{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/54.1-402.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/54.1-402.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/54.1-402.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/54.1-402.html"}],"law_id":55882,"edition_id":1,"section_id":55882,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-402","catch_line":"Further exemptions from license requirements for architects, professional engineers, and land surveyors","history":"1982, c. 590, \u00a7 54-37.1; 1988, cc. 294, 765; 1992, cc. 780, 783; 2005, cc. 359, 440; 2008, c. 68.","full_text":"A\n\nNo license as an architect or professional engineer shall be required pursuant to \u00a7 54.1-406 for persons who prepare plans, specifications, documents and designs for the following, provided any such plans, specifications, documents or designs bear the name and address of the author and his occupation:1\n\nSingle- and two-family homes, townhouses and multifamily dwellings, excluding electrical and mechanical systems, not exceeding three stories; or2\n\nAll farm structures used primarily in the production, handling or storage of agricultural products or implements, including, but not limited to, structures used for the handling, processing, housing or storage of crops, feeds, supplies, equipment, animals or poultry; or3\n\nBuildings and structures classified with respect to use as business (Use Group B) and mercantile (Use Group M), as provided in the Uniform Statewide Building Code and churches with an occupant load of 100 or less, excluding electrical and mechanical systems, where such building or structure does not exceed 5,000 square feet in total net floor area, or three stories; or4\n\nBuildings and structures classified with respect to use as factory and industrial (Use Group F) and storage (Use Group S) as provided in the Uniform Statewide Building Code, excluding electrical and mechanical systems, where such building or structure does not exceed 15,000 square feet in total net floor area, or three stories; or5\n\nAdditions, remodeling or interior design without a change in occupancy or occupancy load and without modification to the structural system or a change in access or exit patterns or increase in fire hazard; or6\n\nElectric installations which comply with all applicable codes and which do not exceed 600 volts and 800 amps, where work is designed and performed under the direct supervision of a person licensed as a master’s level electrician or Class A electrical contractor by written examination, and where such installation is not contained in any structure exceeding three stories or located in any of the following categories:\n\t\t\t\ta. Use Group A-1 theaters which exceed assembly of 100 persons;\n\t\t\t\tb. Use Group A-4 except churches;\n\t\t\t\tc. Use Group I, institutional buildings, except day care nurseries and clinics without life-support systems; or7\n\nPlumbing and mechanical systems using packaged mechanical equipment, such as equipment of catalogued standard design which has been coordinated and tested by the manufacturer, which comply with all applicable codes. These mechanical systems shall not exceed gauge pressures of 125 pounds per square inch, other than refrigeration, or temperatures other than flue gas of 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) where such work is designed and performed under the direct supervision of a person licensed as a master’s level plumber, master’s level heating, air conditioning and ventilating worker, or Class A contractor in those specialties by written examination. In addition, such installation may not be contained in any structure exceeding three stories or located in any structure which is defined as to its use in any of the following categories:\n\t\t\t\ta. Use Group A-1 theaters which exceed assembly of 100 persons;\n\t\t\t\tb. Use Group A-4 except churches;\n\t\t\t\tc. Use Group I, institutional buildings, except day care nurseries and clinics without life-support systems; or8\n\nThe preparation of shop drawings, field drawings and specifications for components by a contractor who will supervise the installation and where the shop drawings and specifications (i) will be reviewed by the licensed professional engineer or architect responsible for the project or (ii) are otherwise exempted; or9\n\nBuildings, structures, or electrical and mechanical installations which are not otherwise exempted but which are of standard design, provided they bear the certification of a professional engineer or architect registered or licensed in another state, and provided that the design is adapted for the specific location and for conformity with local codes, ordinances and regulations, and is so certified by a professional engineer or architect licensed in Virginia; or10\n\nConstruction by a state agency or political subdivision not exceeding $75,000 in value keyed to the January 1, 1991, Consumer Price Index (CPI) and not otherwise requiring a licensed architect, engineer, or land surveyor by an adopted code and maintenance by that state agency or political subdivision of water distribution, sewage collection, storm drainage systems, sidewalks, streets, curbs, gutters, culverts, and other facilities normally and customarily constructed and maintained by the public works department of the state agency or political subdivision; or11\n\nConventional and alternative onsite sewage systems receiving residential wastewater, under the authority of Chapter 6 of Title 