Virginia local governments could seek exceptions to statewide building codes

The statewide Building Code would take precedence over certain local rules for single-family homes. This covers local rules about home foundations or crawl spaces, required building materials or finishes, and minimum window area or numbers. Exceptions would remain for certain accepted development conditions, land-use rules, historic district rules, and local flood rules tied to participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. No start date is stated.

Local governments could ask the State Building Code Technical Review Board to approve an exception to a Building Code rule. A petition could cover any Building Code rule and must identify the rule and support the request with documented local data. Before petitioning, a locality would need to invite public comment and provide local data, proposed wording, and technical reasons. The Board could approve an exception only if it found a unique local condition, an unmet need, no conflict with code safety goals, and benefits that outweigh costs and added complexity. The Board would have to act within 90 days of receiving a petition. An approved exception would apply to future projects in that locality and to other localities the Board finds have substantially similar conditions.

The Review Board would consider costs when recommending code changes, and its code interpretations would apply statewide. This covers the Review Board's recommendations about the Building Code and Fire Prevention Code, and its interpretations of those codes. Recommendations would prioritize public health, safety, and welfare, accepted industry practices, and clear, predictable enforcement. When practical, the Board would favor approaches that are cost-neutral or save money without compromising safety. No start date is stated.