Building Smarter Envelopes: A Guide to the 2021 Virginia Energy Code for Architects

Posted on by cguske

The 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) adopts the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with state-specific amendments, emphasizing energy efficiency and sustainability. Among its most impactful provisions are the updated requirements for the building envelope, the critical barrier that separates interior and exterior environments. For architects, designing energy-efficient envelopes under the new code is both a regulatory necessity and an opportunity to innovate.

Navigating the 2021 USBC’s energy code for building envelopes will highlight strategies to meet and exceed compliance standards. The building envelope, comprised of walls, roofs, windows, doors, and floors, plays a pivotal role in regulating energy use by controlling heat transfer, air leakage, and moisture movement. The 2021 Virginia Energy Code sets higher performance standards for the envelope to reduce energy consumption, improve thermal comfort, lower operational costs and support statewide sustainability goals.

Key Envelope Requirements in the 2021 Virginia Energy Code involve:

Thermal Performance Standards (R-Values and U-Factors). The energy code includes stricter minimum insulation requirements for walls, roofs, and floors, along with improved thermal performance standards for fenestration:

  • Insulation R-Values: The higher the R-value, the better the material resists heat flow. Specific R-values vary by climate zone within Virginia.
  • Fenestration U-Factors: Windows, doors, and skylights must meet lower U-factor limits to minimize heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
  • Solar Heat Gain Coefficients (SHGC): For glazing, SHGC requirements limit solar radiation, enhancing energy efficiency without sacrificing natural light.

Air Leakage Control. Reducing air infiltration is a priority under the 2021 energy code. Architects must address:

  • Continuous Air Barriers: The design must include a continuous air barrier to prevent uncontrolled air movement through the envelope.
  • Testing Requirements: Buildings must pass blower door testing to confirm compliance with maximum air leakage rates.
  • Sealant Specifications: Detailed attention to sealing joints, penetrations, and openings is critical for achieving compliance.

Roof and Wall Reflectivity (Cool Roofs). In climate zones where cooling loads are significant, the energy code emphasizes the use of reflective materials on roofs to reduce heat gain. Selecting cool roofing systems can improve compliance and enhance overall building performance.

Climate Zones and Regional Considerations. Virginia spans multiple climate zones (Zone 4 and Zone 5), influencing envelope design requirements. Architects should tailor their designs to the specific zone to meet insulation, fenestration, and moisture control standards:

  • Zone 4 (Mixed-Humid): Focus on balancing heating and cooling loads, with attention to moisture control and air sealing.
  • Zone 5 (Cold): Prioritize insulation and air tightness to minimize heating energy consumption.

While meeting the 2021 Virginia Energy Code is mandatory, designs can be code compliant or can exceed the mandatory standards through innovative envelope design.

Strategies for designing code-compliant envelopes will

1. Prioritize High-Performance Insulation

  • Select materials with high R-values, such as spray foam, rigid foam boards, or advanced batt insulation.
  • Use continuous insulation (CI) to eliminate thermal bridging, which can undermine envelope performance.

2. Optimize Fenestration Design

  • Choose energy-efficient windows with low U-factors and SHGC values that align with the building’s orientation and climate zone.
  • Incorporate passive solar design strategies to maximize natural daylight while minimizing heat gain.

3. Implement Advanced Air Sealing Techniques

  • Specify high-quality sealants, tapes, and gaskets to ensure airtight connections.
  • Detail construction drawings to highlight critical areas such as window-wall joints, roof-wall transitions, and penetrations for pipes or ducts.

4. Integrate Vapor and Moisture Management

  • Specify vapor retarders and weather-resistant barriers (WRBs) appropriate for the building’s climate zone.
  • Ensure proper drainage and ventilation to prevent condensation and moisture buildup within the envelope.

5. Leverage Cool Roofs and Reflective Materials

  • Use roofing materials with high solar reflectance and thermal emittance to reduce cooling loads.
  • Consider vegetative roofs or rooftop solar systems to enhance energy performance.