32.1, designed by a licensed onsite soil evaluator, which utilize packaged equipment, such as equipment of catalogued standard design that has been coordinated and tested by the manufacturer, and complies with all applicable codes, provided (i) the flow is less than 1,000 gallons per day; and (ii) if a pump is included, (a) it shall not include multiple downhill runs and must terminate at a positive elevational change; (b) the discharge end is open and not pressurized; (c) the static head does not exceed 50 feet; and (d) the force main length does not exceed 500 feet.B\n\nNo person shall be exempt from licensure as an architect or engineer who engages in the preparation of plans, specifications, documents or designs for:1\n\nAny unique design of structural elements for floors, walls, roofs or foundations; or2\n\nAny building or structure classified with respect to its use as high hazard (Use Group H).C\n\nPersons utilizing photogrammetric methods or similar remote sensing technology shall not be required to be licensed as a land surveyor pursuant to subsection B of § 54.1-404 or 54.1-406 to: (i) determine topography or contours, or to depict physical improvements, provided such maps or other documents shall not be used for the design, modification, or construction of improvements to real property or for flood plain determination, or (ii) graphically show existing property lines and boundaries on maps or other documents provided such depicted property lines and boundaries shall only be used for general information.\n\t\t\tAny determination of topography or contours, or depiction of physical improvements, utilizing photogrammetric methods or similar remote sensing technology by persons not licensed as a land surveyor pursuant to § 54.1-406 shall not show any property monumentation or property metes and bounds, nor provide any measurement showing the relationship of any physical improvements to any property line or boundary.\n\t\t\tAny person not licensed pursuant to subsection B of § 54.1-404 or 54.1-406 preparing documentation pursuant to subsection C of § 54.1-402 shall note the following on such documentation: “Any determination of topography or contours, or any depiction of physical improvements, property lines or boundaries is for general information only and shall not be used for the design, modification, or construction of improvements to real property or for flood plain determination.”D\n\nTerms used in this section, and not otherwise defined in this chapter, shall have the meanings provided in the Uniform Statewide Building Code in effect on July 1, 1982, including any subsequent amendments.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":204682,"text":"No license as an architect or professional engineer shall be required pursuant to \u00a7 54.1-406 for persons who prepare plans, specifications, documents and designs for the following, provided any such plans, specifications, documents or designs bear the name and address of the author and his occupation:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":204683,"text":"Single- and two-family homes, townhouses and multifamily dwellings, excluding electrical and mechanical systems, not exceeding three stories; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":204684,"text":"All farm structures used primarily in the production, handling or storage of agricultural products or implements, including, but not limited to, structures used for the handling, processing, housing or storage of crops, feeds, supplies, equipment, animals or poultry; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":204685,"text":"Buildings and structures classified with respect to use as business (Use Group B) and mercantile (Use Group M), as provided in the Uniform Statewide Building Code and churches with an occupant load of 100 or less, excluding electrical and mechanical systems, where such building or structure does not exceed 5,000 square feet in total net floor area, or three stories; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":204686,"text":"Buildings and structures classified with respect to use as factory and industrial (Use Group F) and storage (Use Group S) as provided in the Uniform Statewide Building Code, excluding electrical and mechanical systems, where such building or structure does not exceed 15,000 square feet in total net floor area, or three stories; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"A5"},"5":{"id":204687,"text":"Additions, remodeling or interior design without a change in occupancy or occupancy load and without modification to the structural system or a change in access or exit patterns or increase in fire hazard; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"A5","prefix_anchor":"A5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"A6"},"6":{"id":204688,"text":"Electric installations which comply with all applicable codes and which do not exceed 600 volts and 800 amps, where work is designed and performed under the direct supervision of a person licensed as a master’s level electrician or Class A electrical contractor by written examination, and where such installation is not contained in any structure exceeding three stories or located in any of the following categories:\n\t\t\t\ta. Use Group A-1 theaters which exceed assembly of 100 persons;\n\t\t\t\tb. Use Group A-4 except churches;\n\t\t\t\tc. Use Group I, institutional buildings, except day care nurseries and clinics without life-support