial care who require assistance by not more than one 
staff member while responding to an emergency situation 
to complete building evacuation.  
O. Add  Section 310.7 to the IBC to read:  
310.7 Residential Group R -5. Residential occupancies in 
detached single- family and two -family dwellings, 
townhouses and accessory structures within the scope of 
the IRC.  
P. Add Section 310.8 to the IBC to read:  
310.8 G roup R -5. The construction of Group R -5 structures 
shall comply with the IRC. The amendments to the IRC set 
out in Section 310.11 shall be made to the IRC for its use 
as part of this code. In addition, all references to the IRC in 
the IBC shall be consider ed to be references to this section.  
Q. Add Section 310.8.1 to the IBC to read:  310.8.1 Additional requirements. Methods of construction, 
materials, systems, equipment or components for Group R -
5 structures not addressed by prescriptive or performance 
provisions of the IRC shall comply with applicable IBC 
requirements.  
R. Add Section  310.9 to the IBC to read:  
310.9 Family day homes. Family day homes where 
program oversight is provided by the Virginia Department 
of Social Services shall be classified as Group R -2, R-3 or 
R-5.  
Note: Family day homes may generally care for up to 12 
children. See the DHCD Related Laws Package for 
additional information.  
S. Add Section 310.10 to the IBC to read:  
310.10 Radon -resistant construction in Groups R -3 and R -
4 structures. Groups R -3 and R -4 structures shall be subject 
to the radon -resistant con struction requirements in 
Appendix F of the IRC in localities enforcing such 
requirements pursuant to Section R324 of the IRC.  
T. Add Section 310.11 to the IBC to read:  
310.11 Amendments to the IRC. The following changes 
shall be made to the IRC for its use as part of this code:  
1. Add the following definitions to read:  
Living area. Space within a dwelling unit utilized for 
living and entertainment, including family rooms, great 
rooms, living rooms, dens, media rooms, and similar 
spaces.  
Nonpotable fixt ures and outlets. Fixtures and outlets that 
are not dependent on potable water for the safe operation 
to perform their intended use. Such fixtures and outlets 
may include, but are not limited to water closets, urinals, 
irrigation, mechanical equipment, and  hose connections 
to perform operations, such as vehicle washing and lawn 
maintenance.  
Nonpotable water systems. Water systems for the 
collection, treatment, storage, distribution, and use or 
reuse of nonpotable water. Nonpotable systems include 
reclaimed  water, rainwater, and gray water systems.  
Rainwater. Natural precipitation, including snow melt, 
from roof surfaces only.  
Stormwater. Precipitation that is discharged across the 
land surface or through conveyances to one or more 
waterways and that may i nclude stormwater runoff, snow 
melt runoff, and surface runoff and drainage.  
2. Change the following definitions to read:  
Attic, habitable. A finished or unfinished area, not 
considered a story, complying with all of the following 
requirements:  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
433 1. The o ccupiable floor area is at least 70 square feet (17 
m2), in accordance with Section R304,  
2. The occupiable floor area has a ceiling height in 
accordance with Section R305, and  
3. The occupiable space is enclosed by the roof assembly 
above, knee walls (i f applicable) on the sides and the 
floor -ceiling assembly below.  
Habitable attics greater than two -thirds of the area of the 
story below or over 400 square feet (37.16 m2) shall not 
be permitted in dwellings or townhouses that are three 
stories above grad e plane in height.  
Gray water. Water discharged from lavatories, bathtubs, 
showers, clothes washers, and laundry trays.  
3. Change Section R301.2.1 to read:  
R301.2.1 Wind design criteria. Buildings and portions 
thereof shall be constructed in accordance with the wind 
provisions of this code using the ultimate design wind 
speed in Table R301.2(1) as determined from Figure 
R301.2(4)A. The structural provisions of this code for 
wind loads are not permitted where wind design is 
required as specified in Sectio n R301.2.1.1. Where 
different construction methods and structural materials 
are used for various portions of a building, the applicable 
requirements of this section for each portion shall apply. 
Where not otherwise specified, the wind loads listed in 
Table  R301.2(2) adjusted for height and exposure using 
Table R301.2(3) shall be used to determine design load 
performance requirements for wall coverings, curtain 
walls, roof coverings, exterior windows, skylights, 
garage doors, and exterior doors. Asphalt shingles shall 
be designed for wind speeds in accordance with Section 
R905.2.4. A continuous load path shall be provided to 
transmit the applicable uplift forces in Section R802.11.1 
from the roof assembly to the foundation. Wind speeds 
for localities in special wind regions, near mountainous 
terrain, and near gorges shall be based on elevation. 
Areas at 4,000 feet in elevation or higher shall use the 
nominal design wind speed of 110 mph (48.4 m/s) and 
areas under 4,000 feet in elevation shall use nominal 
desig n wind speed of 90 mph (39.6 m/s). Gorge areas 
shall be based on the highest recorded speed per locality 
or in accordance with local jurisdiction requirements 
determined in accordance with Section 26.5.1 of ASCE 
7.  
4. Add Exceptions 6 and 7 to Section R302.1 to read:  
6. Decks and open porches.  
7. Walls of dwellings and accessory structures located on 
lots in subdivisions or zoning districts where building 
setbacks established by local ordinance prohibit the walls 
of the structures on adjacent lots from b eing closer than 10 feet (3048 mm) to each other at any point along the 
exterior walls.  
5. Add the following sentence to the end of Section R302.3 
to read:  
Dwelling unit separation wall assemblies that are 
constructed on a lot line shall be constructed as required in 
Section R302.2 for townhouses.  
6. Change Section R302.5.1 to read and delete Section 
R302.13 in its entirety:  
R302.5.1 Opening protection. Ope nings from a private 
garage directly into a room used for sleeping purposes 
shall not be permitted. Other openings between the 
garage and residence shall be equipped with solid wood 
doors not less than 1- 3/8 inches (35 mm) thickness, solid 
or honeycomb -core steel doors not less than 1 -3/8 inches 
(35 mm) thick, or 20- minute fire -rated doors.  
7. Change Section R303.4 to read:  
R303.4 Mechanical ventilation. Dwelling units shall be 
provided with mechanical ventilation in accordance with 
Section M1507.  
8. Add a n exception to Section R303.9 R303.10 to read:  
Exception: Seasonal structures not used as a primary 
residence for more than 90 days per year, unless rented, 
leased or let on terms expressed or implied to furnish 
heat, shall not be required to comply with this section.  
9. Add Section R303.9.1 R303.10.1 to read:  
R303.9.1  R303.10.1  Nonowner occupied required 
heating. Every dwelling unit or portion thereof which is 
to be rented, leased or let on terms either expressed or 
implied to furnish heat to the occupa nts thereof shall be 
provided with facilities in accordance with Section 
R303.9 during the period from October 15 to May 1.  
10. Add Section R303.10 R303.11 to read:  
R303.10  R303.11 Insect screens. Every door, window 
and other outside opening required for  ventilation 
purposes shall be supplied with approved tightly fitted 
screens of not less than 16 mesh per inch (16 mesh per 25 
mm) and every screen door used for insect control shall 
have a self -closing device.  
EDITOR'S NOTE: Subdivisions T 11 through T 1 05 and 
subsection U are not amended; therefore the text is not set 
out. 
13VAC5 -63-245. Chapter 10 Means of egress.  
A. Delete Section 1001.4 of the IBC.  
B. Change Section 1004.3 of the IBC to read:  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
434 1004.3 Posting of occupant load. Every room or space tha t 
is an assembly occupancy and where the occupant load of 
that room or space is 50 or more shall have the occupant 
load of the room or space posted in a conspicuous place, 
near the main exit or exit access doorway from the room or 
space. Posted signs shall  be of an approved legible 
permanent design and shall be maintained by the owner or 
the owner's authorized agent.  
C. Change Exception 1 of Section 1005.3.1 of the IBC to 
read:  
1. For other than Groups H and I -2 occupancies, the 
capacity, in inches (mm), of means of egress stairways 
shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load 
served by such stairway by a means of egress capacity 
factor of 0.2 inch (5.1 mm) per occupant in buildings 
equipped with an automatic sprinkler system installed in 
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.  
D. Change Exception 1 of Section 1005.3.2 of the IBC to 
read:  
1. For other than Groups H and I -2 occupancies, the 
capacity, in inches (mm), of means of egress components 
other than stairways shall be calculated by m ultiplying 
the occupant load served by such component by a means 
of egress capacity factor of 0.15 inch (3.8 mm) per 
occupant in buildings equipped with an automatic 
sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 
903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.  
E. Change E xception 1 of Section 1006.2.1 of the IBC to 
read:  
1. In Group R -2 and R -3 occupancies, one means of 
egress is permitted within and from individual dwelling 
units with a maximum occupant load of 20 where the 
dwelling unit is equipped throughout with an aut omatic 
sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 
903.3.1.2 and the common path of egress travel does not 
exceed 125 feet (38 100 mm). This exception shall also 
apply to Group R -2 occupancies where Section 903.2.8, 
Exception 1 or 2 is applica ble. 
F. Change the number "49" to "50" in the "Maximum 
Occupant Load of Space" column in the "Ac, E, M," "B," "F," 
and "U" rows of Table 1006.2.1 of the IBC.  
G. Change the number "49" to "50" in the "Maximum 
Occupant Load per Story" column of the "A, Bb, E, F, M, U" 
row of Table 1006.3.2(2).  
H. Change Exception 2 of Section 1007.1.1 of the IBC to 
read:  
2. Where a building is equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 
903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the separation distance of the exit 
doors or exit access doorways shall not be less than one-fourth of the length of the maximum overall diagonal 
dimension of the area served.  
I. Change Section 1009.6.4 of the IBC to read:  
1009.6.4 Separation. Each area of refuge shall be separated  
from the remainder of the story by a smoke barrier 
complying with Section 709 or a horizontal exit complying 
with Section 1026. Each area of refuge shall be designed to 
minimize the intrusion of smoke.  
Exceptions:  
1. Areas of refuge located within an en closure for interior 
exit stairways complying with Section 1023.  
2. Areas of refuge in outdoor facilities where exit access 
is essentially open to the outside.  
3. Areas of refuge where the area of refuge and areas 
served by the area of refuge are equipped  throughout 
with an automatic sprinkler system installed in 
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.  
I. J. Change Item 2 of Section 1010.1.9.3 of the IBC to read:  
2. In buildings in occupancy Groups B, F, M and S, the 
main exterior door or doors a re permitted to be equipped 
with key- operated locking devices from the egress side 
provided:  
2.1. The locking device is readily distinguishable as 
locked.  
2.2. A readily visible durable sign is posted on the egress 
side on or adjacent to the door stating : THIS DOOR TO 
REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN THIS SPACE IS 
OCCUPIED. The sign shall be in letters one inch (25 
mm) high on a contrasting background.  
2.3. The use of the key- operated locking device is 
revokable by the building official for due cause.  
J. K. Delete Section 1010.1.9.6 of the IBC.  
K. L. Add an exception to Section 1010.1.9.7 of the IBC to 
read:  
Exception: Approved, listed, delayed egress locks shall be 
permitted to be installed on doors serving Group A -3 
airport facilities, provided they are installe d in accordance 
with this section.  
L. M. Change Section 1010.1.6 of the IBC to read:  
1010.1.6 Landings at doors. Landings shall have a width 
not less than the width of the stairway or the door, 
whichever is greater. Doors in the fully open position shall 
not reduce a required dimension by more than 7 inches 
(178 mm). Where a landing serves an occupant load of 50 
or more, other doors, gates, or turnstiles in any position 
shall not reduce the landing to less than one -half its 
required width nor prevent a door, gate, or turnstile from Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
435 opening to less than one -half of the required landing width. 
Landings shall have a length measured in the direction of 
travel of not less than 44 inches (1118 mm).  
Exception: Landing length in the direction of travel in 
Groups R -3 and U and within individual units of Group R -
2 need not exceed 36 inches (914 mm).  
M. N. Change Section 1010.1.10 of the IBC to read:  
1010.1.10 Panic and fire exit hardware. Doors serving a 
Group H occupancy and doors serving rooms or spaces 
with an occupant load of 50 or more in a Group A or E 
occupancy shall not be provided with a latch or lock other 
than panic hardware or fire exit hardware.  
Exception: Doors serving a Group A or E occupancy shall 
be permitted to be electromagnetically locked in 
accordance with Section 1010.1.9.9.  
N. O. Add Section 1010.1.11 to the IBC to read:  
1010.1.11 Locking certain residential sliding doors. In 
dwelling units of Group R -2 buildings, exterior sliding 
doors which are one story or less above grade, or shared by 
two dw elling units, or are otherwise accessible from the 
outside, shall be equipped with locks. The mounting 
screws for the lock case shall be inaccessible from the 
outside. The lock bolt shall engage the strike in a manner 
that will prevent it from being diseng aged by movement of 
the door.  
Exception: Exterior sliding doors which are equipped with 
removable metal pins or charlie bars.  
O. P. Add Section 1010.1.12 to the IBC to read:  
1010.1.12 Door viewers in certain residential buildings. 
Entrance doors to dwelling units of Group R -2 buildings 
shall be equipped with door viewers with a field of vision 
of not less than 180 degrees.  
Exception: Entrance doors having a vision panel or si de 
vision panels.  
P. Q. Change Exception 3 of Section 1011.5.2 of the IBC to 
read:  
3. In Group R -3 occupancies; within dwelling units in 
Group R -2 occupancies; and in Group U occupancies that 
are accessory to a Group R -3 occupancy or accessory to 
individ ual dwelling units in Group R -2 occupancies; the 
maximum riser height shall be 8.25 inches (210 mm); the 
minimum tread depth shall be 9 inches (229 mm); the 
minimum winder tread depth at the walk line shall be 10 
inches (254 mm); and the minimum winder tre ad depth 
shall be 6 inches (152 mm). A nosing not less than 0.75 
inch (19.1 mm) but not more than 1.25 inches (32 mm) 
shall be provided on stairways with solid risers where the 
tread depth is less than 11 inches (279 mm).  
Q. R. Change Section 1011.6 of th e IBC to read:  1011.6 Stairway landings. There shall be a floor or landing 
at the top and bottom of each stairway. The width of 
landings shall be not less than the width of stairways 
served. Every landing shall have a minimum width 
measured perpendicular t o the direction of travel equal to 
the width of the stairway. Where the stairway has a straight 
run the depth need not exceed 48 inches (1219 mm). Doors 
opening onto a landing shall not reduce the landing to less 
than one -half the required width. When full y open, the 
door shall not project more than 7 inches (178 mm) into a 
landing. Where wheelchair spaces are required on the 
stairway landing in accordance with Section 1009.6.3, the 
wheelchair space shall not be located in the required width 
of the landing and doors shall not swing over the 
wheelchair spaces.  
Exceptions:  
1. Where stairways connect stepped aisles to cross aisles 
or concourses, stairway landings are not required at the 
transition between stairways and stepped aisles 
constructed in accordance w ith Section 1029.  
2. A floor or landing is not required at the top of an 
interior flight of exit access stairs within individual 
dwelling units and sleeping units of Group R -2 
occupancies and dwelling units of Group R -3 
occupancies, including stairs in an enclosed private 
garage serving only an individual dwelling unit, provided 
that a door does not swing over the stairs.  
R. S. Change Section 1011.16 of the IBC to read:  
1011.16 Ladders. Permanent ladders shall not serve as a 
part of the means of egress from  occupied spaces within a 
building. Permanent ladders shall be permitted to provide 
access to the following areas:  
1. Spaces frequented only by personnel for maintenance, 
repair, or monitoring of equipment.  
2. Nonoccupiable spaces accessed only by catwalks , 
crawl spaces, freight elevators, or very narrow 
passageways.  
3. Raised areas used primarily for purposes of security, 
life safety, or fire safety including observation galleries, 
prison guard towers, fire towers, or lifeguard stands.  
4. Elevated levels i n Group U not open to the general 
public.  
5. Nonoccupied roofs that are not required to have 
stairway access in accordance with Section 1011.12.1.  
S. T. Change Section 1015.8 of the IBC to read:  
1015.8 Window openings. Windows in Group R -2 and R -3 
buildings including dwelling units where the top of the sill 
of an operable window opening is located less than 18 
inches (457 mm) above the finished floor and more than 72 Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
436 inches (1829 mm) above the fin ished grade or other 
surface below on the exterior of the building shall comply 
with one of the following:  
1. Operable windows where the top of the sill of the 
opening is located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above 
the finished grade or other surface belo w and that are 
provided with window fall prevention devices that 
comply with ASTM F 2006.  
2. Operable windows where the openings will not allow a 
4-inch diameter (102 mm) sphere to pass through the 
opening when the window is in its largest opened 
position .  
3. Operable windows where the openings are provided with 
window fall prevention devices that comply with ASTM F 
2090.  
4. Operable windows that are provided with window 
opening control devices that comply with Section 1015.8.1.  
T. U. Add Exception 3 to  Item 5 of Section 1016.2 of the 
IBC to read:  
3. A maximum of one exit access is permitted to pass 
through kitchens, store rooms, closets or spaces used for 
similar purposes provided such a space is not the only 
means of exit access.  
U. V. Change Table 1 020.1 of the IBC to read:  
Table 1020.1  
Corridor Fire -Resistance Rating  
Occupancy  Occupant 
Load 
Served By 
Corridor  Required Fire -Resistance 
Rating (hours)  
Without 
sprinkler 
system  With 
sprinkler 
systemb 
H-1, H -2, H -
3 All Not 
Permitted  1 
H-4, H -5 Greater 
than 30  Not 
Permitted  1 
A, B, E, F, 
M, S, U  Greater 
than 30  1 0 
R Greater 
than 10  1 0.5 
I-2a, I-4 All Not 
Permitted  0 
I-1, I -3 All Not 
Permitted  0 
a. For requirements for occupancies in Group I -2, see 
Sections 407.2 and 407.3.  
b. Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler 
system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 
where allowed.  V. W. Add an additional row to Table 1020.2 of the IBC to 
read:  
Occupancy  Width 
(minimum)  
In corridors of Group I -2 assisted 
living facilities licensed by the 
Virginia Department of Social 
Services serving areas with 
wheelchair, walker, and gurney 
traffic where residents are 
capable of self -preservation or 
where resident rooms have a 
means of egress door leading 
directly to the outside . 44 inches  
W. X. Change Section 1023.5 of the IBC to read:  
1023.5 Penetrations. Penetrations into or through interior 
exit stairways and ramps are prohibited except for 
equipment and ductwork necessary for independent 
ventilation or pressurization, sprin kler piping, standpipes, 
electrical raceway for fire department communication 
systems, and electrical raceway serving the interior exit 
stairway and ramp and terminating at a steel box not 
exceeding 16 square inches (0.010 m2). Such penetrations 
shall be p rotected in accordance with Section 714. There 
shall not be penetrations or communication openings, 
whether protected or not, between adjacent interior exit 
stairways and ramps.  
Exceptions:  
1. Membrane penetrations shall be permitted on the 
outside of the interior exit stairway and ramp. Such 
penetrations shall be protected in accordance with 
Section 714.3.2.  
2. For buildings in other than Group H, with no more 
than two stories above grade plane and are equipped 
throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system 
in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, structural 
members, other than columns, that are part of the primary 
structural frame supporting the roof sheathing, roof slab 
or roof deck only and structural members that are 
secondary members suppor ting the roof sheathing, roof 
slab or roof deck only, shall be permitted to penetrate an 
interior exit stairway enclosure or a ramp enclosure. Such 
penetrations shall be protected in accordance with 
Section 714.  
X. Y. Change Section 1023.9 of the IBC to re ad:  
1023.9 Floor identification signs. A sign shall be provided 
at each floor landing in exit enclosures connecting more 
than three stories designating the floor level, the terminus 
of the top and bottom of the exit enclosure and the 
identification of the  stair or ramp by designation with a 
letter of the alphabet. The signage shall also state the story Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
437 of, and the direction to, the exit discharge and the 
availability of roof access from the enclosure for the fire 
department. The sign shall be located five feet (1524 mm) 
above the floor landing in a position that is readily visible 
when the doors are in the open and closed positions. Floor 
level identification signs in tactile characters complying 
with ICC A117.1 shall be located at each floor level 
landing adjacent to the door leading from the enclosure 
into the corridor to identify the floor level.  
Y. Z. Change Section 1024.6 of the IBC to read:  
1024.6 Penetrations. Penetrations into or through an exit 
passageway are prohibited except for equipment and 
ductwork necessary for independent pressurization, 
sprinkler piping, standpipes, electrical raceway for fire 
department communication and electrical raceway serving 
the exit passageway and terminating at a steel box not 
exceeding 16 square inches (0.010 m2). Such penetrations 
shall be protected in accordance with Section 714. There 
shall not be penetrations or communicating openings, 
whether protected or not, between adjacent exit 
passageways.  
Exceptions:  
1. Membrane penetrations shall be permitted on the 
outside of the exit passageway. Such penetrations shall 
be protected in accordance with Section 714.3.2.  
2. For buildings in other than Group H, with no more 
than two stories above grade plane and are equipped 
throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system 
in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, structural 
members, other than columns, which are part of the 
primary structural frame supporting the roof sheathing, 
roof slab or roof deck only and structural members which 
are secondary members supporting the r oof sheathing, 
roof slab or roof deck only, shall be permitted to 
penetrate an interior exit stairway enclosure or a ramp 
enclosure. Such penetrations shall be protected in 
accordance with Section 714.  
Z. AA. Change Section 1025.1 of the IBC to read:  
1025.1 General. Approved luminous egress path markings 
delineating the exit path shall be provided in buildings of 
Groups A, B, E, I, M and R -1 having occupied floors 
located more than 420 feet (128 016 mm) above the lowest 
level of fire department vehicle access in accordance with 
Sections 1025.1 through 1025.5.  
Exception: Luminous egress path markings shall not be 
required on the level of exit discharge in lobbies that serve 
as part of the exit path in accordance with Section 1028.1, 
Exception 1.  AA. BB. Change Section 1030.1 of the IBC to read:  
1030.1 General. In addition to the means of egress required 
by this chapter, provisions shall be made for emergency 
escape and rescue openings in Group R -2 occupancies in 
accordance with Tables 1006.3.2(1) and 1006.3.2(2) and in 
Group R -3 and R -4 occupancies. Basements and sleeping 
rooms below the fourth story above grade plane shall have 
at least one exterior emergency escape and rescue opening 
in accordance with this section. Where basements contain 
one or more sl eeping rooms, emergency escape and rescue 
openings shall be required in each sleeping room, but shall 
not be required in adjoining areas of the basement. Such 
openings shall open directly into a public way or to a yard 
or court that opens to a public way.  
Exceptions:  
1. Basements with a ceiling height of less than 80 inches 
(2032 mm) shall not be required to have emergency 
escape and rescue openings.  
2. Emergency escape and rescue openings are not 
required from basements or sleeping rooms that have an 
exit door or exit access door that opens directly into a 
public way or to a yard, court or exterior exit balcony 
that opens to a public way.  
3. Basements without habitable spaces and having not 
more than 200 square feet (18.6 m2) in floor area shall 
not be requ ired to have emergency escape and rescue 
openings.  
13VAC5 -63-310. Chapter 28 Mechanical systems.  
A. Change Section 2801.1 of the IBC to read:  
2801.1 Scope. Mechanical appliances, equipment and 
systems shall be constructed and installed in accordance 
with this chapter, the IMC and the IFGC. Masonry 
chimneys, fireplaces and barbecues shall comply with the 
IMC and Chapter 21 of this code.  
Exception: This code shall not govern the construction of 
water heaters, boilers and pressure vessels to the extent 
which they are regulated by the Virginia Boiler and 
Pressure Vessel Regulations (16VAC25 -50). However, the 
building official may require the owner of a structure to 
submit documentation to substantiate compliance with 
those regulations.  
B. Add Section 2801.1 .1 to the IBC to read:  
2801.1.1 Required heating in dwelling units. Heating 
facilities shall be required in every dwelling unit or portion 
thereof which is to be rented, leased or let on terms, either 
expressed or implied, to furnish heat to the occupants  
thereof. The heating facilities shall be capable of 
maintaining the room temperature at 65°F (18°C) during 
the period from October 15 to May 1 during the hours 
between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. of each day and not less Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
438 than 60°F (16°C) during other hours w hen measured at a 
point three feet (914 mm) above the floor and three feet 
(914 mm) from the exterior walls. The capability of the 
heating system shall be based on the outside design 
temperature required for the locality by this code.  
C. Add Section 2801. 1.2 to the IBC to read:  
2801.1.2 Required heating in nonresidential structures. 
Heating facilities shall be required in every enclosed 
occupied space in nonresidential structures. The heating 
facilities shall be capable of producing sufficient heat 
during  the period from October 1 to May 15 to maintain a 
temperature of not less than 65°F (18°C) during all 
working hours. The required room temperature shall be 
measured at a point three feet (914 mm) above the floor 
and three feet (914 mm) from the exterior w alls.  
Processing, storage and operation areas that require cooling 
or special temperature conditions and areas in which 
persons are primarily engaged in vigorous physical 
activities are exempt from these requirements.  
D. Add Section 2801.1.3 to the IBC to read:  
2801.1.3 Changes to the IMC. The following changes shall 
be made to the IMC:  
1. Add the following definition to Section 202 of the IMC 
to read:  
Pollution control unit. Manufactured equipment that is 
installed in a grease exhaust duct system for the purpose 
of extracting smoke, grease particles, and odors from the 
exhaust flow by means of a series of filters.  
2. Change Section 401.2 of the IMC to read:  
401.2 Ventilation required.  Every occupied space shall 
be ventilated by natural means in accordance with 
Section 402 or by mechanical means in accordance with 
Section 403. Group R dwelling unit units shall be 
ventilated by mechanical means in accordance with 
Section 403. Ambulatory care facilities and Group I -2 
occupancies shall be ventilated by mechanical means in 
accordance with Section 407.  
3. Change Section 403.3.1.1 of the IMC to read:  
403.3.1.1 Outdoor airflow rate. Ventilation systems shall 
be designed to have the capacity to supply the minimum 
outdoor air flow rate determined in accordance with this 
section. In each occupiable space, the ventilation system 
shall be designed to deliver the required rate of outdoor 
airflow to the breathing zone. The occupant load utilized 
for design of the ventilation system shall not be less than 
the number determined from the estimated maximum 
occupant load rate indicated in Table 403.3.1.1. 
Ventilation rates for occupancies not represented in 
Table 403.3.1.1 shall be those for a listed occupancy 
classification that is most similar in terms of occupant density, activities and building construction; or shall be 
determined by an approved engineering analysis. The 
ventilation system shall be designed to supply the 
required rate of ventilation air continuously during the 
period t he building is occupied, except as otherwise 
stated in other provisions of the code.  
