{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/36-98.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/36-98.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/36-98.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/36-98.html"}],"law_id":68849,"edition_id":1,"section_id":68849,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-98","catch_line":"Board to promulgate Statewide Code; other codes and regulations superseded; exceptions","history":"1972, c. 829; 1977, c. 613; 1979, c. 718; 1980, c. 104; 1982, c. 267; 2001, c. 525; 2002, c. 703; 2006, c. 903.","full_text":"The Board is hereby directed and empowered to adopt and promulgate a Uniform Statewide Building Code. Such building code shall supersede the building codes and regulations of the counties, municipalities and other political subdivisions and state agencies.\n\t\tHowever, such Code shall not supersede the regulations of other state agencies which require and govern the functional design and operation of building related activities not covered by the Uniform Statewide Building Code including but not limited to (i) public water supply systems, (ii) waste water treatment and disposal systems, and (iii) solid waste facilities. Nor shall state agencies be prevented from requiring, pursuant to other state law, that buildings and equipment be maintained in accordance with provisions of the Uniform Statewide Building Code.\n\t\tSuch Code also shall supersede the provisions of local ordinances applicable to single-family residential construction that (a) regulate dwelling foundations or crawl spaces, (b) require the use of specific building materials or finishes in construction, or (c) require minimum surface area or numbers of windows; however, such Code shall not supersede proffered conditions accepted as a part of a rezoning application, conditions imposed upon the grant of special exceptions, special or conditional use permits or variances, conditions imposed upon a clustering of single-family homes and preservation of open space development through standards, conditions, and criteria established by a locality pursuant to subdivision 8 of \u00a7 15.2-2242 or \u00a7 15.2-2286.1, or land use requirements in airport or highway overlay districts, or historic districts created pursuant to \u00a7 15.2-2306, or local flood plain regulations adopted as a condition of participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":249221,"text":"The Board is hereby directed and empowered to adopt and promulgate a Uniform Statewide Building Code. Such building code shall supersede the building codes and regulations of the counties, municipalities and other political subdivisions and state agencies.\n\t\tHowever, such Code shall not supersede the regulations of other state agencies which require and govern the functional design and operation of building related activities not covered by the Uniform Statewide Building Code including but not limited to (i) public water supply systems, (ii) waste water treatment and disposal systems, and (iii) solid waste facilities. Nor shall state agencies be prevented from requiring, pursuant to other state law, that buildings and equipment be maintained in accordance with provisions of the Uniform Statewide Building Code.\n\t\tSuch Code also shall supersede the provisions of local ordinances applicable to single-family residential construction that (a) regulate dwelling foundations or crawl spaces, (b) require the use of specific building materials or finishes in construction, or (c) require minimum surface area or numbers of windows; however, such Code shall not supersede proffered conditions accepted as a part of a rezoning application, conditions imposed upon the grant of special exceptions, special or conditional use permits or variances, conditions imposed upon a clustering of single-family homes and preservation of open space development through standards, conditions, and criteria established by a locality pursuant to subdivision 8 of \u00a7 15.2-2242 or \u00a7 15.2-2286.1, or land use requirements in airport or highway overlay districts, or historic districts created pursuant to \u00a7 15.2-2306, or local flood plain regulations adopted as a condition of participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.","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":78167,"structure_id":12781,"section_number":"36-97","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/36-97\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-97","metadata":false},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/36-98\/","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 7 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 1977, chapter 613; in 1979, chapter 718; in 1980, chapter 104; in 1982, chapter 267; in 2001, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?011+ful+CHAP0525\">525<\/a>; in 2002, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?021+ful+CHAP0703\">703<\/a>; in 2006, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?061+ful+CHAP0903\">903<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":55314,"section_number":"15.2-2242","catch_line":"Optional provisions of a subdivision ordinance","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2242\/"},{"id":74667,"section_number":"15.2-2286.1","catch_line":"Provisions for clustering of single-family dwellings so as to preserve open space","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2286.1\/"},{"id":73526,"section_number":"15.2-2306","catch_line":"Preservation