{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/2.2-1159.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/2.2-1159.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/2.2-1159.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/2.2-1159.html"}],"law_id":54202,"edition_id":1,"section_id":54202,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1159","catch_line":"Facilities for persons with physical disabilities in certain buildings; definitions; construction standards; waiver; temporary buildings","history":"1970, c. 539, \u00a7\u00a7 2.1-109.01, 2.1-109.02, 2.1-109.03, 2.1-109.04, 2.1-109.06, 2.1-109.07; 1972, c. 223; 1977, c. 672, \u00a7\u00a7 2.1-514, 2.1-515, 2.1-516, 2.1-517, 2.1-519, 2.1-520, 2.1-521; 1993, c. 226; 2001, c. 844; 2023, cc. 148, 149.","full_text":"A\n\nFor the purposes of this section and \u00a7 2.2-1160:\n\t\t\t“Building” means any building or facility, used by the public, which is constructed in whole or in part or altered by the use of state, county or municipal funds, or the funds of any political subdivision of the Commonwealth. “Building” shall not include public school buildings and facilities, which shall be governed by standards established by the Board of Education pursuant to \u00a7 22.1-138.\n\t\t\t“Persons with physical disabilities” means persons with:1\n\nImpairments that, regardless of cause or manifestation, for all practical purposes, confine individuals to wheelchairs;2\n\nImpairments that cause individuals to walk with difficulty or insecurity;3\n\nTotal blindness or impairments affecting sight to the extent that the individual functioning in public areas is insecure or exposed to dangers;4\n\nDeafness or hearing loss that might make an individual insecure in public areas because he is unable to communicate or hear warning signals;5\n\nFaulty coordination or palsy from brain, spinal, or peripheral nerve injury; or6\n\nThose manifestations of the aging processes that significantly reduce mobility, flexibility, coordination and perceptiveness but are not accounted for in the aforementioned categories.B\n\nThe Division shall prescribe standards for the design, construction, and alteration of buildings constructed in whole or in part or altered by the use of state funds, other than school funds, necessary to ensure that persons with physical disabilities will have ready access to, and use of, such buildings.C\n\nThe governing body of a county, city or town or other political subdivision shall prescribe standards for the design, construction and alteration of buildings, not including public school facilities, constructed in whole or in part or altered by the use of the funds of such locality or political subdivision necessary to ensure that persons with physical disabilities will have ready access to, and use of, such buildings. The Division shall consult with the governing bodies upon request.D\n\nThe Division, with respect to standards issued by it, and the governing body of any county, city or town or other political subdivision with respect to standards issued by it may:1\n\nModify or waive any such standard, on a case-by-case basis, upon application made by the head of the department, agency or other instrumentality concerned, upon determining that a modification or waiver is clearly necessary; and2\n\nConduct necessary surveys and investigations to ensure compliance with such standards.E\n\nThe provisions of this section and § 2.2-1160 shall apply to temporary and emergency construction as well as permanent buildings.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":199030,"text":"For the purposes of this section and \u00a7 2.2-1160:\n\t\t\t“Building” means any building or facility, used by the public, which is constructed in whole or in part or altered by the use of state, county or municipal funds, or the funds of any political subdivision of the Commonwealth. “Building” shall not include public school buildings and facilities, which shall be governed by standards established by the Board of Education pursuant to \u00a7 22.1-138.\n\t\t\t“Persons with physical disabilities” means persons with:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":199031,"text":"Impairments that, regardless of cause or manifestation, for all practical purposes, confine individuals to wheelchairs;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":199032,"text":"Impairments that cause individuals to walk with difficulty or insecurity;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":199033,"text":"Total blindness or impairments affecting sight to the extent that the individual functioning in public areas is insecure or exposed to dangers;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":199034,"text":"Deafness or hearing loss that might make an individual insecure in public areas because he is unable to communicate or hear warning signals;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"A5"},"5":{"id":199035,"text":"Faulty coordination or palsy from brain, spinal, or peripheral nerve injury; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"A5","prefix_anchor":"A5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"A6"},"6":{"id":199036,"text":"Those manifestations of the aging processes that significantly reduce mobility, flexibility, coordination and perceptiveness but are not accounted for in the aforementioned categories.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"A6","prefix_anchor":"A6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A5","next_prefix":"B"},"7":{"id":199037,"text":"The Division shall prescribe standards for the design, construction, and alteration of buildings constructed in whole or in part or altered by the use of state funds, other than school funds, necessary to ensure that persons with physical disabilities will have ready access to, and use of, such buildings.