With the exception of smoking lounges and other 
designated areas where smoking is permitted, the 
ventilation rates in Table 403.3.1.1 are based on the 
absence of smoking in occupiable spaces.  
Exception: The occupant load is not required to be 
determined based on the estimated maximum occupant 
load rate indicated in Table 403.3.1.1 where approved 
statistical data document the accuracy of an alternate 
anticipated occupant d ensity.  
4. Add and change the following areas in Table 403.3.1.1 
of the IMC to read:  
OCCUPANCY 
CLASSIFI -
CATION  Occupant 
Density 
#/1000 
 ft2 a People 
Outdoor 
Airflow 
Rate in 
Breathing 
Zone,  
Rp 
cfm/person  Area 
Outdoor 
Airflow 
Rate in 
Breathing 
Zone, R a 
cfm/ft2a Exhaust 
Airflow 
Rate 
Cfm/ft2a 
Food and 
beverage service          
Bars or cocktail 
lounges 
designated as an 
area where 
smoking is 
permittedb 100 30 -- -- 
Cafeteria or fast 
food designated 
as an area where 
smoking is 
permittedb 100 20 -- -- 
Dining rooms 
designated as an 
area where 
smoking is 
permittedb 70 20 -- -- 
Public spaces          
Lounges 
designated as an 
area where 
smoking is 
permittedb 100 30 -- -- 
5. Change Section 504.8.2 of the IMC to read:  
504.8.2 Duct installation. Exhaust ducts shall  be 
supported at 4- foot (1219 mm) intervals and secured in 
place. The insert end of the duct shall extend into the 
adjoining duct or fitting in the direction of airflow. Ducts 
shall not be joined with screws or similar fasteners that 
protrude into the inside of the duct.  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
439 6. Change Section 505.1 of the IMC to read:  
505.1 Domestic systems. Where domestic range hoods 
and domestic appliances equipped with downdraft 
exhaust are provided, such hoods and appliances shall 
discharge to the outdoors through sheet me tal ducts 
constructed of galvanized steel, stainless steel, 
aluminum, or copper. Such ducts shall have smooth inner 
walls, shall be air tight, shall be equipped with a 
backdraft damper, and shall be independent of all other 
exhaust systems.  
Exceptions:  
1. In Group R buildings, where installed in accordance 
with the manufacturer's installation instructions and 
where mechanical or natural ventilation is otherwise 
provided in accordance with Chapter 4, listed and labeled 
ductless range hoods shall not be req uired to discharge to 
the outdoors.  
2. Ducts for domestic kitchen cooking appliances 
equipped with downdraft exhaust systems shall be 
permitted to be constructed of Schedule 40 PVC pipe and 
fittings provided that the installation complies with all of 
the following:  
2.1. The PVC duct shall be installed under a concrete 
slab poured on grade.  
2.2. The underfloor trench in which the PVC duct is 
installed shall be completely backfilled with sand or 
gravel.  
2.3. The PVC duct shall extend not more than 1 inch (25 
mm) above the indoor concrete floor surface.  
2.4. The PVC duct shall extend not more than 1 inch (25 
mm) above grade outside of the building.  
2.5. The PVC duct shall be solvent cemented.  
7. Change Section 505.4 to the IMC to read:  
505.4 Other than Group R. In other than Group R 
occupancies, where electric domestic cooking appliances 
are utilized for domestic purposes, such appliances shall 
be provided with domestic range hoods. Hoods and 
exhaust systems for such electric domestic cooking 
appliances shall be in accordance with Sections 505.1 
and 505.2. In other than Group R occupancies, where 
fuel-fired domestic cooking appliances are utilized for 
domestic purposes, a Type I or Type II hood shall be 
provided as required for the type of appliances and 
processes in accordance with Section 507.1.  
8. Change Section 506.5 of the IMC to read:  
506.5 Exhaust equipment. Exhaust equipment, including 
fans and grease reservoirs, shall comply with Sections 
506.5.1 through 506.5.6 and shall be of an approved 
design  or shall be listed for the application.  9. Add Section 506.5.6 to the IMC to read:  
505.5.6 506.5.6  Pollution control units. The installation 
of pollution control units shall be in accordance with the 
manufacturer's installation instructions and all of the  
following:  
1. Pollution control units shall be listed and labeled in 
accordance with UL 1978.  
2. Fans serving pollution control units shall be listed and 
labeled in accordance with UL 762.  
3. Pollution control units shall be mounted and secured in 
accordance with the manufacturer's installation 
instructions and the International Building Code.  
4. Pollution control units located indoors shall be listed 
and labeled for such use. Where enclosed duct systems, 
as required by Section 506.3.11, are connected to a  
pollution control unit, such unit shall be located in a 
room or space having the same fire -resistance rating as 
the duct enclosure. Access shall be provided for serving 
and cleaning of the unit. The space or enclosure shall be 
ventilated in accordance wit h the manufacturer's 
installation instructions.  
5. A clearance of not less than 18 inches (457 mm) shall 
be maintained between the pollution control unit and 
combustible material.  
6. Roof mounted pollution control units shall be listed for 
exterior installation and shall be mounted not less than 18 
inches (457 mm) above the roof.  
7. Exhaust outlets for pollution control units shall be in 
accordance with Section 506.3.13.  
8. An airflow differential pressure control shall be 
provided to monitor the pressure drop across the filter 
sections of a pollution control unit. When the airflow is 
reduced below the design velocity, the airflow 
differential pressure control shall activate a visual alarm 
located in the area where cooking operations occur.  
9. Pollution control units shall be provided with a factory 
installed fire suppression system.  
10. Service space shall be provided in accordance with 
the manufacturer's instructions for the pollution control 
unit and the requirements of Section 306.  
11. Wash down drains sh all discharge through a grease 
interceptor and shall be sized for the flow. Drains shall 
be sealed with a trap or other approved means to prevent 
air bypass. Where a trap is utilized it shall have a seal 
depth that accounts for the system pressurization an d 
evaporation between cleanings.  
12. Protection from freezing shall be provided for the 
water supply and fire suppression systems where such 
systems are subject to freezing.  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
440 13. Duct connections to pollution control units shall be in 
accordance with Sectio n 506.3.2.3. Where water splash 
or carryover can occur in the transition duct as a result of 
a washing operation, the transition duct shall slope 
downward toward the cabinet drain pan for a length not 
less than 18 inches (457 mm). Ducts shall transition to  
the full size of the unit inlet and outlet openings.  
14.  Extra heavy duty appliance exhaust systems shall not 
be connected to pollution control units except where such 
units are specifically designed and listed for use with 
solid fuels.  
15. Pollution con trol units shall be maintained in 
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.  
10. Change Section 607.5.5 of the IMC to read:  
607.5.5 Shaft enclosures. Shaft enclosures that are 
permitted to be penetrated by ducts and air transfer 
openings shall be protected with approved fire and smoke 
dampers installed in accordance with their listing.  
Exceptions:  
1. Fire and smoke dampers are not required where steel 
exhaust subducts extend at least 22 inches (559 mm) 
vertically in exhaust shafts, provided there is a 
continuous airflow upward to the outside.  
2. Fire dampers are not required where penetrations are 
tested in accordance with ASTM E119 as part of the fire-
resistance -rated assembly.  
3. Fire and smoke dampers are not required where ducts 
are used as part of  an approved smoke control system in 
accordance with Section 909 of the International 
Building Code.  
4. Fire and smoke dampers are not required where the 
penetrations are in parking garage exhaust or supply 
shafts that are separated from other building sha fts by not 
less than two -hour fire -resistance -rated construction.  
5. Smoke dampers are not required where the building is 
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system 
in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 of the International 
Building Code.  
11. Add Section 607.6.2.2 to the IMC to read:  
607.6.2.2 Equipment shutdown. Where ceiling radiation 
dampers are listed as static dampers, the HVAC 
equipment shall be effectively shut down to stop the 
airflow prior to the damper closing using one of the 
following  methods:  
1. A duct detector installed in the return duct.  
2. An area smoke detector interlocked with the HVAC 
equipment.  
3. A listed heat sensor installed in the return duct.  E. Add Section 2801.1.4 to the IBC to read:  
2801.1.4 Changes to the IFGC. The following changes 
shall be made to the IFGC:  
1. Change Section 301.1 of the IFGC to read:  
301.1 Scope. This code shall apply to the installation of 
fuel gas piping systems, fuel gas utilization equipment, 
and related accessories as follows:  
1. Coverage of piping systems shall extend from the 
point of delivery to the connections with gas utilization 
equipment. (See "point of delivery.")  
2. Systems with an operating pressure of 125 psig (862 
kPa gauge) or less.  
Piping systems for gas -air mixtures within the flammable 
range with an operating pressure of 10 psig (69 kPa 
gauge) or less.  
LP-Gas piping systems with an operating pressure of 20 
psig (140 kPa gauge) or less.  
3. Piping systems requirements shall include design, 
materials, components, fabrication, assembly, 
installation, testing and inspection.  
4. Requirements for gas utilization equipment and related 
accessories shall include installation, combustion and 
ventilation air and venting.  
This code shall not apply to  the following:  
1. Portable LP -Gas equipment of all types that are not 
connected to a fixed fuel piping system.  
2. Installation of farm equipment such as brooders, 
dehydrators, dryers, and irrigation equipment.  
3. Raw material (feedstock) applications except for 
piping to special atmosphere generators.  
4. Oxygen -fuel gas cutting and welding systems.  
5. Industrial gas applications using gases such as 
acetylene and acetylenic compounds, hydrogen, 
ammonia, carbon monoxide, oxygen, and nitrogen.  
6. Petrol eum refineries, pipeline compressor or pumping 
stations, loading terminals, compounding plants, refinery 
tank farms, and natural gas processing plants.  
7. Integrated chemical plants or portions of such plants 
where flammable or combustible liquids or gase s are 
produced by chemical reactions or used in chemical 
reactions.  
8. LP -Gas installations at utility gas plants.  
9. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) installations.  
10. Fuel gas piping in power and atomic energy plants.  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
441 11. Proprietary items of equipment, apparatus, or 
instruments such as gas generating sets, compressors, and 
calorimeters.  
12. LP -Gas equipment for vaporization, gas mixing, and 
gas manufacturing.  
13. Temporary LP -Gas piping for buildings under 
construction or renovation that is not to beco me part of 
the permanent piping system.  
14. Installation of LP -Gas systems for railroad switch 
heating.  
15. Installation of LP -Gas and compressed natural gas 
(CNG) systems on vehicles.  
16. Except as provided in Section 401.1.1, gas piping, 
meters, gas pressure regulators, and other appurtenances 
used by the serving gas supplier in the distribution of gas, 
other than undiluted LP -Gas.  
17. Building design and construction, except as speci fied 
herein.  
2. Change Sections 310.1 and 310.1.1 of the IFGC to read:  
310.1 Pipe and tubing. Each above -group portion of a gas 
piping system that is likely to become energized shall be 
electrically continuous and bonded to an effective 
ground -fault curre nt path. Gas piping shall be considered 
to be bonded where it is connected to appliances that are 
connected to the equipment grounding conductor of the 
circuit supplying that appliance. Corrugated stainless 
steel tubing (CSST) piping systems listed with an  arc 
resistant jacket or coating system in accordance with 
ANSI LC 1/CSA 6.26 shall comply with this section. 
Where any CSST segments of a piping system are not 
listed with an arc resistant jacket or coating system in 
accordance with ANSI LC 1/CSA 6.26, Section 310.1.1 
shall apply.  
310.1.1 CSST without arc resistant jacket or coating 
system. CSST gas piping systems and piping systems 
containing one or more segments of CSST not listed with 
an arc resistant jacket or coating system in accordance 
with ANSI LC 1/CSA 6.26 shall be bonded to the 
electrical service grounding electrode system or, where 
provided, the lightning protection electrode system and 
shall comply with Sections 310.1.1.1 through 310.1.1.5.  
3. Add Section 404.11.3 to the IFGC to read:  
404.11.3 Coating application. Joints in gas piping 
systems shall not be coated prior to testing and approval.  
4. Change Section 614.8.2 of the IFGC to read:  
614.8.2 Duct installation. Exhaust ducts shall be 
supported at 4- foot (1219 mm) intervals and secured in 
place. The insert end of the duct shall extend into the 
adjoining duct or fitting in the direction of airflow. Ducts shall not be joined with screws or similar fasteners that 
protrude into the inside of the duct.  
5. Change the following referenced standard in Chapter 8 
of the IFGC:  
Standard 
Reference 
Number  Title  Referenced in 
Code Section 
Number  
ANSI LC1/CSA 
6.26-14 Fuel Gas Piping 
Systems Using 
Corrugated Stainless 
Steel Tubing (CSST)  310.1, 310.1.1, 
403.5.4  
13VAC5 -63-431. Chapter 3 General provisions and 
special detailed requirements.  
A. Change IEBC Section 301 to General.  
B. Change Section 301.1 and delete Sections 301.1.1 
through 301.1.4.2, including tables,  of the IEBC to read: . 
301.1 Applicability. The applicable provisions of this 
chapter shall b e used in conjunction with the requirements 
in this code, and shall apply to all construction and 
rehabilitation.  
C. Add Section 301.2 to the IEBC to read:  
301.2 Occupancy and use. When determining the 
appropriate application of the referenced sections of this 
code, the ccupancy  occupancy and use of a building shall 
be determined in accordance with Chapter 3 of the VCC.  
D. Change IEBC Section 302 to Building Materials and 
Systems.  
E. Change Sections 302.1 through 302.3 of the IEBC to 
read:  
302.1 Existing m aterials. Materials already in use in a 
building in compliance with requirements or approvals in 
effect at the time of their erection or installation shall be 
permitted to remain in use unless the VCC would not 
permit their use in buildings or structures o f similar 
occupancy, purpose, and location.  
302.2 New and replacement materials. Except as otherwise 
required or permitted by this code, materials permitted by 
the applicable code for new construction shall be used. 
Like materials shall be permitted for repairs and 
alterations, provided no hazard to life, health or property is 
created. Hazardous materials shall not be used where the 
VCC would not permit their use in buildings or structures 
of similar occupancy, purpose, and location.  
302.3 Existing seismi c force -resisting systems. Where the 
existing seismic force- resisting system is a type that can be 
designated ordinary, values of R, Ω 0, and C d for the 
existing seismic force -resisting system shall be those 
specified by the VCC for an ordinary system unless it is 
demonstrated that the existing system will provide Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
442 performance equivalent to that of a detailed, intermediate, 
or special system.  
F. De lete Sections 302.4 and 302.5 of the IEBC.  
G. Add IEBC Section 303 Fire escapes.  
H. Add Sections 303.1 through 303.6, including subsections, 
to the IEBC to read:  
303.1 Where permitted. Fire escapes shall be permitted 
only as provided for in Sections 303.1.1 through 303.1.4.  
303.1.1 Existing fire escapes. Existing fire escapes shall 
continue to be accepted as a component in the means of 
egress in existing buildings only.  
303.1.2 New fire escapes. Newly constructed fire escapes 
for existing buildings shall b e permitted only where 
exterior stairs cannot be utilized due to lot lines limiting 
stair size or due to the sidewalks, alleys, or roads at grade 
level. New fire escapes shall not incorporate ladders or 
access by windows.  
Exception: Fire escapes that are replaced or repaired shall 
only be required to comply with Sections 303.3 and 303.4 
if feasible, and if not feasible, such that the replaced or 
repaired fire escape is not less safe than its existing 
condition.  
303.1.3 Limitations. Fire escapes shall comp ly with this 
section and shall not constitute more than 50% of the 
required number of exits nor more than 50% of the 
required exit capacity.  
303.1.4 Fire escapes required. For other than Group I -2, 
where more than one exit is required, newly constructed 
fire escapes complying with Section 303.6 shall be 
accepted as providing one of the required means of egress. 
Replacement fire escapes or existing fire escapes 
undergoing repairs shall comply with Sections 303.3 and 
303.4 if feasible, and if not feasible, to the greatest extent 
possible.  
303.2 Location. Where located on the front of the building 
and where projecting beyond the building line, the lowest 
landing shall not be less than 7 feet (2134 mm) or more 
than 12 feet (3658 mm) above grade, and shall be eq uipped 
with a counterbalanced stairway to the street. In alleyways 
and thoroughfares less than 30 feet (9144 mm) wide, the 
clearance under the lowest landing shall not be less than 12 
feet (3658 mm).  
303.3 Construction. The fire escape shall be designed to  
support a live load of 100 pounds per square foot (4788 Pa) 
and shall be constructed of steel or other approved 
noncombustible materials. Fire escapes constructed of 
wood not less than nominal 2 inches (51 mm) thick are 
permitted on buildings of Type V construction. Walkways 
and railings located over or supported by combustible roofs 
in buildings of Types III and IV construction are permitted to be of wood not less than nominal 2 inches (51 mm) 
thick.  
303.4 Dimensions. Stairs shall be at least 22 inches (5 59 
mm) wide with risers not more than, and treads not less 
than, 8 inches (203 mm) and landings at the foot of stairs 
not less than 40 inches (1016 mm) wide by 36 inches (914 
mm) long, located not more than 9 inches (203 mm) below 
the door.  
303.5 Opening protectives. Openings within 10 feet (3048 
mm) of newly constructed fire escape stairways shall be 
protected by fire assemblies having minimum 3/4 -hour-
fire-resistance ratings.  
Exception: Opening protection shall not be required in 
buildings equipped throug hout with an approved automatic 
sprinkler system.  
303.6 Fire escape access and details. Newly constructed 
fire escapes shall comply with all of the following 
requirements:  
1. Occupants shall have unobstructed access to the fire 
escape without having to pa ss through a room subject to 
locking.  
2. Access to a new fire escape shall be through a door, 
except that windows shall be permitted to provide access 
from single dwelling units or sleeping units in Group R -
1, R -2 and I -1 occupancies or to provide access f rom 
spaces having a maximum occupant load of 10 in other 
occupancy classifications.  
2.1. The window shall have a minimum net clear opening 
of 5.7 square feet (0.53 m2) or 5 square feet (0.46 m2) 
where located at grade.  
2.2. The minimum net clear opening height shall be 24 
inches (610 mm) and net clear opening width shall be 20 
inches (508 mm).  
2.3. The bottom of the clear opening shall not be greater 
than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor.  
2.4. The operation of the window shall comply with the 
operationa l constraints of the VCC.  
3. In all buildings of Group E occupancy, up to and 
including the 12th grade, buildings of Group I 
occupancy, rooming houses and child care centers, 
ladders of any type are prohibited on fire escapes used as 
a required means of eg ress. 
I. Add IEBC Section 304 Glass replacement and 
replacement windows.  
J. Add Sections 304.1 through 304.3, including subsections, 
to the IEBC to read:  
304.1 Conformance. In accordance with § 36- 99.2 of the 
Code of Virginia, any replacement glass install ed in Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
443 buildings constructed prior to the first edition of the USBC 
shall meet the quality and installation standards for glass 
installed in new buildings as are in effect at the time of 
installation. In addition, as a requirement of this code, the 
installa tion or replacement of glass in buildings 
constructed under any edition of the USBC shall be as 
required for new installations.  
304.2 Replacement window opening devices. In Group R -2 or 
R-3 buildings containing dwelling units, window opening 
control device s complying with ASTM F 2090 shall be 
installed where an existing window is replaced and where all 
of the following apply to the replacement window:  
1. The window is operable;  
2. The window replacement includes replacement of the 
sash and the frame;  
3. The  top of the sill of the window opening is at a height 
less than 36 inches (915 mm) above the finished floor;  
4. The window will permit openings that will allow 
passage of a 4 -inch diameter (102 mm) sphere when the 
window is in its largest opened position; and  
5. The vertical distance from the top of the sill of the 
window opening to the finished grade or other surface 
below, on the exterior of the building, is greater than 72 
inches (1829 mm).  
The window opening control device, after operation to 
release th e control device allowing the window to fully 
open, shall not reduce the minimum net clear opening area 
of the window unit to less than the area required by Section 
1029.2 of the VCC.  
Exceptions:  
1. Operable windows where the top of the sill of the window  
opening is located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the 
finished grade or other surface below, on the exterior of the 
room, space or building, and that are provided with window 
fall prevention devices that comply with ASTM F 2006.  
2. Operable windows w ith openings that are provided with 
window fall prevention devices that comply with ASTM F 
2090.  
304.3 Replacement window emergency escape and rescue 
openings. Where windows are required to provide emergency 
escape and rescue openings in Groups R -2 and R -3 
occupancies, replacement windows shall be exempt from the 
requirements of Sections 1030.2, 1030.3, and 1030.5 provided 
the replacement window meets the following conditions:  
1. The replacement window is the manufacturer's largest 
standard size window that  will fit within the existing 
frame or existing rough opening. The replacement 
window shall be permitted to be of the same operating 
style as the existing window or a style that provides for an equal or greater window opening area than the 
existing window.  
2. The replacement of the window is not part of a change 
of occupancy.  
K. Add IEBC Section 305 Seismic force -resisting systems.  
L. Add Sections 305.1 and 305.2, including subsections, to 
the IEBC to read:  
305.1 General. Where this code requires considerat ion of 
the seismic force- resisting system of an existing building 
subject to repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition 
or relocation of existing buildings, the seismic evaluation 
and design shall be based on Section 305.2 regardless of 
which compliance method is used.  
305.2 Seismic evaluation and design procedures. The 
seismic evaluation and design shall be based on the 
procedures specified in the VCC or ASCE 41. The 
procedures contained in Appendix A of this code shall be 
permitted to be used as sp ecified in Section 305.2.2.  
305.2.1 Compliance with VCC -level seismic forces. Where 
compliance with the seismic design provisions of the VCC 
is required, the criteria shall be in accordance with one of 
the following:  
1. 100% of the values in the VCC. Where  the existing 
seismic force- resisting system is a type that can be 
designated as "Ordinary," values of R, Ω 0, and C d used for 
analysis in accordance with Chapter 16 of the VCC shall be 
those specified for structural systems classified as 
"Ordinary" in acco rdance with Table 12.2 -1 of ASCE 7, 
unless it can be demonstrated that the structural system will 
provide performance equivalent to that of a "Detailed," 
"Intermediate" or "Special" system.  
2. ASCE 41, using a Tier 3 procedure and the two level 
performance objective in Table 305.2.1 for the applicable 
risk category.  
Table 305.2.1  
Performance Objectives for Use in ASCE 41 for Compliance with  
VCC-Level Seismic Forces  
Risk Category 
(Based on VCC 
Table 1604.5)  Structural 
Performance Level 
for Use with BSE -
1E Earthquake 
Hazard Level  Structural 
Performance Level 
for Use with BSE -
2N Earthquake 
Hazard Level  
I Life Safety (S -3) Collapse 
Prevention (S -5) 
II Life Safety (S -3) Collapse 
Prevention (S -5) 
III Damage Control (S -
2) Limited Safety (S -
4) 
IV Immediate 
Occupancy (S -1) Life Safety (S -3) Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
444 305.2.2 Compliance with reduced VCC -level seismic 
forces. Where seismic evaluation and design is permitted 
to meet reduced VCC seismic force levels, the criteria used 
shall be in accordance with one of the following:  
1. The VCC using 75% of the prescribed forces. Values 
of R, Ω 0 and C d used for analysis shall be as specified in 
Section 305.2.1 of this code.  
2. Structures or portions of structures that comply with 
the requirements of the applicable chapter in Appendix A 
as specified in Items 2.1 through 2.5 and subject to the 
limitations of the respective Appendix A chapters shall 
be deemed to comply with this section.  
2.1. The seismic evaluation and design of unreinforced 
masonry bearing wall buildings in Risk Category I or  II 
are permitted to be based on the procedures specified in 
Appendix Chapter A1.  
2.2. Seismic evaluation and design of the wall anchorage 
system in reinforced concrete and reinforced masonry 
wall buildings with flexible diaphragms in Risk Category 
I or II are permitted to be based on the procedures 
specified in Chapter A2.  
2.3. Seismic evaluation and design of cripple walls and 
sill plate anchorage in residential buildings of light -frame 
wood construction in Risk Category I or II are permitted 
to be based on the procedures specified in Chapter A3.  
2.4. Seismic evaluation and design of soft, weak, or open-
front wall conditions in multiunit residential buildings of 
wood construction in Risk Category I or II are permitted to 
be based on the procedures specifie d in Chapter A4.  
2.5. Seismic evaluation and design of concrete buildings 
assigned to Risk Category I, II, or III are permitted to be 
based on the procedures specified in Chapter A5.  
3. ASCE 41, using the performance objective in Table 
305.2.2 for the appl icable risk category.  
Table 305.2.2  
Performance Objectives for Use in ASCE 41 for Compliance with 
Reduced VCC -Level Seismic Forces  
Risk Category 
(Based on VCC Table 
1604.5)  Structural Performance Level 
for Use with BSE -1E 
Earthquake Hazard Level  
I Life Safety (S -3) 
II Life Safety (S -3) 
III Damage Control (S -2a)  
IV Immediate Occupancy (S -1) 
a. Tier 1 evaluation at the Damage Control performance level shall 
use the Tier 1 Life Safety checklists and Tier 1 Quick Check 
provision midway between those specified for Life Safety and 
Immediate Occupancy performance  M. Add IEBC Section 306 Group B teaching and research 
laboratories.  
N. Add Section 306.1, including subsections, to the IEBC to 
read:  
306.1 Change of occupancy in existing Group B teaching 
and research laboratories. Where the use of new or 
different hazardous materials or a change in the amount 
of hazardous materials in existing Group B testing and 
research laboratories in educational occupancies above 
the 12th grade would constitute a change of  occupancy, 
this section shall be permitted to be used as an acceptable 
alternative to compliance with change of occupancy 
requirements to permit the increased amounts of 
hazardous materials stipulated without the laboratories 
being classified as Group H. In addition, as set out in 
Section 5001.7 of the SFPC, approval under this section 
is contingent upon operational requirements in the SFPC 
being complied with and maintained.  
306.1.1 Hazardous materials in existing Group B 
teaching and research laboratories. The percentage of 
maximum allowable quantities of hazardous materials 
per control area and the number of control areas 
permitted at each floor level within an existing building 
shall be permitted to comply with Table 302.6.1(1) in 
buildings equipped thr oughout with an automatic 
sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 of 
the VCC or shall be permitted to comply with Table 
302.6.1(2) in buildings not equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 
903.3.1.1 of  the VCC.  
