{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/36-97.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/36-97.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/36-97.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/36-97.html"}],"law_id":78167,"edition_id":1,"section_id":78167,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-97","catch_line":"Definitions","history":"1972, c. 829; 1974, cc. 622, 668; 1975, c. 394; 1977, cc. 423, 613; 1978, c. 703; 1986, c. 401; 1993, c. 662; 1994, c. 256; 1998, c. 755; 2005, c. 341; 2023, cc. 446, 448.","full_text":"As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t“Board” means the Board of Housing and Community Development.\n\t\t“Building” means a combination of any materials, whether portable or fixed, having a roof to form a structure for the use or occupancy by persons or property. The word “building” shall be construed as though followed by the words “or part or parts thereof” unless the context clearly requires a different meaning. “Building” does not include roadway tunnels and bridges owned by the Department of Transportation, which shall be governed by construction and design standards approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.\n\t\t“Building Code” means the Uniform Statewide Building Code and building regulations adopted and promulgated pursuant thereto.\n\t\t“Building regulations” means any law, rule, resolution, regulation, ordinance, or code, general or special, or compilation thereof, enacted or adopted by the Commonwealth or any county or municipality, including departments, boards, bureaus, commissions, or other agencies of such state or local governments, relating to construction, reconstruction, alteration, conversion, repair, maintenance, or use of structures and buildings and installation of equipment therein. “Building regulations” does not include zoning ordinances or other land use controls that do not affect the manner of construction or materials to be used in the erection, alteration, or repair of a building or structure.\n\t\t“Code provisions” means the provisions of the Uniform Statewide Building Code as adopted and promulgated by the Board and the amendments thereof as adopted and promulgated by the Board from time to time.\n\t\t“Construction” means the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or conversion of buildings and structures.\n\t\t“Department” means the Department of Housing and Community Development.\n\t\t“Director” means the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development.\n\t\t“Equipment” means plumbing, heating, electrical, ventilating, air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, and other mechanical additions or installations.\n\t\t“Farm building or structure” means a building or structure not used for residential purposes, located on property where farming operations take place, and used primarily for any of the following uses or combination thereof:\n\n1\n\nStorage, handling, production, display, sampling, or sale of agricultural, horticultural, floricultural, or silvicultural products produced in the farm;2\n\nSheltering, raising, handling, processing, or sale of agricultural animals or agricultural animal products;3\n\nBusiness or office uses relating to the farm operations;4\n\nUse of farm machinery or equipment or maintenance or storage of vehicles, machinery, or equipment on the farm;5\n\nStorage or use of supplies and materials used on the farm; or6\n\nImplementation of best management practices associated with farm operations.\n\t\t\t“Local building department” means the agency or agencies of any local governing body charged with the administration, supervision, or enforcement of the Building Code and regulations, approval of plans, inspection of buildings, or issuance of permits, licenses, certificates, or similar documents.\n\t\t\t“Local governing body” means the governing body of any county, city, or town in the Commonwealth.\n\t\t\t“Municipality” means any city or town in the Commonwealth.\n\t\t\t“Owner” means the owner or owners of the freehold of the premises or lesser estate therein, a mortgagee or vendee in possession, assignee of rents, receiver, executor, trustee, or lessee in control of a building or structure.\n\t\t\t“Review Board” means the State Building Code Technical Review Board.\n\t\t\t“State agency” means any department, board, bureau, commission, agency, or other unit of state government in the Commonwealth.\n\t\t\t“Stop work order” means a legally binding written order to immediately cease work on a building or structure that (i) is issued by a local building official to a property owner, the property owner’s agent, or the person performing the work; (ii) identifies the specific violations of the Building Code in regard to the work being performed; and (iii) states the conditions under which such work may be resumed.\n\t\t\t“Structure” means an assembly of materials forming a construction for occupancy or use, including stadiums, gospel and circus tents, reviewing stands, platforms, stagings, observation towers, radio towers, water tanks, underground and aboveground storage tanks, trestles, piers, wharves, swimming pools, amusement devices, storage bins, and other structures of this general nature but excluding water wells. The word “structure” shall be construed as though followed by the words “or part or parts thereof” unless the context clearly requires a different meaning. “Structure” does not include roadway tunnels and bridges owned by the Department of Transportation, which shall be governed by construction and design standards approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":280201,"text":"As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t“Board” means the Board of Housing and Community Development.