Virginia

State Adoptions

Under Virginia Law the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has authority to promulgate building regulations and a regulatory process for development and adoption of a statewide mandatory mini/maxi construction code that all 167 units of local government (counties and incorporated cities) must adopt and implement. Implementation for state colleges and universities is the responsibility of the Virginia General Services Department. The State Fire Marshal’s Office ensures compliance with the Statewide Fire Prevention Code. Localities can and do adopt the Property Maintenance Code, which is within the scope of the statewide code. The Virginia Building Codes are based on the following 2018 I-Codes:

2018 International Building Code
2018 International Energy Conservation Code
2018 International Existing Building Code
2018 International Fire Code
2018 International Fuel Gas Code
2018 International Mechanical Code
2018 International Plumbing Code
2018 International Property Maintenance Code
2018 International Residential Code
2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code

Links to State Adoption Agencies

Department of Housing and Community Development

State Fire Marshal

Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy

Bureau of Insurance

Department of Forestry

Department of Health

Key Contacts

ICC Government Relations Representative
Avi Smith-Rose
Government Relations Associate
E-mail: asrose@iccsafe.org

State Building Codes Office:
Jeff Brown, MCP
Director of State Building Codes Office
Jeff.Brown@dhcd.virginia.gov

Chief Building Official:
Cindy L. Davis, Deputy Director of Building and Fire Regulation
Department of Housing and Community Development
501 North Second Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 371-7089
cindy.davis@dhcd.virginia.gov

State Fire Marshal:
Garrett Dyer
State Fire Marshal
1005 Technology Park Drive
Glen Allen, VA 23509
(804) 371-0220
garrett.dyer@vdfp.virginia.gov