Table 306.1.1(1)  
Design and Number of Control Areas in Existing Buildings 
Equipped throughout with an Automatic Sprinkler System in 
Accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 of the VCC with Group B 
Teaching and Research Laboratories in Educational Occupancies 
above the 12th Grade  
Floor Level  Percentage 
of the 
Maximum 
Allowable 
Quantity 
per 
Control 
Areaa Number 
of 
Control 
Areas 
per 
Floor  Fire-
Resistance 
Rating for 
Fire 
Barriers 
and 
Horizontal 
Assemblies 
in Hoursb 
Above 
Grade 
Plane  Higher 
than 20  
10-20 
7-9 
4-6 
3 5 
10 
25 
50 
75 
100 1 
1 
2 
2 
2 
3 2 
2 
2 
2 
1 
1 Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
445 2 
1 100 4 1 
Below 
Grade 
Plane  1 
2 
Lower 
than 2  75 
50 
Not 
Allowed  3 
2 
Not 
Allowed  1 
1 
Not 
Allowed  
a. Percentage shall be of the maximum allowable quantity per 
control area shown in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2) of the VCC, 
with all increases allowed in the notes to those tables.  
b. Separation shall include fire barriers and horizontal assemblies 
as necessary to provide separation from other portions of the 
building.  
  
Table 306.1.1(2)  
Design and Num ber of Control Areas in Existing Buildings Not 
Equipped throughout with an Automatic Sprinkler System in 
Accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 of the VCC with Group B 
Teaching and Research Laboratories in Educational Occupancies 
above the 12th Grade  
Floor Level  Percentage 
of the 
Maximum 
Allowable 
Quantity 
per Control 
Areaa Number 
of 
Control 
Areas 
per 
Floor  Fire-
Resistance 
Rating for 
Fire 
Barriers 
and 
Horizontal 
Assemblies 
in Hoursb 
Above 
Grade 
Plane  Higher 
than 9  
7-9 
4-6 
3 
2 
1 5 
10 
25 
75 
100 
100 1 
2 
2 
2 
3 
4 2 
2 
2 
1 
1 
1 
Below 
Grade 
Plane  1 
2 
Lower 
than 2  75 
50 
Not 
Allowed  3 
2 
Not 
Allowed  1 
1 
Not 
Allowed  
a. Percentage shall be of the maximum allowable quantity per 
control area shown in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2) of the VCC, 
with all increases allowed in the notes to those tables.  
b. Separation shall include fire barriers and horizontal assemblies 
as necessary to provide separation from other portions of the 
building.  306.1.2 Automatic fire alarm and detection systems. An 
automatic fire alarm system shall  be provided throughout 
the building in accordance with Section 907 of the VCC. 
An automatic fire detection system shall be provided in the 
control area in accordance with Section 907 of the VCC 
where pyrophics or Class 4 oxidizers are used and the 
buildin g is not equipped throughout with an automatic 
sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 of 
the VCC.  
306.1.3 System supervision and monitoring. Automatic fire 
detection systems shall be electronically supervised and 
monitored by an approved supervising station or, where 
approved, shall initiate an audible and visual signal at a 
constantly attended onsite location.  
O. Add IEBC Section 307 Reroofing and roof repair.  
P. Add Sections 307.1 through 307.7, including subsections, 
to the IEBC to read:  
307.1 Reroofing. Materials and methods of application 
used for recovering or replacing an existing roof covering 
shall comply with this section and the applicable 
requirements of Chapter 15 of the VCC.  
Exceptions:  
1. Roof replacement of roof recover of existing low -slope 
roof coverings shall not be required to meet the minimum 
design slope requirement of one -quarter unit vertical in 
12 units horizontal (2% slope) in Section 1507 of the 
VCC for roofs that provide positive roof drainage.  
2. Recovering or r eplacing an existing roof covering shall 
not be required to meet the requirement of secondary 
(emergency overflow) drains or scuppers in Section 
1503.4 of the VCC for roofs that provide for positive 
roof drainage. For the purposes of this exception, existi ng 
secondary drainage or scupper systems required in 
accordance with the VCC shall not be removed unless 
they are replaced by secondary drains or scuppers 
designed and installed in accordance with Section 1503.4 
of the VCC.  
307.2 Structural and constructio n loads. Structural roof 
components shall be capable of supporting the roof 
covering system and the material and equipment loads that 
will be encountered during installation of the system.  
307.3 Roof replacement. Roof replacement shall include 
the removal of all existing layers of roof coverings down to 
the roof deck.  
Exception: Where the existing roof assembly includes an 
ice barrier membrane that is adhered to the roof deck, the 
existing ice barrier membrane shall be permitted to remain 
in place and cover ed with an additional layer of ice barrier 
membrane in accordance with Section 1507 of the VCC.  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
446 307.3.1 Roof recover. The installation of a new roof 
covering over an existing roof covering shall be permitted 
where any of the following conditions occur:  
1. Complete and separate roofing systems, such as 
standing -seam metal roof systems, that are designed to 
transmit the roof loads directly to the building's structural 
system and that do not rely on existing roofs and roof 
coverings for support, shall not requ ire the removal of 
exiting roof coverings.  
2. Metal panel, metal shingle and concrete and clay tile 
roof coverings shall be permitted to be installed over 
existing wood shake roofs when applied in accordance 
with Section 307.4.  
3. The application of a new  protective coating over an 
existing spray polyurethane foam roofing system shall be 
permitted without tear -off of existing roof coverings.  
4. Where the new roof covering is installed in accordance 
with the roof covering manufacturer's approved 
instructio ns. 
Exceptions .: A roof recover shall not be permitted where 
any of the following conditions occur: 
1. Where the existing roof or roof covering is water 
soaked or has deteriorated to the point that the existing 
roof or roof covering is not adequate as a ba se for 
additional roofing.  
2. Where the existing roof covering is slate, clay, cement, 
or asbestos -cement tile.  
3. Where the existing roof has two or more applications 
of any type of roof covering.  
307.4 Roof recovering. Where the application of a new 
roof covering over wood shingle or shake roofs creates a 
combustible concealed space, the entire existing surface 
shall be covered with gypsum board, mineral fiber, glass 
fiber or other approved materials securely fastened in 
place.  
307.5 Reinstallation of ma terials. Existing slate, clay, or 
cement tile shall be permitted for reinstallation, except that 
damaged, cracked or broken slate or tile shall not be 
reinstalled. Existing vent flashing, metal edgings, drain 
outlets, collars, and metal counter -flashings s hall not be 
reinstalled where rusted, damaged, or deteriorated. 
Aggregate surfacing materials shall not be reinstalled.  
307.6 Flashings. Flashings shall be reconstructed in 
accordance with approved manufacturer's installation 
instructions. Metal flashing to which bituminous materials 
are to be adhered shall be primed prior to installation.  
307.7 Roof repair. Roof repairs shall comply with this 
section. Work on nondamaged components that is 
necessary for the required repair of damaged components shall be con sidered part of the roof repair and shall not be 
subject to the requirements of other parts of this code.  
Exception: Routine maintenance required by this section, 
ordinary repairs exempt from permit in accordance with 
Section 108.2 of the VCC, and abateme nt of wear due to 
normal service conditions shall not be subject to the 
requirements for roof repairs in this section.  
307.7.1 Building materials and systems. Building materials 
and systems shall comply with the requirements of 
Sections 307.7.1.1 and 307.7.1.2.  
307.7.1.1 Existing materials. Materials already in use in a 
building in compliance with requirements or approvals in 
effect at the time of their erection or installation shall be 
permitted to remain in use unless determined by the 
building official to be unsafe.  
307.7.1.2 New and replacement materials. Except as 
otherwise required or permitted by this code, materials 
permitted by the applicable code for new construction shall 
be used. Like materials shall be permitted for repairs, 
provided no hazard to life, health or property is created. 
Hazardous materials shall not be used where the code for 
new construction would not permit their use in buildings of 
similar occupancy, purpose and location.  
13VAC5 -63-432.5. Chapter 4 Accessibility.  
A. Change IEBC Section 401 to General.  
B. Change Section 401.1 of the IEBC to read:  
401.1 Scope. The applicable provisions of this chapter 
shall apply to all construction and rehabilitation.  
C. Delete Sections 401.1.1 through 401.3.  
D. Change IEBC Section 402 of Change of Occupancy.  
E. Change Sections 402.1 through 402.3 of the IEBC to 
read:  
402.1 Change of occupancy. Existing buildings or 
structures that undergo a change of occupancy shall 
comply with this section.  
Exception: Type B dwelling or sleeping units required b y 
Section 1107 of the VCC are not required to be provided in 
existing buildings and facilities undergoing a change of 
occupancy in conjunction with alterations where the work 
area is 50% or less of the aggregate area of the building.  
402.2 Partial change i n occupancy. Where a portion of the 
building is changed to a new occupancy classification, 
additional accessible features are not required due to the 
change of occupancy.  
402.3 Complete change of occupancy. Where an entire 
building undergoes a change of occupancy classification, it 
shall have all of the following accessible features:  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
447 1. At least one accessible building entrance.  
2. At least one accessible route from an accessible 
building entrance to primary function areas.  
3. Signage complying with Sect ion 1111 of the VCC.  
4. Accessible parking, where parking is being provided.  
5. At least one accessible passenger loading zone, when 
loading zones are provided.  
6. At least one accessible route connecting accessible 
parking and accessible passenger loadin g zones to an 
accessible entrance.  
Where it is technically infeasible to comply with the new 
construction standards for any of these requirements of a 
change of occupancy, Items 1 through 6 shall conform to 
the requirements to the maximum extent technical ly 
feasible.  
Exception: The accessible features listed in Items 1 
through 6 are not required for an accessible route to Type 
B units.  
F. Delete Sections 402.3.1, 402.4 and 402.5 of the IEBC.  
G. Change IEBC Section 403 to Additions.  
H. Change Sections 403 .1 through 403.3 of the IEBC to 
read:  
403.1 Additions. Accessibility provisions for new 
construction shall apply to additions. An addition that 
affects the accessibility to, or contains an area of, a primary 
function shall comply with the requirements in S ection 
410.7, as applicable.  
403.2 Accessible dwelling units and sleeping units. Where 
Group I -1, I-2, I-3, R-1, R-2, or R -4 dwelling or sleeping 
units are being added, the requirements of Section 1107 of 
the VCC for accessible units apply only to the quan tity of 
spaces being added.  
403.3 Type A dwelling or sleeping units. Where more than 
20 Group R -2 dwelling or sleeping units are being added, 
the requirements of Section 1107 of the VCC for Type A 
units and Chapter 9 of the VCC for visible alarms apply 
only to the quantity of the spaces being added.  
I. Delete Section 403.3.1.  
J. Change Section 403.4 of the IEBC to read:  
403.4 Type B dwelling or sleeping units. Where four or 
more Group I -1, I-2, R -1, R -2, R -3, or R -4 dwelling or 
sleeping units are being ad ded, the requirements of 
Section1107 of the VCC for Type B units and Chapter 9 of 
the VCC for visible alarms apply only to the quantity of 
spaces being added.  
K. Delete Sections 403.4.1 through 403.11, including 
subsections, of the IEBC.  L. Change IEBC Se ction 404 to Alterations.  
M. Change Sections 404.1 through 404.4.15, including 
subsections, of the IEBC to read:  
404.1 General. An alteration of an existing facility shall 
not impose a requirement for greater accessibility than that 
which would be required  for new construction. Alterations 
shall not reduce or have the effect of reducing accessibility 
of a facility or portion of a facility.  
404.2 Alterations. A facility that is altered shall comply 
with the applicable provisions in this section and Chapter 
11 of the VCC, except as modified by Sections 404.3 and 
404.4, unless technically infeasible. Where compliance 
with this section is technically infeasible, the alteration 
shall provide access to the maximum extent technically 
feasible.  
Exceptions:  
1. The altered element or space is not required to be on 
an accessible route, unless required by Section 404.3.  
2. Accessible means of egress required by Chapter 10 of 
the VCC are not required to be provided in existing 
facilities.  
3. The alteration to Type A individually owned dwelling 
units within a Group R -2 occupancy shall be permitted to 
meet the provision for a Type B dwelling unit.  
4. Type  B dwelling or sleeping units required by Section 
1107 of the VCC are not required to be provided in 
existing buildings and facilities undergoing a change of 
occupancy in conjunction with alterations where the 
work area is 50% or less of the aggregate area of the 
building.  
404.3 Alterations affecting an area containing a primary 
function. Where an alteration affects the accessibility to, or 
contains an area of primary function, the route to the 
primary function area shall be accessible. The accessible 
route to the primary function area shall include toilet 
facilities and drinking fountains that shall also be 
accessible to and useable by individuals with disabilities, 
serving the area of primary function.  
Exceptions:  
1. The costs of providing the accessible route are not 
required to exceed 20% of the costs of the alterations 
affecting the area of primary function.  
2. This provision does not apply to alterations limited 
solely to windows, hardware, operating controls, 
electrical outlets and signs.  
3. This pr ovision does not apply to alterations limited 
solely to mechanical systems, electrical systems, 
installation or alteration of fire protection systems and 
abatement of hazardous materials.  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
448 4. This provision does not apply to alterations undertaken 
for the primary purpose of increasing the accessibility of 
a facility.  
5. This provision does not apply to altered areas limited 
to Type B dwelling and sleeping units.  
404.4 Scoping for alterations. The provisions of Sections 
404.4.1 through 404.4.14 shall apply  to alterations to 
existing buildings and facilities.  
404.4.1 Entrances. Where an alteration includes alterations 
to an entrance, and the facility has an accessible entrance 
on an accessible route, the altered entrance is not required 
to be accessible unle ss required by Section 404.3. Signs 
complying with Section 1111 of the VCC shall be 
provided.  
Exception: Where an alteration includes alterations to an 
entrance, and the facility has an accessible entrance, the 
altered entrance is not required to be access ible, unless 
required by Section 410.7. Signs complying with Section 
1111 of the VCC shall be provided.  
404.4.2 Elevators. Altered elements of existing elevators 
shall comply with ASME A17.1/CSA B44 and ICC 
A117.1. Such elements shall also be altered in e levators 
programmed to respond to the same hall call control as the 
altered elevator.  
404.4.3 Platform lifts. Platform (wheelchair) lifts 
complying with ICC A117.1 and installed in accordance 
with ASME A18.1 shall be permitted as a component of an 
accessib le route.  
404.4.4 Stairways and escalators. In alterations, change of 
occupancy or additions where an escalator or stairway is 
added where none existed previously and major structural 
modifications are necessary for installation, an accessible 
route shall be provided between the levels served by the 
escalator or stairways in accordance with Section 1104.4 of 
the VCC.  
404.4.5 Ramps. Where steeper slopes than allowed by 
Section 1012.2 of the VCC are necessitated by space 
limitations, the slope of ramps in or  providing access to 
existing facilities shall comply with Table 404.4.5.  
Table 404.4.5  
Ramps  
Slope  Maximum Rise  
Steeper than 1:10 but not 
steeper than 1:8  3 inches  
Steeper than 1:12 but not 
steeper than 1:10  6 inches  
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm  404.4.6 Accessible dwelling or sleeping units. Where 
Group I -1, I-2, I-3, R-1, R-2, or R -4 dwelling or sleeping 
units are being altered, the requirements of Section 1107 of 
the VCC for Accessible units apply only to the quantity of 
the spaces being altered.  
404.4 .7 Type A dwelling or sleeping units. Where more 
than 20 Group R -2 dwelling or sleeping units are being 
altered, the requirements of Section 1107 of the VCC for 
Type A units and Chapter 9 of the VCC for visible alarms 
apply only to the quantity of the spac es being altered.  
404.4.8 Type B dwelling or sleeping units. Where four or 
more Group I -1, I-2, R -1, R -2, R -3, or R -4 dwelling or 
sleeping units are being altered and where the work area is 
greater than 50% of the aggregate area of the building, the 
requir ements of Section 1107 of the VCC for Type B units 
and Chapter 9 of the VCC for visible Alarms  alarms  apply 
only to the quantity of the spaces being altered.  
Exceptions: Group I -1, I-2, R-2, R-3, and R -4 dwelling or 
sleeping units where the first certific ate of occupancy was 
issued before March 15, 1991, are not required to provide 
Type B dwelling or sleeping units.  
404.4.9 Jury boxes and witness stands. In alterations, 
accessible wheelchair spaces are not required to be located 
within the defined area of raised jury boxes or witness 
stands and shall be permitted to be located outside these 
spaces where ramp or lift access poses a hazard by 
restricting or projecting into a required means of egress.  
404.4.10 Toilet rooms. Where it is technically infeasible to 
alter existing toilet and bathing rooms to be accessible, an 
accessible family or assisted -use toilet or bathing room 
constructed in accordance with Section 1109.2.1 of the 
VCC is permitted. The family or assisted -use toilet or 
bathing room shall be loca ted on the same floor and in the 
same area as the existing toilet or bathing rooms. At the 
inaccessible toilet and bathing rooms, provide directional 
signs indicating the location of the nearest family or 
assisted -use toilet room or bathing room. These dir ectional 
signs shall include the International Symbol of 
Accessibility and sign characters shall meet the visual 
character requirements in accordance with ICC A117.1.  
404.4.11 Dressing, fitting and locker rooms. Where it is 
technically infeasible to provid e accessible dressing, fitting 
or locker rooms at the same location as similar types of 
rooms, one accessible room on the same level shall be 
provided. Where separate- sex facilities are provided, 
accessible rooms for each sex shall be provided. Separate 
sex facilities are not required where only unisex rooms are 
provided.  
404.4.12 Fuel dispensers. Operable parts of replacement 
fuel dispensers shall be permitted to be 54 inches (1370 
mm) maximum, measuring from the surface of the Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
449 vehicular way where fuel di spensers are installed on 
existing curbs.  
404.4.13 Thresholds. The maximum height of thresholds at 
doorways shall be 3/4 inch (19.1 mm). Such thresholds 
shall have beveled edges on each side.  
404.4.14 Amusement rides. Where the structural or 
operational c haracteristics of an amusement ride are altered 
to the extent that the amusement ride's performance differs 
from that specified by the manufacturer or the original 
design, the amusement ride shall comply with requirements 
for new construction in Section 11 10.4.8 of the VCC.  
404.4.15 Dining areas. An accessible route to raised or 
sunken dining areas or to outdoor seating areas is not 
required provided that the same services and décor are 
provided in an accessible space usable by any occupant 
and not restric ted to use by people with a disability.  
N. Delete Sections 404.2.1, 404.2.2, 404.2.3,  404.3.1 and 
404.5 of the IEBC.  
O. Change Section 405 to Historic Buildings.  
P. Change Section 405.1, including subsections, to read:  
405.1 General. These provisions shal l apply to facilities 
designated as historic buildings or structures that undergo 
alterations or a change of occupancy, unless technically 
infeasible. Where compliance with the requirements for 
accessible routes, entrances or toilet rooms would threaten 
or destroy the historic significance of the facility, the 
alternative requirements of Sections 405.1.1 through 
405.1.4 for that element shall be permitted.  
Exception: Type B dwelling or sleeping units required by 
Section 1107 of the VCC are not required to be provided in 
historical buildings.  
405.1.1 Site arrival points. At least one accessible route 
from a site arrival point to an accessible entrance shall be 
provided.  
405.1.2 Multilevel buildings and facilities. An accessible 
route from an accessible entr ance to public spaces on the 
level of the accessible entrance shall be provided.  
405.1.3 Entrances. At least one main entrance shall be 
accessible.  
Exceptions:  
1. If a main entrance cannot be made accessible, an 
accessible nonpublic entrance that is unlocked while the 
building is occupied shall be provided; or  
2. If a main entrance cannot be made accessible, a locked 
accessible entrance with a notification system or remote 
monitoring shall be provided.  Signs complying with Section 1111 of the VCC shall be 
provided at the primary entrance and the accessible 
entrance.  
405.1.4 Toilet and bathing facilities. Where toilet rooms 
are provided, at least one accessible family or assisted -use 
toilet room complying with Section 1109.2.1 of the VCC 
shall be provided.  
Q. Delete Sections 405.2 through 405.5 of the IEBC.  
R. Delete Sections 406, 407, 408, 409 and 410 of the IEBC 
in their entirety.  
13VAC5 -63-433. Chapter 5 Repairs.  
A. Change Section 501.1 and 501.2 of the IEBC to read:  
501.1 Scope. Repairs, including the patching or restoration 
or replacement of damaged materials, elements, equipment 
or fixtures for the purpose of maintaining such components 
in good or sound condition with respect to existing loads or 
performance require ments, shall comply with the 
requirements of this chapter. Repairs to historic buildings 
need only comply with Chapter 9. Portions of the existing 
building or structure not being repaired shall not be 
required to comply with the requirements of this code 
applicable to newly constructed buildings or structures. 
Work on nondamaged components that is necessary for the 
required repair of damaged components shall be 
considered part of the repair and shall not be subject to the 
provisions of Chapter 6, 7 or 8. Routine maintenance 
required by Section 302, ordinary repairs exempt from 
permit in accordance with Section 108.2 of the VCC, and 
abatement of wear due to normal service conditions shall 
not be subject to the requirements for repairs in this 
section.  
Excepti on: Repairs complying with the requirements of the 
building code under which the building or structure or the 
affected portions thereof was built, or as previously 
approved by the building official, shall be considered in 
compliance with the provisions of this code, unless the 
building or structure or the affected portions thereof is 
undergoing a substantial structural alteration as described 
in Section 604.7.1. New structural members added as part 
of the alteration or repairs shall comply with the VCC. 
Repairs of existing buildings in flood hazard areas shall 
comply with Section 503.  
501.2 Conformance. The work shall not make the building 
less conforming that  than it was before the repair was 
undertaken. Repairs shall be done in a manner that 
maintains the following:  
1. Level of fire protection that is existing.  
2. Level of protection that is existing for the means of 
egress.  
3. Level of accessibility that is existing.  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
450 B. Delete Section 501.1.1.  
C. Change Section 502 to Structural.  
D. Change Sections 502.1  and 502.2, including subsections, 
of the IEBC to read:  
502.1 General. Structural repairs shall be in compliance 
with this section and Section 501.2. Regardless of the 
scope of repair, new structural members and connections 
used for repair or rehabilitatio n shall comply with the 
detailing provisions of the VCC for new buildings of 
similar structure, purpose and location.  
502.2 Repairs to damaged buildings. Repairs to damaged 
buildings shall comply with this section.  
502.2.1 Less than substantial structural  damage. For 
damage less than substantial structural damage, repairs 
shall be allowed that restore the building to its predamage 
state. New structural members and connection used for this 
repair shall comply with the detailing provisions of the 
VCC for new  buildings of similar structure, purpose, and 
location.  
502.2.2 Substantial structural damage to vertical elements 
of the lateral force- resisting system. A building that has 
sustained substantial structural damage to the vertical 
elements of its lateral fo rce-resisting system shall be 
evaluated in accordance with Section 502.2.2.1 and either 
repaired in accordance with Section 502.2.2. or repaired 
and rehabilitated in accordance with Section 502.2.2.3, 
depending on the results of the evaluation.  
Exceptions:  
1. Buildings assigned to Seismic Design Category A, B, 
or C whose substantial structural damage was not caused 
by earthquake need not be evaluated or rehabilitated for 
load combinations that include earthquake effects.  
2. One -family and two -family dwelli ngs need not be 
evaluated or rehabilitated for load combinations that 
include earthquake effects.  
502.2.2.1 Evaluation. The building shall be evaluated by a 
registered design professional, and the evaluation findings 
shall be submitted to the building off icial. The evaluation 
shall establish whether the damaged building if repaired to 
its predamage state, would comply with the provisions of 
the VCC for load combinations that include wind or 
earthquake effects, except that the seismic forces shall be 
the re duced VCC -level seismic forces.  
Wind loads for this evaluation shall be those prescribed in 
Section 1609 of the VCC. Earthquake loads for this 
evaluation, if required, shall be permitted to be 75% of 
those prescribed in Section 1613 of the VCC. 
Alternative ly, compliance with ASCE 41, using the 
performance objective in Table 305.2.2 for the applicable risk category, shall be deemed to meet the earthquake 
evaluation requirement.  
502.2.2.2 Extent of repair for noncompliant  compliant  
buildings. If the evaluatio n establishes that the building in 
its predamage condition complies with the provisions of 
Section 502.2.2.1, then repairs shall be permitted that 
restore the building to its predamage state.  
502.2.2.3 Extent of repair for noncompliant buildings. If 
the ev aluation does not establish that the building in its 
predamage condition complies with the provisions of 
Section 502.2.2.1, then the building shall be rehabilitated 
to comply with the provisions of this section. The wind 
loads for the repair shall be as required by the building 
code in effect at the time of original construction, unless 
the damage was caused by wind, in which case the wind 
loads shall be in accordance with the VCC. The earthquake 
loads for this rehabilitation design shall be those required 
by the building code in effect at the time of original 
construction, but not less than the reduced VCC -level 
seismic forces. New structural members and connections 
required by this rehabilitation design shall comply with the 
detailing provisions of the VCC  for new buildings of 
similar structure, purpose and location. Alternatively, 
compliance with ASCE 41, using the performance 
objective in Table 305.2.2 for the applicable risk category, 
shall be deemed to meet the earthquake rehabilitation 
requirement.  
502.2.3 Substantial structural damage to gravity load -
carrying components. Gravity load -carrying components 
that have sustained substantial structural damage shall be 
rehabilitated to comply with the applicable provisions for 
dead and live loads in the VCC. S now loads shall be 
considered if the substantial structural damage was caused 
by or related to snow load effects. Existing gravity load 
carrying structural elements shall be permitted to be 
designed for live loads approved prior to the damage. If the 
approved live load is less than that required by Section 
1607 of the VCC, the area designed for the nonconforming 
live load shall be posted with placards of approved design 
indicating the approved live load. Nondamaged gravity 
load-carrying components that rece ive dead, live, or snow 
loads from rehabilitated components shall also be 
rehabilitated if required to comply with the design loads of 
the rehabilitation design, or shown to have the capacity to 
carry the design loads of the rehabilitation design. New 
structural members and connections required by this 
rehabilitation design shall comply with the detailing 
provisions of the VCC for new buildings of similar 
structure purpose and location.  
502.2.3.1 Lateral force -resisting elements. Regardless of 
the level of damage to gravity elements of the lateral force -
resisting system, if substantial structural damage to gravity 
load-carrying components was caused primarily by wind or Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
451 earthquake effects, then the building shall be evaluated in 
accordance with Section 502.2 .2.1 and, if noncompliant, 
rehabilitated in accordance with Section 502.2.2.3.  
Exceptions:  
1. Buildings assigned to Seismic Design Category A, B, 
or C whose substantial structural damage was not caused 
by earthquake need not be evaluated or rehabilitated f or 
load combinations that include earthquake effects.  
2. One -family and two -family dwellings need not be 
evaluated or rehabilitated for load combinations that 
include earthquake effects.  