\n\t\t“Building” means a combination of any materials, whether portable or fixed, having a roof to form a structure for the use or occupancy by persons or property. The word “building” shall be construed as though followed by the words “or part or parts thereof” unless the context clearly requires a different meaning. “Building” does not include roadway tunnels and bridges owned by the Department of Transportation, which shall be governed by construction and design standards approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.\n\t\t“Building Code” means the Uniform Statewide Building Code and building regulations adopted and promulgated pursuant thereto.\n\t\t“Building regulations” means any law, rule, resolution, regulation, ordinance, or code, general or special, or compilation thereof, enacted or adopted by the Commonwealth or any county or municipality, including departments, boards, bureaus, commissions, or other agencies of such state or local governments, relating to construction, reconstruction, alteration, conversion, repair, maintenance, or use of structures and buildings and installation of equipment therein. “Building regulations” does not include zoning ordinances or other land use controls that do not affect the manner of construction or materials to be used in the erection, alteration, or repair of a building or structure.\n\t\t“Code provisions” means the provisions of the Uniform Statewide Building Code as adopted and promulgated by the Board and the amendments thereof as adopted and promulgated by the Board from time to time.\n\t\t“Construction” means the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or conversion of buildings and structures.\n\t\t“Department” means the Department of Housing and Community Development.\n\t\t“Director” means the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development.\n\t\t“Equipment” means plumbing, heating, electrical, ventilating, air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, and other mechanical additions or installations.\n\t\t“Farm building or structure” means a building or structure not used for residential purposes, located on property where farming operations take place, and used primarily for any of the following uses or combination thereof:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":280202,"text":"Storage, handling, production, display, sampling, or sale of agricultural, horticultural, floricultural, or silvicultural products produced in the farm;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":280203,"text":"Sheltering, raising, handling, processing, or sale of agricultural animals or agricultural animal products;","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":280204,"text":"Business or office uses relating to the farm operations;","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":280205,"text":"Use of farm machinery or equipment or maintenance or storage of vehicles, machinery, or equipment on the farm;","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":280206,"text":"Storage or use of supplies and materials used on the farm; or","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"6":{"id":280207,"text":"Implementation of best management practices associated with farm operations.\n\t\t\t“Local building department” means the agency or agencies of any local governing body charged with the administration, supervision, or enforcement of the Building Code and regulations, approval of plans, inspection of buildings, or issuance of permits, licenses, certificates, or similar documents.\n\t\t\t“Local governing body” means the governing body of any county, city, or town in the Commonwealth.\n\t\t\t“Municipality” means any city or town in the Commonwealth.\n\t\t\t“Owner” means the owner or owners of the freehold of the premises or lesser estate therein, a mortgagee or vendee in possession, assignee of rents, receiver, executor, trustee, or lessee in control of a building or structure.\n\t\t\t“Review Board” means the State Building Code Technical Review Board.\n\t\t\t“State agency” means any department, board, bureau, commission, agency, or other unit of state government in the Commonwealth.\n\t\t\t“Stop work order” means a legally binding written order to immediately cease work on a building or structure that (i) is issued by a local building official to a property owner, the property owner’s agent, or the person performing the work; (ii) identifies the specific violations of the Building Code in regard to the work being performed; and (iii) states the conditions under which such work may be resumed.\n\t\t\t“Structure” means an assembly of materials forming a construction for occupancy or use, including stadiums, gospel and circus tents, reviewing stands, platforms, stagings, observation towers, radio towers, water tanks, underground and aboveground storage tanks, trestles, piers, wharves, swimming pools, amusement devices, storage bins, and other structures of this general nature but excluding water wells. The word “structure” shall be construed as though followed by the words “or part or parts thereof” unless the context clearly requires a different meaning. “Structure” does not include roadway tunnels and bridges owned by the Department of Transportation, which shall be governed by construction and design standards approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5"}},"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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/36-97\/","history_text":"

