{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/36-103.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/36-103.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/36-103.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/36-103.html"}],"law_id":74039,"edition_id":1,"section_id":74039,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-103","catch_line":"Buildings, etc., existing or projected before effective date of Code","history":"1972, c. 829; 1976, c. 638; 1982, c. 267; 1986, c. 32; 2002, c. 555; 2003, c. 650.","full_text":"Any building or structure, for which a building permit has been issued or on which construction has commenced, or for which working drawings have been prepared in the year prior to the effective date of the Building Code, shall remain subject to the building regulations in effect at the time of such issuance or commencement of construction. However, the Board may adopt and promulgate as part of the Building Code, building regulations that facilitate the maintenance, rehabilitation, development and reuse of existing buildings at the least possible cost to ensure the protection of the public health, safety and welfare. Subsequent reconstruction, renovation, repair or demolition of such buildings or structures shall be subject to the pertinent construction and rehabilitation provisions of the Building Code. The provisions of this section shall be applicable to equipment. However, building owners may elect to install partial or full fire alarms or other safety equipment that was not required by the Building Code in effect at the time a building was constructed without meeting current Building Code requirements, provided the installation does not create a hazardous condition. Permits for installation shall be obtained in accordance with the Uniform Statewide Building Code.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":266297,"text":"Any building or structure, for which a building permit has been issued or on which construction has commenced, or for which working drawings have been prepared in the year prior to the effective date of the Building Code, shall remain subject to the building regulations in effect at the time of such issuance or commencement of construction. However, the Board may adopt and promulgate as part of the Building Code, building regulations that facilitate the maintenance, rehabilitation, development and reuse of existing buildings at the least possible cost to ensure the protection of the public health, safety and welfare. Subsequent reconstruction, renovation, repair or demolition of such buildings or structures shall be subject to the pertinent construction and rehabilitation provisions of the Building Code. The provisions of this section shall be applicable to equipment. However, building owners may elect to install partial or full fire alarms or other safety equipment that was not required by the Building Code in effect at the time a building was constructed without meeting current Building Code requirements, provided the installation does not create a hazardous condition. Permits for installation shall be obtained in accordance with the Uniform Statewide Building Code.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":12781,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12780,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":209289,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12781,"identifier":"1","token":"36\/6\/1","url":"\/36\/6\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12780,"edition_id":1,"name":"Uniform Statewide Building Code","identifier":"6","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12779,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":209287,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12780,"identifier":"6","token":"36\/6","url":"\/36\/6\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12779,"edition_id":1,"name":"Housing","identifier":"36","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":208257,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12779,"identifier":"36","token":"36","url":"\/36\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":82568,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-100","catch_line":"Notice and hearings on adoption of Code, amendments and repeals","url":"\/36-100\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-100","metadata":false},{"id":57649,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-101","catch_line":"Effective date of Code; when local codes may remain in effect","url":"\/36-101\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-101","metadata":false},{"id":69941,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-102","catch_line":"Modification, amendment or repeal of Code provisions","url":"\/36-102\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-102","metadata":false},{"id":74039,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-103","catch_line":"Buildings, etc., existing or projected before effective date of Code","url":"\/36-103\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-103","metadata":false},{"id":75343,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-104","catch_line":"Code to be printed and furnished on request; true copy","url":"\/36-104\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-104","metadata":false},{"id":71583,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-105","catch_line":"Enforcement of Code; appeals from decisions of local department; inspection of buildings; inspection warrants; inspection of elevators; issuance of permits","url":"\/36-105\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-105","metadata":false},{"id":61577,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-105.01","catch_line":"Elevator inspections by contract","url":"\/36-105.01\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-105.01","metadata":false},{"id":78461,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-105.1","catch_line":"Inspection and review of plans of buildings under construction","url":"\/36-105.1\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-105.1","metadata":false},{"id":58756,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-105.1:1","catch_line":"Rental inspections; rental inspection districts; exemptions; penalties","url":"\/36-105.1_1\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-105.1_1","metadata":false},{"id":75306,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-105.2","catch_line":"Expired","url":"\/36-105.2\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-105.2","metadata":false},{"id":77401,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-105.3","catch_line":"Security