E. Delete Section 502.3 of the IEBC.  
F. Change Section 503 to Flood Hazard Areas.  
G. Change Section 503.1 of the IEBC to read:  
503.1 Flood hazard areas. For buildings and structures, in 
flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3 of the 
VCC, or Section R322 of the International Residential 
Code, as applicable, any repair that constitutes substantial 
improvement or repair of substantial damage of the 
existing building or structure shall comply with the flood 
design requirements for new construction and all aspects of 
the existing building or structure shall be brough t into 
compliance with the requirements for new construction for 
flood design.  
For buildings and structures in flood hazard areas 
established in Section 1612.3 of the VCC, or Section R322 
of the International Residential Code, as applicable, any 
repairs do  not constitute substantial improvement or repair 
of substantial damage of the existing building or structure 
are not required to comply with the flood design 
requirements for new construction.  
H. Delete Section 503.2 of the IEBC.  
I. Change Section 504 to Electrical.  
J. Change Section 504.1 of the IEBC to read:  
504.1 Material. Existing electrical wiring and equipment 
undergoing repair shall be allowed to be repaired or 
replaced with like material.  
504.1.1 Receptacles. Replacement of electrical receptacles 
shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 
406.4(D) of NFPA 70.  
504.1.2 Plug fuses. Plug fuses of the Edison- base type 
shall be used for replacements only where there is no 
evidence of over fusing or tampering per applicable 
requirements of Se ction 240.51(B) of NFPA 70.  
504.1.3 Nongrounding- type receptacles. For replacement 
of nongrounding -type receptacles with grounding -type 
receptacles and for branch circuits that do not have an 
equipment grounding conductor in the branch circuitry, the grounding conductor of a grounding -type receptacle outlet 
shall be permitted to be grounded to any accessible point 
on the grounding electrode system or to any accessible 
point on the grounding electrode conductor in accordance 
with Section 250.130(C) of NFPA 70.  
504.1.4 Group I -2 receptacles. Non -"hospital grade" 
receptacles in patient bed locations of Group I -2 shall be 
replaced with "hospital grade" receptacles, as required by 
NFPA 99 and Article 517 of NFPA 70.  
504.1.5 Grounding of appliances. Frames of elec tric 
ranges, wall -mounted ovens, counter -mounted cooking 
units, clothes dryers and outlet or junction boxes that are 
part of the existing branch circuit for these appliances shall 
be permitted to be grounded to the grounded circuit 
conductor in accordance with Section 250.140 of NFPA 
70. 
K. Delete Section 504.2 of the IEBC.  
L. Change Section 505 to Mechanical.  
M. Change Sections 505.1 and 505.2 of the IEBC to read:  
505.1 General. Existing mechanical systems undergoing 
repair shall not make the building les s conforming than it 
was before the repair was undertaken.  
505.2 Mechanical draft systems for manually fired 
appliances and fireplaces. A mechanical draft system shall 
be permitted to be used with manually fired appliances and 
fireplaces where such a syste m complies with all of the 
following requirements:  
1. The mechanical draft device shall be listed and 
installed in accordance with the manufacturer's 
installation instructions.  
2. A device shall be installed that produces visible and 
audible warning upon f ailure of the mechanical draft 
device or loss of electrical power at any time that the 
mechanical draft device is turned on. This device shall be 
equipped with a battery backup if it receives power from 
the building wiring.  
3. A smoke detector shall be ins talled in the room with 
the appliance or fireplace. This device shall be equipped 
with a battery backup if it receives power from the 
building wiring.  
N. Change Section 506 to Plumbing.  
O. Change Sections 506.1 and 506.2 of the IEBC to read:  
506.1 Material s. Plumbing materials and supplies shall not 
be used for repairs that are prohibited in the International 
Plumbing Code.  
506.2 Water closet replacement. The maximum water 
consumption flow rates and quantities for all replaced 
water closets shall be 1.6 gal lons (6 L) per flushing cycle.  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
452 Exception: Blowout -design water closets 3.5 gallons (13 L) 
per flushing cycle.  
P. Delete Section 507 of the IEBC in its entirety.  
Q. Delete Section 508 of the IEBC in its entirety.  
R. Delete Section 509 of the IEBC in its entirety.  
13VAC5 -63-433.3. Chapter 6 Alterations.  
A. Change Sections 601.1 through 601.5, including 
subsections, of the IEBC to read:  
601.1 General. Except as provided by Section 905.1 or this 
chapter, alterations to any building or structure shall 
comply with the requirements of the VCC for new 
construction. Alterations shall be such that the existing 
building or structure is no less conforming to the 
provisions of the VCC than the existing building or 
structure was prior to the alteration.  
Exceptions:  
1. Any stairway replacing an existing stairway shall not 
be required to comply with the requirements of Section 
1011 of the VCC where the existing space and 
construction does not allow a reduction in pitch or slope.  
2. Handrails otherwise required to comply with Section 
1011.11 of the VCC shall not be required to comply with 
the requirements of Section 1014.6 of the VCC regarding 
full extension of the handrails where such extensions 
would be hazardous due to plan configuration.  
3. Where the current level of s afety or sanitation is 
proposed to be reduced, the portion altered shall conform 
to the requirements of the VCC.  
4. Alterations complying with the requirements of the 
building code under which the building or structure or 
the affected portions thereof was built, or as previously 
approved by the building official, shall be considered in 
compliance with the provisions of this code, unless the 
building or structure or the affected portions thereof is 
undergoing a substantial structural alteration as described 
in Section 604.7.1. New structural members added as 
part of the alteration or repairs shall comply with the 
VCC. Alterations of existing buildings in flood hazard 
areas shall comply with Section 601.3.  
601.2 Levels of alterations. Alterations to any buildi ng or 
structure shall be classified as the following:  
601.2.1 Level 1. Level 1 alterations include the removal 
and replacement or the covering of existing materials, 
elements, equipment, or fixtures using new materials, 
elements, equipment, or fixtures th at serve the same 
purpose. Level 1 alterations shall comply with the 
applicable provisions Section 602.  601.2.2 Level 2. Level 2 alterations include the addition or 
elimination of any door or window, the reconfiguration or 
extension of any system, or the i nstallation of any 
additional equipment and shall apply where the work area 
is less than 50% of the building area. Level 2 alterations 
shall comply with the applicable provisions Sections 602 
and 603.  
601.2.3 Level 3. Level 3 alterations apply where the wo rk 
area exceeds 50% of the building area. Level 3 alterations 
shall comply with the applicable provisions of Sections 
602, 603 and 604.  
601.2.3.1 Special provisions. A building separated 
horizontally in compliance with VCC Section 510.2 shall 
be considered  as separate and distinct buildings for the 
purpose of determining building area used for application 
of Section 601.2.3.  
601.3 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas, alterations 
that constitute substantial improvement shall require that 
the building c omply with Section 1612 of the VCC or 
Section R322 of the International Residential Code, as 
applicable.  
601.4 Energy conservation. Level 1, 2, and 3 alterations to 
existing buildings or structures are permitted without 
requiring the entire building or str ucture to comply with 
the energy requirements of the International Energy 
Conservation Code or International Residential Code. The 
alterations shall conform to the energy requirements of the 
International Energy Conservation Code or International 
Residenti al Code as they relate to new construction only.  
Exception: Except for window and door openings, like 
materials, assemblies or thicknesses shall be permitted for 
alterations involving the exterior building thermal 
envelope, provided no hazard to life, heal th or property is 
created. Hazardous materials shall not be used where the 
code for new construction would not permit their use in 
buildings of similar occupancy, purpose and location.  
601.5 Accessibility. Accessibility shall be provided in 
accordance with  applicable provisions of Section 404.  
B. Change Section 602 to Level 1 Alterations.  
C. Change Sections 602.1 through 602.3, including 
subsections, of the IEBC to read:  
602.1 Scope. Level 1 alterations as described in Section 
601.2.1 shall comply with the requirements of this section. 
Level 1 alterations to historic buildings shall comply with 
this chapter, except as modified in Chapter 9.  
602.2 Conformance. Alterations shall be done in a manner 
that maintains the following:  
1. Level of fire protection tha t is existing.  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
453 2. Level of protection that is existing for the means of 
egress.  
602.3 Building elements and materials. Building elements 
and materials shall comply with the applicable provisions 
of Sections 302 and 602.3.1 through 602.3.5.  
602.3.1 Interior  finishes. All newly installed interior wall 
and ceiling finishes shall comply with Chapter 8 of the 
VCC.  
602.3.2 Interior floor finish. New interior floor finish, 
including new carpeting used as an interior floor finish 
material, shall comply with Sectio n 804 of the VCC.  
602.3.3 Interior trim. All newly installed interior trim 
materials shall comply with Section 806 of the VCC.  
602.3.4 Materials and methods. All new work shall comply 
with the materials and methods requirements in the VCC, 
International Energy Conservation Code, International 
Mechanical Code, and International Plumbing Code, as 
applicable, that specify material standards, detail of 
installation and connection, joints, penetrations, and 
continuity of any element, component, or system in th e 
building.  
602.3.5 International Fuel Gas Code. The following 
sections of the International Fuel Gas Code shall constitute 
the fuel gas materials and methods requirements for Level 
1 alterations.  
1. All of Chapter 3, entitled "General Regulations," 
excep t Sections 303.7 and 306.  
2. All of Chapter 4, entitled "Gas Piping Installations," 
except Sections 401.8 and 402.3.2.1. Sections 401.8 and 
402.3 shall apply when the work being performed 
increases the load on the system such that the existing 
pipe does n ot meet the size required by code. Existing 
systems that are modified shall not require resizing as 
long as the load on the system is not increased and the 
system length is not increased even if the altered system 
does not meet code minimums.  
3. All of Ch apter 5, entitled "Chimneys and Vents."  
4. All of Chapter 6, entitled "Specific Appliances."  
D. Change Section 603 to Level 2 Alterations.  
E. Change Sections  Section  603.1 and add Sections 603.2 
through 603.10, including subsections, of the IEBC to read:  
603.1 Scope. Level 2 alterations as described in Section 
601.2.2 shall comply with the requirements of this section.  
Exception: Buildings in which the alteration is exclusively 
the result of compliance with the accessibility requirements 
of Section 404.3 shall be permitted to comply with Section 
602. 603.2 Level 1 alteration compliance. In addition to the 
requirements of this section, all work shall comply with the 
applicable requirements of Section 602.  
603.3 Compliance. All new construction elements, 
components, systems, and spaces shall comply with the 
requirements of the VCC.  
Exceptions:  
1. Windows may be added without requiring compliance 
with the light and ventilation requirements of the VCC.  
2. Newly installed electrical equipment shall comply wit h 
the requirements of Section 603.8.  
3. The length of dead -end corridors in newly constructed 
spaces shall only be required to comply with the 
provisions of Section 603.6.5.  
4. The minimum ceiling height of the newly created 
habitable and occupiable spaces and corridors shall be 7 
feet (2134 mm).  
603.4 Building elements and materials. The requirements 
of Section 603.4 are limited to work areas in which Level 2 
alterations are being performed and shall apply beyond the 
work area where specified.  
603.4.1 Ve rtical openings. Existing vertical openings shall 
comply with the provisions of Sections 603.4.1.1, 
603.4.1.2, and 603.4.1.3.  
603.4.1.1 Existing vertical openings. Existing interior 
vertical openings connecting two or more floors shall be 
enclosed with app roved assemblies having a fire -resistance 
rating of not less than one hour with approved opening 
protectives.  
Exceptions:  
1. Where vertical opening enclosure is not required by 
the VCC or the International Fire Code.  
2. Interior vertical openings other than stairways may be 
blocked at the floor and ceiling of the work area by 
installation of not less than 2 inches (51 mm) of solid 
wood or equivalent construction.  
3. The enclosure shall not be required where:  
3.1. Connecting the main floor and mezzanine s; or  
3.2. All of the following conditions are met:  
3.2.1. The communicating area has a low hazard 
occupancy or has a moderate hazard occupancy that is 
protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system.  
3.2.2. The lowest or next to the lowest level is a street 
floor.  
3.2.3. The entire area is open and unobstructed in a 
manner such that it may be assumed that a fire in any part Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
454 of the interconnected spaces will be readily obvious to all 
of the occupants.  
3.2.4. Exit capacity is sufficient to provide egress 
simultaneously for all occupants of all levels by 
considering all areas to be a single floor area for the 
determination of required exit capacity.  
3.2.5. Each floor level, considered separately, has at least 
one half of its individual required exit capacity provided 
by exits leading directly out of that level without having 
to traverse another communicating floor level or be 
exposed to the smoke or fire spreading from another 
communicating floor level.  
4. In Group A occupancies, a minimum 30 -minute 
enclosure shall be provided to protect all vertical 
openings not exceeding three stories.  
5. In Group B occupancies, a minimum 30- minute 
enclosure shall be provided to protect all vertical 
openings not exceed ing three stories. This enclosure, or 
the enclosure specified in Section 603.4.1.1, shall not be 
required in the following locations:  
5.1. Buildings not exceeding 3,000 square feet (279 m2) 
per floor.  
5.2. Buildings protected throughout by an approved 
automatic fire sprinkler system.  
6. In Group E occupancies, the enclosure shall not be 
required for vertical openings not exceeding three stories 
when the building is protected throughout by an 
approved automatic fire sprinkler system.  
7. In Group F occupa ncies, the enclosure shall not be 
required in the following locations:  
7.1. Vertical openings not exceeding three stories.  
7.2. Special purpose occupancies where necessary for 
manufacturing operations and direct access is provided to 
at least one protect ed stairway.  
7.3. Buildings protected throughout by an approved 
automatic sprinkler system.  
8. In Group H occupancies, the enclosure shall not be 
required for vertical openings not exceeding three stories 
where necessary for manufacturing operations and every 
floor level has direct access to at least two remote 
enclosed stairways or other approved exits.  
9. In Group M occupancies, a minimum 30 -minute 
enclosure shall be provided to protect all vertical 
openings not exceeding three stories. This enclosure,  or 
the enclosure specified in Section 603.4.1.1, shall not be 
required in the following locations:  
9.1. Openings connecting only two floor levels.  9.2. Occupancies protected throughout by an approved 
automatic sprinkler system.  
10. In Group R -1 occupan cies, the enclosure shall not be 
required for vertical openings not exceeding three stories 
in the following locations:  
10.1. Buildings protected throughout by an approved 
automatic sprinkler system.  
10.2. Buildings with less than 25 dwelling units or 
sleeping units where every sleeping room above the 
second floor is provided with direct access to a fire 
escape or other approved second exit by means of an 
approved exterior door or window having a sill height of 
not greater than 44 inches (1118 mm) and whe re:  
10.2.1. Any exit access corridor exceeding 8 feet (2438 
mm) in length that serves two means of egress, one of 
which is an unprotected vertical opening, shall have at 
least one of the means of egress separated from the 
vertical opening by a one -hour fi re barrier; and  
10.2.2. The building is protected throughout by an 
automatic fire alarm system, installed and supervised in 
accordance with the VCC.  
11. In Group R -2 occupancies, a minimum 30 -minute 
enclosure shall be provided to protect all vertical 
openings not exceeding three stories. This enclosure, or 
the enclosure specified in Section 603.4.1.1, shall not be 
required in the following locations:  
11.1. Vertical openings not exceeding two stories with 
not more than four dwelling units per floor.  
11.2. Buildings protected throughout by an approved 
automatic sprinkler system.  
11.3. Buildings with not more than four dwelling units 
per floor where every sleeping room above the second 
floor is provided with direct access to a fire escape or 
other approved second exit by means of an approved 
exterior door or window having a sill height of not 
greater than 44 inches (1118 mm) and the building is 
protected throughout by an automatic fire alarm system 
complying with Section 603.5.4.  
12. One -family and two -family dwellings.  
13. Group S occupancies where connecting not more 
than two floor levels or where connecting not more than 
three floor levels and the structure is equipped 
throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.  
14. Group S occupancies wher e vertical opening 
protection is not required for open parking garages and 
ramps.  
603.4.1.2 Supplemental shaft and floor opening enclosure 
requirements. Where the work area on any floor exceeds 
50% of that floor area, the enclosure requirements of Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
455 Section 603.4.1 shall apply to vertical openings other than 
stairways throughout the floor .  
Exception: Vertical openings located in tenant spaces that 
are entirely outside the work area.  
603.4.1.3 Supplemental stairway enclosure requirements. 
Where the work area on any floor exceeds 50% of that 
floor area, stairways that are part of the means of egress 
serving the work area shall, at a minimum, be enclosed 
with smoke -tight construction on the highest work area 
floor and all floors below.  
Exception: Where stairway enclosure is not required by the 
VCC or the International Fire Code.  
603.4.2 Smok e compartments. In Group I -2 occupancies 
where the work area is on a story used for sleeping rooms 
for more than 30 patients, the story shall be divided into 
not less than two compartments by smoke barrier walls in 
accordance with Section 407.5 of the VCC as required for 
new construction.  
603.4.3 Interior finish. The interior finish of walls and 
ceilings in exits and corridors in any work area shall 
comply with the requirements of the VCC.  
Exception: Existing interior finish materials that do not 
comply wi th the interior finish requirements of the VCC 
shall be permitted to be treated with an approved fire -
retardant coating in accordance with the manufacturer's 
instructions to achieve the required rating.  
603.4.3.1 Supplemental interior finish requirements. 
Where the work area on any floor exceeds 50% of the floor 
area, Section 603.4.3 shall also apply to the interior finish 
in exits and corridors serving the work area throughout the 
floor.  
Exception: Interior finish within tenant spaces that are 
entirely ou tside the work area.  
603.4.4 Guards. The requirements of Sections 603.4.4.1 
and 603.4.4.2 shall apply in all work areas.  
603.4.4.1 Minimum requirement. Every portion of a floor, 
such as a balcony or a loading dock, that is more than 30 
inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below and is not 
provided with guards, or those in which the existing guards 
are judged to be in danger of collapsing, shall be provided 
with guards.  
603.4.4.2 Design. Where there are no guards or where 
existing guards must be replaced, the guards shall be 
designed and installed in accordance with the VCC.  
603.4.5 Fire -resistance ratings. Where approved by the 
code official, buildings where an automatic sprinkler 
system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 
903.3.1.2 of th e VCC has been added, and the building is 
now sprinklered throughout, the required fire -resistance ratings of building elements and materials shall be 
permitted to meet the requirements of the current building 
code.  
603.5 Fire protection. The requirements of Section 603.5 
shall be limited to work areas in which Level 2 alterations 
are being performed, and where specified they shall apply 
throughout the floor on which the work areas are located or 
otherwise beyond the work area.  
603.5.1 Corridor ratings. Whe re an approved automatic 
sprinkler system is installed throughout the story, the 
required fire -resistance rating for any corridor located on 
the story shall be permitted to be reduced in accordance 
with the VCC. In order to be considered for a corridor 
rating reduction, such system shall provide coverage for 
the stairway landings serving the floor and the intermediate 
landings immediately below.  
603.5.2 Automatic sprinkler system. Automatic sprinkler 
systems shall be provided in accordance with the 
requirem ents of Sections 603.5.2.1 through 603.5.2.5. 
Installation requirements shall be in accordance with the 
VCC.  
603.5.2.1 High- rise buildings. In high -rise buildings, work 
areas that have exits or corridors shared by more than one 
tenant or that have exits or  corridors serving an occupant 
load greater than 30 shall be provided with automatic 
sprinkler protection in the entire work area where the work 
area is located on a floor that has a sufficient sprinkler 
water supply system from an existing standpipe or a 
sprinkler riser serving that floor.  
603.5.2.1.1 Supplemental automatic sprinkler system 
requirements. Where the work area on any floor exceeds 
50% of that floor area, Section 603.5.2.1 shall apply to the 
entire floor on which the work area is located.  
Exce ption: Occupied tenant spaces that are entirely outside 
the work area.  
603.5.2.2 Groups A, B, E, F -1, H, I, M, R -1, R-2, R-4, S-1 
and S -2. In buildings with occupancies in Groups A, B, E, 
F-1, H, I, M, R -1, R-2, R-4, S-1 and S -2, work areas that 
have exits  or corridors shared by more than one tenant or 
that have exits or corridors serving an occupant load 
greater than 30 shall be provided with automatic sprinkler 
protection where all of the following conditions occur:  
1. The work area is required to be provided with 
automatic sprinkler protection in accordance with the 
VCC as applicable to new construction; and  
2. The work area exceeds 50% of the floor area.  
Exception: If the building does not have sufficient 
municipal water supply for design of a fire sp rinkler 
system available to the floor without installation of a new 
fire pump, work areas shall be protected by an automatic Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
456 smoke detection system throughout all occupiable spaces 
other than sleeping units or individual dwelling units that 
activates the o ccupant notification system in accordance 
with Sections 907.4, 907.5 and 907.6 of the VCC.  
603.5.2.2.1 Mixed uses. In work areas containing mixed 
uses, one or more of which requires automatic sprinkler 
protection in accordance with Section 603.5.2.2, such 
protection shall not be required throughout the work area 
provided that the uses requiring such protection are 
separated from those not requiring protection by fire -
resistance -rated construction having a minimum two -hour 
rating for Group H and a minimum on e-hour rating for all 
other occupancy groups.  
603.5.2.3 Windowless stories. Work located in a 
windowless story, as determined in accordance with the 
VCC, shall be sprinklered where the work area is required 
to be sprinklered under the provisions of the VCC  for 
newly constructed buildings and the building has a 
sufficient municipal water supply without installation of a 
new fire pump.  
603.5.2.4 Other required automatic sprinkler systems. In 
buildings and areas listed in Table 903.2.11.6 of the VCC, 
work are as that have exits or corridors shared by more than 
one tenant or that have exits or corridors serving an 
occupant load greater than 30 shall be provided with an 
automatic sprinkler system under the following conditions:  
1. The work area is required to be  provided with an 
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with the VCC 
applicable to new construction; and  
2. The building has sufficient municipal water supply for 
design of an automatic sprinkler system available to the 
floor without installation of a new fire pump.  
603.5.2.5 Supervision. Fire sprinkler systems required by 
this section shall be supervised by one of the following 
methods:  
1. Approved central station system in accordance with 
NFPA 72;  
2. Approved proprietary system in accordance with 
NFPA 72;  
3. Approved remote station system of the jurisdiction in 
accordance with NFPA 72; or  
4. When approved by the code official, approved local 
alarm service that will cause the sounding of an alarm i n 
accordance with NFPA 72.  
Exception: Supervision is not required for the following:  
1. Underground gate valve with roadway boxes.  
2. Halogenated extinguishing systems.  
3. Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems.  4. Dry -chemical and wet -chemical extinguis hing 
systems.  
5. Automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance 
with NFPA 13R where a common supply main is used to 
supply both domestic and automatic sprinkler systems 
and a separate shutoff valve for the automatic sprinkler 
system is not provided.  
603.5.3 Standpipes. Where the work area includes exits or 
corridors shared by more than one tenant and is located 
more than 50 feet (15,240 mm) above or below the lowest 
level of fire department access, a standpipe system shall be 
provided. Standpipes shal l have an approved fire 
department connection with hose connections at each floor 
level above or below the lowest level of fire department 
access. Standpipe systems shall be installed in accordance 
with the VCC.  
Exceptions:  
1. No pump shall be required pr ovided that the 
standpipes are capable of accepting delivery by fire 
department apparatus of a minimum of 250 gallons per 
minute (gpm) at 65 pounds per square inch (psi) (946 
L/m at 448KPa) to the topmost floor in buildings 
equipped throughout with an auto matic sprinkler system 
or a minimum of 500 gpm at 65 psi (1892 L/m at 
448KPa) to the topmost floor in all other buildings. 
Where the standpipe terminates below the topmost floor, 
the standpipe shall be designed to meet (gpm/psi) 
(L/m/KPa) requirements of t his exception for possible 
future extension of the standpipe.  
2. The interconnection of multiple standpipe risers shall 
not be required.  
603.5.4 Fire alarm and detection. An approved fire alarm 
system shall be installed in accordance with Sections 
603.5.4.1 through 603.5.4.3. Where automatic sprinkler 
protection is provided in accordance with Section 603.5.2 
and is connected to the building fire alarm system, 
automatic heat detection shall not be required.  
An approved automatic fire detection system shall be 
installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and 
NFPA 72. Devices, combinations of devices, appliances, 
and equipment shall be approved. The automatic fire 
detectors shall be smoke detectors, except that an approved 
alternative type of detector shall be installed in spaces such 
as boiler rooms, where products of combustion are present 
during normal operation in sufficient quantity to actuate a 
smoke detector.  
603.5.4.1 Fire alarm requirements. A fire alarm system 
shall be installed in accord ance with Sections 603.5.4.1.1 
through 603.5.4.1.7 and Sections 1103.7 and 1103.8 of the 
IFC. Existing alarm -notification appliances shall be 
automatically activated throughout the building. Where the Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
457 building is not equipped with a fire alarm system, alar m-
notification appliances within the work area shall be 
provided and automatically activated.  
Exceptions:  
1. Occupancies with an existing, previously approved fire 
alarm system.  
2. Where selective notification is permitted, alarm -
notification appliances  shall be automatically activated in 
the areas selected.  
603.5.4.1.1 Group E. Work areas classified as Group E 
occupancies.  
603.5.4.1.2 Group I -1. Work areas classified as Group I -1 
residential care/assisted living facilities.  
603.5.4.1.3 Group I -2. Throug hout occupancies classified 
as Group I -2 occupancies.  
603.5.4.1.4 Group I -3. Work areas classified as Group I -3 
occupancies.  
603.5.4.1.5 Group R -1. Occupancies classified as Group R -
1 occupancies.  
603.5.4.1.6 Group R -2. Work areas classified as Group R -2 
apartment buildings.  
603.5.4.1.7 Group R -4. Work areas classified as Group R -4 
residential care/assisted living facilities.  
603.5.4.2 Supplemental fire alarm system requirements. 
Where the work area on any floor exceeds 50% of that 
floor area, Section 603.5.4.1 shall apply throughout the 
floor.  
Exception: Alarm initiating and notification appliances 
shall not be required to be  installed in tenant spaces outside 
of the work area.  
603.5.4.3 Smoke alarms. Individual sleeping units and 
individual dwelling units in any work area in Group R and 
I-1 occupancies shall be provided with smoke alarms in 
accordance with the International F ire Code.  
Exception: Interconnection of smoke alarms outside of the 
work area shall not be required.  
603.6 Means of egress. The means of egress shall comply 
with the requirements of Section 603.6.  
Exceptions:  
1. Where the work area and the means of egress serving 
it complies with NFPA 101.  
2. Means of egress conforming to the requirements of the 
building code under which the building was constructed 
shall be considered compliant means of egress.  
603.6.1 General. The requirements of this section shall be  
limited to work areas that include exits or corridors shared by more than one tenant within the work area in which 
Level 2 alterations are being performed, and where 
specified they shall apply throughout the floor on which 
the work areas are located or ot herwise beyond the work 
area.  