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 10 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 1974, chapters 622 and 668; in 1975, chapter 394; in 1977, chapters 423 and 613; in 1978, chapter 703; in 1986, chapter 401; in 1993, chapter 662; in 1994, chapter 256<\/a>; in 1998, chapter 755<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 341<\/a>; in 2023, chapters 446<\/a> and 448<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":63216,"section_number":"15.2-2288.7","catch_line":"Local regulation of solar facilities","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2288.7\/"},{"id":55400,"section_number":"15.2-2292.1","catch_line":"Zoning provisions for temporary family health care structures","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2292.1\/"},{"id":56409,"section_number":"15.2-2307","catch_line":"Vested rights not impaired; nonconforming uses","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2307\/"},{"id":69895,"section_number":"15.2-922","catch_line":"Smoke alarms in certain buildings","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-922\/"},{"id":77912,"section_number":"2.2-3705.3","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Exclusions to application of chapter; records relating to administrative investigations","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3705.3\/"},{"id":78729,"section_number":"2.2-4006","catch_line":"Exemptions from requirements of this article","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-4006\/"},{"id":60378,"section_number":"2.2-5509","catch_line":"Limitation on local regulation","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-5509\/"},{"id":83578,"section_number":"22.1-138","catch_line":"Minimum standards for public school buildings","order_by":null,"url":"\/22.1-138\/"},{"id":66511,"section_number":"23.1-1002","catch_line":"Eligibility for restructured financial and administrative operational authority and financial benefits","order_by":null,"url":"\/23.1-1002\/"},{"id":86805,"section_number":"23.1-1016","catch_line":"Covered institutions; operational authority; financial operations; capital projects","order_by":null,"url":"\/23.1-1016\/"},{"id":59990,"section_number":"32.1-162.15:1.7","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Compliance with Uniform Statewide Building Code","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-162.15_1.7\/"},{"id":77401,"section_number":"36-105.3","catch_line":"Security of certain records","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-105.3\/"},{"id":86342,"section_number":"36-105.5","catch_line":"Enforcement of Building Code on Indian reservations","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-105.5\/"},{"id":67323,"section_number":"36-137","catch_line":"Powers and duties of Board; appointment of Building Code Academy Advisory Committee","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-137\/"},{"id":62273,"section_number":"36-139","catch_line":"Powers and duties of Director","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-139\/"},{"id":56393,"section_number":"36-3","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-3\/"},{"id":59158,"section_number":"36-85.11","catch_line":"Application of local ordinances; enforcement of chapter by local authorities","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-85.11\/"},{"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\/"},{"id":65710,"section_number":"36-99","catch_line":"Provisions of Code; modifications","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-99\/"},{"id":84895,"section_number":"40.1-51.15:1","catch_line":"Only one inspection necessary","order_by":null,"url":"\/40.1-51.15_1\/"},{"id":82924,"section_number":"45.2-1702","catch_line":" Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/45.2-1702\/"},{"id":75526,"section_number":"54.1-1101","catch_line":"Exemptions; failure to obtain certificate of occupancy; penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-1101\/"},{"id":77075,"section_number":"54.1-1115.1","catch_line":"Evidence of violation of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-1115.1\/"},{"id":85483,"section_number":"54.1-1118","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-1118\/"},{"id":65141,"section_number":"54.1-1119","catch_line":"Assessments by Director; assignment to Fund; minimum balance; notice; penalties; costs of administration","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-1119\/"},{"id":63170,"section_number":"54.1-1134","catch_line":"Grounds for denial or revocation of certification or license; reports of building officials and others","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-1134\/"},{"id":72900,"section_number":"54.1-1140","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-1140\/"},{"id":62785,"section_number":"54.1-1147","catch_line":"Certified automatic fire sprinkler inspector","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-1147\/"},{"id":83060,"section_number":"54.1-410","catch_line":"Other building laws not affected; duties of public officials","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-410\/"},{"id":62652,"section_number":"55.1-1221","catch_line":"Landlord to provide locks and peepholes","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1221\/"},{"id":63220,"section_number":"55.1-1227","catch_line":"Tenant to maintain dwelling unit","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1227\/"},{"id":64337,"section_number":"55.1-1229","catch_line":"Access; consent; correction of nonemergency conditions; relocation of tenant; security systems","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1229\/"},{"id":75275,"section_number":"55.1-1905","catch_line":"Local ordinances; nonconforming conversion condominiums; applicability of Uniform Statewide Building Code; other regulations","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1905\/"},{"id":78546,"section_number":"55.1-1960","catch_line":"Limitation of occupancy of a unit","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1960\/"},{"id":68257,"section_number":"55.1-2104","catch_line":"Applicability of local ordinances, regulations, and building codes; local authority","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-2104\/"},{"id":59526,"section_number":"55.1-706","catch_line":"Required disclosures; pending building or zoning violations","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-706\/"},{"id":71282,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:24","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_24\/"},{"id":59976,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:51","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_51\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":209355,"object_type":"law","relational_id":78167,"identifier":"36-97","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-97","url":"\/36-97\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/36-97\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-97","dublin_core":{"Title":"Definitions","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 36-97","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t“Board<\/span>” means the Board<\/span> of Housing and Community Development.