systems; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"A6","prefix_anchor":"A6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A5","next_prefix":"A7"},"7":{"id":204689,"text":"Plumbing and mechanical systems using packaged mechanical equipment, such as equipment of catalogued standard design which has been coordinated and tested by the manufacturer, which comply with all applicable codes. These mechanical systems shall not exceed gauge pressures of 125 pounds per square inch, other than refrigeration, or temperatures other than flue gas of 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) where such work is designed and performed under the direct supervision of a person licensed as a master’s level plumber, master’s level heating, air conditioning and ventilating worker, or Class A contractor in those specialties by written examination. In addition, such installation may not be contained in any structure exceeding three stories or located in any structure which is defined as to its use in any of the following categories:\n\t\t\t\ta. Use Group A-1 theaters which exceed assembly of 100 persons;\n\t\t\t\tb. Use Group A-4 except churches;\n\t\t\t\tc. Use Group I, institutional buildings, except day care nurseries and clinics without life-support systems; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"A7","prefix_anchor":"A7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A6","next_prefix":"A8"},"8":{"id":204690,"text":"The preparation of shop drawings, field drawings and specifications for components by a contractor who will supervise the installation and where the shop drawings and specifications (i) will be reviewed by the licensed professional engineer or architect responsible for the project or (ii) are otherwise exempted; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"A8","prefix_anchor":"A8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A7","next_prefix":"A9"},"9":{"id":204691,"text":"Buildings, structures, or electrical and mechanical installations which are not otherwise exempted but which are of standard design, provided they bear the certification of a professional engineer or architect registered or licensed in another state, and provided that the design is adapted for the specific location and for conformity with local codes, ordinances and regulations, and is so certified by a professional engineer or architect licensed in Virginia; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"A9","prefix_anchor":"A9","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A8","next_prefix":"A10"},"10":{"id":204692,"text":"Construction by a state agency or political subdivision not exceeding $75,000 in value keyed to the January 1, 1991, Consumer Price Index (CPI) and not otherwise requiring a licensed architect, engineer, or land surveyor by an adopted code and maintenance by that state agency or political subdivision of water distribution, sewage collection, storm drainage systems, sidewalks, streets, curbs, gutters, culverts, and other facilities normally and customarily constructed and maintained by the public works department of the state agency or political subdivision; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"A10","prefix_anchor":"A10","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A9","next_prefix":"A11"},"11":{"id":204693,"text":"Conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems receiving residential wastewater, under the authority of Chapter 6 of Title 32.1, designed by a licensed onsite soil evaluator, which utilize packaged equipment, such as equipment of catalogued standard design that has been coordinated and tested by the manufacturer, and complies with all applicable codes, provided (i) the flow is less than 1,000 gallons per day; and (ii) if a pump is included, (a) it shall not include multiple downhill runs and must terminate at a positive elevational change; (b) the discharge end is open and not pressurized; (c) the static head does not exceed 50 feet; and (d) the force main length does not exceed 500 feet.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","11"],"prefix":"11","entire_prefix":"A11","prefix_anchor":"A11","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A10","next_prefix":"B"},"12":{"id":204694,"text":"No person shall be exempt from licensure as an architect or engineer who engages in the preparation of plans, specifications, documents or designs for:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A11","next_prefix":"B1"},"13":{"id":204695,"text":"Any unique design of structural elements for floors, walls, roofs or foundations; or","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"14":{"id":204696,"text":"Any building or structure classified with respect to its use as high hazard (Use Group H).","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"C"},"15":{"id":204697,"text":"Persons utilizing photogrammetric methods or similar remote sensing technology shall not be required to be licensed as a land surveyor pursuant to subsection B of § 54.1-404 or 54.1-406 to: (i) determine topography or contours, or to depict physical improvements, provided such maps or other documents shall not be used for the design, modification, or construction of improvements to real property or for flood plain determination, or (ii) graphically show existing property lines and boundaries on maps or other documents provided such depicted property lines and boundaries shall only be used for general information.