Virginia Administrative Code › Title 13 - HOUSING › Agency 5 - DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT › Chapter 63 - VIRGINIA UNIFORM STATEWIDE BUILDING CODE › Part I - Construction › Section 13VAC5-63-30 - Section 103 Application of code

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A. Section 103.1 General. In accordance with
				  §
										36-99 of the Code of Virginia, the
				  USBC shall prescribe building regulations to be complied with in the
				  construction and rehabilitation of buildings and structures, and the equipment
				  therein.
B. Section 103.1.1
				  Virginia Existing Building Code. Part II of the Virginia Uniform Statewide
				  Building Code, also known as the "Virginia Existing Building Code," or the
				  "VEBC" is applicable to construction and rehabilitation activities in existing
				  buildings and structures, as those terms are defined in the VEBC, except where
				  specifically addressed in the VCC.
C. Section 103.2 When applicable to
				  construction. Construction for which a permit application is submitted to the
				  local building department on or after the effective date of the 2021 edition of
				  the code shall comply with the provisions of this code, except for permit
				  applications submitted during a one-year period beginning on the effective date
				  of the 2021 edition of the code. The applicant for a permit during such
				  one-year period shall be permitted to choose whether to comply with the
				  provisions of this code or the provisions of the edition of the code in effect
				  immediately prior to the 2021 edition. This provision shall also apply to
				  subsequent amendments to this code based on the effective date of such
				  amendments. In addition, when a permit has been properly issued under a
				  previous edition of this code, this code shall not require changes to the
				  approved construction documents, design, or construction of such a building or
				  structure, provided the permit has not been suspended or revoked.
D. Section 103.3 Nonrequired equipment. The
				  following criteria for nonrequired equipment is in accordance with §
										36-103 of the Code of Virginia.
				  Building owners may elect to install partial or full fire alarms or other
				  safety equipment that was not required by the edition of the USBC in effect at
				  the time a building was constructed without meeting current requirements of the
				  code, provided the installation does not create a hazardous condition. Permits
				  for installation shall be obtained in accordance with this code. In addition,
				  as a requirement of this code, when such nonrequired equipment is to be
				  installed, the building official shall notify the appropriate fire official or
				  fire chief.
E. Section 103.3.1
				  Reduction in function or discontinuance of nonrequired fire protection systems.
				  When a nonrequired fire protection system is to be reduced in function or
				  discontinued, it shall be done in such a manner so as not to create a false
				  sense of protection. Generally, in such cases, any features visible from
				  interior areas shall be removed, such as sprinkler heads, smoke detectors, or
				  alarm panels or devices, but any wiring or piping hidden within the
				  construction of the building may remain. Approval of the proposed method of
				  reduction or discontinuance shall be obtained from the building
				  official.
F. Section 103.4 Use of
				  certain provisions of referenced codes. The following provisions of the IBC and
				  of other indicated codes or standards are to be considered valid provisions of
				  this code. Where any such provisions have been modified by the state amendments
				  to the IBC, then the modified provisions apply.
1. Special inspection requirements in
				  Chapters 2 through 35.
2. Testing
				  requirements and requirements for the submittal of construction documents in
				  any of the ICC codes referenced in Chapter 35 and in the IRC.
3. Section R301.2 of the IRC authorizing
				  localities to determine climatic and geographic design criteria.
4. Flood load or flood-resistant construction
				  requirements in the IBC or the IRC, including any such provisions pertaining to
				  flood elevation certificates that are located in Chapter 1 of those codes. Any
				  required flood elevation certificate pursuant to such provisions shall be
				  prepared by a land surveyor licensed in Virginia or a registered design
				  professional (RDP).
5. Section
				  N1102.1 of the IRC and Sections C402.1.1, C402.1.1.1, and R402.1 of the
				  IECC.