of historical sites and architectural areas; civil penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2306\/"}],"permalink":{"id":209359,"object_type":"law","relational_id":68849,"identifier":"36-98","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-98","url":"\/36-98\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/36-98\/","token":"36\/6\/1\/36-98","dublin_core":{"Title":"Board to promulgate Statewide Code; other codes and regulations superseded; exceptions","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 36-98","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>The <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> is hereby directed and empowered to adopt and promulgate a Uniform Statewide <span class=\"dictionary\">Building Code<\/span>. Such <span class=\"dictionary\">building code<\/span> shall supersede the <span class=\"dictionary\">building codes<\/span> and regulations of the counties, municipalities and other political subdivisions and state agencies.\n\t\tHowever, such Code shall not supersede the regulations of other state agencies which require and govern the functional design and operation of building related activities not covered by the Uniform Statewide <span class=\"dictionary\">Building Code<\/span> including but not limited to (i) public water supply systems, (ii) waste water treatment and disposal systems, and (iii) solid waste facilities. Nor shall state agencies be prevented from requiring, pursuant to other state <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span>, that <span class=\"dictionary\">buildings<\/span> and <span class=\"dictionary\">equipment<\/span> be maintained in accordance with provisions of the Uniform Statewide <span class=\"dictionary\">Building Code<\/span>.\n\t\tSuch Code also shall supersede the provisions of local <span class=\"dictionary\">ordinances<\/span> applicable to single-family residential <span class=\"dictionary\">construction<\/span> that (a) regulate dwelling foundations or crawl spaces, (b) require the use of specific building <span class=\"dictionary\">materials<\/span> or finishes in <span class=\"dictionary\">construction<\/span>, or (c) require minimum surface area or numbers of windows; however, such Code shall not supersede proffered conditions accepted as a part of a rezoning application, conditions imposed upon the grant of special exceptions, special or conditional use permits or variances, conditions imposed upon a clustering of single-family homes and preservation of open space development through standards, conditions, and criteria established by a locality pursuant to subdivision 8 of \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Optional provisions of a subdivision ordinance\" href=\"\/15.2-2242\/\">15.2-2242<\/a> or \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Provisions for clustering of single-family dwellings so as to preserve open space\" href=\"\/15.2-2286.1\/\">15.2-2286.1<\/a>, or land use requirements in airport or highway overlay districts, or historic districts created pursuant to \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Preservation of historical sites and architectural areas; civil penalty\" href=\"\/15.2-2306\/\">15.2-2306<\/a>, or local flood plain regulations adopted as a condition of participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nBOARD TO PROMULGATE STATEWIDE CODE; OTHER CODES AND REGULATIONS SUPERSEDED;\nEXCEPTIONS (\u00a7 36-98)\n\nThe Board is hereby directed and empowered to adopt and promulgate a Uniform\nStatewide Building Code. Such building code shall supersede the building codes\nand regulations of the counties, municipalities and other political subdivisions\nand state agencies.\n\t\tHowever, such Code shall not supersede the regulations of other state agencies\nwhich require and govern the functional design and operation of building related\nactivities not covered by the Uniform Statewide Building Code including but not\nlimited to (i) public water supply systems, (ii) waste water treatment and\ndisposal systems, and (iii) solid waste facilities. Nor shall state agencies be\nprevented from requiring, pursuant to other state law, that buildings and\nequipment be maintained in accordance with provisions of the Uniform Statewide\nBuilding Code.\n\t\tSuch Code also shall supersede the provisions of local ordinances applicable\nto single-family residential construction that (a) regulate dwelling foundations\nor crawl spaces, (b) require the use of specific building materials or finishes\nin construction, or (c) require minimum surface area or numbers of windows;\nhowever, such Code shall not supersede proffered conditions accepted as a part\nof a rezoning application, conditions imposed upon the grant of special\nexceptions, special or conditional use permits or variances, conditions imposed\nupon a clustering of single-family homes and preservation of open space\ndevelopment through standards, conditions, and criteria established by a\nlocality pursuant to subdivision 8 of \u00a7 15.2-2242 or \u00a7 15.2-2286.1, or land\nuse requirements in airport or highway overlay districts, or historic districts\ncreated pursuant to \u00a7 15.2-2306, or local flood plain regulations adopted as a\ncondition of participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.\n\nHISTORY: 1972, c. 829; 1977, c. 613; 1979, c. 718; 1980, c. 104; 1982, c. 267;\n2001, c. 525; 2002, c. 703; 2006, c. 903.","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}}