\n\t\t\tAny determination of topography or contours, or depiction of physical improvements, utilizing photogrammetric methods or similar remote sensing technology by persons not licensed as a land surveyor pursuant to § 54.1-406 shall not show any property monumentation or property metes and bounds, nor provide any measurement showing the relationship of any physical improvements to any property line or boundary.\n\t\t\tAny person not licensed pursuant to subsection B of § 54.1-404 or 54.1-406 preparing documentation pursuant to subsection C of § 54.1-402 shall note the following on such documentation: “Any determination of topography or contours, or any depiction of physical improvements, property lines or boundaries is for general information only and shall not be used for the design, modification, or construction of improvements to real property or for flood plain determination.”","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"D"},"16":{"id":204698,"text":"Terms used in this section, and not otherwise defined in this chapter, shall have the meanings provided in the Uniform Statewide Building Code in effect on July 1, 1982, including any subsequent amendments.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14278,"edition_id":1,"name":"Architects, Engineers, Surveyors and Landscape Architects","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13996,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:47:35","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:47:35","permalink":{"id":240555,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14278,"identifier":"1","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1","url":"\/54.1\/II\/4\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13996,"edition_id":1,"name":"Architects, Engineers, Surveyors, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers","identifier":"4","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12755,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:33","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:33","permalink":{"id":240553,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13996,"identifier":"4","token":"54.1\/II\/4","url":"\/54.1\/II\/4\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12755,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation and Boards Within the Department","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12754,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239415,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12755,"identifier":"II","token":"54.1\/II","url":"\/54.1\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12754,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 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registration","url":"\/54.1-411\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-411","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":55543,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-401","catch_line":"Exemptions","url":"\/54.1-401\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-401","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":76750,"structure_id":14278,"section_number":"54.1-402.1","catch_line":"State and local government employees; license exemptions for persons employed prior to March 8, 1992","url":"\/54.1-402.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-402.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-402\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1982. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 590 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 1982 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 4 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 1988, chapters 294 and 765; in 1992, chapters 780 and 783; in 2005, chapters 359<\/a> and 440<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 68<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":55882,"section_number":"54.1-402","catch_line":"Further exemptions from license requirements for architects, professional engineers, and land surveyors","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-402\/"},{"id":77321,"section_number":"54.1-404","catch_line":"Regulations; code of professional practice and conduct","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-404\/"},{"id":57598,"section_number":"54.1-406","catch_line":"License required","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-406\/"},{"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\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":55882,"section_number":"54.1-402","catch_line":"Further exemptions from license requirements for architects, professional engineers, and land surveyors","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-402\/"},{"id":77321,"section_number":"54.1-404","catch_line":"Regulations; code of professional practice and conduct","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-404\/"},{"id":57598,"section_number":"54.1-406","catch_line":"License required","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-406\/"}],"permalink":{"id":240565,"object_type":"law","relational_id":55882,"identifier":"54.1-402","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-402","url":"\/54.1-402\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-402\/","token":"54.1\/II\/4\/1\/54.1-402","dublin_core":{"Title":"Further exemptions from license requirements for architects, professional engineers, and land surveyors","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-402","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> No license as an architect<\/span> or