603.6.2 Number of exits. The number of exits shall be in 
accordance with Sections 603.6.2.1 through 603.6.2.3.  
603.6.2.1 Minimum number. Every story utilized for 
human occupancy on which there is a work area that 
includes exi ts or corridors shared by more than one tenant 
within the work area shall be provided with the minimum 
number of exits based on the occupancy and the occupant 
load in accordance with the VCC. In addition, the exits 
shall comply with Sections 603.6.2.1.1 an d 303.  
603.6.2.1.1 Single -exit buildings. Only one exit is required 
from buildings and spaces of the following occupancies:  
1. In Groups A, B, E, F, M, U, and S occupancies, a 
single exit is permitted in the story at the level of exit 
discharge when the o ccupant load of the story does not 
exceed 50 and the exit access travel distance does not 
exceed 75 feet (22,860 mm).  
2. Groups B, F -2, and S -2 occupancies not more than two 
stories in height that are not greater than 3,500 square 
feet per floor (326 m2), when the exit access travel 
distance does not exceed 75 feet (22,860 mm). The 
minimum fire -resistance rating of the exit enclosure and 
of the opening protection shall be one hour.  
3. Open parking structures where vehicles are 
mechanically parked.  
4. In Group R -4 occupancies, the maximum occupant 
load excluding staff is 16.  
5. Groups R -1 and R -2 not more than two stories in 
height, when there are not more than four dwelling units 
per floor and the exit access travel distance does not 
exceed 50 feet (15,24 0 mm). The minimum fire -
resistance rating of the exit enclosure and of the opening 
protection shall be one hour.  
6. In multilevel dwelling units in buildings of occupancy 
Group R -1 or R -2, an exit shall not be required from 
every level of the dwelling uni t provided that one of the 
following conditions is met:  
6.1. The travel distance within the dwelling unit does not 
exceed 75 feet (22,860 mm); or  
6.2. The building is not more than three stories in height 
and all third floor space is part of one or more dwelling 
units located in part on the second floor; and no habitable 
room within any such dwelling unit shall have a travel 
distance that exceeds 50 feet (15,240 mm) from the 
outside of the habitable room entrance door to the inside 
of the entrance door to  the dwelling unit.  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
458 7. In Groups R -2, H -4, H -5 and I occupancies and in 
rooming houses and child care centers, a single exit is 
permitted in a one -story building with a maximum 
occupant load of 10 and the exit access travel distance 
does not exceed 75 feet (22,860 mm). In dwelling units 
within Group R -2 buildings, an occupant load of 12 shall 
be permitted and, in addition, staff of such family day 
homes shall not be counted for the purposes of 
establishing occupant loads.  
8. In buildings of Group R -2 occu pancy that are equipped 
throughout with an automatic fire sprinkler system, a 
single exit shall be permitted from a basement or story 
below grade if every dwelling unit on that floor is 
equipped with an approved window providing a clear 
opening of at least  5 square feet (0.47 m2) in area, a 
minimum net clear opening of 24 inches (610 mm) in 
height and 20 inches (508 mm) in width, and a sill height 
of not more than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the finished 
floor.  
9. In buildings of Group R -2 occupancy of any h eight 
with not more than four dwelling units per floor; with a 
smoke -proof enclosure or outside stairway as an exit; and 
with such exit located within 20 feet (6096 mm) of travel 
to the entrance doors to all dwelling units served thereby.  
10. In buildings  of Group R -3 occupancy equipped 
throughout with an automatic fire sprinkler system, only 
one exit shall be required from basements or stories 
below grade.  
603.6.2.2 Mezzanines. Mezzanines in the work area and 
with an occupant load of more than 50 or in which the 
common path of egress travel distance to an exit or exit 
access doorway exceeds 75 feet (22,860 mm) shall have 
access to at least two independent means of egress.  
Exception: Two independent means of egress are not 
required where the travel distance to an exit does not 
exceed 100 feet (30,480 mm) and the building is protected 
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system.  
603.6.3 Egress doorways. Egress doorways in any work 
area shall comply with Sections 603.6.3.1 through 
603.6.3.5.  
603.6.3.1 Two e gress doorways required. Work areas shall 
be provided with two egress doorways in accordance with 
the requirements of Sections 603.6.3.1.1 and 603.6.3.1.2.  
603.6.3.1.1 Occupant load and travel distance. In any work 
area, all rooms and spaces having an occupant load greater 
than 50 or in which the common path of egress travel 
distance to an exit or exit access doorway exceeds 75 feet 
(22,860 mm) shall have a m inimum of two egress 
doorways.  Exceptions:  
1. Storage rooms having a maximum occupant load of 
10.  
2. Where the work area is served by a single exit in 
accordance with Section 603.6.2.1.1.  
603.6.3.1.2 Group I -2. In buildings of Group I -2 
occupancy, any p atient sleeping room or suite of patient 
rooms greater than 1,000 square feet (93 m2) within the 
work area shall have a minimum of two egress doorways.  
603.6.3.2 Door swing. In the work area and in the egress 
path from any work area to the exit discharge, all egress 
doors serving an occupant load greater than 50 shall swing 
in the direction of exit travel.  
603.6.3.2.1 Supplemental requirements for door swing. 
Where the work area exceeds 50% of the floor area, door 
swing shall comply with Section 603.6.3.2 t hroughout the 
floor.  
Exception: Means of egress within or serving only a tenant 
space that is entirely outside the work area.  
603.6.3.3 Door closing. In any work area, all doors 
opening onto an exit passageway at grade or an exit 
stairway shall be self -closing or automatic -closing by listed 
closing devices.  
Exceptions:  
1. Where exit enclosure is not required by the VCC.  
2. Means of egress within or serving only a tenant space 
that is entirely outside the work area.  
603.6.3.3.1 Supplemental requirements for door closing. 
Where the work area exceeds 50% of the floor area, doors 
shall comply with Section 603.6.3.3 throughout the exit 
stairway from the work area to, and including, the level of 
exit discharge.  
603.6.3.4 Panic hardware. In any work area, and i n the 
egress path from any work area to the exit discharge, in 
buildings of Group A assembly occupancies with an 
occupant load greater than 100, all required exit doors 
equipped with latching devices shall be equipped with 
approved panic hardware.  
603.6.3. 4.1 Supplemental requirements for panic hardware. 
Where the work area exceeds 50% of the floor area, panic 
hardware shall comply with Section 603.6.3.4 throughout 
the floor.  
Exception: Means of egress within a tenant space that is 
entirely outside the wor k area.  
603.6.3.5 Emergency power source in Group I -3. Power 
operated sliding doors or power operated locks for 
swinging doors shall be operable by a manual release 
mechanism at the door. Emergency power shall be Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
459 provided for the doors and locks in accorda nce with 
Section 2702 of the VCC.  
Exceptions:  
1. Emergency power is not required in facilities with 10 
or fewer locks complying with the exception to Section 
408.4.1 of the VCC.  
2. Emergency power is not required where remote 
mechanical operating releas es are provided.  
603.6.4 Openings in corridor walls. Openings in corridor 
walls in any work area shall comply with Sections 
603.6.4.1 through 603.6.4.4.  
Exception: Openings in corridors where such corridors are 
not required to be rated in accordance with the VCC.  
603.6.4.1 Corridor doors. Corridor doors in the work area 
shall not be constructed of hollow core wood and shall not 
contain louvers. All dwelling unit or sleeping unit corridor 
doors in work areas in buildings of Groups R -1, R-2, and I -
1 shall be  at least 1 -3/8-inch (35 mm) solid core wood or 
approved equivalent and shall not have any glass panels, 
other than approved wired glass or other approved glazing 
material in metal frames. All dwelling unit or sleeping unit 
corridor doors in work areas in buildings of Groups R -1, 
R-2, and I -1 shall be equipped with approved door closers. 
All replacement doors shall be 1 -3/4-inch (44 mm) solid 
bonded wood core or approved equivalent, unless the 
existing frame will accommodate only a 1 -3/8-inch (35 
mm) door.  
Exceptions:  
1. Corridor doors within a dwelling unit or sleeping unit.  
2. Existing doors meeting the requirements of Guidelines 
on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials and Assemblies 
(VEBC Resource A) for a rating of 15 minutes or more 
shall be accepted as  meeting the provisions of this 
requirement.  
3. Existing doors in buildings protected throughout with 
an approved automatic sprinkler system shall be required 
only to resist smoke, be reasonably tight fitting, and shall 
not contain louvers.  
4. In group homes with a maximum of 15 occupants and 
that are protected with an approved automatic detection 
system, closing devices may be omitted.  
5. Door assemblies having a fire protection rating of at 
least 20 minutes.  
603.6.4.2 Transoms. In all buil dings of Group I -1, I-2, R-1 
and R -2 occupancies, all transoms in corridor walls in 
work areas shall be either glazed with 1/4 -inch (6.4 mm) 
wired glass set in metal frames or other glazing assemblies 
having a fire protection rating as required for the doo r and permanently secured in the closed position or sealed with 
materials consistent with the corridor construction.  
603.6.4.3 Other corridor openings. In any work area, 
unless otherwise protected or fire -resistant rated in 
accordance with Section 716 of t he VCC, any other sash, 
grille, or opening in a corridor and any window in a 
corridor not opening to the outside air shall be sealed with 
materials consistent with the corridor construction.  
603.6.4.3.1 Supplemental requirements for other corridor 
opening.  Where the work area exceeds 50% of the floor 
area, Section 603.6.4.3 shall be applicable to all corridor 
windows, grills, sashes, and other openings on the floor.  
Exception: Means of egress within or serving only a tenant 
space that is entirely outside the work area.  
603.6.4.4 Supplemental requirements for corridor 
openings. Where the work area on any floor exceeds 50% 
of the floor area, the requirements of Sections 603.6.4.1 
through 603.6.4.3 shall apply throughout the floor.  
603.6.5 Dead- end corridors. Dead -end corridors in any 
work area shall not exceed 35 feet (10 670 mm).  
Exceptions:  
1. Where dead -end corridors of greater length are 
permitted by the VCC.  
2. In other than Group A and H occupancies, the 
maximum length of an existing dead -end corridor  shall 
be 50 feet (15,240 mm) in buildings equipped throughout 
with an automatic fire alarm system installed in 
accordance with the VCC.  
3. In other than Group A and H occupancies, the 
maximum length of an existing dead -end corridor shall 
be 70 feet (21,356 mm) in buildings equipped throughout 
with an automatic sprinkler system installed in 
accordance with the VCC.  
4. In other than Group A and H occupancies, the 
maximum length of an existing, newly constructed, or 
extended dead -end corridor shall not exce ed 50 feet 
(15,240 mm) on floors equipped with an automatic 
sprinkler system installed in accordance with the VCC.  
603.6.6 Means -of-egress lighting. Means -of-egress lighting 
shall be in accordance with this section, as applicable.  
603.6.6.1 Artificial ligh ting required. Means of egress in 
all work areas shall be provided with artificial lighting in 
accordance with the requirements of the VCC.  
603.6.6.2 Supplemental requirements for means -of-egress 
lighting. Where the work area on any floor exceeds 50% of 
that floor area, means of egress throughout the floor shall 
comply with Section 603.6.6.1.  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
460 Exception: Means of egress within or serving only a tenant 
space that is entirely outside the work area.  
603.6.7 Exit signs. Exit signs shall be in accordance with 
this section, as applicable.  
603.6.7.1 Work areas. Means of egress in all work areas 
shall be provided with exit signs in accordance with the 
requirements of the VCC.  
603.6.7.2 Supplemental requirements for exit signs. Where 
the work area on any floor exc eeds 50% of that floor area, 
means of egress throughout the floor shall comply with 
Section 603.6.7.1.  
Exception: Means of egress within a tenant space that is 
entirely outside the work area.  
603.6.8 Handrails. The requirements of Sections 603.6.8.1 
and 6 03.6.8.2 shall apply to handrails from the work area 
floor to, and including, the level of exit discharge.  
603.6.8.1 Minimum requirement. Every required exit 
stairway that is part of the means of egress for any work 
area and that has three or more risers and is not provided 
with at least one handrail, or in which the existing 
handrails are judged to be in danger of collapsing, shall be 
provided with handrails for the full length of the stairway 
on at least one side. All exit stairways with a required 
egres s width of more than 66 inches (1676 mm) shall have 
handrails on both sides.  
603.6.8.2 Design. Handrails required in accordance with 
Section 603.6.8.1 shall be designed and installed in 
accordance with the provisions of the VCC.  
603.6.9 Guards. The requir ements of Sections 603.6.9.1 
and 603.6.9.2 shall apply to guards from the work area 
floor to, and including, the level of exit discharge but shall 
be confined to the egress path of any work area.  
603.6.9.1 Minimum requirement. Every open portion of a 
stairway, landing, or balcony that is more than 30 inches 
(762 mm) above the floor or grade below and is not 
provided with guards, or those portions in which existing 
guards are judged to be in danger of collapsing, shall be 
provided with guards.  
603.6.9.2 De sign. Guards required in accordance with 
Section 603.6.9.1 shall be designed and installed in 
accordance with the VCC.  
603.7 Structural. Structural elements and systems within 
buildings undergoing Level 2 alterations shall comply with 
Sections 603.7.1 through 603.7.5.  
603.7.1 New structural elements. New structural elements 
in alterations, including connections and anchorage, shall 
comply with the VCC.  
603.7.2 Minimum design loads. The minimum design 
loads on existing elements of a structure that do not support additional loads as a result of an alteration shall be 
the loads applicable at the time the building was 
constructed.  
603.7.3 Existing structural elements carrying gravity loads. 
Any existing gravity load -carrying structural element for 
which an al teration causes an increase in design gravity 
load of more than 5% shall be strengthened, supplemented, 
replaced or otherwise altered as needed to carry the 
increased gravity load required by the VCC for new 
structures. Any existing gravity load -carrying s tructural 
element whose gravity load -carrying capacity is decreased 
as part of the alteration shall be shown to have the capacity 
to resist the applicable design gravity loads required by the 
VCC for new structures.  
Exception: Buildings of Group R occupanc y with not more 
than five dwelling or sleeping units used solely for 
residential purposes where the existing building and its 
alteration comply with the conventional light- frame 
construction methods of the VCC or the provisions of the 
International Residen tial Code.  
603.7.3.1 Design live load. Where the alteration does not 
result in increased design live load, existing gravity load -
carrying structural elements shall be permitted to be 
evaluated and designed for live loads approved prior to the 
alteration. I f the approved live load is less than that 
required by Section 1607 of the VCC, the area designed for 
the nonconforming live load shall be posted with placards 
of approved design indicating the approved live load. 
Where the alteration does result in increased design live 
load, the live load required by Section 1607 of the VCC 
shall be used.  
603.7.4 Existing structural elements resisting lateral loads. 
Except as permitted by Section 603.7.5, where the 
alteration increases design lateral loads in accordance w ith 
Section 1609 or 1613 of the VCC, or where the alteration 
results in a prohibited structural irregularity as defined in 
ASCE 7, or where the alteration decreases the capacity of 
any existing lateral load -carrying structural element, the 
structure of the  altered building or structure shall be shown 
to meet the requirements of Sections 1609 and 1613 of the 
VCC. For purposes of this section, compliance with ASCE 
41, using a Tier 3 procedure and the two -level performance 
objective in Table 305.2.2 for the applicable risk category, 
shall be deemed to meet the requirements of Section 1613 
of the VCC.  
Exception: Any existing lateral load -carrying structural 
element whose demand -capacity ratio with the alteration 
considered is not more than 10% greater than its d emand -
capacity ratio with the alteration ignored shall be permitted 
to remain unaltered. For purposes of calculating demand -
capacity ratios, the demand shall consider applicable load 
combinations with design lateral loads or forces in 
accordance with VCC S ections 1609 and 1613. Reduced Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
461 VCC level seismic forces in accordance with Section 
305.2.2 shall be permitted. For purposes of this exception, 
comparisons of demand- capacity ratios and calculation of 
design lateral loads, forces and capacities shall accoun t for 
the cumulative effects of additions and alterations since 
original construction.  
603.7.5 Voluntary lateral force -resisting system alterations. 
Alterations of existing structural elements and additions of 
new structural elements that are initiated for  the purpose of 
increasing the lateral force- resisting strength or stiffness of 
an existing structure and that are not required by other 
sections of this code shall not be required to be designed 
for forces conforming to the VCC, provided that an 
engineeri ng analysis is submitted to show that:  
1. The capacity of existing structural elements required to 
resist forces is not reduced;  
2. The lateral loading to existing structural elements is 
not increased either beyond its capacity or more than 
10%;  
3. New structural elements are detailed and connected to 
the existing structural elements as required by the VCC;  
4. New or relocated nonstructural elements are detailed 
and connected to existing or new structural elements as 
required by the VCC; and  
5. Volunta ry alterations to lateral force -resisting systems 
conducted in accordance with Appendix A and the 
referenced standards of this code shall be permitted.  
603.7.6 Voluntary seismic improvements. Alterations to 
existing structural elements or additions of new structural 
elements that are not otherwise required by this chapter 
and are initiated for the purpose of improving the 
performance of the seismic force resisting system of an 
existing structure or the performance of seismic bracing or 
anchorage of existing nonstructural elements shall be 
permitted, provided that an engineering analysis is 
submitted demonstrating the following:  
1. The altered structure and the altered nonstructural 
elements are no less conforming to the provisions of the 
VCC with respect to  earthquake design than they were 
prior to the alteration.  
2. New structural elements are detailed as required for 
new construction.  
3. New or relocated nonstructural elements are detailed 
and connected to existing or new structural elements as 
required for new construction.  
4. The alterations do not create a structural irregularity as 
defined in ASCE 7 or make an existing structural 
irregularity more severe.  603.8 Electrical. Electrical elements and systems within 
buildings undergoing Level 2 alteration s shall comply with 
Sections 603.8.1 through 603.8.3.  
603.8.1 New installations. All newly installed electrical 
equipment and wiring relating to work done in any work 
area shall comply with all applicable requirements of 
NFPA 70 except as provided for in Section 603.8.3.  
603.8.2 Existing installations. Existing wiring in all work 
areas in Groups A -1, A-2, A-5, H, and I occupancies shall 
be upgraded to meet the materials and methods 
requirements of Section 602.3.  
603.8.3 Residential occupancies. In Groups R -2, R-3, R-4 
and R -5 occupancies and buildings regulated by the 
International Residential Code, the requirements of 
Sections 603.8.3.1 through 603.8.3.7 shall be applicable 
only to work areas located within a dwelling unit.  
603.8.3.1 Enclosed areas. All enclosed areas, other than 
closets, kitchens, basements, garages, hallways, laundry 
areas, utility areas, storage areas, and bathrooms shall have 
a minimum of two duplex receptacle outlets or one duplex 
receptacle outlet and one ceiling or wall -type lighti ng 
outlet.  
603.8.3.2 Kitchens. Kitchen areas shall have a minimum of 
two duplex receptacle outlets.  
603.8.3.3 Laundry areas. Laundry areas shall have a 
minimum of one duplex receptacle outlet located near the 
laundry equipment and installed on an independe nt circuit.  
603.8.3.4 Ground fault circuit interruption. Newly installed 
receptacle outlets shall be provided with ground fault 
circuit interruption as required by NFPA 70.  
603.8.3.5 Minimum lighting outlets. At least one lighting 
outlet shall be provided  in every bathroom, hallway, 
stairway, attached garage, and detached garage with 
electric power, and to illuminate outdoor entrances and 
exits.  
603.8.3.6 Utility rooms and basements. At least one 
lighting outlet shall be provided in utility rooms and 
basements where such spaces are used for storage or 
contain equipment requiring service.  
603.8.3.7 Clearance for equipment. Clearance for electrical 
service equipment shall be provided in accordance with the 
NFPA 70.  
603.9 Mechanical. All work areas intended for occupancy 
and all spaces converted to habitable or occupiable space 
in any work area shall be provided with natural or 
mechanical ventilation in accordance with the International 
Mechanical Code.  
Exception: Ex isting mechanical ventilation systems shall 
comply with the requirements of Section 603.9.1.  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
462 603.9.1 Altered existing systems. In mechanically 
ventilated spaces, existing mechanical ventilation systems 
that are altered, reconfigured, or extended shall pro vide not 
less than 5 cubic feet per minute (cfm) (0.0024 m3/s) per 
person of outdoor air and not less than 15 cfm (0.0071 
m3/s) of ventilation air per person; or not less than the 
amount of ventilation air determined by the Indoor Air 
Quality Procedure of ASHRAE 62.  
603.9.2 Local exhaust. All newly introduced devices, 
equipment, or operations that produce airborne particulate 
matter, odors, fumes, vapor, combustion products, gaseous 
contaminants, pathogenic and allergenic organisms, and 
microbial contamina nts in such quantities as to affect 
adversely or impair health or cause discomfort to 
occupants shall be provided with local exhaust.  
603.10 Plumbing. Where the occupant load of the story is 
increased by more than 20%, plumbing fixtures for the 
story shal l be provided in quantities specified in the 
International Plumbing Code based on the increased 
occupant load.  
F. Change Section 604 to Level 3 Alterations.  
G. Change Section 604.1 and add Sections 604.2 through 
604.7, including subsections, to the IEBC to  read:  
604.1 Scope. Level 3 alterations as described in Section 
601.2.3 shall comply with the requirements of this section.  
Exception: Buildings in which the alteration is exclusively 
the result of compliance with the accessibility requirements 
of Section  404.3 shall be permitted to comply with Section 
602. 
604.2 Level 1 and Level 2 alterations compliance. In 
addition to the requirements of this section, work shall 
comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 602 
and 603. The requirements of Section s 603.4, 603.5 and 
603.6 shall apply within all work areas whether or not they 
include exits and corridors shared by more than one tenant 
and regardless of the occupant load.  
Exception: Buildings in which the alteration affecting exits 
or shared egress access is exclusively the result of 
compliance with the accessibility requirements of Section 
404.3 shall not be required to comply with this section.  
604.3 Special use and occupancy. The following special 
uses and occupancies shall comply with the requirements 
of Section 603.6 except as specifically required in Sections 
604.3.1 and 604.3.2.  
604.3.1 High -rise buildings. Any building having occupied 
floors more than 75 feet (22,860 mm) above the lowest 
level of fire department vehicle access shall comply with 
the requirements of Sections 604.3.1.1 and 604.3.1.2.  
604.3.1.1 Recirculating air or exhaust systems. When a 
floor is served by a recirculating air or exhaust system with a capacity greater than 15,000 cubic feet per minute (701 
m3/s), that system shall b e equipped with approved smoke 
and heat detection devices installed in accordance with the 
International Mechanical Code.  
604.3.1.2 Elevators. Where there are elevators for public 
use, at least one elevator serving the work area shall 
comply with this sec tion. Existing elevators with a travel 
distance of 25 feet (7620 mm) or more above or below the 
main floor or other level of a building and intended to 
serve the needs of emergency personnel for firefighting or 
rescue purposes shall be provided with emerge ncy 
operation in accordance with ASME A17.3. New elevators 
shall be provided with Phase I emergency recall operation 
and Phase II emergency in -car operation in accordance 
with ASME A17.1.  
604.3.2 Boiler and furnace equipment rooms. Boiler and 
furnace equip ment rooms adjacent to or within Groups I -1, 
I-2, I-4, R-1, R-2, and R -4 occupancies shall be enclosed 
by one -hour-fire-resistance -rated construction.  
Exceptions:  
1. Steam boiler equipment operating at pressures of 15 
pounds per square inch gauge (psig) (103.4 KPa) or less 
is not required to be enclosed.  
2. Hot water boilers operating at pressures of 170 psig 
(1171 KPa) or less are not required to be enclosed.  
3. Furnace and boiler equipment with 400,000 British 
thermal units (Btu) (4.22 by 108 J) per h our input rating 
or less is not required to be enclosed.  
4. Furnace rooms protected with an automatic sprinkler 
system are not required to be enclosed.  
604.4 Building elements and materials. Building elements 
and materials shall comply with the requirement s of 
Section 603.6 except as specifically required in Sections 
604.4.1 through 604.4.3.  
604.4.1 Existing stairways. Existing stairways that are part 
of the means of egress shall be enclosed in accordance with 
Section 603.4.1.1, and its exceptions if appli cable, from the 
highest work area floor to, and including, the level of exit 
discharge and all floors below.  
604.4.2 Fire separation in Group R -3. Where the work area 
is in any attached dwelling unit in Group R -3 or any 
multiple single -family dwelling (tow nhouse), walls 
separating the dwelling units that are not continuous from 
the foundation to the underside of the roof sheathing shall 
be constructed to provide a continuous fire separation 
using construction materials consistent with the existing 
wall or c omplying with the requirements for new 
structures. All work shall be performed on the side of the 
dwelling unit wall that is part of the work area.  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
463 Exception: Where alterations or repairs do not result in the 
removal of wall or ceiling finishes exposing t he structure, 
walls are not required to be continuous through concealed 
floor spaces.  
604.4.3 Interior finish. Interior finish in exits serving the 
work area shall comply with Section 603.4.3 between the 
highest floor on which there is a work area to the f loor of 
exit discharge.  
604.5 Fire protection. Fire protection shall comply with the 
requirements of Section 603.6  603.5.2  except as 
specifically required in Sections 604.5.1 and 604.5.2.  
604.5.1 Automatic sprinkler systems. An automatic 
sprinkler system shall be provided in a work area where 
required by Section 603.5.1.1 through 604.5.1.3 or Section 
603.5.2.  
604.5.1.1 High -rise buildings. An automatic sprinkler 
system shall be provided in  work areas where the high -rise 
building has a sufficient municipal water supply for the 
design and installation of an automatic sprinkler system at 
the site.  
604.5.1.2 Rubbish and linen chutes. Rubbish and linen 
chutes located in the work area shall be p rovided with 
automatic sprinkler system protection or an approved 
automatic fire extinguishing system where protection of 
the rubbish and linen chute would be required under the 
provisions of the VCC for new construction.  
604.5.1.3 Upholstered furniture or  mattresses. Work areas 
shall be provided with an automatic sprinkler system in 
accordance with the VCC where any of the following 
conditions exist:  
1. A Group F -1 occupancy used for the manufacture of 
upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 2,500 squ are 
feet (232 m2).  
2. A Group S -1 occupancy used for the storage of 
upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 2,500 square 
feet (232 m2). 
604.5.2 Fire alarm and detection systems. Fire alarm and 
detection shall be provided throughout the work area in 
accordance with Section 907 of the VCC as required for 
new construction.  
604.5.2.1 Manual fire alarm systems. Where required by 
the VCC, a manual fire alarm system shall be provided 
throughout the work area. Alarm notification appliances 
shall be provided on  such floors and shall be automatically 
activated as required by the VCC.  