Strategies to exceed mandatory standards can include:

  • Passive House Design: Achieving ultra-low energy use through superior insulation, airtight construction, and advanced windows.
  • Net-Zero Energy Buildings: Combining efficient envelopes with renewable energy systems to achieve zero net energy consumption.

Navigating the Energy Code to meet or exceed these standards can be challenging. A few practical tips to consider include engagement, precision, compliance and education.

  • Engage Consultants Early: Collaborate with energy consultants, envelope specialists, and contractors from the conceptual phase to ensure compliance.
  • Detail Construction Documents: Include precise specifications and drawings to guide contractors in achieving airtight and insulated envelopes.
  • Test and Verify Performance: Conduct blower door tests and thermographic imaging to verify compliance and identify potential issues during construction.
  • Educate Clients: Communicate the benefits of an efficient envelope to clients, including energy savings, comfort, and long-term value. The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) provides resources, training, and documentation tailored to the 2021 USBC.

The 2021 Virginia Energy Code elevates expectations for building envelopes, challenging architects to design smarter, tighter, and more efficient buildings. While the stricter standards require thoughtful planning and execution, they also pave the way for high-performance buildings that align with modern sustainability goals. By embracing advanced materials, innovative design strategies, and energy modeling tools, architects can create code-compliant envelopes that not only meet regulations but set new benchmarks for energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

For additional information or if you have questions, please contact the State Building Codes Office by calling 804-371-7150, or via email at SBCO@dhcd.virginia.gov. You can also visit our website at www.dhcd.virginia.gov

2021 VCC Significant Changes Event (Charlottesville)

Please join AIA Virginia in AIA Central Virginia for a Lunch and Learn presentation of the recent VCC changes and then a panel discussion with Jonah Margarella, AIA, Florin Moldovan, MCP, and a local Building Commissioner in Charlottesville, VA. We will be focusing on chapters 7, 10, and 11.

AIA Member: $25
Non-Member: $40

2  AIA LU | HSW

Lunch will be provided.

Register Here>>

Registration deadline is Tuesday, May 14, at 12:00 p.m.

The Fundamental Value of the Building Code

Posted on by cguske

Architects are possessed of many skills and capabilities, amongst which we value technical expertise, including our command of the building code.

We do well to consider not only what the code is now, but also how it might be, and the impact of potential revisions. This expertise is valuable in both its direct application and as a form of regulatory advocacy.

If you possess or aspire to possess this expertise and would like to serve or discuss/suggest possibilities, please contact Paul Battaglia at pbattaglia@aiava.org.

2018 USBC Code Cycle Update

Posted on by cguske

Every three years, Virginia goes through a code change cycle and this latest round saw a flurry of code proposals – over 320 total.  AIA Virginia was an active participant whether it was due to their own submitted code proposals or supporting or opposing other proposals.  If we were judged by our batting average, AIA VA came away with a fairly decent one (.981)!  AIA Virginia submitted 65 proposals for the upcoming 2018 USBC and the Board of Housing and Community Development (BHCD) has taken the following action:

  • Approved:           52
  • Disapproved:      1
    • it was supported by the VBCOA representative at least
  • Withdrawn:         12
    • prior to going to the BHCD
    • the majority of those were withdrawn because of approval of another code proposal described below under the VEBC – we call that a “teaser!”

52 and 1 – most people would take that record!  Below are some of the highlighted proposals that were approved, and you should see in the 2018 USBC:

Virginia Construction Code:

  • 101.5: References to the International Codes and standards now include state amendments.
  • 101.6: Provisions of the “other” codes (e.g., IMC, IPC, and NEC) now supersede any provisions of the Energy Conservation Code that address the same subject matter and impose differing requirements.
  • 1103.2.8: Deleted “exclusively” and substituted “primarily.”  This should allow for greater flexibility in use of such areas for other purposes.
  • 1109.2 and 1209.3: Multi-user gender-neutral toilet facilities have now been added to provide guidance as to the plumbing fixture ratios, compartments, and separation.
  • 2902: The entire section has been deleted with a pointer to 403 of the VPC.  This will avoid duplication and possible conflicts.
  • [The proposal that was rejected]: Attempted to delete provisions that included “where approved by the building official” as such provisions are void and unenforceable per Chapter 1 of the VCC.  The BHCD approved such deletions in the VEBC, so we are not sure why they did not approve the same for the VCC. We will try again next code cycle.