professional engineer<\/span> shall be required pursuant to \u00a7 54.1-406<\/a> for persons who prepare plans, specifications, documents and designs for the following, provided any such plans, specifications, documents or designs bear the name and address of the author and his occupation: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Single- and two-family homes, townhouses and multifamily dwellings, excluding electrical and mechanical systems, not exceeding three stories; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> All farm structures used primarily in the production, handling or storage of agricultural products or implements, including, but not limited to, structures used for the handling, processing, housing or storage of crops, feeds, supplies, equipment, animals or poultry; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Buildings and structures classified with respect to use as business (Use Group B) and mercantile (Use Group M), as provided in the Uniform Statewide Building Code and churches with an occupant load of 100 or less, excluding electrical and mechanical systems, where such building or structure does not exceed 5,000 square feet in total net floor area, or three stories; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Buildings and structures classified with respect to use as factory and industrial (Use Group F) and storage (Use Group S) as provided in the Uniform Statewide Building Code, excluding electrical and mechanical systems, where such building or structure does not exceed 15,000 square feet in total net floor area, or three stories; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Additions, remodeling or interior design<\/span> without a change in occupancy or occupancy load and without modification to the structural system or a change in access or exit patterns or increase in fire hazard; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Electric installations which comply with all applicable codes and which do not exceed 600 volts and 800 amps, where work is designed and performed under the direct supervision of a person licensed as a master’s level electrician or Class A electrical contractor by written examination, and where such installation is not contained in any structure exceeding three stories or located in any of the following categories:\n\t\t\t\ta. Use Group A-1 theaters which exceed assembly of 100 persons;\n\t\t\t\tb. Use Group A-4 except churches;\n\t\t\t\tc. Use Group I, institutional buildings, except day care nurseries and clinics without life-support systems; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Plumbing and mechanical systems using packaged mechanical equipment, such as equipment of catalogued standard design which has been coordinated and tested by the manufacturer, which comply with all applicable codes. These mechanical systems shall not exceed gauge pressures of 125 pounds per square inch, other than refrigeration, or temperatures other than flue gas of 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) where such work is designed and performed under the direct supervision of a person licensed as a master’s level plumber, master’s level heating, air conditioning and ventilating worker, or Class A contractor in those specialties by written examination. In addition, such installation may not be contained in any structure exceeding three stories or located in any structure which is defined as to its use in any of the following categories:\n\t\t\t\ta. Use Group A-1 theaters which exceed assembly of 100 persons;\n\t\t\t\tb. Use Group A-4 except churches;\n\t\t\t\tc. Use Group I, institutional buildings, except day care nurseries and clinics without life-support systems; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> The preparation of shop drawings, field drawings and specifications for components by a contractor who will supervise the installation and where the shop drawings and specifications (i) will be reviewed by the licensed professional engineer<\/span> or architect<\/span> responsible for the project or (ii) are otherwise exempted; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> Buildings, structures, or electrical and mechanical installations which are not otherwise exempted but which are of standard design, provided they bear the certification of a professional engineer<\/span> or architect<\/span> registered or licensed in another state, and provided that the design is adapted for the specific location and for conformity with local codes, ordinances<\/span> and regulations, and is so certified by a professional engineer<\/span> or architect<\/span> licensed in Virginia; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

10.<\/span> Construction by a state agency or political subdivision not exceeding $75,000 in value keyed to the January 1, 1991, Consumer Price Index (CPI) and not otherwise requiring a licensed architect<\/span>, engineer, or land surveyor<\/span> by an adopted code and maintenance by that state agency or political subdivision of water distribution, sewage collection, storm drainage systems, sidewalks, streets, curbs, gutters, culverts, and other facilities normally and customarily constructed and maintained by the public works department of the state agency or political subdivision; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