Exceptions:  
1. Alarm -initiating and notification appliances shall not 
be required to be installed in tenant spaces outside of the 
work area.  2. Visual alarm notification appliances  are not required, 
except where an existing alarm system is upgraded or 
replaced or where a new fire alarm system is installed.  
604.5.2.2 Automatic fire detection. Where required by the 
VCC for new buildings, automatic fire detection systems 
shall be provi ded throughout the work area.  
604.6 Means of egress. The means of egress shall comply 
with the requirements of Section 603.6 except as 
specifically required in Sections 604.6.1 and 604.6.2.  
604.6.1 Means -of-egress lighting. Means of egress from 
the highes t work area floor to the floor of exit discharge 
shall be provided with artificial lighting within the exit 
enclosure in accordance with the requirements of the VCC.  
604.6.2 Exit signs. Means of egress from the highest work 
area floor to the floor of exit  discharge shall be provided 
with exit signs in accordance with the requirements of the 
VCC.  
604.7 Structural. Structural alterations shall comply with 
the requirements of Section 603.6 except as specifically 
required in Sections 604.7.1 and 604.7.2.  
604.7 .1 Substantial structural alteration. Where more than 
30% of the total floor and roof areas of the building or 
structure have been or are proposed to be involved in 
structural alteration within a five -year period, the 
evaluation and analysis shall demonstr ate that the lateral 
load-resisting system of the altered building or structure 
complies with the International Building Code for wind 
loading and with reduced International Building Code -
level seismic force in accordance with Section 305.2.2. 
The areas to  be counted toward the 30% shall be those 
areas tributary to the vertical load -carrying components, 
such as joists, beams, columns, walls and other structural 
components that have been or will be removed, added or 
altered, as well as areas such as mezzanin es, penthouses, 
roof structures and in- filled courts and shafts.  
604.7.2 Limited structural alteration. Where the work does 
not involve a substantial structural alteration and the 
building is not assigned to Seismic Design Category F, the 
existing elements  of the lateral load -resisting system shall 
comply with Section 603.7.4.  
G. H. Delete Sections 605, 606, 607, 608 and 609 of the 
IEBC in their entirety.  
13VAC5 -63-433.5. Chapter 7 Change of occupancy.  
A. Change Sections 701.1 through 701.2 of the IEBC to 
read:  
701.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply 
where a change of occupancy occurs, except as modified 
by Section 906 for historic buildings. Compliance with the 
current VCC for the change of occupancy shall only be 
required as prescribed in this chapter. Compliance shall be Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
464 only as necessary to meet the specific provisions of the 
applicable International Codes and is not intended to 
require the entire building be brought into compliance.  
Exception: Compliance with the provisions of Chapter 14  
shall be permitted in lieu of complying with this chapter 
for a change of occupancy.  
701.2 Work undertaken in connection with a change of 
occupancy. Any repairs, alterations, or additions 
undertaken in connection with a change of occupancy shall 
conform to the applicable requirements for the work as 
classified in this code and as modified by this chapter.  
B. Delete Section 701.3 of the IEBC.  
C. Change Section 702 to Special Use and Occupancy.  
D. Change Sections 702.1 and 702.2 of the IEBC to read:  
702.1 Compliance with the building code. Where a 
building undergoes a change of occupancy to one of the 
special use or occupancy categories described in Chapter 4 
of the VCC, the building shall comply with all of the 
requirements of Chapter 4 of the VCC applicab le to the 
special use or occupancy.  
702.2 Incidental uses. Where a portion of a building 
undergoes a change of occupancy to one of the incidental 
uses listed in Table 509 of the VCC, the incidental use 
shall comply with the applicable requirements of Secti on 
509 of the VCC.  
E. Delete Sections 702.3 through 702.6 of the IEBC.  
F. Change Section 703 to Building Elements and Materials.  
G. Change Section 703.1 of the IEBC and add Section 
703.2, including subsections, to the IEBC to read:  
703.1 Interior finish. I n areas of the building undergoing a 
change of occupancy classification, the interior finish of 
walls and ceilings shall comply with the requirements of 
the VCC for the new occupancy classification.  
703.2 Enclosure of vertical openings. When a change of 
occupancy classification is made to a higher hazard 
category as shown in Table 705.2, protection of existing 
vertical openings shall be in accordance with Sections 
703.2.1 through 703.2.3.  
703.2.1 Stairways. Interior stairways shall be protected as 
required  by Section 705.1.  
703.2.2 Other vertical openings. Interior vertical openings, 
other than stairways, within the area of the change of 
occupancy shall be protected as required by the VCC.  
Exceptions:  
1. Existing one -hour interior shaft enclosures shall be 
accepted where a higher rating is required.  2. Vertical openings, other than stairways, in buildings of 
other than Group I occupancy and connecting less than 
six stories shall not be required to be enclosed are 
permitted if the entire building is provided with an 
approved automatic sprinkler system.  
703.2.3 Shaft openings. All openings into existing vertical 
shaft enclosures shall be protected by fire assemblies 
having a fire protection rating of not less than one hour and 
shall be maintained self -closi ng or shall be automatic -
closing by actuation of a smoke detector. All other 
openings shall be fire protected in an approved manner. 
Existing fusible link -type automatic door -closing devices 
shall be permitted in all shafts except stairways if the 
fusible link rating does not exceed 135°F (57°C).  
H. Change Section 704 to Fire Protection.  
I. Change Section 704.1 of the IEBC and add Sections 704.2 
and 704.3 to the IEBC to read:  
704.1 Fire protection systems. Fire protection systems shall 
be provided in accordance with Sections 704.2 and 704.3.  
704.2 Fire sprinkler system. Where a building undergoes a 
change of occupancy that requires an automatic fire 
sprinkler system to be provided based on the new 
occupancy in accordance with Chapter 9 of the VCC, such 
syste m shall be provided throughout the area where the 
change of occupancy occurs.  
704.3 Fire alarm and detection system. Where a building 
undergoes a change of occupancy that requires a fire alarm 
and detection system to be provided based on the new 
occupancy in accordance with Chapter 9 of the VCC, such 
system shall be provided throughout the area where the 
change of occupancy occurs. Existing alarm notification 
appliances shall be automatically activated throughout the 
building. Where the building is not equipped with a fire 
alarm system, alarm notification appliances shall be 
provided throughout the area where the change of 
occupancy occurs in accordance with Section 907 of the 
VCC as required for new construction.  
J. Change Section 705 to Means of Egress.  
K. Change Sections 705.1 through 705.2, deleting 
subsections, and add Sections 705.3 and 705.4 to the IEBC to 
read:  
705.1 General. Means of egress in buildings undergoing a 
change of occupancy shall comply with Sections 705.2 
through 705.4.  
705.2 Means of e gress, hazards. Hazard categories in 
regard to life safety and means of egress shall be in 
accordance with Table 705.2.  
  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
465 TABLE 705.2  
MEANS OF EGRESS HAZARD CATEGORIES  
RELATIVE HAZARD  OCCUPANCY 
CLASSIFICATIONS 
1 (Highest Hazard)  H 
2 I-2, I-3, I-4 
3 A, E, I-1, M, R -1, R-2, R-4 
4 B, F-1, R-3, S-1, R-5 
5 (Lowest Hazard)  F-2, S-2, U 
705.3 Means of egress for change to higher hazard 
category. When a change of occupancy classification is 
made to a higher hazard category (lower number) as shown 
in Table 705.2, the means of egress serving the area of the 
change of occupancy shall comply w ith the requirements 
of Chapter 10 of the VCC.  
Exceptions:  
1. Existing interior stairways are permitted to be enclosed 
in accordance with Section 603.4.1.1 from the highest 
floor where the change of occupancy classification 
occurs to, and including, the level of exit discharge and 
all floors below.  
2. An enclosure shall not be required for openings 
serving only one adjacent floor and that are not 
connected with corridors or stairways serving other 
floors.  
3. Unenclosed existing stairways need not be enc losed in 
a continuous vertical shaft if each story is separated from 
other stories by one -hour-fire-resistance -rated 
construction or approved wired glass set in steel frames 
and all exit corridors are sprinklered. The openings 
between the corridor and the occupant space shall have at 
least one sprinkler head above the openings on the tenant 
side. The sprinkler system shall be permitted to be 
supplied from the domestic water supply systems, 
provided the system is of adequate pressure, capacity, 
and sizing fo r the combined domestic and sprinkler 
requirements.  
4. Existing corridor walls constructed on both sides of 
wood lath and plaster in good condition or 1/2- inch-thick 
(12.7 mm) gypsum wallboard shall be permitted. Such 
walls shall either terminate at the u nderside of a ceiling 
of equivalent construction or extend to the underside of 
the floor or roof next above.  
5. Existing corridor doorways, transoms, and other 
corridor openings are permitted to comply with the 
requirements in Sections 603.6.4.1, 603.6.4. 2, and 
603.6.4.3 regardless of work areas.  6. Existing dead -end corridors are permitted to comply 
with the requirements in Section 603.6.5 regardless of 
work areas.  
7. An existing operable window with clear opening area 
no less than 4 square feet (0.38 m2) and minimum 
opening height and width of 22 inches (559 mm) and 20 
inches (508 mm), respectively, shall be accepted as an 
emergency escape and rescue opening.  
8. Regardless of work areas, existing handrails are 
permitted to comply with the requirements of Section 
603.6.8, and existing guards are permitted to comply 
with the requirements of Section 603.6.10.  
9. Fire escapes in compliance with Section 303.  
10. Existing stairways are not required to be altered to 
meet current tread depth and riser height requirements.  
705.4 Means of egress for change of occupancy to equal or 
lower hazard category or without a change in 
classification. When a change of occupancy classification 
is made to an equal or lesser hazard category (higher 
number) as shown in Table 7 05.2 or a change of 
occupancy without a change of classification is made, the 
means of egress shall be deemed acceptable provided the 
means of egress serving the area of the change of 
occupancy meets the egress capacity and occupant load 
based means of egr ess provisions in Chapter 10 of the 
VCC for the new occupancy.  
L. Change Section 706 to Heights and Areas.  
M. Change Sections 706.1 through 706.5, including 
subsections, of the IEBC to read:  
706.1 General. Heights and areas of buildings and 
structures undergoing a change of occupancy classification 
shall comply with this Section.  
706.2 Heights and areas, hazards. Hazard categories in 
regard to height and area shall be in accordance with Table 
706.2.  
TABLE 706.2  
HEIGHTS AND AREAS HAZARD CATEGORIES  
RELATIVE HAZARD  OCCUPANCY 
CLASSIFICATIONS 
1 (Highest Hazard)  H 
2 I-2, I-3, I-4 
3 2 A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, I, R -1, R-
2, R-4 
4 3 E, F-1, S-1, M  
5 4 (Lowest Hazard)  B, F-2, S-2, A-5, R-3, R-5, U Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
466 706.3 Height and area for change to higher hazard 
category. When a change of occupancy classification is 
made to a higher hazard category as shown in Table 706.2, 
heights and areas of buildings and structures shall comply 
with the requirements of Chapter 5  of the VCC for the new 
occupancy classification.  
Exception: For high -rise buildings constructed in 
compliance with a previously issued permit, the type of 
construction reduction specified in Section 403.2.1 of the 
VCC is permitted. This shall include the  reduction for 
columns. The high -rise building is required to be equipped 
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in 
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 of the VCC.  
706.3.1 Fire wall alternative. In other than Groups H, F -1 
and S -1, fire barriers and h orizontal assemblies constructed 
in accordance with Sections 707 and 711, respectively, of 
the VCC shall be permitted to be used in lieu of fire walls 
to subdivide the building into separate buildings for the 
purpose of complying with the area limitations required for 
the new occupancy where all of the following conditions 
are met:  
1. The buildings are protected throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 
903.3.1.1 of the International Building Code.  
2. The maximum allowable area between fire barriers, 
horizontal assemblies, or any combination thereof shall 
not exceed the maximum allowable area determined in 
accordance with Chapter 5 of the VCC without an 
increase allowed for an automatic sprinkler system in 
accordance with Section 506 of the VCC.  
3. The fire -resistance rating of the fire barriers and 
horizontal assemblies shall be not less than that specified 
for fire walls in Table 706.4 of the VCC.  
Exception: Where horizontal assemblies are used to limit 
the maximum allowab le area, the required fire- resistance 
rating of the horizontal assemblies shall be permitted to be 
reduced by one hour provided the height and number of 
stories increases allowed for an automatic sprinkler system 
by Section 504 of the VCC are not used for the buildings.  
706.4 Height and area for change to equal or lesser hazard 
category. When a change of occupancy classification is 
made to an equal or lesser hazard category as shown in 
Table 706.2, the height and area of the existing building 
shall be deemed acceptable.  
706.5 Fire barriers. When a change of occupancy 
classification is made to a higher hazard category as shown 
in Table 706.2, fire barriers in separated mixed use 
buildings shall comply with the fire -resistance 
requirements of the VCC.  
Exception: Where the fire barriers are required to have a 
one-hour-fire-resistance rating, existing wood lath and plaster in good condition or existing 1/2- inch- thick (12.7 
mm) gypsum wallboard shall be permitted.  
N. Delete Section 706.6 of the IEBC.  
O. Ch ange Section 707 to Exterior Wall Fire -Resistance 
Ratings  
P. Change Sections 707.1 through 707.3, including  deleting  
subsections, of the IEBC and add Section 707.4 to the IEBC 
to read:  
707.1 Exterior wall fire -resistance ratings, hazards. Hazard 
categories  in regard to fire -resistance ratings of exterior 
walls shall be in accordance with Table 707.1.  
TABLE 707.1  
EXPOSURE OF EXTERIOR WALLS HAZARD 
CATEGORIES  
RELATIVE HAZARD  OCCUPANCY 
CLASSIFICATIONS 
1 (Highest Hazard)  H 
2 F-1, M, S -1 
3 A, B, E, I, R  
4 (Lowest Hazard)  F-2, S-2, U 
707.2 Exterior wall rating for change of occupancy 
classification to a higher hazard category. When a change 
of occupancy classification is made to a higher hazard 
category as shown in Table 707.1, exterior walls shall have 
fire resistance and exterior opening protectives as required 
by the VCC.  
Exception: A two -hour-fire-resistance rating shall be 
allowed where the building does not exceed three stories in 
height and is classified as one of the following groups: A -2 
and A -3 with an occupant load of less than 300, B, F, M, or 
S. 
707.3 Exterior wall rating for change of occupancy 
classification to an equal or lesser hazard category. When a 
change of occupancy classification is made to an equal or 
lesser hazard category as shown i n Table 707.1, existing 
exterior walls, including openings, shall be accepted.  
707.4 Opening protectives. Openings in exterior walls shall 
be protected as required by the VCC. Where openings in 
the exterior walls are required to be protected because of 
their distance from the lot line, the sum of the area of such 
openings shall not exceed 50% of the total area of the wall 
in each story.  
Exceptions:  
1. Where the VCC permits openings in excess of 50%.  
2. Protected openings shall not be required in building s 
of Group R occupancy that do not exceed three stories in Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
467 height and that are located not less than 3 feet (914 mm) 
from the lot line.  
3. Where exterior opening protectives are required, an 
automatic sprinkler system throughout may be 
substituted for ope ning protection.  
4. Exterior opening protectives are not required when the 
change of occupancy group is to an equal or lower hazard 
classification in accordance with Table 707.1.  
Q. Change Section 708 to Electrical and Lighting.  
R. Change Section 708.1 of  the IEBC and add Sections 
708.2 through 708.4 to the IEBC to read:  
708.1 Special occupancies. Where a building undergoes a 
change of occupancy to one of the following special 
occupancies as described in NFPA 70, the electrical wiring 
and equipment of the building that contains the proposed 
occupancy shall comply with the applicable requirements 
of NFPA 70:  
1. Hazardous locations.  
2. Commercial garages, repair, and storage.  
3. Aircraft hangars.  
4. Gasoline dispensing and service stations.  
5. Bulk stora ge plants.  
6. Spray application, dipping, and coating processes.  
7. Health care facilities.  
8. Places of assembly.  
9. Theaters, audience areas of motion picture and 
television studios, and similar locations.  
10. Motion picture and television studios a nd similar 
locations.  
11. Motion picture projectors.  
12. Agricultural buildings.  
708.2 Service upgrade. When a new occupancy is required 
to have a higher electrical load demand per NFPA 70 and 
the service cannot accommodate the increased demand, the 
service shall be upgraded to meet the requirements of 
NFPA 70 for the new occupancy.  
708.3 Number of electrical outlets. Where a building 
undergoes a change of occupancy, the number of electrical 
outlets shall comply with NFPA 70 for the new occupancy.  
708.4 Lighting. Lighting shall comply with the 
requirements of the VCC for the new occupancy.  
S. Add Section 709 Mechanical and Ventilation.  T. Add Section 709.1 to the IEBC to read:  
709.1 Mechanical and ventilation requirements. Where a 
building undergoes a c hange of occupancy such that the 
new occupancy is subject to different kitchen exhaust 
requirements or to increased ventilation requirements in 
accordance with the International Mechanical Code, the 
new occupancy shall comply with the respective 
Internatio nal Mechanical Code provisions.  
U. Add Section 710 Plumbing.  
V. Add Sections 710.1 through 710.3 to the IEBC to read:  
710.1 Increased demand. Where the occupancy  a building 
or portion thereof  undergoes a change of an existing 
building or part of an existin g building is changed  
occupancy , such that the new occupancy is subject to 
increased or different plumbing fixture requirements or to 
increased water supply requirements in accordance with 
the International Plumbing Code, the new occupancy shall 
comply wit h the intent of the  respective International 
Plumbing Code provisions.  
Exception: In other than Group R or I occupancies or child 
care facilities classified as Group E, where the occupant 
load is increased by 20% or less in the area where the 
change of occupancy occurs, additional plumbing fixtures 
required based on the increased occupant load in quantities 
specified in the International Plumbing Code are not 
required .  
710.2 Interceptor required. If the new occupancy will 
produce grease or oil -laden waste s, interceptors shall be 
provided as required in the International Plumbing Code.  
710.3 Chemical wastes. If the new occupancy will produce 
chemical wastes, the following shall apply:  
1. If the existing piping is not compatible with the 
chemical waste, th e waste shall be neutralized prior to 
entering the drainage system, or the piping shall be 
changed to a compatible material.  
2. No chemical waste shall discharge to a public sewer 
system without the approval of the sewage authority.  
W. Add Section 711 Structural.  
X. Add Sections 711.1 through 711.3 to the IEBC to read:  
711.1 Gravity loads. Buildings subject to a change of 
occupancy where such change in the nature of occupancy 
results in higher uniform or concentrated loads based on 
Table 1607.1 of the V CC shall comply with the gravity 
load provisions of the VCC.  
Exception: Structural elements whose stress is not 
increased by more than 5%.  
711.2 Snow and wind loads. Buildings and structures 
subject to a change of occupancy where such change in the Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
468 natur e of occupancy results in higher wind or snow risk 
categories based on Table 1604.5 of the VCC shall be 
analyzed and shall comply with the applicable wind or 
snow load provisions of the VCC.  
Exception: Where the new occupancy with a higher risk 
category i s less than or equal to 10% of the total building 
floor area. The cumulative effect of the area of occupancy 
changes shall be considered for the purposes of this 
exception.  
711.3 Seismic loads. Existing buildings with a change of 
occupancy shall comply wi th the seismic provisions of 
Sections 711.3.1 and 711.3.2.  
711.3.1 Compliance with VCC -level seismic forces. Where 
a building is subject to a change of occupancy that results 
in the building being assigned to a higher risk category 
based on Table 1604.5 of  the VCC, the building shall 
comply with the requirements for VCC -level seismic 
forces as specified in Section 305.2.1 for the new risk 
category.  
Exceptions:  
1. Specific detailing provisions required for a new 
structure are not required to be met where i t can be 
shown that an equivalent level of performance and 
seismic safety is obtained for the applicable risk category 
based on the provision for reduced VCC -level seismic 
forces as specified in Section 305.2.2.  
2. Where the area of the new occupancy with a higher 
hazard category is less than or equal to 10% of the total 
building floor area and the new occupancy is not 
classified as Risk Category IV. For the purposes of this 
exception, buildings occupied by two or more 
occupancies not included in the same r isk category, shall 
be subject to the provisions of Section 1604.5.1 of the 
VCC. The cumulative effect of the area of occupancy 
changes shall be considered for the purposes of this 
exception.  
3. Unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings in Risk 
Category  III when assigned to Seismic Design Category 
A or B shall be allowed to be strengthened to meet the 
requirements of Appendix Chapter A1 of this code 
Guidelines for the Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings 
(GSREB).  
711.3.2 Access to Risk Category IV. Whe re a change of 
occupancy is such that compliance with Section 711.3.1 is 
required and the building is assigned to Risk Category IV, 
the operational access to the building shall not be through 
an adjacent structure, unless that structure conforms to the 
requirements for Risk Category IV structures. Where 
operational access is less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from 
either an interior lot line or from another structure, access protection from potential falling debris shall be provided 
by the owner of the Risk Catego ry IV structure.  
Y. Add Section 712 Accessibility.  
Z. Add Section 712.1 to the IEBC to read:  
712.1 General. Existing buildings that undergo a change of 
occupancy classification shall comply with Section 402.  
13VAC5 -63-434. Chapter 8 Additions.  
A. Change Sections 801.1 through 801.3 of the IEBC to 
read:  
801.1 Scope. Additions to any building or structure shall 
comply with the requirements of the VCC for new 
construction without requiring the existing building or 
structure to comply with any requirements of  those codes 
or of these provisions, except as required by this chapter. 
Where an addition impacts the existing building or 
structure, that portion shall comply with this code. Where a 
fire wall that complies with Section 706 of the VCC is 
provided between  the addition and the existing building, 
the addition shall be considered a separate building.  
801.2 Creation or extension of nonconformity. An addition 
shall not create or extend any nonconformity in the 
existing building to which the addition is being ma de with 
regard to accessibility, structural strength, fire safety, 
means of egress, or the capacity of mechanical, plumbing, 
or electrical systems. Alterations to the existing building or 
structure shall be made so that the existing building or 
structure, together with the addition, are no less 
conforming to the provisions of the VCC than the existing 
building or structure was prior to the addition.  
801.3 Other work. Any repair or alteration work within an 
existing building to which an addition is being mad e shall 
comply with the applicable requirements for the work as 
classified in this code.  
B. Change Section 802 to Heights and Areas.  
C. Change Section 802.1 of the IEBC to read:  
802.1 Height limitations. No addition shall increase the 
height of an exist ing building beyond that permitted under 
the applicable provisions of Chapter 5 of the VCC for new 
buildings.  
D. Add Sections 802.2 and 802.3 to the IEBC to read:  
802.2 Area limitations. No addition shall increase the area 
of an existing building beyond t hat permitted under the 
applicable provisions of Chapter 5 of the VCC for new 
buildings unless fire separation as required by the VCC is 
provided.  
Exception: In -filling of floor openings and nonoccupiable 
appendages such as elevator and exit stairway shafts shall 
be permitted beyond that permitted by the VCC.  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
469 802.3 Fire protection systems. Existing fire areas increased 
by the addition shall comply w ith Chapter 9 of the VCC.  
E. Change Section 803 to Structural.  
F. Change Sections 803.1 through 803.5, including 
subsections, and delete Sections 803.2.2, 803.2.3, 803.4.1, 
803.5.1 and 803.5.2 of the IEBC.  
803.1 Compliance with the VCC. Additions to exis ting 
buildings or structures are new construction and shall 
comply with the VCC.  
803.2 Existing structural elements carrying gravity load. 
Any existing gravity load -carrying structural element for 
which an addition and its related alterations cause an 
increase in design gravity load of more than 5% shall be 
strengthened, supplemented, replaced or otherwise altered 
as needed to carry the increased gravity load required by 
the VCC for new structures. Any existing gravity load -
carrying structural element whose gravity load -carrying 
capacity is decreased shall be considered an altered 
element subject to the requirements of Section 603.7.3. 
Any existing element that will form part of the lateral load 
path for any part of the addition shall be considered an 
existi ng lateral load -carrying structural element subject to 
the requirements of Section 803.3.  
Exception: Buildings of Group R occupancy with no more 
than five dwelling units or sleeping units used solely for 
residential purposes where the existing building and  the 
addition comply with the conventional light -frame 
construction methods of the VCC or the provisions of the 
International Residential Code.  
803.2.1 Design live load. Where the addition does not 
result in increased design live load, existing gravity loa d-
carrying structural elements shall be permitted to be 
evaluated and designed for live loads approved prior to the 
addition. If the approved live load is less than that required 
by Section 1607 of the VCC, the area designed for the 
nonconforming live load shall be posted with placards of 
approved design indicating the approved live load. Where 
the addition does result in increased design live load, the 
live load required by Section 1607 of the VCC shall be 
used.  
803.3 Existing structural elements carrying lateral load. 
Where the addition is structurally independent of the 
existing structure, existing lateral load -carrying structural 
elements shall be permitted to remain unaltered. Where the 
addition is not structurally independent of the existing 
structure,  the existing structure and its addition acting 
together as a single structure shall be shown to meet the 
requirements of Sections 1609 and 1613 of the VCC. For 
purposes of this section, compliance with ASCE 41, using 
a Tier 3 procedure and the two -level p erformance objective 
in Table 305.2.1 for the applicable risk category, shall be 
deemed to meet the requirements of Section 1613.  Exceptions:  
1. Any existing lateral load -carrying structural element 
whose demand- capacity ratio with the addition 
considered is not more than 10% greater than its demand -
capacity ratio with the addition ignored shall be 
permitted to remain unaltered. For purposes of this 
exception, comparisons of demand -capacity ratios and 
calculation of design lateral loads, forces and capaci ties 
shall account for the cumulative effects of additions and 
alterations since original construction. For purposes of 
calculating demand -capacity ratios, the demand shall 
consider applicable load combinations involving VCC -
level seismic forces in accordance with Section 305.2.1.  
2. Buildings of Group R occupancy with no more than 
five dwelling or sleeping units used solely for residential 
purposes where the existing building and the addition 
comply with the conventional light -frame construction 
methods of  the VCC or the provisions of the 
International Residential Code.  
803.4 Voluntary addition of structural elements to improve 
the lateral force- resisting system. Voluntary addition of 
structural elements to improve the lateral force- resisting 
system of an e xisting building shall comply with Section 
603.7.5.  
803.5 Snow drift loads. Any structural element of an 
existing building subjected to additional loads from the 
effects of snow drift as a result of an addition shall comply 
with the VCC.  
Exceptions:  
1. Structural elements whose stress is not increased by 
more than 5%.  