Virginia Energy Conservation Code:

  • C404.5 was deleted in its entirety as it conflicted with the VPC and created hardship in attempting compliance with the VECC.  This was one of the reasons for the code change above involving conflicts between the VECC and other codes.
  • Chapter 5 [CE] and 5 [RE] were deleted and pointers provided to go to the VEBC

Virginia Existing Building Code:

  • 102.2.3: Added clarity as to what is considered a separate building and when an existing building is separated from the new “addition” by a fire wall, any nonconformance is based on when the original building was constructed and not per the “current” code. 
    • A “Note” was added to 801.1 that indicates when a fire wall is used, and therefore, you technically do not have an addition, then Chapter 8 would not apply – thus, code officials can no longer compel you to comply with the provisions in Chapter 8, including height and area limitations in Chapter 5 of the VCC.
  • 307: Reroofing and roof repair was relocated to Section 602 and Level 1 alterations.
  • 402: Triggers for accessibility have been removed for a change of occupancy and would only be required if associated with alterations.  This is consistent now with the 2010 ADA Standards.
  • 404.3: Language now more closely matches that of the 2010 ADA Standards.
  • 510 [new]: Some energy provisions were brought over from the VECC offering some flexibility in compliance.
  • 601.2.1: Expanded the description of Level 1 alterations to include “removal without replacement” of various materials and elements.
  • 601.4: In collaboration with and support of various energy groups, the energy conservation requirements were expanded, including:
    • Opaque walls
    • Floors
    • Ceilings and vented attics
    • Fenestration
    • Roof replacement
    • Lighting
    • Ducts
  • 704: Provided clarity.
  • 802.2: Provided clarity as to what qualifies as an exception.
  • 805 [new]: Some energy provisions were brought over from the VECC offering some flexibility in compliance.
  • 904 was deleted in its entirety, with applicable portions relocated to Section 906.  This should allow for greater opportunities to alter a historic building without triggering such fire safety requirement sunless it also underwent a change of occupancy.
  • Chapter 14: Has been completely reformatted.  Duplicated provisions have been deleted (how many different ways can you say “evaluation”?).  There will now be four sections in lieu of one (General, Evaluation Process, Evaluation Data, and Evaluation Scores).
  • 1401.6.3 (current number): Clarifies that interpolation is permitted.
  • Are you sitting down for this one?!?!  There has been another major overhaul of the VEBC, specifically as it relates to alterations as follows:
    • Work area: GONE!  No more work areas – no more arguments on what is or is not a work area!
    • Level 2 alterations: Was about 12 pages long – now will be approximately 3 pages long.  Since most of Level 2 and 3 alterations were based strictly on the concept of a work area, with no more work area, a lot of provisions are not needed anymore.
    • Supplemental requirements: What supplemental requirements?
    • Level 3 alterations: Gone the way of the Dodo.
    • Relevant provisions were relocated to the Change of Occupancy chapter.
    • Why you may ask?  You were just getting use to work areas.  Well, there was this thing called “The Virginia Way” before the IEBC came along and it basically said, “if you don’t touch it, you don’t have to do anything.”  But that all changed when the IEBC came along – with its work areas, supplemental requirements, and Level 3 alterations that required alterations even beyond where you were doing work.  So, we are trying to go back to the way it was – touch it, do something – don’t touch it, you don’t have to do anything.
    • Enjoy!
  • We successfully defeated a proposal that would have expanded the definition of a “change of occupancy” to include “electrical” as one of the “greater degrees.”  This could have led to unintended consequences and slippery slopes.  We will work with the proponent during the next code cycle to see if we can come up with a compromise solution.