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A6","next_prefix":"C"},"8":{"id":199038,"text":"The governing body of a county, city or town or other political subdivision shall prescribe standards for the design, construction and alteration of buildings, not including public school facilities, constructed in whole or in part or altered by the use of the funds of such locality or political subdivision necessary to ensure that persons with physical disabilities will have ready access to, and use of, such buildings. The Division shall consult with the governing bodies upon request.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"9":{"id":199039,"text":"The Division, with respect to standards issued by it, and the governing body of any county, city or town or other political subdivision with respect to standards issued by it may:","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"D1"},"10":{"id":199040,"text":"Modify or waive any such standard, on a case-by-case basis, upon application made by the head of the department, agency or other instrumentality concerned, upon determining that a modification or waiver is clearly necessary; and","type":"section","prefixes":["D","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"D1","prefix_anchor":"D1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"D2"},"11":{"id":199041,"text":"Conduct necessary surveys and investigations to ensure compliance with such standards.","type":"section","prefixes":["D","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"D2","prefix_anchor":"D2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D1","next_prefix":"E"},"12":{"id":199042,"text":"The provisions of this section and § 2.2-1160 shall apply to temporary and emergency construction as well as permanent buildings.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D2"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13187,"edition_id":1,"name":"Division Of Engineering And Buildings","identifier":"4","label":"article","depth":5,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13186,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:25","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:25","permalink":{"id":172585,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13187,"identifier":"4","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4","url":"\/2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13186,"edition_id":1,"name":"Department of General Services","identifier":"11","label":"chapter","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13092,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:25","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:25","permalink":{"id":172461,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13186,"identifier":"11","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11","url":"\/2.2\/I\/C\/11\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13092,"edition_id":1,"name":"State Agencies Related to the General Operation of Government","identifier":"C","label":"part","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12784,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:16","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:16","permalink":{"id":172453,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13092,"identifier":"C","token":"2.2\/I\/C","url":"\/2.2\/I\/C\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12784,"edition_id":1,"name":"Organization of State Government","identifier":"I","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12749,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","permalink":{"id":171455,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12784,"identifier":"I","token":"2.2\/I","url":"\/2.2\/I\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12749,"edition_id":1,"name":"Administration of Government","identifier":"2.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":171453,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12749,"identifier":"2.2","token":"2.2","url":"\/2.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":60538,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1129","catch_line":"Division of Engineering and Buildings","url":"\/2.2-1129\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1129","metadata":false},{"id":70867,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1130","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/2.2-1130\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1130","metadata":false},{"id":78119,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1131","catch_line":"Maintenance and utilization standards","url":"\/2.2-1131\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1131","metadata":false},{"id":74399,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1131.1","catch_line":"Establishment of performance standards for the use of property","url":"\/2.2-1131.1\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1131.1","metadata":false},{"id":74281,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1132","catch_line":"Administration of capital outlay construction; exception for certain educational institutions","url":"\/2.2-1132\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1132","metadata":false},{"id":83823,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1133","catch_line":"Use of value engineering","url":"\/2.2-1133\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1133","metadata":false},{"id":68029,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1134","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/2.2-1134\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1134","metadata":false},{"id":73421,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1135","catch_line":"Information on equipment utilizing wood wastes","url":"\/2.2-1135\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1135","metadata":false},{"id":55806,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1136","catch_line":"Review of easements; maintenance of records; notification when lease or other agreement for branch office to terminate; report","url":"\/2.2-1136\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1136","metadata":false},{"id":69292,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1137","catch_line":"Location, construction