of certain records","url":"\/36-105.3\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-105.3","metadata":false},{"id":60393,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-105.4","catch_line":"Occupancy standards for residential dwelling units","url":"\/36-105.4\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-105.4","metadata":false},{"id":86342,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-105.5","catch_line":"Enforcement of Building Code on Indian reservations","url":"\/36-105.5\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-105.5","metadata":false},{"id":70540,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-106","catch_line":"Violation a misdemeanor; civil penalty","url":"\/36-106\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-106","metadata":false},{"id":82688,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-107","catch_line":"Employment of personnel for administration of chapter","url":"\/36-107\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-107","metadata":false},{"id":70419,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-107.1","catch_line":"Sale of residential structure with lead-based paint levels exceeding Code standards; penalty","url":"\/36-107.1\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-107.1","metadata":false},{"id":78167,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-97","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/36-97\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-97","metadata":false},{"id":68849,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-98","catch_line":"Board to promulgate Statewide Code; other codes and regulations superseded; exceptions","url":"\/36-98\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-98","metadata":false},{"id":81277,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-98.01","catch_line":"Mechanics' lien agent included on building permit for residential property at request of applicant","url":"\/36-98.01\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-98.01","metadata":false},{"id":65754,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-98.1","catch_line":"State buildings; exception for certain assets owned by the Department of Transportation","url":"\/36-98.1\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-98.1","metadata":false},{"id":76703,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-98.2","catch_line":"Appeals from decision of Building Official regarding state-owned buildings","url":"\/36-98.2\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-98.2","metadata":false},{"id":65767,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-98.3","catch_line":"Amusement devices","url":"\/36-98.3\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-98.3","metadata":false},{"id":62116,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-98.4","catch_line":"Agritourism event buildings","url":"\/36-98.4\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-98.4","metadata":false},{"id":65710,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-99","catch_line":"Provisions of Code; modifications","url":"\/36-99\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-99","metadata":false},{"id":74808,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-99.01","catch_line":"Provisions related to rehabilitation of existing buildings","url":"\/36-99.01\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-99.01","metadata":false},{"id":79369,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-99.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/36-99.1\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-99.1","metadata":false},{"id":64811,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-99.10","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/36-99.10\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-99.10","metadata":false},{"id":55850,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-99.10:1","catch_line":"Standards for installation of acoustical treatment measures in certain buildings and structures","url":"\/36-99.10_1\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-99.10_1","metadata":false},{"id":84476,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-99.11","catch_line":"Identification of disabled parking spaces by above grade signage","url":"\/36-99.11\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-99.11","metadata":false},{"id":64183,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-99.2","catch_line":"Standards for replacement glass","url":"\/36-99.2\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-99.2","metadata":false},{"id":53961,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-99.3","catch_line":"Smoke alarms and automatic sprinkler systems in institutions of higher education","url":"\/36-99.3\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-99.3","metadata":false},{"id":72903,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-99.4","catch_line":"Smoke alarms in certain juvenile care facilities","url":"\/36-99.4\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-99.4","metadata":false},{"id":65460,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-99.5","catch_line":"Smoke alarms for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing","url":"\/36-99.5\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-99.5","metadata":false},{"id":72386,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-99.5:1","catch_line":"Smoke alarms and other fire detection and suppression systems in assisted living facilities, adult day centers and nursing homes and facilities","url":"\/36-99.5_1\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-99.5_1","metadata":false},{"id":74590,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-99.6","catch_line":"Underground and aboveground storage tank inspections","url":"\/36-99.6\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-99.6","metadata":false},{"id":64833,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-99.6:1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/36-99.6_1\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-99.6_1","metadata":false},{"id":65051,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-99.6:2","catch_line":"Installation of in-building emergency communication equipment for emergency public safety