Virginia Plumbing Code:

  • Table 403.1: Airport terminals now have their own row and minimum plumbing fixture ratios. Locations have also been clarified.
  • 403 and 405: Multi-user gender-neutral toilet facilities have now been added to provide guidance as to the plumbing fixture ratios, compartments, and separation.

Virginia Residential Code:

  • R408: We supported revisions to the “under-floor space” provisions that reformat and clarify the provisions within this section.

AIA Virginia was also represented on the following sub-workgroups, from which a number of code changes were also submitted:

  • Fire Code edits: eliminated al construction-related provisions.
  • Resiliency: BHCD approved eight proposals.
  • Residential Uses: We now have an “Accessory Dwelling Unit” definition and provisions; and BHCD approved three other proposals, including adding “Tiny Houses” in an Appendix.
  • School safety: Emergency Supplemental Hardware (you may know it better as “door barricades”) is now permitted in K-12 and higher education occupancies.
  • Energy: BHCD approved four proposals that came out of this sub-workgroup, including making blower door tests mandatory for single- and multi-family homes and increasing ceiling insulation.

While AIA Virginia remained “neutral” or took “no position” on most of the proposals, some of the more significant approved proposals include:

  • “Tall Wood Buildings (TWB)” construction is now allowed as an alternative.
  • VRC R313.1: Townhomes must now be sprinkled in accordance with P2904, NFPA 13D 13, or 13R.
  • VRC E3902.16: Arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection is now required in additional spaces, including kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, sunrooms, rec rooms, closets, hallways, and laundry rooms – in addition to the bedrooms.  That just about covers it!
  • Kitchen exhaust systems requirements in the VECC C403.2.8 were deleted in its entirety and the provisions of the VMC will apply (another example of where the VECC conflicted with the VMC).
  • VECC 402.1.4.2 [new section]: Expanded requirements for roof and ceiling insulation.
  • VRC R301.2.1: Wind design criteria, tables, and maps have been updated to comply with ASCE 7-16.
  • VPC 608.15 and VRC P2902.6: Revised requirements for backflow preventers.
  • VMC Table 403.3.1.1: Minimum ventilation rates have been added for “medical procedure rooms,” “patient rooms,” and “physical therapy rooms.”
  • VPC 202: A new definition has been added for “service sink.”
  • VPC 1303.1 and VRC P2912.1: CSA B805/ICC 805 Standard has been added as an alternate compliance path for rainwater to be used in nonpotable applications.
  • VCC and VPC – single-user toilet facility and bathing room fixtures: Clarifications and additional exceptions have been added.
  • NFPA 2020 Article 555: Electrical shock protections have been added for marina docks.

Anyone can access all of the proposed code changes on cdpVA.  If you do not have one already, you will need to set up a free account.

So, what do you think?  Love ‘em?  Hate ‘em?  What were they thinking?

Anyone can submit a code change, so if there is something that you would like to see changed in any of the codes, go to cdpVA and submit away (actually, it is too late for this code cycle, but when the next cycle begins . . .).  Or, you can contact AIA Virginia’s current representative, Kenney Payne at kpayne@moseleyarchitects.com, and he can help you with your proposal or submit one for you.

So, until we start this process all over again – “2021 anyone?!” – be SOS – safe, operational, and sane!

2018 Virginia Code Update Cycle

Posted on by cguske

The Proposed (Regulations) Phase of the 2018 Virginia Code Update Cycle kicked off in March of 2019 with the publishing of the Notices of Intended Regulatory Action (NOIRA) for the building and fire regulations.  This action officially notified the public that changes to the regulations were being proposed.  Publishing of the NOIRA’s also initiated a 30-day public comment period, during which, public comments were received through the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall and code change proposals to amend Virginia’s building and fire regulations and comments on those proposals were submitted through DHCD’s online code development system, cdpVA. 