or lease of state consolidated office buildings","url":"\/2.2-1137\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1137","metadata":false},{"id":69666,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1138","catch_line":"Planning and construction by Division; exemption","url":"\/2.2-1138\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1138","metadata":false},{"id":74905,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1139","catch_line":"Transfer of funds; acceptance of donations","url":"\/2.2-1139\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1139","metadata":false},{"id":58982,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1140","catch_line":"Assignment of office space","url":"\/2.2-1140\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1140","metadata":false},{"id":55383,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1141","catch_line":"Purchase of furniture for state buildings; repairs to buildings and furniture; surplus furniture","url":"\/2.2-1141\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1141","metadata":false},{"id":79272,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1142","catch_line":"Furniture for Executive Mansion","url":"\/2.2-1142\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1142","metadata":false},{"id":68318,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1143","catch_line":"Services for Capitol and other state facilities","url":"\/2.2-1143\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1143","metadata":false},{"id":83389,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1144","catch_line":"Control of Capitol Square and other property at seat of government","url":"\/2.2-1144\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1144","metadata":false},{"id":80369,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1145","catch_line":"Inventory of property and Governor's house; custody of house and property pending election of Governor","url":"\/2.2-1145\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1145","metadata":false},{"id":69630,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1146","catch_line":"Department may lease certain state property; approval of leases by Attorney General; disposition of rentals","url":"\/2.2-1146\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1146","metadata":false},{"id":68138,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1147","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/2.2-1147\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1147","metadata":false},{"id":83183,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1147.1","catch_line":"Right to breast-feed","url":"\/2.2-1147.1\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1147.1","metadata":false},{"id":84623,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1147.2","catch_line":"Equal access to state-owned or controlled property; Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the USA","url":"\/2.2-1147.2\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1147.2","metadata":false},{"id":55227,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1147.3","catch_line":"Baby changing facilities in restrooms located in public buildings","url":"\/2.2-1147.3\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1147.3","metadata":false},{"id":62145,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1148","catch_line":"Approval of actions; conveyances in name of the Commonwealth","url":"\/2.2-1148\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1148","metadata":false},{"id":75383,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1149","catch_line":"Department to review proposed acquisitions of real property; approval by the Governor; exceptions","url":"\/2.2-1149\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1149","metadata":false},{"id":86857,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1150","catch_line":"Conveyance and transfers of real property by state agencies; approval of Governor and Attorney General; notice to members of General Assembly","url":"\/2.2-1150\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1150","metadata":false},{"id":72440,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1150.1","catch_line":"Lease or conveyance of any interest in State Police communication tower","url":"\/2.2-1150.1\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1150.1","metadata":false},{"id":55008,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1150.2","catch_line":"Use of communication towers for deployment of wireless broadband services in unserved areas of the Commonwealth","url":"\/2.2-1150.2\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1150.2","metadata":false},{"id":67988,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1150.3","catch_line":"Lease of state military reservation property","url":"\/2.2-1150.3\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1150.3","metadata":false},{"id":84461,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1151","catch_line":"Conveyance of easements and appurtenances thereto to cable television companies, utility companies, public service companies, political subdivisions by state departments, agencies or institutions; communication towers; telecommunications companies","url":"\/2.2-1151\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1151","metadata":false},{"id":61910,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1151.1","catch_line":"Conveyances of right-of-way usage to certain nonpublic service companies by the Department of Transportation","url":"\/2.2-1151.1\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1151.1","metadata":false},{"id":78788,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1152","catch_line":"Conveyances to Department of Transportation by state institutions or public corporations owned by