{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/36-105.4.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/36-105.4.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/36-105.4.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/36-105.4.html"}],"law_id":60393,"edition_id":1,"section_id":60393,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-105.4","catch_line":"Occupancy standards for residential dwelling units","history":"2013, c. 526.","full_text":"The owner or managing agent of a residential dwelling unit may develop and implement occupancy standards restricting the maximum number of occupants permitted to occupy a dwelling unit to two persons per bedroom, which is presumed to be reasonable. For purposes of Chapter 5.1 (\u00a7 36-96.1 et seq.), such occupancy standard is subject to the provisions of applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Under the Uniform Statewide Building Code, each bedroom shall contain at least 70 square feet of floor area, and each bedroom occupied by more than one person shall contain at least 50 square feet of floor area for each occupant. Reasonable occupancy standards of an owner or managing agent shall not be enforceable under the provisions of the Uniform Statewide Building Code.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":220871,"text":"The owner or managing agent of a residential dwelling unit may develop and implement occupancy standards restricting the maximum number of occupants permitted to occupy a dwelling unit to two persons per bedroom, which is presumed to be reasonable. For purposes of Chapter 5.1 (\u00a7 36-96.1 et seq.), such occupancy standard is subject to the provisions of applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Under the Uniform Statewide Building Code, each bedroom shall contain at least 70 square feet of floor area, and each bedroom occupied by more than one person shall contain at least 50 square feet of floor area for each occupant. Reasonable occupancy standards of an owner or managing agent shall not be enforceable under the provisions of 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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/36-105.4\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 2013. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?131+ful+CHAP0526\">526<\/a> 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.<\/p>","references":[{"id":58118,"section_number":"37.2-431.1","catch_line":"Recovery residences","order_by":null,"url":"\/37.2-431.1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":65553,"section_number":"36-96.1","catch_line":"Declaration of policy","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-96.1\/"}],"permalink":{"id":209335,"object_type":"law","relational_id":60393,"identifier":"36-105.4","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-105.4","url":"\/36-105.4\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/36-105.4\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-105.4","dublin_core":{"Title":"Occupancy standards for residential dwelling units","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 36-105.4","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>The <span class=\"dictionary\">owner<\/span> or managing agent of a residential dwelling unit may develop and implement occupancy standards restricting the maximum number of occupants permitted to occupy a dwelling unit to two persons per bedroom, which is presumed to be reasonable. For purposes of Chapter 5.1 (\u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Declaration of policy\" href=\"\/36-96.1\/\">36-96.1<\/a> et seq.), such occupancy standard is subject to the provisions of applicable state and federal <span class=\"dictionary\">laws<\/span> and regulations. Under the Uniform Statewide <span class=\"dictionary\">Building Code<\/span>, each bedroom shall contain at least 70 square feet of floor area, and each bedroom occupied by more than one person shall contain at least 50 square feet of floor area for each occupant. Reasonable occupancy standards of an <span class=\"dictionary\">owner<\/span> or managing agent shall not be enforceable under the provisions of the Uniform Statewide <span class=\"dictionary\">Building Code<\/span>.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nOCCUPANCY STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNITS (\u00a7 36-105.4)\n\nThe owner or managing agent of a residential dwelling unit may develop and\nimplement occupancy standards restricting the maximum number of occupants\npermitted to occupy a dwelling unit to two persons per bedroom, which is\npresumed to be reasonable. For purposes of Chapter 5.1 (\u00a7 36-96.1 et seq.),\nsuch occupancy standard is subject to the provisions of applicable state and\nfederal laws and regulations. Under the Uniform Statewide Building Code, each\nbedroom shall contain at least 70 square feet of floor area, and each bedroom\noccupied by more than one person shall contain at least 50 square feet of floor\narea for each occupant. Reasonable occupancy standards of an owner or managing\nagent shall not be enforceable under the provisions of the Uniform Statewide\nBuilding Code.\n\nHISTORY: 2013, c. 526.","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}}