The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code 2003 Edition Effective November 16, 2005

The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) The USBC is divided into 3 parts. – Part 1 – The Virginia Construction Code - VCC Applies to all new construction, additions and alterations including plan reviews, permits, inspections and certificates of occupancy. Adopts by reference: the 2003 I-codes. – Part 2 – The Virginia Rehabilitation Code Optional regulations specific to rehabilitation of existing buildings. Acceptable alternative to the VCC. Adopts by reference: the IEBC. – Part 3 – The Virginia Maintenance Code Regulations for maintenance of existing buildings. Jurisdiction must adopt by local ordinance. Includes rental property enforcement. Adopts by reference: the IPMC.

VCC – Chapter 1 – Administrative Provisions Section 103 – Application of code. – November 16, 2005 effective date for new code. – Applicant must declare new code or old. – Requires new CO for change of occupancy classification. – – Allows fire systems retrofit enforcement per – – Prior notice required before disconnecting fire protection systems. – – HVAC fuel fired equipment installation new or retrofit requires chimney/vent certification of adequacy. See also M , G IMC & IFGC

Mechanical - Fuel Gas IMC regulates Natural Gas and Propane over 3 stories. – Fuel Gas regulated in IFGC. IRC regulates up to 3 stories one and two family dwellings. – Chapter 24 does not include propane

Mechanical – Fuel Gas IRC , M and M – No mechanical system (equipment and duct work) may be below flood design elevation unless designed and installed to prevent water accumulation and to resist hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressures. IRC and M – Shield plates required IRC – Alteration to trusses must have a written authorization by RDP

Mechanical – Fuel Gas IRC Building Heating – Required to be 68° Exception in USBC for “Seasonal Home” [occupied for less than 90 days continuously). IRC Added exception to use ventilation air from adjoining room IRC M allows the use of listed condensing (ductless) clothes dryers

Mechanical – Fuel Gas IRC M requires kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to comply with minimum rates. The term, “Unusually Tight Construction” removed from the IFGC. This affects combustion air requirements. IRC G allows water heaters without the 18” above finish floor if heater is listed as “Flammable Vapor Resistant”.

Mechanical – Fuel Gas IRC G requires outdoor piping to be elevated 3 ½ inches above ground or roof. IRC G2407 establishes reductions in ventilation space for openings with louvers – 25% less area for metal grills – 75% less area for wood grills

Mechanical – Fuel Gas IRC G Test gauges must have a range such that the highest end of the scale is not greater than 5 times the test pressure. IRC M HVAC shall be sized in accordance with Manual J or other approved method. Room additions will require verification that existing system is adequate.

Plumbing IRC R requires systems and equipment to be installed above the design flood elevation. – Unless designed to prevent water from entering and accumulating. IRC – Alteration to trusses must have a written authorization by RDP

Plumbing IRC P Test gauges. – Gauges used for testing shall be as follows: 1. Tests requiring a pressure of 10 psi or less shall utilize a testing gauge having increments of 0.10 psi or less. 2. Tests requiring a pressure of greater than 10 psi but less than or equal to 100 psi shall utilize a testing gauge having increments of 1 psi or less. 3. Tests requiring a pressure of greater than 100 psi shall utilize a testing gauge having increments of 2 psi or less.

Plumbing IRC P requires rough and finish plumbing test to hold for 15 minutes. (previous requirement was before and during inspection). Water piping to hold working pressure or air test not less than 50 psi. – Plastic pipe may not have air test

Plumbing USBC References the 2003 edition of the ANSI Combination water/space heater must comply with ASSE 1017 IRC P permits the installation of ¾ inch indirect waste from water heater pan. IRC P Washing machine standpipes and showers must have 2” trap and drain.

Plumbing IRC P Table for piping support added. IRC P Sewer and water pipe may be in same trench. IPC Hot Water is on the LEFT. IRC Water Hammer arrestors required. – USBC adds: “Unless otherwise approved”.

Plumbing IRC P permits use of sanitary tees for back-to-back water closets where connection is greater than 18”. IRC P states that pipe size reduction in direction of flow is prohibited – A 4” X 3” water closet connection is not considered a reduction.

Plumbing IRC P allows macerating toilets. IRC P allows exception for trap arm limitation for self-siphoning fixtures such as water closets. IRC P requires a Full Open Valve AND a Check Valve for Pumped Systems IRC P adds language for AAV installation.

Electrical This is a change that will affect every new home built in Tidewater area, as of Jan. 15,2006 all VAP meter bases can no longer be at the rear of the house. IRC E Warning ribbon required for underground service conductors not encased in concrete. This does not include branch circuit feeders. IRC E requires that counter top receptacles be not more than 20” above the countertop surface.

Electrical IRC E allows smaller luminaries (less than 6 lb) to be with standard boxes instead of light boxes. – Maximum weight of 50 lb established for boxes. – Over this, must be independently supported, or shall have listing on boxes that is being used. IRC E requires all circuits in a bedroom be arc-fault type. This includes smoke detector outlets.

Electrical IRC Outdoor wet location receptacles must be weatherproof with the plug in-or-out. We recommend “in use covers” in this situation. IRC Luminaires in clothes closets if they are incandescent must have completely enclosed lamps. NEC Heating and A/C Equipment must have a receptacle within 25ft. of units, this does not include the receptacles that are needed for front and back.

Summary of Critical Issues Fueled-fired equipment – needs chimney/vent certification. Flood provisions are never exempted. HVAC replacement in R-3, R-4, R-5 exempt for permits except fuel-fired equipment. All elevators must be inspected. Permits expire automatically in 6 months. Sewer and water required for occupied buildings. Heat/air-conditioning required in residential and most commercial buildings. For code questions or downloads go to