11.<\/span> Conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems receiving residential wastewater<\/span>, under the authority of Chapter 6 of Title 32.1, designed by a licensed onsite soil evaluator, which utilize packaged equipment, such as equipment of catalogued standard design that has been coordinated and tested by the manufacturer, and complies with all applicable codes, provided (i) the flow is less than 1,000 gallons per day; and (ii) if a pump is included, (a) it shall not include multiple downhill runs and must terminate at a positive elevational change; (b) the discharge end is open and not pressurized; (c) the static head does not exceed 50 feet; and (d) the force main length does not exceed 500 feet. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> No person shall be exempt from licensure as an architect<\/span> or engineer who engages in the preparation of plans, specifications, documents or designs for: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Any unique design of structural elements for floors, walls, roofs or foundations; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Any building or structure classified with respect to its use as high hazard (Use Group H). <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Persons utilizing photogrammetric methods or similar remote sensing technology shall not be required to be licensed as a land surveyor<\/span> pursuant to subsection B of § 54.1-404<\/a> or 54.1-406<\/a> to: (i) determine topography or contours, or to depict physical improvements, provided such maps or other documents shall not be used for the design, modification, or construction of improvements to real property<\/span> or for flood plain determination, or (ii) graphically show existing property lines and boundaries on maps or other documents provided such depicted property lines and boundaries shall only be used for general information.\n\t\t\tAny determination of topography or contours, or depiction of physical improvements, utilizing photogrammetric methods or similar remote sensing technology by persons not licensed as a land surveyor<\/span> pursuant to § 54.1-406<\/a> shall not show any property monumentation or property metes and bounds, nor provide any measurement showing the relationship of any physical improvements to any property line or boundary.\n\t\t\tAny person not licensed pursuant to subsection B of § 54.1-404<\/a> or 54.1-406<\/a> preparing documentation pursuant to subsection C of § 54.1-402<\/a> shall note the following on such documentation: “Any determination of topography or contours, or any depiction of physical improvements, property lines or boundaries is for general information only and shall not be used for the design, modification, or construction of improvements to real property<\/span> or for flood plain determination.” <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Terms used in this section, and not otherwise defined in this chapter, shall have the meanings provided in the Uniform Statewide Building Code in effect on July 1, 1982, including any subsequent amendments. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nFURTHER EXEMPTIONS FROM LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR ARCHITECTS, PROFESSIONAL\nENGINEERS, AND LAND SURVEYORS (\u00a7 54.1-402)\n\nA. No license as an architect or professional engineer shall be required\npursuant to \u00a7 54.1-406 for persons who prepare plans, specifications, documents\nand designs for the following, provided any such plans, specifications,\ndocuments or designs bear the name and address of the author and his occupation:\n\n 1. Single- and two-family homes, townhouses and multifamily dwellings,\n excluding electrical and mechanical systems, not exceeding three stories; or\n\n 2. All farm structures used primarily in the production, handling or storage\n of agricultural products or implements, including, but not limited to,\n structures used for the handling, processing, housing or storage of crops,\n feeds, supplies, equipment, animals or poultry; or\n\n 3. Buildings and structures classified with respect to use as business (Use\n Group B) and mercantile (Use Group M), as provided in the Uniform Statewide\n Building Code and churches with an occupant load of 100 or less, excluding\n electrical and mechanical systems, where such building or structure does not\n exceed 5,000 square feet in total net floor area, or three stories; or\n\n 4. Buildings and structures classified with respect to use as factory and\n industrial (Use Group F) and storage (Use Group S) as provided in the Uniform\n Statewide Building Code, excluding electrical and mechanical systems, where\n such building or structure does not exceed 15,000 square feet in total net\n floor area, or three stories; or\n\n 5. Additions, remodeling or interior design without a change in occupancy or\n occupancy load and without modification to the structural system or a change\n in access or exit patterns or increase in fire hazard; or\n\n 6. Electric installations which comply with all applicable codes and which do\n not exceed 600 volts and 800 amps, where work is designed and performed under\n the direct supervision of a person licensed as a master’s level\n electrician or Class A electrical contractor by written examination, and where\n such installation is not contained in any structure exceeding three stories or\n located in any of the following categories:\n \t\t\t\ta. Use Group A-1 theaters which exceed assembly of 100 persons;\n \t\t\t\tb. Use Group A-4 except churches;\n \t\t\t\tc. Use Group I, institutional buildings, except day care nurseries and\n clinics without life-support