Commonwealth","url":"\/2.2-1152\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1152","metadata":false},{"id":58899,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1153","catch_line":"State agencies and institutions to notify Department of property not used or required; criteria","url":"\/2.2-1153\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1153","metadata":false},{"id":63729,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1154","catch_line":"State departments, agencies, and institutions to inquire of Department before acquiring land for capital improvements","url":"\/2.2-1154\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1154","metadata":false},{"id":63598,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1155","catch_line":"Temporary transfer of use of property between state departments, agencies, and institutions; lease to private entities","url":"\/2.2-1155\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1155","metadata":false},{"id":60488,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1156","catch_line":"Sale or lease of surplus property and excess building space","url":"\/2.2-1156\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1156","metadata":false},{"id":58405,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1157","catch_line":" Exploration for and extraction of minerals on state-owned uplands","url":"\/2.2-1157\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1157","metadata":false},{"id":74414,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1158","catch_line":"Management, harvesting and sale of timber on lands under control of Division","url":"\/2.2-1158\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1158","metadata":false},{"id":54202,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1159","catch_line":"Facilities for persons with physical disabilities in certain buildings; definitions; construction standards; waiver; temporary buildings","url":"\/2.2-1159\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1159","metadata":false},{"id":79200,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1160","catch_line":"Facilities for persons with physical disabilities; what buildings to be constructed in accordance with standards","url":"\/2.2-1160\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1160","metadata":false},{"id":76476,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1161","catch_line":"Buildings not in conformance with standards for persons with physical disabilities","url":"\/2.2-1161\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1161","metadata":false},{"id":81556,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1161.1","catch_line":"Code Adam alerts in public buildings","url":"\/2.2-1161.1\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1161.1","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":74414,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1158","catch_line":"Management, harvesting and sale of timber on lands under control of Division","url":"\/2.2-1158\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1158","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":79200,"structure_id":13187,"section_number":"2.2-1160","catch_line":"Facilities for persons with physical disabilities; what buildings to be constructed in accordance with standards","url":"\/2.2-1160\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1160","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/2.2-1159\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1970. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 539 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1970 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 5 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1972, chapter 223; in 1977, chapter 672; in 1993, chapter 226; in 2001, chapter 844<\/a>; in 2023, chapters 148<\/a> and 149<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":79200,"section_number":"2.2-1160","catch_line":"Facilities for persons with physical disabilities; what buildings to be constructed in accordance with standards","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-1160\/"},{"id":65754,"section_number":"36-98.1","catch_line":"State buildings; exception for certain assets owned by the Department of Transportation","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-98.1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":79200,"section_number":"2.2-1160","catch_line":"Facilities for persons with physical disabilities; what buildings to be constructed in accordance with standards","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-1160\/"},{"id":83578,"section_number":"22.1-138","catch_line":"Minimum standards for public school buildings","order_by":null,"url":"\/22.1-138\/"}],"permalink":{"id":172739,"object_type":"law","relational_id":54202,"identifier":"2.2-1159","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1159","url":"\/2.2-1159\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/2.2-1159\/","token":"2.2\/I\/C\/11\/4\/2.2-1159","dublin_core":{"Title":"Facilities for persons with physical disabilities in certain buildings; definitions; construction standards; waiver; temporary buildings","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 2.2-1159","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> For the purposes of this section and \u00a7 2.2-1160<\/a>:\n\t\t\t“Building<\/span>” means any building<\/span> or facility, used by the public, which is constructed in whole or in part or altered by the use of state, county or municipal funds, or the funds of any political subdivision of the Commonwealth. “Building<\/span>” shall not include public school buildings<\/span> and facilities, which shall be governed by standards established by the Board of Education pursuant to \u00a7 22.1-138<\/a>.