As with previous code change cycles, stakeholder workgroups were utilized during the Proposed Phase to vet each code change proposal and determine a workgroup recommendation for each proposal, to the Board of Housing and Community Development, of consensus or non-consensus.  Several proposals, topics and initiatives also went through smaller sub-workgroups of interested stakeholders, prior to being discussed by the full workgroups, to determine a sub-workgroup recommendation.  These sub-workgroups included Residential Dock Electrical Safety, Energy, Resiliency, Residential Uses and School Safety.  A total of twenty-one workgroup and sub-workgroup meetings were held during the Proposed Phase.

In September 2019, after the conclusion of the Proposed Phase workgroup meetings, 108 code change proposals were approved by the Board of Housing and Community Development’s Codes and Standards Committee for inclusion in the 2018 proposed building and fire regulations.  In December 2019, the Board of Housing and Community Development approved the proposed regulations.  The regulations were published in the Virginia Register of Regulations on February 3, 2020, initiating the Final (Regulations) Phase and a 60-day public comment period in the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall that ends on April 6, 2020.

The Final Phase, which is currently underway, provides an additional opportunity for amendments to the proposed regulations and consideration of proposals carried over from or not completed during the Proposed Phase.

Workgroups and sub-workgroups will meet again during the Final Phase to review and make recommendations on any carried over code change proposals or new proposals submitted in cdpVA before April 3, 2020.  The Board of Housing and Community Development’s Codes and Standards Committee will meet in June to consider all proposals for inclusion in the final regulations and the Board will meet in September to review and approve the 2018 final building and fire regulations.  Once approved, the final regulations will be published in the Virginia Register of Regulations with an anticipated effective date of early 2021. 

Link to Virginia Regulatory Town Hall https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/ViewBoard.cfm?BoardID=61

Link to cdpVA https://va.cdpaccess.com/login/

Link to the Virginia Register of Regulations http://register.dls.virginia.gov/vol36/iss12/v36i12.pdf

Virginia Code Changes Scheduled for September

Posted on by cguske

by Kenney Payne, AIA

Every three years or so, Virginia goes through a new code change cycle – and the time is nigh when the 2015 USBC edition will go into effect – currently scheduled for Sept. 4, 2018.  AIA Virginia was instrumental in shepherding a number of proposed code changes that we authored or supported – that were approved – and a number of proposed changes that we did not support – that were disapproved.

Below is a summary of the more significant code changes that AIA Virginia submitted and were approved

Virginia Construction Code (VCC) which utilizes the International Building Code (IBC) as its model:

  • Streamlined provisions related to existing buildings:  One section replaces five sections and ALL existing buildings and structures shall start in the VEBC, including R-5 (but the option to use the IBC/IRC remains).
  • Small buildings and spaces are now “permitted” to be classified as the main occupancy rather than be required to classify them as a ‘B’: This may help with avoiding mixed occupancies and/or reduce the amount of required plumbing fixtures.
  • There’s a new option for addressing higher education laboratories: If you wanted to avoid an ‘H’ occupancy, you were required to utilize “control areas.”  However, they were very limiting (especially for higher stories).  Now, there is an option to use “lab suites” to achieve a greater number of labs as well as greater quantities on higher stories.
  • Roof-supporting structural penetrations are now allowed into stairway and exit passageway enclosures if they meet certain criteria (no more than 2-stories, fully sprinkled, other than Group H).
  • Moved all reroofing and roof repairs to the VEBC.
  • All one-story buildings are exempt from the NFPA 285 test requirements if the exterior wall covering is noncombustible.

Virginia Existing Building Code (VEBC) which utilizes the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) as its model:

  • The entire VEBC was reformatted to accomplish a code that hopefully will be easier to: understand, apply, interpret, review, and enforce.  The major changes include:
    1. Deleted the “compliance methods.”
    2. Simplified the “work area” definition by deleting the term “reconfigured spaces” and essentially involves walls – removing, moving, or adding – walls would be a work area.  We also expanded what is not included in a work area.
    3. Consolidated a lot of provisions.  Did you know “accessibility” was in eight chapters and sixteen sections?  It is now in one chapter (new Chapter 4) and four sections.
    4. We simplified the old Chapter 10 – Change of Occupancy (is now Chapter 7) and allows an alternative to compliance with Chapter 7 – which was the old “Performance Compliance Method.”
    5. Deleted unenforceable provisions throughout, including those involving: IFC, unsafe or dangerous conditions, and “subject to the approval of the code official.”
    6. As a result, we deleted three chapters (14 in lieu of 17).
    7. Any reference to the iCodes in the VEBC mean the iCodes with the Virginia amendments.
    8. All classifications of work must now be identified on the construction documents (not just the work area) – there is an exception.
    9. Revised the definition of “Change of occupancy” and “existing building.”
    10. Consolidated the following into Chapter 3 – which applies to all work (rather than having multiple locations for the same provision): building materials and elements, fire escapes, seismic forces, glass replacement, and new provisions for higher education labs and reroofing.
    11. All “repair” requirements were consolidated into one chapter (in lieu of three).
    12. All “alteration” requirements were consolidated into one chapter(in lieu of five).  We still have three levels, but rather than each being there own chapter, they are now each their own section.
    13. An exception was added to the IECC requirements allowing “like” materials and thicknesses when replacing existing materials in the building’s exterior building envelope (e.g., walls and roofs).
    14. Group R-5 was added to the hazard category tables in the Change of Occupancy chapter.
    15. All “addition” requirements were consolidated into one chapter (in lieu of three).
    16. All “historic building” requirements were consolidated into one chapter (in lieu of three).
    17. All “moved building” requirements were consolidated into one chapter (in lieu of three).
  • Remember the VEBC mantras – “incentivize, don’t penalize” and “it is as safe or safer today than it was yesterday.”

Learn more about the entire 2015 VEBC and the 2015 VEBC significant changes at Architecture Exchange East this Nov. 7-9.

Virginia Code Changes Scheduled for September

Posted on by cguske

by Kenney Payne, AIA

Every three years or so, Virginia goes through a new code change cycle – and the time is nigh when the 2015 USBC edition will go into effect – currently scheduled for Sept. 4, 2018.  AIA Virginia was instrumental in shepherding a number of proposed code changes that we authored or supported – that were approved – and a number of proposed changes that we did not support – that were disapproved.

Below is a summary of the more significant code changes that AIA Virginia submitted and were approved

Virginia Construction Code (VCC) which utilizes the International Building Code (IBC) as its model:

  • Streamlined provisions related to existing buildings:  One section replaces five sections and ALL existing buildings and structures shall start in the VEBC, including R-5 (but the option to use the IBC/IRC remains).
  • Small buildings and spaces are now “permitted” to be classified as the main occupancy rather than be required to classify them as a ‘B’: This may help with avoiding mixed occupancies and/or reduce the amount of required plumbing fixtures.
  • There’s a new option for addressing higher education laboratories: If you wanted to avoid an ‘H’ occupancy, you were required to utilize “control areas.”  However, they were very limiting (especially for higher stories).  Now, there is an option to use “lab suites” to achieve a greater number of labs as well as greater quantities on higher stories.
  • Roof-supporting structural penetrations are now allowed into stairway and exit passageway enclosures if they meet certain criteria (no more than 2-stories, fully sprinkled, other than Group H).
  • Moved all reroofing and roof repairs to the VEBC.
  • All one-story buildings are exempt from the NFPA 285 test requirements if the exterior wall covering is noncombustible.

Virginia Existing Building Code (VEBC) which utilizes the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) as its model:

  • The entire VEBC was reformatted to accomplish a code that hopefully will be easier to: understand, apply, interpret, review, and enforce.  The major changes include:
    1. Deleted the “compliance methods.”
    2. Simplified the “work area” definition by deleting the term “reconfigured spaces” and essentially involves walls – removing, moving, or adding – walls would be a work area.  We also expanded what is not included in a work area.
    3. Consolidated a lot of provisions.  Did you know “accessibility” was in eight chapters and sixteen sections?  It is now in one chapter (new Chapter 4) and four sections.
    4. We simplified the old Chapter 10 – Change of Occupancy (is now Chapter 7) and allows an alternative to compliance with Chapter 7 – which was the old “Performance Compliance Method.”
    5. Deleted unenforceable provisions throughout, including those involving: IFC, unsafe or dangerous conditions, and “subject to the approval of the code official.”
    6. As a result, we deleted three chapters (14 in lieu of 17).
    7. Any reference to the iCodes in the VEBC mean the iCodes with the Virginia amendments.
    8. All classifications of work must now be identified on the construction documents (not just the work area) – there is an exception.
    9. Revised the definition of “Change of occupancy” and “existing building.”
    10. Consolidated the following into Chapter 3 – which applies to all work (rather than having multiple locations for the same provision): building materials and elements, fire escapes, seismic forces, glass replacement, and new provisions for higher education labs and reroofing.
    11. All “repair” requirements were consolidated into one chapter (in lieu of three).
    12. All “alteration” requirements were consolidated into one chapter(in lieu of five).  We still have three levels, but rather than each being there own chapter, they are now each their own section.
    13. An exception was added to the IECC requirements allowing “like” materials and thicknesses when replacing existing materials in the building’s exterior building envelope (e.g., walls and roofs).
    14. Group R-5 was added to the hazard category tables in the Change of Occupancy chapter.
    15. All “addition” requirements were consolidated into one chapter (in lieu of three).
    16. All “historic building” requirements were consolidated into one chapter (in lieu of three).
    17. All “moved building” requirements were consolidated into one chapter (in lieu of three).
  • Remember the VEBC mantras – “incentivize, don’t penalize” and “it is as safe or safer today than it was yesterday.”

Learn more about the entire 2015 VEBC and the 2015 VEBC significant changes at Architecture Exchange East this Nov. 7-9.

Open Door Policy

Posted on by cguske

What is the allowable opening force for egress doors?

That’s a question that Bureau of Capital Outlay Management (BCOM) reviewers are frequently asked — and an important issue as egress doors can sometimes be too heavy for persons with disabilities or limited strength to open. The current building code, the 2012 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, and the current design standard for accessibility, the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design published September 15, 2010, address the door opening force requirements.

The force for pushing or pulling open interior swinging egress doors, other than fire doors, shall not exceed 5 pounds. The operating force is permitted to be higher for exterior doors and fire doors. Exterior doors are exempt from the 5-pound requirement because air pressure differentials and strong winds may prevent doors from automatically closing. Fire doors are exempt from the 5-pound requirement because fire doors are required to close and latch shut. For these doors, a maximum of 15 pounds is required to release the latch, 30 pounds to set the door in motion, and 15 pounds to swing the door to the full-open position. See Virginia Construction Code, Section 1008.1.3.

This short YouTube video clip illustrates an opening force pressure test.

Reprinted with permission from Department of General Service, Bureau of Capital Outlay Management. To subscribe to the BCOM Newsletter, simply complete this online form.

Volunteers Needed for Code Webinar Testing

Posted on by cguske

We are excited to announce a pilot webinar which will expand our partnership with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and make it easier for you to stay up-to-date on Virginia Building Codes.

The first pilot webinar, Virginia Statewide Building Code: Significant Changes, will be presented on October 14. To participate in this webinar, please contact Marshall Dreiling. The pilot webinar is free, but space is limited.

2015 ICC Code Seminar Schedule

Posted on by cguske

to register for any of these events click here

2012 IBC Update — Friday, Feb. 27, 2015, Richmond, Va.

2012 IBC Significant Changes — Friday, Mar. 27, 2015, Fairfax, Va.

2012 IBC Update — Friday, Apr. 24, 2015, Roanoke, Va.

2012 IBC Update — Friday, May 29, 2015, Virginia Beach, Va.

2012 IBC Update — Friday, June 26, 2015, Charlottesville, Va.

2012 IgCC Fundamentals — Friday, July 24, 2015, Fairfax, Va.

2012 IBC Update — Friday, Sept. 25, 2015, Virginia Beach, Va.

2012 IBC Significant Changes — Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015, Richmond, Va. (at Architecture Exchange East)

All dates tentative and subject to change.