\n\t\t“Building” means a combination of any materials<\/span>, whether portable or fixed, having a roof to form a structure for the use or occupancy by persons or property. The word “building” shall be construed as though followed by the words “or part or parts thereof<\/span>” unless the context clearly requires a different meaning. “Building” does not include roadway tunnels and bridges owned by the Department<\/span> of Transportation, which shall be governed by construction<\/span> and design standards approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board<\/span>.\n\t\t“Building Code<\/span>” means the Uniform Statewide Building Code<\/span> and building regulations<\/span> adopted and promulgated pursuant thereto.\n\t\t“Building regulations<\/span>” means any law<\/span>, rule, resolution, regulation, ordinance<\/span>, or code, general or special, or compilation thereof, enacted or adopted by the Commonwealth or any county or municipality<\/span>, including departments<\/span>, boards<\/span>, bureaus, commissions, or other agencies of such state or local governments, relating to construction<\/span>, reconstruction, alteration, conversion, repair, maintenance, or use of structures<\/span> and buildings<\/span> and installation of equipment<\/span> therein. “Building regulations<\/span>” does not include zoning ordinances<\/span> or other land use controls that do not affect the manner of construction<\/span> or materials<\/span> to be used in the erection, alteration, or repair of a building or structure.\n\t\t“Code provisions<\/span>” means the provisions of the Uniform Statewide Building Code<\/span> as adopted and promulgated by the Board<\/span> and the amendments thereof as adopted and promulgated by the Board<\/span> from time to time.\n\t\t“Construction<\/span>” means the construction<\/span>, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or conversion of buildings<\/span> and structures<\/span>.\n\t\t“Department<\/span>” means the Department<\/span> of Housing and Community Development.\n\t\t“Director<\/span>” means the Director<\/span> of the Department<\/span> of Housing and Community Development.\n\t\t“Equipment<\/span>” means plumbing, heating, electrical, ventilating, air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment<\/span>, elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, and other mechanical additions or installations.\n\t\t“Farm building or structure<\/span>” means a building or structure not used for residential purposes, located on property where farming operations take place, and used primarily for any of the following uses or combination thereof:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Storage, handling, production, display, sampling, or sale of agricultural, horticultural, floricultural, or silvicultural products produced in the farm; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Sheltering, raising, handling, processing, or sale of agricultural animals or agricultural animal products; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Business or office uses relating to the farm operations; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Use of farm machinery or equipment<\/span> or maintenance or storage of vehicles, machinery, or equipment<\/span> on the farm; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Storage or use of supplies and materials<\/span> used on the farm; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Implementation of best management practices associated with farm operations.\n\t\t\t“Local building department<\/span>” means the agency or agencies of any local governing body<\/span> charged with the administration, supervision, or enforcement of the Building Code<\/span> and regulations, approval of plans, inspection of buildings<\/span>, or issuance of permits, licenses, certificates, or similar documents.\n\t\t\t“Local governing body<\/span>” means the governing body of any county, city, or town in the Commonwealth.\n\t\t\t“Municipality<\/span>” means any city or town in the Commonwealth.\n\t\t\t“Owner<\/span>” means the owner<\/span> or owners<\/span> of the freehold of the premises or lesser estate therein, a mortgagee or vendee in possession<\/span>, assignee of rents, receiver, executor, trustee, or lessee in control of a building or structure.\n\t\t\t“Review Board<\/span>” means the State Building Code<\/span> Technical Review Board<\/span>.\n\t\t\t“State agency<\/span>” means any department, board, bureau, commission, agency, or other unit of state government in the Commonwealth.\n\t\t\t“Stop work order<\/span>” means a legally binding written order to immediately cease work on a building or structure that (i) is issued by a local building official to a property owner<\/span>, the property owner<\/span>’s agent, or the person performing the work; (ii) identifies the specific violations of the Building Code<\/span> in regard to the work being performed; and (iii) states the conditions under which such work may be resumed.