2. Buildings of Group R occupancy with no more than 
five dwelling units or sleeping units used solely for 
residential purposes where the existing building and the 
addition comply with the c onventional light -frame 
construction methods of the VCC or the provisions of the 
International Residential Code.  
G. Delete Section 803.6 from the IEBC .  
H. Change Section 804 to Flood Hazard Areas.  
I. Change Section 804.1 , and delete Sections 804.2, 804.3 , 
and 804.4, including subsections,  of the IEBC to read: . 
804.1 Flood hazard areas. Additions and foundations in 
flood hazard areas shall comply with the following 
requirements:  
1. For horizontal additions that are structurally 
interconnected to the exi sting building:  
1.1. If the addition and all other proposed work, when 
combined, constitute substantial improvement, the 
existing building and the addition shall comply with Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
470 Section 1612 of the International Building Code or 
Section R322 of the Internatio nal Residential Code, as 
applicable.  
1.2. If the addition constitutes substantial improvement, 
the existing building and the addition shall comply with 
Section 1612 of the International Building Code or 
Section R322 of the International Residential Code, as 
applicable.  
2. For horizontal additions that are not structurally 
interconnected to the existing building:  
2.1. The addition shall comply with Section 1612 of the 
International Building Code or Section R322 of the 
International Residential Code, as ap plicable.  
2.2. If the addition and all other proposed work when 
combined constitute substantial improvement, the 
existing building and the addition shall comply with 
Section 1612 of the International Building Code or 
Section R322 of the International Resi dential Code, as 
applicable.  
3. For vertical additions and all other proposed work that 
when combined constitute substantial improvement, the 
existing building shall comply with Section 1612 of the 
International Building Code or Section R322 of the 
Intern ational Residential Code, as applicable.  
4. For a raised or extended foundation, if the foundation 
work and all other proposed work when combined 
constitute substantial improvement, the existing building 
shall comply with Section 1612 of the International 
Building Code or Section R322 of the Inte rnational 
Residential Code, as applicable.  
5. For a new foundation or replacement foundation, the 
foundation shall comply with Section 1612 of the 
International Building Code or Section R322 of the 
International Residential Code, as applicable.  
J. Delete Sections 805, 806, 807, 808, 809, 810, and 811, in 
their entirety, from the IEBC.  
13VAC5 -63-434.5. Chapter 9 Historic buildings.  
A. Change Sections 901.1 and 901.2 of the IEBC to read:  
901.1 Scope. It is the intent of this chapter to provide 
means for the preservation of historic buildings. The 
provisions of this code relating to construction involving 
historic buildings shall not be mandatory unless such a 
construction constitutes a life safety hazard. Accessibility 
shall be provided in accordance with Section 405.  
901.2 Report. The code official shall be permitted to 
require that a historic building undergoing repair, alteration 
or change of occupancy be investigated and evaluated by 
an RDP or other qualified person or agency as a condition 
of determinin g compliance with this code.  B. Add Section 901.3 to the IEBC to read:  
901.3 Special occupancy exceptions. When a building in 
Group R -3 is also used for Group A, B, or M purposes 
such as museum tours, exhibits, and other public assembly 
activities, or for  museums less than 3,000 square feet (279 
m2), the code official may determine that the occupancy is 
Group B when life safety conditions can be demonstrated 
in accordance with Section 901.2. Adequate means of 
egress in such buildings, which may include a m eans of 
maintaining doors in an open position to permit egress, a 
limit on building occupancy to an occupant load permitted 
by the means of egress capacity, a limit on occupancy of 
certain areas or floors, or supervision by a person 
knowledgeable in the em ergency exiting procedures, shall 
be provided.  
C. Change Section 902 to Flood hazard areas.  
D. Change Section 902.1 of the IEBC to read:  
902.1 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas, if all 
proposed work, including repairs, work required because 
of a c hange of occupancy, and alterations, constitutes 
substantial improvement, then the existing building shall 
comply with Section 1612 of the International Building 
Code or Section R322 of the International Residential 
Code, as applicable.  
Exception: If an historic building will continue to be an 
historic building after the proposed work is completed, 
then the proposed work is not considered a substantial 
improvement. For the purposes of this exception, an 
historic building is:  
1. Listed or preliminarily det ermined to be eligible for 
listing in the National Register of Historic Places;  
2. Determined by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of 
Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a 
registered historic district or a district preliminarily 
determined to qualify as an historic district; or  
3. Designated as historic under a state or local historic 
preservation program that is approved by the Department 
of Interior.  
E. Delete Section 902.2 of the IEBC.  
F. Change Section 903 to Repairs.  
G. Chan ge Sections 903.1 through 903.3, including 
subsections, to read:  
903.1 General. Repairs to any portion of an historic 
building or structure shall be permitted with original or like 
materials and original methods of construction, subject to 
the provisions o f this chapter. Hazardous materials, such as 
asbestos and lead -based paint, shall not be used where the 
code for new construction would not permit their use in 
buildings of similar occupancy, purpose and location.  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
471 903.2 Moved buildings. Foundations of move d historic 
buildings and structures shall comply with the VCC. 
Moved historic buildings shall otherwise be considered an 
historic building for the purposes of this code. Moved 
historic buildings and structures shall be sited so that 
exterior wall and openi ng requirements comply with the 
VCC or with the compliance alternatives of this code.  
903.3 Replacement. Replacement of existing or missing 
features using original materials shall be permitted. Partial 
replacement for repairs that match the original in 
configuration, height, and size shall be permitted. 
Replacement glazing in hazardous locations shall comply 
with the safety glazing requirements of Chapter 24 of the 
VCC.  
Exception: Glass block walls, louvered windows, and 
jalousies repaired with like mater ials. 
H. Change Section 904 to Fire Safety.  
I. Change Sections 904.1 and 904.2, deleting subsections, of 
the IEBC to read:  
904.1 Scope. Except as provided in Section 901, historic 
buildings undergoing alterations, changes of occupancy, or 
that are moved sh all comply with this section.  
904.2 General. Every historic building that does not 
conform to the construction requirements specified in this 
code for the occupancy or use and that constitutes a distinct 
fire hazard as defined in this code shall be provid ed with 
an approved automatic fire- extinguishing system as 
determined appropriate by the code official. However, an 
automatic fire -extinguishing system shall not be used to 
substitute for, or act as an alternative to, the required 
number of exits from any facility.  
J. Add Sections 904.3 through 904.12, including 
subsections, to the IEBC to read: 
904.3 Means of egress. Existing door openings and 
corridor and stairway widths less than those specified 
elsewhere in this code shall be permitted, provided there is 
sufficient width and height for a person to pass through the 
opening or traverse the means of egress. The front or main 
exit doors need not swing in the direction of the path of 
exit travel, provided that other approved means of egress 
having sufficient  capacity to serve the total occupant load 
are provided.  
904.4 Transoms. In fully sprinklered buildings of Group R -
1, R-2 or R -3 occupancy, existing transoms in corridors 
and other fire -resistance -rated walls may be maintained if 
fixed in the closed positi on. A sprinkler shall be installed 
on each side of the transom.  
904.5 Interior finishes. The existing finishes of walls and 
ceilings shall be accepted when it is demonstrated that they 
are the historic finishes.  904.6 Stairway enclosure. In buildings of three stories or 
less, exit enclosure construction shall limit the spread of 
smoke by the use of tight -fitting doors and solid elements. 
Such elements are not required to have a fire -resistance 
rating.  
904.7 One -hour-fire-resistant assemblies. Where one -hour-
fire-resistance -rated construction is required by these 
provisions, it need not be provided, regardless of 
construction or occupancy, where the existing wall and 
ceiling finish is wood or metal lath and plaster.  
904.8 Glazing in fire -resistance -rated s ystems. Historic 
glazing materials are permitted in interior walls required to 
have a one -hour-fire-resistance rating where the opening is 
provided with approved smoke seals and the area affected 
is provided with an automatic sprinkler system.  
904.9 Stair way railings. Grand stairways shall be accepted 
without complying with the handrail and guard 
requirements. Existing handrails and guards at all stairways 
shall be permitted to remain, provided they are not 
structurally dangerous.  
904.10 Guards. Guards sh all comply with Sections 
904.10.1 and 904.10.2.  
904.10.1 Height. Existing guards shall comply with the 
requirements of Section 604 501.2.  
904.10.2 Guard openings. The spacing between existing 
intermediate railings or openings in existing ornamental 
patte rns shall be accepted. Missing elements or members 
of a guard may be replaced in a manner that will preserve 
the historic appearance of the building or structure.  
904.11 Exit signs. Where exit sign or egress path marking 
location would damage the historic  character of the 
building, alternative exit signs are permitted with approval 
of the code official. Alternative signs shall identify the 
exits and egress path.  
904.12 Automatic fire -extinguishing systems. Every 
historical building that cannot be made to conform to the 
construction requirements specified in the VCC for the 
occupancy or use and that constitutes a distinct fire hazard 
shall be deemed to be in compliance if provided with an 
approved automatic fire -extinguishing system.  
Exception: When the co de official approves an alternative 
life safety system.  
K. Change Section 905 to Alterations.  
L. Change Section 905.1 to the IEBC to read:  
905.1 General. The provisions of Chapter 6, as applicable, 
shall apply to facilities designated as historic structure s that 
undergo alterations, unless technically infeasible.  
M. Delete Sections 905.2 and 905.3 of the IEBC.  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
472 N. Change Section 906 to Change of Occupancy.  
O. Change Sections 906.1 and 906.2 of the IEBC to read:  
906.1 General. Historic buildings undergoing a change of 
occupancy shall comply with the applicable provisions of 
Chapter 7, except as specifically permitted in this chapter. 
When Chapter 7 requires compliance with specific 
requirements of Chapter 6 and when those requirements 
are subject to the except ions in Section 903, the same 
exceptions shall apply to this section.  
906.2 Building area. The allowable floor area for historic 
buildings undergoing a change of occupancy shall be 
permitted to exceed by 20% the allowable areas specified 
in Chapter 5 of t he VCC.  
P. Add Sections 906.3 through 906.14 to the IEBC to read:  
906.3 Location on property. Historic structures undergoing 
a change of use to a higher hazard category in accordance 
with Section 707.1 may use alternative methods to comply 
with the fire -resistance and exterior opening protective 
requirements. Such alternatives shall comply with Section 
901.2.  
906.4 Occupancy separation. Required occupancy 
separations of one hour may be omitted when the building 
is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system 
throughout.  
906.5 Roof covering. Regardless of occupancy or use 
group, Roof covering materials not less than Class C, when 
tested in accordance with ASTM E 108 or UL 790, shall be 
permitted where a fire -retardant roof covering is required.  
906.6 Means of egress. Existing door openings and 
corridor and stairway widths less than those that would be 
acceptable for nonhistoric buildings under these provisions 
shall be permitted, provided there is sufficient width and 
height for a person to pass thr ough the opening or traverse 
the exit and that the capacity of the exit system is adequate 
for the occupant load or where other operational controls to 
limit occupancy are approved by the code official.  
906.7 Door swing. Existing front doors need not swin g in 
the direction of exit travel, provided that other approved 
exits having sufficient capacity to serve the total occupant 
load are provided.  
906.8 Transoms. In corridor walls required by these 
provisions to be fire -resistance rated, existing transoms 
may be maintained if fixed in the closed position and fixed 
wired glass set in a steel frame or other approved glazing 
shall be installed on one s ide of the transom.  
Exception: Transoms conforming to Section 904.4 shall be 
accepted.  
906.9 Finishes. Where interior finish materials are required 
to have a flame spread index of Class C or better, when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723, exi sting 
nonconforming materials shall be surfaced with approved 
fire-retardant paint or finish.  
Exception: Existing nonconforming materials need not be 
surfaced with an approved fire- retardant paint or finish 
where the building is equipped throughout with a n 
automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with the 
VCC and the nonconforming materials can be 
substantiated as being historic in character.  
906.10 One -hour-fire-resistant assemblies. Where one-
hour-fire-resistance -rated construction is required  by these 
provisions, it need not be provided, regardless of 
construction or occupancy, where the existing wall and 
ceiling finish is wood lath and plaster.  
906.11 Stairways and guards. Existing stairways shall 
comply with the requirements of these provisi ons. The 
code official shall grant alternatives for stairways and 
guards if alternative stairways are found to be acceptable 
or are judged to meet the intent of these provisions. 
Existing stairways shall comply with Section 904.  
Exception: For buildings l ess than 3,000 square feet (279 
m2), existing conditions are permitted to remain at all 
stairways and guards.  
906.12 Exit signs. Where exit signs would damage the 
historic character of the building or structure, alternative 
locations shall be permitted. S uch signs shall identify the 
exits and exit paths.  
906.13 Exit stair live load. Existing stairways in buildings 
changed to a Group R -1 or R -2 occupancy shall be 
permitted where it can be shown that the stairway can 
support a 75- pounds -per-square -foot (366 kg/m2) live load.  
906.14 Natural light. When the natural light requirements 
of Section 709.1 will lead to loss of historic character or 
historic materials in the building, the existing level of 
natural lighting shall be considered acceptable.  
Q. Change S ection 907 to Structural.  
R. Change Section 907.1 of the IEBC to read:  
907.1 General. Historic buildings shall comply with the 
applicable structural provisions for the work as classified 
in Section 103.10.  
Exception: The code official shall be authorized to accept 
existing floors and approve operational controls that limit 
the live load on any such floor.  
S. Delete Sections 907.2 through 907.4, including 
subsections, of the IEBC.  
T. Delete Section 908 of the IEBC in its entirety.  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
473 13VAC5 -63-435.5. Chapter 11 Retrofit requirements.  
A. Replace Chapter 11 of the IEBC with the following:  
B. Change the title of Chapter 11 of the IEBC to "Retrofit 
Requirements."  
C. Add IEBC Section 1101 General.  
D. Add Section 1101.1 to the IEBC to read:  
1101.1 Scope. In accordance with Section 103.7 of the 
VCC and as set out in this code, the following buildings 
are required to be provided with certain fire protection 
equipment or systems or other retrofitted components.  
E. Add Section 1101.2 to the IEBC to read:  
1101.2 Smoke  detectors in colleges and universities. In 
accordance with § 36 -99.3 of the Code of Virginia, college 
and university buildings containing dormitories for 
sleeping purposes shall be provided with battery -powered 
or AC -powered smoke detector devices install ed therein in 
accordance with this code in effect on July 1, 1982. All 
public and private college and university dormitories shall 
have installed such detectors regardless of when the 
building was constructed. The chief administrative office 
of the college  or university shall obtain a certificate of 
compliance with the provisions of this subsection from the 
building official of the locality in which the college or 
university is located or, in the case of state -owned 
buildings, from the Director of the Virgi nia Department of 
General Services. The provisions of this section shall not 
apply to any dormitory at a state -supported military college 
or university that is patrolled 24 hours a day by military 
guards.  
F. Add Section 1101.3 to the IEBC to read:  
1101.3 Smoke detectors in certain juvenile care facilities. 
In accordance with § 36 -99.4 of the Code of Virginia, 
battery -powered or AC -powered smoke detectors shall be 
installed in all local and regional detention homes, group 
homes, and other residential care facilities for children and 
juveniles that are operated by or under the auspices of the 
Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, regardless of 
when the building was constructed, by July 1, 1986, in 
accordance with the provisions of this code that were in 
effect on July 1, 1984. Administrators of such homes and 
facilities shall be responsible for the installation of the 
smoke detector devices.  
G. Add Section 1101.4 to the IEBC to read:  
1101.4 Smoke detectors for the deaf and hearing- impaired. 
In accordance with § 36 -99.5 of the Code of Virginia, 
smoke detectors providing an effective intensity of not less 
than 100 candela to warn a deaf or hearing -impaired 
individual shall be provided, u pon request by the occupant 
to the landlord or proprietor, to any deaf or hearing-impaired occupant of any of the following occupancies, 
regardless of when constructed:  
1. All dormitory buildings arranged for the shelter and 
sleeping accommodations of mor e than 20 individuals;  
2. All multiple -family dwellings having more than two 
dwelling units, including all dormitories and boarding 
and lodging houses arranged for shelter and sleeping 
accommodations of more than five individuals; or  
3. All buildings arr anged for use as one -family or two -
family dwelling units.  
A tenant shall be responsible for the maintenance and 
operation of the smoke detector in the tenant's unit.  
A hotel or motel shall have available no fewer than one 
such smoke detector for each 70 units or portion thereof, 
except that this requirement shall not apply to any hotel or 
motel with fewer than 35 units. The proprietor of the hotel 
or motel shall post in a conspicuous place at the 
registration desk or counter a permanent sign stating the 
availability of smoke detectors for the hearing impaired. 
Visual detectors shall be provided for all meeting rooms 
for which an advance request has been made.  
H. Add Sections 1101.5, 1101.5.1, and 1101.5.2 to the IEBC 
to read:  
1101.5 Assisted living facil ities (formerly known as adult 
care residences or homes for adults). Existing assisted 
living facilities licensed by the Virginia Department of 
Social Services shall comply with sections 1101.5.1 and 
1101.5.2.  
1101.5.1 Fire protective signaling system and fire detection 
system. A fire protective signaling system and an 
automatic fire detection system meeting the requirements 
of the USBC, Volume I, 1987 Edition, Third Amendment, 
shall be installed in assisted living facilities by August 1, 
1994.  
Exception:  Assisted living facilities that are equipped 
throughout with a fire protective signaling system and an 
automatic fire detection system.  
1101.5.2 Single -station and multiple -station smoke 
detectors. Battery -powered or AC -powered single -station 
and multiple -station smoke detectors meeting the 
requirements of the USBC, Volume I, 1987 Edition, Third 
Amendment, shall be installed in assisted living facilities 
by August 1, 1994.  
Exception: Assisted living facilities that are equipped 
throughout with single -station and multiple -station smoke 
detectors.  
I. Add Section 1101.6 to the IEBC to read:  
1101.6 Smoke detectors in buildings containing dwelling 
units. AC -powered smoke detectors with battery backup or Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
474 an equivalent device shall be required to be installed to 
replace a defective or inoperative battery -powered smoke 
detector located in buildings containing one or more 
dwelling units or rooming houses offering to rent overnight 
sleeping accommodations when it is determined by the 
building official that the res ponsible party of such building 
or dwelling unit fails to maintain battery -powered smoke 
detectors in working condition.  
J. Add Section 1101.7 to the IEBC to read:  
1101.7 Fire suppression, fire alarm, and fire detection 
systems in nursing homes and facil ities. Fire suppression 
systems as required by the edition of this code in effect on 
October 1, 1990, shall be installed in all nursing facilities 
licensed by the Virginia Department of Health by January 
1, 1993, regardless of when such facilities or insti tutions 
were constructed. Units consisting of certified long -term 
care beds located on the ground floor of general hospitals 
shall be exempt from the requirements of this section.  
Fire alarm or fire detector systems, or both, as required by 
the edition of  this code in effect on October 1, 1990, shall 
be installed in all nursing homes and nursing facilities 
licensed by the Virginia Department of Health by August 
1, 1994.  
K. Add Section 1101.8 to the IEBC to read:  
1101.8 Fire suppression systems in hospita ls. Fire 
suppression systems shall be installed in all hospitals 
licensed by the Virginia Department of Health as required 
by the edition of this code in effect on October 1, 1995, 
regardless of when such facilities were constructed.  
L. Add Section 1101.9 to the IEBC to read:  
1101.9 Identification of disabled parking spaces by above 
grade signage. All parking spaces reserved for the use of 
persons with disabilities shall be identified by above grade 
signs, regardless of whether identification of such spaces 
by above grade signs was required when any particular 
space was reserved for the use of persons with disabilities. 
A sign or symbol painted or otherwise displayed on the 
pavement of a parking space shall not constitute an above 
grade sign. Any parking s pace not identified by an above 
grade sign shall not be a parking space reserved for the 
disabled within the meaning of this section. All above 
grade disabled parking space signs shall have the bottom 
edge of the sign no lower than 4 feet (1219 mm) nor higher 
than 7 feet (2133 mm) above the parking surface. Such 
signs shall be designed and constructed in accordance with 
the provisions of Chapter 11 of this code. All disabled 
parking signs shall include the following language: 
"PENALTY, $100 -500 Fine, TOW -AWAY ZONE." Such 
language may be placed on a separate sign and attached 
below existing above grade disabled parking signs, 
provided that the bottom edge of the attached sign is no 
lower than 4 feet above the parking surface.  M. Add Section 1101.10 to the IE BC to read:  
1101.10 Smoke detectors in hotels and motels. Smoke 
detectors shall be installed in hotels and motels as required 
by the edition of VR 394- 01-22, USBC, Volume II, in 
effect on March 1, 1990, by the dates indicated, regardless 
of when construct ed.  
N. Add Section 1101.11 to the IEBC to read:  
1101.11 Sprinkler systems in hotels and motels. By 
September 1, 1997, an automatic sprinkler system shall be 
installed in hotels and motels as required by the edition of 
VR 394- 01-22, USBC, Volume II, in ef fect on March 1, 
1990, regardless of when constructed.  
O. Add Section 1101.12 to the IEBC to read:  
1101.12 Fire suppression systems in dormitories. An 
automatic fire suppression system shall be provided 
throughout all buildings having a Group R -2 fire ar ea that 
are more than 75 feet (22,860 mm) or six stories above the 
lowest level of exit discharge and are used, in whole or in 
part, as a dormitory to house students by any public or 
private institution of higher education, regardless of when 
such buildings were constructed, in accordance with the 
edition of this code in effect on August 20, 1997, and the 
requirements for sprinkler systems under the edition of the 
NFPA 13 standard referenced by that code. The automatic 
fire suppression system shall be insta lled by September 1, 
1999. The chief administrative office of the college or 
university shall obtain a certificate of compliance from the 
building official of the locality in which the college or 
university is located or, in the case of state -owned 
buildin gs, from the Director of the Virginia Department of 
General Services.  
Exceptions:  
1. Buildings equipped with an automatic fire suppression 
system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 of the 1983 
or later editions of NFPA 13.  
2. Any dormitory at a state -supported military college or 
university that is patrolled 24 hours a day by military 
guards.  
3. Application of the requirements of this section shall be 
modified in accordance with the following:  
3.1. Building systems, equipm ent, or components other 
than the fire suppression system shall not be required to 
be added or upgraded except as necessary for the 
installation of the fire suppression system and shall only 
be required to be added or upgraded where the 
installation of the  fire suppression system creates an 
unsafe condition.  
3.2. Residential sprinklers shall be used in all sleeping 
rooms. Other sprinklers shall be quick response or 
residential unless deemed unsuitable for a space. Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
475 Standard response sprinklers shall be used  in elevator 
hoistways and machine rooms.  
3.3. Sprinklers shall not be required in wardrobes in 
sleeping rooms that are considered part of the building 
construction or in closets in sleeping rooms when such 
wardrobes or closets (i) do not exceed 24 square  feet 
(2.23 m2) in area, (ii) have the smallest dimension less 
than 36 inches (914 mm), and (iii) comply with all of the 
following:  
3.3.1. A single -station smoke detector monitored by the 
building fire alarm system is installed in the room 
containing the wardrobe or closet that will activate the 
general alarm for the building if the single station smoke 
detector is not cleared within five minutes after 
activation.  
3.3.2. The minimum number of sprinklers required for 
calculating the hydraulic demand of the system for the 
room shall be increased by two, and the two additional 
sprinklers shall be corridor sprinklers where the 
wardrobe or closet is used to divide the room. Rooms 
divided by a wardrobe or closet shall be considered one 
room for the purpose of th is requirement.  
3.3.3. The ceiling of the wardrobe, closet, or room shall 
have a fire resistance rating of not less than 1/2 hour.  
3.4. Not more than one sprinkler shall be required in 
bathrooms within sleeping rooms or suites having a floor 
area between  55 square feet (5.12 m2) and 120 square 
feet (11.16 m2), provided the sprinkler is located to 
protect the lavatory area and the plumbing fixtures are of 
a noncombustible material.  
3.5. Existing standpipe residual pressure shall be 
permitted to be reduced  when the standpipe serves as the 
water supply for the fire suppression system, provided 
the water supply requirements of NFPA 13- 94 are met.  
3.6. Limited service controllers shall be permitted for fire 
pumps when used in accordance with their listing.  
3.7. Where a standby power system is required, a source 
of power in accordance with Section 701 -11(d) or 701-
11(e) of NFPA 70- 96 shall be permitted.  
P. Add Section 1101.13 to the IEBC to read:  
1101.13 Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in SRCFs. 
SRCFs  shall be provided with at least one approved type 
ABC portable fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 
2A10BC installed in each kitchen. In addition, SRCFs 
shall provide at least one approved and properly installed 
battery operated smoke detector outsi de of each sleeping 
area in the vicinity of bedrooms and bedroom hallways and 
on each additional floor.  Q. Add Section 1101.14 to the IEBC to read:  
1101.14 Smoke detectors in adult day care centers. 
Battery -powered or AC -powered smoke detector devices 
shall be installed in all adult day care centers licensed by 
the Virginia Department of Social Services, regardless of 
when the building was constructed. The location and 
installation of the smoke detectors shall be determined by 
the provisions of this code in effect on October 1, 1990. 
The licensee shall obtain a certificate of compliance from 
the building official of the locality in which the center is 
located or, in the case of state- owned buildings, from the 
Director of the Virginia Department of General Services.  
R. Add Section 1101.15 to the IEBC to read:  
1101.15 Posting of occupant load. Every room or space 
that is an assembly occupancy, and where the occupant 
load of that room or space is 50 or more, shall have the 
occupant load of the room or space as determined by the 
building official posted in a conspicuous place near the 
main exit or exit access doorway from the room or space. 
Posted signs shall be of an approved legible permanent 
design and shall be maintained by the owner or owner's 
authorized agent.  
S. Add Section 1101.16 to the IEBC to read:  
1101.16 ALFSTs. Existing ALFSTs, regardless of when 
constructed, shall by October 1, 2011, meet the applicable 
requirements of API 653 and TFI RMIP for suitability for 
service and inspections and shall p rovide a secondary 
containment system complying with Section 426.3 of the 
VCC.  
T. Add Section 1101.17 to the IEBC to read:  
1101.17 Standards for replacement glass. In accordance 
with § 36- 99.2 of the Code of Virginia, any replacement 
glass installed in b uildings constructed prior to the first 
edition of the USBC shall meet the quality and installation 
standards for glass installed in new buildings as are in 
effect at the time of installation. In addition, as a 
requirement of this code, the installation or  replacement of 
glass in buildings constructed under any edition of the 
USBC shall be as required for new installations.  
U. Delete Sections 1102 through 1106 of the IEBC in their 
entirety.  
13VAC5 -63-440. Chapter 14 Compliance alternative – 
Change of occup ancy.  
