2.2 Virginia USBC Administration, Permits, Inspections & Required Tests

How the IPC becomes law in Virginia

The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) is adopted by the Board of Housing and Community Development under § 36-98 of the Code of Virginia. It supersedes the building codes of localities and state agencies. The 2021 edition took effect on January 18, 2024. For one year after that date, a permit applicant could choose between the 2021 edition and the prior edition (VCC 103.2).

The Statewide Fire Prevention Code is a separate regulation, not a part of the USBC.

VCC 101.2 incorporates IBC Chapters 2 to 35. Codes referenced by the IBC, including the 2021 IPC, become part of the USBC to the extent of each reference. VCC 2901.1.1 lists Virginia's changes to the IPC. The order of precedence (VCC 101.6) is: VCC Chapter 1 administration first, then the state amendments, then the IBC, then referenced codes. Because VCC Chapter 1 replaces it, IPC Chapter 1 (Administration) does not apply in Virginia. For permits and inspections, use the VCC.

When a permit is required (VCC 108.1)

A permit application must be made, and a permit obtained, before construction or demolition, and before installations or alterations involving, among other things:

• the water supply and distribution system, sanitary drainage system or vent system;
• fire protection systems, mechanical systems or fuel supply systems;
• any equipment regulated by the USBC.

Emergency exception: for emergency construction, alterations or equipment replacement, the application must be submitted by the end of the first working day after the work starts. The building official may also authorize work to start before the application is received or the permit is issued.

Exemptions (VCC 108.2)

No permit or inspection is required for these items, although they must still comply with the code. An owner may still request a permit, and then inspections are required:

• Ordinary repairs, including replacement of plumbing fixtures and well pumps in all groups without alteration of the water supply and distribution systems, sanitary drainage systems or vent systems.
• Replacement of mechanical appliances that are not fueled by gas or oil in Group R-2 occupancies serving a single dwelling unit and in Groups R-3, R-4 and R-5.
• Other work the building official considers minor and ordinary that does not adversely affect public health or general safety.

Relocating a water closet, extending drain or water piping, or replacing a gas-fired water heater all alter regulated systems or involve fuel-fired equipment, so these need a permit.

Applicants, documents and permit life

• VCC 108.3: the owner or lessee, an agent of either, or the registered design professional, contractor or subcontractor may apply. The building official cannot require you to apply in person.
• VCC 108.4: under § 54.1-1111, the applicant must prove a valid Chapter 11 license or certification, or file a written statement that they are not subject to licensure.
• VCC 108.8: an application is considered abandoned 6 months after filing unless it has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued.
• VCC 110.5: a copy of the permit must be posted on the site until the work is finished.
• VCC 110.6: the building official may revoke a permit if authorized work is not started within 6 months of issuance, or is suspended or abandoned for 6 months. However, permits for plumbing, electrical and mechanical work are not revoked while the building permit is still in effect. The applicant shows progress through at least one approved inspection within 6 months. The building official may grant extensions of up to 1 year each.
• VCC 110.8: a permit may also be revoked for false statements, misrepresentation, abandonment, noncompliance or incorrect information.

Inspections and enforcement (VCC 113 to 116)

• Duty to notify (113.1.2): the permit holder must notify the building official when the work reaches a stage that requires inspection, and must supply any needed ladders, scaffolding or test equipment (113.1.1).
• Minimum inspections (113.3) include inspecting plumbing materials, equipment and systems before concealment, and a final inspection.
• Defective work (113.6): the building official approves the work in writing or gives written notice of defects. Defects must be corrected and reinspected before any work that would conceal them.
• Third-party reports (113.7): if the building official cannot inspect within 2 working days of a request, they must accept reports from approved individuals or agencies.
• Stop work order (114): a written order may be issued for work that violates the code or endangers the public. It goes to the owner, the owner's agent or the person doing the work. The affected work must stop immediately. The order states the conditions for resuming, and other work may continue if it does not conceal the stopped work.
• Violations (115): violating the USBC is unlawful under § 36-106. The building official issues a written notice of violation citing the code section and setting a time to correct it.
• Certificate of occupancy (116): required before occupancy or a change of occupancy.

Required tests (IPC Section 312)

The permit holder performs the tests and supplies the equipment. Plumbing piping is tested with water or, for piping systems other than plastic, by air (312.1).

Test gauges (312.1.1): for tests of 10 psi or less, use increments of 0.10 psi or less. For tests over 10 psi up to 100 psi, use increments of 1 psi or less. For tests over 100 psi, use increments of 2 psi or less.