\n\t\t\t“Structure” means an assembly of materials<\/span> forming a construction<\/span> for occupancy or use, including stadiums, gospel and circus tents, reviewing stands, platforms, stagings, observation towers, radio towers, water tanks, underground and aboveground storage tanks, trestles, piers, wharves, swimming pools, amusement devices, storage bins, and other structures<\/span> of this general nature but excluding water wells. The word “structure” shall be construed as though followed by the words “or part or parts thereof<\/span>” unless the context clearly requires a different meaning. “Structure” does not include roadway tunnels and bridges owned by the Department of Transportation, which shall be governed by construction<\/span> and design standards approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDEFINITIONS (\u00a7 36-97)\n\nAs used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t“Board” means the Board of Housing and Community Development.\n\t\t“Building” means a combination of any materials, whether portable\nor fixed, having a roof to form a structure for the use or occupancy by persons\nor property. The word “building” shall be construed as though\nfollowed by the words “or part or parts thereof” unless the context\nclearly requires a different meaning. “Building” does not include\nroadway tunnels and bridges owned by the Department of Transportation, which\nshall be governed by construction and design standards approved by the\nCommonwealth Transportation Board.\n\t\t“Building Code” means the Uniform Statewide Building Code and\nbuilding regulations adopted and promulgated pursuant thereto.\n\t\t“Building regulations” means any law, rule, resolution,\nregulation, ordinance, or code, general or special, or compilation thereof,\nenacted or adopted by the Commonwealth or any county or municipality, including\ndepartments, boards, bureaus, commissions, or other agencies of such state or\nlocal governments, relating to construction, reconstruction, alteration,\nconversion, repair, maintenance, or use of structures and buildings and\ninstallation of equipment therein. “Building regulations” does not\ninclude zoning ordinances or other land use controls that do not affect the\nmanner of construction or materials to be used in the erection, alteration, or\nrepair of a building or structure.\n\t\t“Code provisions” means the provisions of the Uniform Statewide\nBuilding Code as adopted and promulgated by the Board and the amendments thereof\nas adopted and promulgated by the Board from time to time.\n\t\t“Construction” means the construction, reconstruction, alteration,\nrepair, or conversion of buildings and structures.\n\t\t“Department” means the Department of Housing and Community\nDevelopment.\n\t\t“Director” means the Director of the Department of Housing and\nCommunity Development.\n\t\t“Equipment” means plumbing, heating, electrical, ventilating,\nair-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, elevators, dumbwaiters,\nescalators, and other mechanical additions or installations.\n\t\t“Farm building or structure” means a building or structure not\nused for residential purposes, located on property where farming operations take\nplace, and used primarily for any of the following uses or combination thereof:\n\n1. Storage, handling, production, display, sampling, or sale of agricultural,\nhorticultural, floricultural, or silvicultural products produced in the farm;\n\n2. Sheltering, raising, handling, processing, or sale of agricultural animals or\nagricultural animal products;\n\n3. Business or office uses relating to the farm operations;\n\n4. Use of farm machinery or equipment or maintenance or storage of vehicles,\nmachinery, or equipment on the farm;\n\n5. Storage or use of supplies and materials used on the farm; or\n\n6. Implementation of best management practices associated with farm operations.\n\t\t\t“Local building department” means the agency or agencies of any\nlocal governing body charged with the administration, supervision, or\nenforcement of the Building Code and regulations, approval of plans, inspection\nof buildings, or issuance of permits, licenses, certificates, or similar\ndocuments.\n\t\t\t“Local governing body” means the governing body of any county,\ncity, or town in the Commonwealth.\n\t\t\t“Municipality” means any city or town in the Commonwealth.\n\t\t\t“Owner” means the owner or owners of the freehold of the premises\nor lesser estate therein, a mortgagee or vendee in possession, assignee of\nrents, receiver, executor, trustee, or lessee in control of a building or\nstructure.\n\t\t\t“Review Board” means the State Building Code Technical Review\nBoard.\n\t\t\t“State agency” means any department, board, bureau, commission,\nagency, or other unit of state government in the Commonwealth.\n\t\t\t“Stop work order” means a legally binding written order to\nimmediately cease work on a building or structure that (i) is issued by a local\nbuilding official to a property owner, the property owner’s agent, or the\nperson performing the work; (ii) identifies the specific violations of the\nBuilding Code in regard to the work being performed; and (iii) states the\nconditions under which such work may be resumed.\n\t\t\t“Structure” means an assembly of materials forming a construction\nfor occupancy or use, including stadiums, gospel and circus tents, reviewing\nstands, platforms, stagings, observation towers, radio towers, water tanks,\nunderground and aboveground storage tanks, trestles, piers, wharves, swimming\npools, amusement devices, storage bins, and other structures of this general\nnature but excluding water wells. The word “structure” shall be\nconstrued as though followed by the words “or part or parts thereof”\nunless the context clearly requires a different meaning. “Structure”\ndoes not include roadway tunnels and bridges owned by the Department of\nTransportation, which shall be governed by construction and design standards\napproved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.\n\nHISTORY: 1972, c. 829; 1974, cc. 622, 668; 1975, c. 394; 1977, cc. 423, 613;\n1978, c. 703; 1986, c. 401; 1993, c. 662; 1994, c. 256; 1998, c. 755; 2005, c.\n341; 2023, cc. 446, 448.","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}}