\n\t\t\t“Persons with physical disabilities<\/span>” means persons with: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Impairments that, regardless of cause or manifestation, for all practical purposes, confine individuals to wheelchairs; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Impairments that cause individuals to walk with difficulty or insecurity; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Total blindness or impairments affecting sight to the extent that the individual functioning in public areas is insecure or exposed to dangers; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Deafness or hearing<\/span> loss that might make an individual insecure in public areas because he is unable to communicate or hear warning signals; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Faulty coordination or palsy from brain, spinal, or peripheral nerve injury; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Those manifestations of the aging processes that significantly reduce mobility, flexibility, coordination and perceptiveness but are not accounted for in the aforementioned categories. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The Division shall prescribe standards for the design, construction, and alteration of buildings<\/span> constructed in whole or in part or altered by the use of state funds, other than school funds, necessary to ensure that persons with physical disabilities<\/span> will have ready access to, and use of, such buildings<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The governing body of a county, city or town or other political subdivision shall prescribe standards for the design, construction and alteration of buildings<\/span>, not including public school facilities, constructed in whole or in part or altered by the use of the funds of such locality or political subdivision necessary to ensure that persons with physical disabilities<\/span> will have ready access to, and use of, such buildings<\/span>. The Division shall consult with the governing bodies upon request. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The Division, with respect to standards issued by it, and the governing body of any county, city or town or other political subdivision with respect to standards issued by it may: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Modify or waive<\/span> any such standard, on a case-by-case basis, upon application made by the head of the department, agency or other instrumentality concerned, upon determining that a modification or waiver<\/span> is clearly necessary; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Conduct necessary surveys and investigations to ensure compliance with such standards. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The provisions of this section and § 2.2-1160<\/a> shall apply to temporary and emergency construction as well as permanent buildings<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nFACILITIES FOR PERSONS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES IN CERTAIN BUILDINGS;\nDEFINITIONS; CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS; WAIVER; TEMPORARY BUILDINGS (\u00a7 2.2-1159)\n\nA. For the purposes of this section and \u00a7 2.2-1160:\n\t\t\t“Building” means any building or facility, used by the public,\nwhich is constructed in whole or in part or altered by the use of state, county\nor municipal funds, or the funds of any political subdivision of the\nCommonwealth. “Building” shall not include public school buildings\nand facilities, which shall be governed by standards established by the Board of\nEducation pursuant to \u00a7 22.1-138.\n\t\t\t“Persons with physical disabilities” means persons with:\n\n 1. Impairments that, regardless of cause or manifestation, for all practical\n purposes, confine individuals to wheelchairs;\n\n 2. Impairments that cause individuals to walk with difficulty or insecurity;\n\n 3. Total blindness or impairments affecting sight to the extent that the\n individual functioning in public areas is insecure or exposed to dangers;\n\n 4. Deafness or hearing loss that might make an individual insecure in public\n areas because he is unable to communicate or hear warning signals;\n\n 5. Faulty coordination or palsy from brain, spinal, or peripheral nerve\n injury; or\n\n 6. Those manifestations of the aging processes that significantly reduce\n mobility, flexibility, coordination and perceptiveness but are not accounted\n for in the aforementioned categories.\n\nB. The Division shall prescribe standards for the design, construction, and\nalteration of buildings constructed in whole or in part or altered by the use of\nstate funds, other than school funds, necessary to ensure that persons with\nphysical disabilities will have ready access to, and use of, such buildings.\n\nC. The governing body of a county, city or town or other political subdivision\nshall prescribe standards for the design, construction and alteration of\nbuildings, not including public school facilities, constructed in whole or in\npart or altered by the use of the funds of such locality or political\nsubdivision necessary to ensure that persons with physical disabilities will\nhave ready access to, and use of, such buildings. The Division shall consult\nwith the governing bodies upon request.\n\nD. The Division, with respect to standards issued by it, and the governing body\nof any county, city or town or other political subdivision with respect to\nstandards issued by it may:\n\n 1. Modify or waive any such standard, on a case-by-case basis, upon\n application made by the head of the department, agency or other\n instrumentality concerned, upon determining that a modification or waiver is\n clearly necessary; and\n\n 2. Conduct necessary surveys and investigations to ensure compliance with such\n standards.\n\nE. The provisions of this section and § 2.2-1160 shall apply to temporary\nand emergency construction as well as permanent buildings.\n\nHISTORY: 1970, c. 539, \u00a7\u00a7 2.1-109.01, 2.1-109.02, 2.1-109.03, 2.1-109.04,\n2.1-109.06, 2.1-109.07; 1972, c. 223; 1977, c. 672, \u00a7\u00a7 2.1-514, 2.1-515,\n2.1-516, 2.1-517, 2.1-519, 2.1-520, 2.1-521; 1993, c. 226; 2001, c. 844; 2023,\ncc. 148, 149.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}