systems; or\n\n 7. Plumbing and mechanical systems using packaged mechanical equipment, such\n as equipment of catalogued standard design which has been coordinated and\n tested by the manufacturer, which comply with all applicable codes. These\n mechanical systems shall not exceed gauge pressures of 125 pounds per square\n inch, other than refrigeration, or temperatures other than flue gas of 300\n degrees F (150 degrees C) where such work is designed and performed under the\n direct supervision of a person licensed as a master’s level plumber,\n master’s level heating, air conditioning and ventilating worker, or\n Class A contractor in those specialties by written examination. In addition,\n such installation may not be contained in any structure exceeding three\n stories or located in any structure which is defined as to its use in any of\n the following categories:\n \t\t\t\ta. Use Group A-1 theaters which exceed assembly of 100 persons;\n \t\t\t\tb. Use Group A-4 except churches;\n \t\t\t\tc. Use Group I, institutional buildings, except day care nurseries and\n clinics without life-support systems; or\n\n 8. The preparation of shop drawings, field drawings and specifications for\n components by a contractor who will supervise the installation and where the\n shop drawings and specifications (i) will be reviewed by the licensed\n professional engineer or architect responsible for the project or (ii) are\n otherwise exempted; or\n\n 9. Buildings, structures, or electrical and mechanical installations which are\n not otherwise exempted but which are of standard design, provided they bear\n the certification of a professional engineer or architect registered or\n licensed in another state, and provided that the design is adapted for the\n specific location and for conformity with local codes, ordinances and\n regulations, and is so certified by a professional engineer or architect\n licensed in Virginia; or\n\n 10. Construction by a state agency or political subdivision not exceeding\n $75,000 in value keyed to the January 1, 1991, Consumer Price Index (CPI) and\n not otherwise requiring a licensed architect, engineer, or land surveyor by an\n adopted code and maintenance by that state agency or political subdivision of\n water distribution, sewage collection, storm drainage systems, sidewalks,\n streets, curbs, gutters, culverts, and other facilities normally and\n customarily constructed and maintained by the public works department of the\n state agency or political subdivision; or\n\n 11. Conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems receiving residential\n wastewater, under the authority of Chapter 6 of Title 32.1, designed by a\n licensed onsite soil evaluator, which utilize packaged equipment, such as\n equipment of catalogued standard design that has been coordinated and tested\n by the manufacturer, and complies with all applicable codes, provided (i) the\n flow is less than 1,000 gallons per day; and (ii) if a pump is included, (a)\n it shall not include multiple downhill runs and must terminate at a positive\n elevational change; (b) the discharge end is open and not pressurized; (c) the\n static head does not exceed 50 feet; and (d) the force main length does not\n exceed 500 feet.\n\nB. No person shall be exempt from licensure as an architect or engineer who\nengages in the preparation of plans, specifications, documents or designs for:\n\n 1. Any unique design of structural elements for floors, walls, roofs or\n foundations; or\n\n 2. Any building or structure classified with respect to its use as high hazard\n (Use Group H).\n\nC. Persons utilizing photogrammetric methods or similar remote sensing\ntechnology shall not be required to be licensed as a land surveyor pursuant to\nsubsection B of § 54.1-404 or 54.1-406 to: (i) determine topography or\ncontours, or to depict physical improvements, provided such maps or other\ndocuments shall not be used for the design, modification, or construction of\nimprovements to real property or for flood plain determination, or (ii)\ngraphically show existing property lines and boundaries on maps or other\ndocuments provided such depicted property lines and boundaries shall only be\nused for general information.\n\t\t\tAny determination of topography or contours, or depiction of physical\nimprovements, utilizing photogrammetric methods or similar remote sensing\ntechnology by persons not licensed as a land surveyor pursuant to §\n54.1-406 shall not show any property monumentation or property metes and bounds,\nnor provide any measurement showing the relationship of any physical\nimprovements to any property line or boundary.\n\t\t\tAny person not licensed pursuant to subsection B of § 54.1-404 or\n54.1-406 preparing documentation pursuant to subsection C of § 54.1-402\nshall note the following on such documentation: “Any determination of\ntopography or contours, or any depiction of physical improvements, property\nlines or boundaries is for general information only and shall not be used for\nthe design, modification, or construction of improvements to real property or\nfor flood plain determination.”\n\nD. Terms used in this section, and not otherwise defined in this chapter, shall\nhave the meanings provided in the Uniform Statewide Building Code in effect on\nJuly 1, 1982, including any subsequent amendments.\n\nHISTORY: 1982, c. 590, \u00a7 54-37.1; 1988, cc. 294, 765; 1992, cc. 780, 783; 2005,\ncc. 359, 440; 2008, c. 68.","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}}