A. Change Section 1401.1 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter are intended 
to maintain or increase the current degree of public safety, 
health, and general welfare in existing buildings or 
structures, while permitting changes of occupancy without 
requiring full compliance with Chapter 7, except where Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
476 compliance with other provisions of this code is 
specifically required in this chapter.  
Exception: The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to 
buildings with occupanc ies in Group H or I.  
B. Change Section 1401.1.1 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.1.1 Complete change of occupancy. Where an entire 
existing building undergoes a change of occupancy, the 
applicable provisions of this chapter for the new occupancy 
shall be used to  determine compliance with this code.  
Exception: Plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems in 
buildings undergoing a change of occupancy shall be 
subject to any applicable requirements of Chapter 7.  
C. Change Section 1401.1.2 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.1.2 Partial change of occupancy. Where a portion of 
the building undergoes a change of occupancy and that 
portion is separated from the remainder of the building 
with fire barrier or horizontal assemblies having a fire -
resistance rating as required by Table 508.4 of the VCC or 
Section R317 of the International Residential Code for the 
separate occupancies, or with approved compliance 
alternatives, the portion changed shall be made to conform 
to the provisions of this chapter.  
Where a portion of the building  undergoes a change of 
occupancy and that portion is not separated from the 
remainder of the building with fire barriers or horizontal 
assemblies having a fire -resistance rating as required by 
Table 508.4 of the VCC or Section R317 of the 
International Res idential Code for the separate 
occupancies, or with approved compliance alternatives, the 
provisions of this chapter which apply to each occupancy 
shall apply to the entire building. Where there are 
conflicting provisions, those requirements that are the m ost 
restrictive shall apply to the entire building or structure.  
D. Change Section 1401.2 and delete Sections 1401.2.1 
through 1401.2.5 of the IEBC to read: . 
1401.2 Accessibility requirements. All portions of the 
buildings proposed for change of occupancy to existing 
buildings or structures shall conform to the applicable 
accessibility provisions of Chapter 4.  
E. Change Section 1401.3 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.3 Acceptance. For changes of occupancy to existing 
buildings that are evaluated in accordance wit h this 
chapter, compliance with this chapter shall be accepted by 
the code official.  
F. Change Section 1401.3.1 and delete Sections 1401.3.2 
and 1401.3.3 of the IEBC to read: . 
1401.3.1 Compliance with flood hazard provisions. In 
flood hazard areas, buildi ngs or structures that are 
evaluated in accordance with this chapter shall comply with Section 1612 of the VCC or Section R322 of the 
International Residential Code, as applicable if the work 
covered by this chapter constitutes substantial 
improvement.  
G. Change Section 1401.4 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.4 Investigation and evaluation. For proposed work 
covered by this chapter, the building owner shall cause the 
existing building to be investigated and evaluated in 
accordance with the provisions of Sections 1 401.4 through 
1401.9.  
H. Change Section 1401.4.1 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.4.1 Structural analysis. The owner shall have a 
structural analysis of the existing building made to 
determine adequacy of structural systems for the proposed 
alteration, addition, or change of occupancy. The analysis 
shall demonstrate that the building with the work 
completed is capable of resisting the loads specified in 
Chapter 16 of the VCC.  
I. Change Section 1401.4.2 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.4.2 Submittal. The results of the i nvestigation and 
evaluation as required in Section 1401.4 along with 
proposed compliance alternatives shall be submitted to the 
code official.  
J. Change Section 1401.4.3 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.4.3 Determination of compliance. The code official 
shall de termine whether the existing building with the 
proposed change of occupancy complies with the 
provisions of this section in accordance with the evaluation 
process in Sections 1401.5 through 1401.9.  
K. Change Section 1401.5 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.5 Eval uation. The evaluation shall be comprised of 
three categories: fire safety, means of egress, and general 
safety, as defined in Sections 1401.5.1 through 1401.5.3.  
L. Change Section 1401.5.1 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.5.1 Fire safety. Included within the fi re safety 
category are the structural fire resistance, automatic fire 
detection, fire alarm, automatic sprinkler system, and fire 
suppression system features of the facility.  
M. Change Section 1401.5.2 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.5.2 Means of egress. Included within the means of 
egress category are the configuration, characteristics, and 
support features for means of egress in the facility.  
N. Change Section 1401.5.3 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.5.3 General safety. Included within the general safety 
category are the fire safety parameters and the means -of-
egress parameters.  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
477 O. Change Section 1401.6 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.6 Evaluation process. The evaluation process 
specified in this code shall be followed in its entirety to 
evaluate existing buildings. Table 1401.7 shall be utilized 
for tabulating the results of the evaluation. References to 
other sections of this code indicate that compliance with 
those sections is required in order to gain credit in the 
evaluation outlined i n this code. In applying this section to 
a building with mixed occupancies, where the separation 
between the mixed occupancies does not qualify for any 
category indicated in Section 1401.6.16, the score for each 
occupancy shall be determined, and the lower  score 
determined for each section of the evaluation process shall 
apply to the entire building.  
Where the separation between the mixed occupancies 
qualifies for any category indicated in Section 1401.6.16, 
the score for each occupancy shall apply to each  portion, or 
smoke compartment of the building based on the 
occupancy of the space.  
P. Change Section 1401.6.1 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.6.1 Building height and number of stories. The value 
for building height and number of stories shall be the lesser 
value determined by the formula in Section 1401.6.1.1. 
Section 504 of the International Building Code shall be 
used to determine the allowable height and number of 
stories of the building. Subtract the actual building height 
from the allowable height and divi de by 12- 1/2 feet (3810 
mm). Enter the height value and its sign (positive or 
negative) in Table 1401.7 under Safety Parameter 
1401.6.1, Building Height, for fire safety, means of egress, 
and general safety. The maximum score for a building shall 
be 10.  
Q. Change Section 1401.6.2 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.6.2 Building area. The value for building area shall 
be determined by the formula in Section 1401.6.2.2. 
Section 506 of the VCC and the formula in Section 
1401.6.2.1 shall be used to determine the allowabl e area of 
the building. Subtract the actual building area from the 
allowable area and divide by 1,200 square feet (112 m2). 
Enter the area value and its sign (positive or negative) in 
Table 1401.7 under Safety Parameter 1401.6.2, Building 
Area, for fire safety, means of egress and general safety. In 
determining the area value, the maximum permitted 
positive value for area is 50% of the fire safety score as 
listed in Table 1401.8, Mandatory Safety Scores.  
R. Change Section 1401.6.4 of the IEBC to read:  
1401. 6.4 Tenant and dwelling unit separations. Evaluate 
the fire -resistance rating of floors and walls separating 
tenants, including dwelling units, and not evaluated under 
Sections 1401.6.3 and 1401.6.5.  S. Change Section 1401.6.7 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.6.7  HVAC systems. Evaluate the ability of the 
HVAC system to resist the movement of smoke and fire 
beyond the point of origin. Under the categories in Section 
1401.6.7.1, determine the appropriate value and enter that 
value into Table 1401.7 under Safety Para meter 1401.6.7, 
HVAC Systems, for fire safety, means of egress, and 
general safety.  
T. Change Section 1401.6.8 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.6.8 Automatic fire detection. Evaluate the smoke 
detection capability based on the location and operation of 
automatic  fire detectors in accordance with Section 907 of 
the VCC and the International Mechanical Code. Under the 
categories and occupancies in Table 1401.6.8, determine 
the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 
1401.7 under Safety Parameter 1401.6.8,  Automatic Fire 
Detection, for fire safety, means of egress, and general 
safety.  
U. Change Section 1401.6.8.1 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.6.8.1 Categories. The categories for automatic fire 
detection are:  
1. Category a -  None.  
2. Category b -  Existing smo ke detectors in HVAC 
systems.  
3. Category c - Smoke detectors in HVAC systems. The 
detectors are installed in accordance with the 
requirements for new buildings in the International 
Mechanical Code.  
4. Category d - Smoke detectors throughout all floor 
areas other than individual sleeping units, tenant spaces, 
and dwelling units.  
5. Category e -  Smoke detectors installed throughout the 
floor area.  
6. Category f - Smoke detectors in corridors only.  
V. Change Section 1401.6.14 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.6. 14 Elevator control. Evaluate the passenger 
elevator equipment and controls that are available to the 
fire department to reach all occupied floors. Emergency 
recall and in -car operation of elevators shall be provided in 
accordance with the building code un der which the 
building or the affected portion thereof was constructed or 
previously approved. Under the categories and occupancies 
in Table 1401.5.14, determine the appropriate value and 
enter that value into Table 1401.7 under Safety Parameter 
1401.5.14,  Elevator Control, for fire safety, means of 
egress and general safety. The values shall be zero for a 
single -story building.  Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
478 W. Change Section 1401.6.14.1 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.6.14.1 Categories. The categories for elevator 
controls are:  
1. Category a -  No elevator.  
2. Category b - Any elevator without Phase I emergency 
recall operation and Phase II emergency in -car operation.  
3. Category c -  All elevators with Phase I emergency 
recall operation and Phase II emergency in -car operation 
as required by the building code under which the 
building or the affected portion thereof was constructed 
or previously approved.  
4. Category d -  All meet Category c or Category b where 
permitted to be without Phase I emergency recall 
operation and Phase II emergency in -car operation, and 
there is at least one elevator that complies with new 
construction requirements serves all occupied floors.  
X. Change Section 1401.6.16 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.6.16 Mixed occupancies. Where a building has two 
or more occup ancies that are not in the same occupancy 
classification, the separation between the mixed 
occupancies shall be evaluated in accordance with this 
section. Where there is no separation between the mixed 
occupancies or the separation between mixed occupancies 
does not qualify for any of the categories indicated in 
Section 1401.6.16.1, the building shall be evaluated as 
indicated in Section 1401.6, and the value for mixed 
occupancies shall be zero. Under the categories and 
occupancies in Table 1401.6.16, deter mine the appropriate 
value and enter that value into Table 1401.7 under Safety 
Parameter 1401.6.16, Mixed Occupancies, for fire safety 
and general safety. For buildings without mixed 
occupancies, the value shall be zero.  
Y. Change Section 1401.6.17 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.6.17 Automatic sprinklers. Evaluate the ability to 
suppress a fire based on the installation of an automatic 
sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 of 
the VCC. "Required sprinklers" shall be based on the 
requirements of th is code. Under the categories and 
occupancies in Table 1401.6.17, determine the appropriate 
value and enter that value into Table 1401.7 under Safety 
Parameter 1401.6.17, Automatic Sprinklers, for fire safety, 
means of egress divided by two, and general sa fety. High -
rise buildings defined in Chapter 2 of the VCC that 
undergo a change of occupancy to Group R shall be 
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in 
accordance with Section 403 of the VCC and Chapter 9 of 
the VCC.  
Z. Change Section 14 01.6.20 of the IEBC to read:  
1401.6.20 Smoke compartmentation. Evaluate the smoke 
compartments for compliance with Section 407.5 of the VCC. Under the categories and occupancies in Table 
1401.6.20, determine the appropriate smoke 
compartmentation value (SC V) and enter that value into 
Table 1401.7 under Safety Parameter 1401.6.20, Smoke 
Compartmentation, for fire safety, means of egress and 
general safety.  
Part III  
Maintenance  
13VAC5 -63-450. Chapter 1 Administration; Section 101 
General.  
A. Section 101.1 Short title. The Virginia Uniform 
Statewide Building Code, Part III, Maintenance, may be cited 
as the "Virginia Maintenance Code," or as the "VMC."  
B. Section 101.2 Incorporation by reference. Chapters 2 - 8 
of the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code, 
published by the International Code Council, Inc., are adopted 
and incorporated by reference to be an enforceable part of the 
VMC. The term "IPMC" means the 2015 International 
Property Maintenance Code, published by the International 
Code Council, I nc. Any codes and standards referenced in the 
IPMC are also considered to be part of the incorporation by 
reference, except that such codes and standards are used only 
to the prescribed extent of each such reference.  
C. Section 101.3 Numbering system. A dual numbering 
system is used in the VMC to correlate the numbering system 
of the Virginia Administrative Code with the numbering 
system of the IPMC. IPMC numbering system designations 
are provided in the catchlines of the Virginia Administrative 
Code secti ons and cross references between sections or 
chapters of the Virginia Maintenance Code use only the 
IPMC numbering system designations. The term "chapter" is 
used in the context of the numbering system of the IPMC and 
may mean a chapter in the VMC, a chapt er in the IPMC or a 
chapter in a referenced code or standard, depending on the 
context of the use of the term. The term "chapter" is not used 
to designate a chapter of the Virginia Administrative Code, 
unless clearly indicated.  
D. Section 101.4 Arrangemen t of code provisions. The 
VMC is comprised of the combination of (i) the provisions of 
Chapter 1, Administration, which are established herein, (ii) 
Chapters 2 -  8 of the IPMC, which are incorporated by 
reference in Section 101.2, and (iii) the changes to the text of 
the incorporated chapters of the IPMC which are specifically 
identified. The terminology "changes to the text of the 
incorporated chapters of the IPMC which are specifically 
identified" shall also be referred to as the "state amendments 
to the IPMC." Such state amendments to the IPMC are set out 
using corresponding chapter and section numbers of the 
IPMC numbering system.  
E. Section 101.5 Use of terminology and notes. The term 
"this code," or "the code," where used in the provisions of 
Chapter 1, in Chapters 2 -  8 of the IPMC, or in the state Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
479 amendments to the IPMC, means the VMC, unless the 
context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "this code," or 
"the code," where used in a code or standard referenced in the 
IPMC, means that code or standard, unless the context clearly 
indicates otherwise. The term "USBC" where used in this 
code means the VCC unless the context clearly indicates 
otherwise. In addition, the use of notes in Chapter 1 is to 
provide information only and shall not be construed a s 
changing the meaning of any code provision. Notes in the 
IPMC, in the codes and standards referenced in the IPMC, 
and in the state amendments to the IPMC, may modify the 
content of a related provision and shall be considered to be a 
valid part of the pro vision, unless the context clearly indicates 
otherwise.  
F. Section 101.6 Order of precedence. The provisions of this 
code shall be used as follows:  
1. The provisions of Chapter 1 of this code supersede any 
provisions of Chapters 2 -  8 of the IPMC that ad dress the 
same subject matter and impose differing requirements.  
2. The provisions of Chapter 1 of this code supersede any 
provisions of the codes and standards referenced in the 
IPMC that address the same subject matter and impose 
differing requirements.   
3. The state amendments to the IPMC supersede any 
provisions of Chapters 2 -  8 of the IPMC that address the 
same subject matter and impose differing requirements.  
4. The state amendments to the IPMC supersede any 
provisions of the codes and standards re ferenced in the 
IPMC that address the same subject matter and impose 
differing requirements.  
5. The provisions of Chapters 2 -  8 of the IPMC supersede 
any provisions of the codes and standards referenced in the 
IPMC that address the same subject matter an d impose 
differing requirements.  
G. Section 101.8 101.7 Definitions. The definitions of terms 
used in this code are contained in Chapter 2 along with 
specific provisions addressing the use of definitions. Terms 
may be defined in other chapters or provisions of the code 
and such definitions are also valid.  
13VAC5 -63-500. Section 107 Appeals.  
A. Section 107.1 Establishment of appeals board. In 
accordance with § 36 -105 of the Code of Virginia, there shall 
be established within each local enforcing agency a LBBCA. 
Whenever a county or a municipality does not have such a 
LBBCA, the local governing body shall enter into an 
agreement with the local governing body of another county or 
municipality or with some other agency, or a state agency 
approved by DHCD for such appeals resulting therefrom. 
Fees may be levied by the local governing body in order to 
defray the cost of such appeals. The LBBCA for hearing 
appeals under the VCC shall be permitted to serve as the appeals board required by this section. The locality is 
responsible for maintaining a duly constituted LBBCA 
prepared to hear appeals within the time limits established in 
this section. The LBBCA shall meet as necessary to assure a 
duly constituted board, appoint officers as necessary, and 
receive such training on the code as may be appropriate or 
necessary from staff of the locality.  
B. Secti on 107.2 Membership of board. The LBBCA shall 
consist of at least five members appointed by the locality for a 
specific term of office established by written policy. Alternate 
members may be appointed to serve in the absence of any 
regular members and as s uch, shall have the full power and 
authority of the regular members. Regular and alternate 
members may be reappointed. Written records of current 
membership, including a record of the current chairman and 
secretary shall be maintained in the office of the locality. In 
order to provide continuity, the terms of the members may be 
of different length so that less than half will expire in any 
one-year period.  
C. Section 107.3 Officers and qualifications of members. 
The LBBCA shall annually select one of its re gular members 
to serve as chairman. When the chairman is not present at an 
appeal hearing, the members present shall select an acting 
chairman. The locality or the chief executive officer of the 
locality shall appoint a secretary to the LBBCA to maintain a  
detailed record of all proceedings. Members of the LBBCA 
shall be selected by the locality on the basis of their ability to 
render fair and competent decisions regarding application of 
the USBC and shall to the extent possible, represent different 
occupat ional or professional fields relating to the construction 
industry. At least one member should be an experienced 
builder; at least one member should be an RDP, and at least 
one member should be an experienced property manager. 
Employees or officials of the  locality shall not serve as 
members of the LBBCA.  
D. Section 107.4 Conduct of members. No member shall 
hear an appeal in which that member has a conflict of interest 
in accordance with the State and Local Government Conflict 
of Interests Act (§ 2.2 -3100 et seq. of the Code of Virginia). 
Members shall not discuss the substance of an appeal with 
any other party or their representatives prior to any hearings.  
E. Section 107.5 Right of appeal; filing of appeal 
application. Any person aggrieved by the local e nforcing 
agency's application of this code or the refusal to grant a 
modification to the provisions of this code may appeal to the 
LBBCA. The applicant shall submit a written request for 
appeal to the LBBCA within 14 calendar days of the receipt 
of the decision being appealed. The application shall contain 
the name and address of the owner of the building or structure 
and, in addition, the name and address of the person 
appealing, when the applicant is not the owner. A copy of the 
code official's decision s hall be submitted along with the 
application for appeal and maintained as part of the record. Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
480 The application shall be marked by the LBBCA to indicate 
the date received. Failure to submit an application for appeal 
within the time limit established by this section shall 
constitute acceptance of a code official's decision.  
F. Section 107.6 Meetings and postponements. The LBBCA 
shall meet within 30 calendar days after the date of receipt of 
the application for appeal, except that a period of up to 45 
calendar  days shall be permitted where the LBBCA has 
regularly scheduled monthly meetings. A longer time period 
shall be permitted if agreed to by all the parties involved in 
the appeal. A notice indicating the time and place of the 
hearing shall be sent to the pa rties in writing to the addresses 
listed on the application at least 14 calendar days prior to the 
date of the hearing, except that a lesser time period shall be 
permitted if agreed to by all the parties involved in the appeal. 
When a quorum of the LBBCA i s not present at a hearing to 
hear an appeal, any party involved in the appeal shall have the 
right to request a postponement of the hearing. The LBBCA 
shall reschedule the appeal within 30 calendar days of the 
postponement, except that a longer time perio d shall be 
permitted if agreed to by all the parties involved in the appeal.  
G. Section 107.7 Hearings and decision. All hearings before 
the LBBCA shall be open meetings and the appellant, the 
appellant's representative, the locality's representative and any 
person whose interests are affected by the code official's 
decision in question shall be given an opportunity to be heard. 
The chairman shall have the power and duty to direct the 
hearing, rule upon the acceptance of evidence and oversee the 
record of all proceedings. The LBBCA shall have the power 
to uphold, reverse, or modify the decision of the official by a 
concurring vote of a majority of those present. Decisions of 
the LBBCA shall be final if no further appeal is made. The 
decision of the LBBCA sh all be explained in writing, signed 
by the chairman and retained as part of the record of the 
appeal. Copies of the written decision shall be sent to all 
parties by certified mail. In addition, the written decision shall 
contain the following wording:  
"Any person who was a party to the appeal may appeal to 
the State Review Board by submitting an application to 
such Board within 21 calendar days upon receipt by 
certified mail of the written decision. Application forms 
are available from the Office of the St ate Review Board, 
600 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, (804) 
371-7150."  
H. Section 107.8 Appeals to the State Review Board. After 
final determination by the LBBCA in an appeal, any person 
who was a party to the appeal may further appeal to the State 
Review Board. In accordance with § 36 -98.2 of the Code of 
Virginia for state -owned buildings and structures, appeals by 
an involved state agency from the decision of the code 
official for state -owned buildings or structures shall be made 
directly to the State Review Board. The application for appeal 
shall be made to the State Review Board within 21 calendar days of the receipt of the decision to be appealed. Failure to 
submit an application within that time limit shall constitute an 
acceptance of the code official's decision. For appeals from a 
LBBCA, a copy of the code official's decision and the 
resolution  written decision  of the LBBCA shall be submitted 
with the application for appeal to the State Review Board. 
Upon request by the Office of the Stat e Review Board, the 
LBBCA shall submit a copy of all pertinent information from 
the record of the appeal. In the case of appeals involving 
state-owned buildings or structures, the involved state agency 
shall submit a copy of the code official's decision an d other 
relevant information with the application for appeal to the 
State Review Board. Procedures of the State Review Board 
are in accordance with Article 2 (§ 36 -108 et seq.) of Chapter 
6 of Title 36 of the Code of Virginia. Decisions of the State 
Review  Board shall be final if no further appeal is made.  
13VAC5 -63-510. Chapter 2 Definitions.  
A. Change Section 201.3 of the IPMC to read:  
201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not 
defined in this code and are defined in the IBC, IFC, IFGC, 
IPC, IMC, International Existing Building Code, IRC, 
International Zoning Code or NFPA 70, such terms shall 
have the meanings ascribed to them as stated in those 
codes, except that terms defined in the VCC shall be used 
for this code and shall take precedence over other 
definitions.  
B. Change Section 201.5 of the IPMC to read:  
201.5 Parts. Whenever the words "dwelling unit," 
"dwelling," "premises," "building," "rooming unit," 
"housekeeping unit," or "story" are stated in this code, they 
shall be construed as  though they were followed by the 
words "or part thereof."  
C. Add the following definitions to Section 202 of the IPMC 
to read:  
Applicable building code. The local or statewide building 
code and referenced standards in effect at the time the 
building or portion thereof was constructed, altered, 
renovated or underwent a change of occupancy. See 
Section 103 for the application of the code.  
Maintained. To keep unimpaired in an appropriate 
condition, operation, and continuance as installed in 
accordance with t he applicable building code, or as 
previously approved, and in accordance with the applicable 
operational and maintenance provisions of this code.  
Structure unfit for human occupancy. An existing structure 
determined by the code official to be dangerous t o the 
health, safety and welfare of the occupants of the structure 
or the public because (i) of the degree to which the 
structure is in disrepair or lacks maintenance, ventilation, 
illumination, sanitary or heating facilities or other essential Regulations  
Volume 35, Issue 3  Virginia Register of Regulations  October 1, 2018  
481 equipment, or (ii) the required plumbing and sanitary 
facilities are inoperable.  
Unsafe equipment. Unsafe equipment includes any boiler, 
heating equipment, elevator, moving stairway, electrical 
wiring or device, flammable liquid containers or other 
equipment that is  in such disrepair or condition that such 
equipment is determined by the code official to be 
dangerous to the health, safety and welfare of the 
occupants of a structure or the public.  
Unsafe structure. An existing structure (i) determined by 
the code offi cial to be dangerous to the health, safety and 
welfare of the occupants of the structure or the public, (ii) 
that contains unsafe equipment, or (iii) that is so damaged, 
decayed, dilapidated, structurally unsafe or of such faulty 
construction or unstable f oundation that partial or complete 
collapse is likely. A vacant existing structure unsecured or 
open shall be deemed to be an unsafe structure.  
D. Delete the following definitions from Section 202 of the 
IEBC  IPMC : 
Condemn 
Cost of such demolition of emerg ency repairs  
Equipment support  
Inoperable motor vehicle  
Labeled  
Neglect  
Openable area 
Pest elimination  
Strict liability offense  
Ultimate deformation  
Workmanlike  
VA.R. Doc. No. R19 -5648; Filed September 12, 2018, 11:58 a.m.  
  ––––––––––––––––––   
TITLE 16. LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT  
SAFETY AND HEALTH CODES BOARD  
Final Regulation  
Title of Regulation: 16VAC25 -60. Administrative 
Regulation for the Virginia Occupational Safety and 
Health Program  (amending 16VAC25 -60-10, 16VAC25-
60-20, 16VAC25 -60-30, 16VAC25 -60-260, 16VAC25 -60-
270, 16VAC25- 60-280).  
Statutory Authority: §§ 40.1- 2.1, 40.1- 6, and 40.1- 22 of the 
Code of Virginia; Occupational Safety  and Health Act of 
1970 (P.L. 91- 596).  Effective Date: November 1, 2018.  
Agency Contact:  Holly Raney, Agency Regulatory 
Coordinator, Department of Labor and Industry, 600 East 
Main Street, Suite 207, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone 
(804) 371- 2631, FAX (804)  786-8418, or email 
holly.raney@doli.virginia.gov.  
Summary:  
The amendments (i) establish procedures for the 
application of penalties for state and local government 
employers in accordance with § 40.1- 2.1 of the Code of 
Virginia and (ii) allow Virginia Occupational Safety and 
Health to issue proposed penalties to state and local 
government employers for willful, repeat, and failure -to-
abate violations, as well as serious violations that cause a 
fatal accident or are classified as high gravity (i.e., 
classified as high severity and high probability). Violations 
that are classified as nonhigh gravity serious and other -
than- serious violations would not receive a penalty.  
Summary of Public Comments and Agency's Response:  A 
summary of comments made by the public and the agency's 
response may be obtained from the promulgating agency or 
viewed at the office of the Registrar of Regulations.  
Part I  
Definitions  
16VAC25 -60-10. Definitions.  
The following words and terms when used in this chapter 
shall have the follow ing meanings unless the context clearly 
indicates otherwise:  
"Abatement period" means the period of time defined or set 
out in the citation for correction of a violation.  
"Board" means the Safety and Health Codes Board.  
"Bureau of Labor Statistics" mean s the Bureau of Labor 
Statistics of the United States  U.S. Department of Labor.  
"Citation" means the notice to an employer that the 
commissioner has found a condition or conditions that violate 
Title 40.1 of the Code of Virginia or the standards, rules or 
regulations established by the commissioner or the board.  
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Labor and 
Industry. Except where the context clearly indicates the 
contrary, any such reference shall include his authorized 
representatives.  
"Commissioner of Labor and Industry" means only the 
individual who is Commissioner of Labor a nd Industry.  
"Department" means the Virginia Department of Labor and 
Industry.  
"De minimis violation" means a violation which  that has no 
direct or immediate relationship to safety and health.