, 1948-06-07
PUBLICATION REGARDING THE ESTABLISHMENT
OF A BUILDING CODE FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

Law to establish a Building Code for the Virgin Islands,
passed by the Thirteenth Legislative Assembly of the Virgin
Islands of the United States, became effective on MAY 251948.
upon signature by the Executive. The Law relates to the CON
struction, alienation, repair, removal, or demolition of build
ings or other structure, including all electrical work for light
and power. In general, the Superintendent of Public Works
of each of the two municipalities of the Virgin Islands is
charged with the administration and enforcement of the Build
ing Code. Rules and Regulations to govern the construction,
attenuation, maintenance, use occupancy, safety, electrical
and Mechanical equipment, and inspection of buildings or
structures In the Virgin Islands, will be issued at a later date
after appropriate public hearings and with the approval of
the Governor and the respective Municipal Councils.
Every building or structure or part thereof including
plumbing and electric wiring for highland power, constructed
repaired, removed or demolished in the Virgin Islands after
the effective date of the law, shall be constructed, altered. re-
paired, removed, or demolished in conformity with the provi-
slons OF the Building Code and Of any rules and regulations
issued Hereunder.
No building or structure or part thereof, including plumb
Ing or electric wiring for light and power, shall hereafter he
DULL, altered, repaired, or,-if within the limits of any town.
moved or demolished until a permit therefor has been granted
Oy neouper1ntendent Ordinary repairs to buildings or struc-
lures Or part thereof, exclusive Of electric wiring for light or
power, may be made without permit, but such repairs shall
not include the cutting away of any wall or any portion there
OF, the removal or cutting away of any beams o r s,1nnorte Or
tne removal, change or closing Of any stairway or exit.
Application for any permit shall be filled by the owner or
his agent with the Superintendent of the Municipality in
which the property is located.
"A Building Board of Appeals is created for each munich
patty. Any person who feels that an injustice has been done
nm oy any order, rule or regulation Of the Superintendent
may appear tnerefrom to the appropriate Building Board Of
Appeals by filing a written notice of appeal within IS davs
alter receipt Of the order or ruling complained of.
No person may engage in the trade Of an electrician a.
plumber within the Virgin Islands without a license therefor.
Such licenses shall be issued by the Government Secretary.
put only 70 those persons who are deemed qualified by train
ing ana experience. Provision is made for revocation, suspen-
sion, or cancellation of licenses for cause, with the right re-
served to the perosn affected to apply for a hearing before
the Board Of Appeals.
All buildings or parts of buildings, signs, and other ex-
posed structures shall be designed in accordance with the re-
qulrements of the Building Code and the rules and regula-
lions OF the Superintendent of Public Works to resist, in the
structural tram, horizontal wind pressure from any direction.
Exposed buildings shall be DESIGNED to withstand an assumed