personnel","url":"\/36-99.6_2\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-99.6_2","metadata":false},{"id":85590,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-99.6:3","catch_line":"Regulation of HVAC facilities","url":"\/36-99.6_3\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-99.6_3","metadata":false},{"id":60725,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-99.7","catch_line":"Asbestos inspection in buildings to be renovated or demolished; exceptions","url":"\/36-99.7\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-99.7","metadata":false},{"id":57258,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-99.8","catch_line":"Skirting","url":"\/36-99.8\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-99.8","metadata":false},{"id":84955,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-99.9","catch_line":"Standards for fire suppression systems in certain facilities","url":"\/36-99.9\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-99.9","metadata":false},{"id":71368,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-99.9:1","catch_line":"Standards for fire suppression systems in hospitals","url":"\/36-99.9_1\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-99.9_1","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":69941,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-102","catch_line":"Modification, amendment or repeal of Code provisions","url":"\/36-102\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-102","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":75343,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-104","catch_line":"Code to be printed and furnished on request; true copy","url":"\/36-104\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-104","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/36-103\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1972. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 829 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 1972 \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 1976, chapter 638; in 1982, chapter 267; in 1986, chapter 32; in 2002, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?021+ful+CHAP0555\">555<\/a>; in 2003, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?031+ful+CHAP0650\">650<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":70540,"section_number":"36-106","catch_line":"Violation a misdemeanor; civil penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-106\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":209303,"object_type":"law","relational_id":74039,"identifier":"36-103","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-103","url":"\/36-103\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/36-103\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-103","dublin_core":{"Title":"Buildings, etc., existing or projected before effective date of Code","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 36-103","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>Any building or <span class=\"dictionary\">structure<\/span>, for which a building permit has been issued or on which <span class=\"dictionary\">construction<\/span> has commenced, or for which working drawings have been prepared in the year prior to the effective date of the <span class=\"dictionary\">Building Code<\/span>, shall remain subject to the <span class=\"dictionary\">building regulations<\/span> in effect at the time of such issuance or commencement of <span class=\"dictionary\">construction<\/span>. However, the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> may adopt and promulgate as part of the <span class=\"dictionary\">Building Code<\/span>, <span class=\"dictionary\">building regulations<\/span> that facilitate the maintenance, rehabilitation, development and reuse of existing <span class=\"dictionary\">buildings<\/span> at the least possible cost to ensure the protection of the public health, safety and welfare. Subsequent reconstruction, renovation, repair or demolition of such <span class=\"dictionary\">buildings<\/span> or <span class=\"dictionary\">structures<\/span> shall be subject to the pertinent <span class=\"dictionary\">construction<\/span> and rehabilitation provisions of the <span class=\"dictionary\">Building Code<\/span>. The provisions of this section shall be applicable to <span class=\"dictionary\">equipment<\/span>. However, building <span class=\"dictionary\">owners<\/span> may elect to install partial or full fire alarms or other safety <span class=\"dictionary\">equipment<\/span> that was not required by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Building Code<\/span> in effect at the time a building was constructed without meeting current <span class=\"dictionary\">Building Code<\/span> requirements, provided the installation does not create a hazardous condition. Permits for installation shall be obtained in accordance with the Uniform Statewide <span class=\"dictionary\">Building Code<\/span>.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nBUILDINGS, ETC., EXISTING OR PROJECTED BEFORE EFFECTIVE DATE OF CODE (\u00a7 36-103)\n\nAny building or structure, for which a building permit has been issued or on\nwhich construction has commenced, or for which working drawings have been\nprepared in the year prior to the effective date of the Building Code, shall\nremain subject to the building regulations in effect at the time of such\nissuance or commencement of construction. However, the Board may adopt and\npromulgate as part of the Building Code, building regulations that facilitate\nthe maintenance, rehabilitation, development and reuse of existing buildings at\nthe least possible cost to ensure the protection of the public health, safety\nand welfare. Subsequent reconstruction, renovation, repair or demolition of such\nbuildings or structures shall be subject to the pertinent construction and\nrehabilitation provisions of the Building Code. The provisions of this section\nshall be applicable to equipment. However, building owners may elect to install\npartial or full fire alarms or other safety equipment that was not required by\nthe Building Code in effect at the time a building was constructed without\nmeeting current Building Code requirements, provided the installation does not\ncreate a hazardous condition. Permits for installation shall be obtained in\naccordance with the Uniform Statewide Building Code.\n\nHISTORY: 1972, c. 829; 1976, c. 638; 1982, c. 267; 1986, c. 32; 2002, c. 555;\n2003, c. 650.","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}}