Building Codes
Fairfax County is required to enforce the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC). Both codes are administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and reference the 2018 International Codes as published by the International Code Council. Learn more about the USBC, referenced codes and their adoption dates since 1973.
Statewide Codes
Note: Administrative provisions of the 2021 Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) became effective on Jan. 18, 2024. From Jan. 18, 2024, until Jan. 17, 2025, permit applicants may choose to use the technical provisions of either the 2018 or 2021 USBC. Mixing technical provisions between the two editions of the code is prohibited. Beginning Jan. 18, 2025, all applications and plans must meet the 2021 USBC requirements. There is no grace period for the Statewide Fire Prevention Code which became effective on Jan. 18, 2024.
Note: When you click on the relevant code volume, scroll down the left navigation bar to find the chapter and section that you need. Access the full content of the code volume through the left navigation free of charge.
- 2021 Virginia Construction Code (IBC) | 2018 Virginia Construction Code (IBC)
- 2017 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities (ICC/ANSI A117.1) | 2009 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities (ICC/ANSI A117.1)
- 2021 Virginia Residential Code (IRC) | 2018 Virginia Residential Code (IRC)
- 2021 Virginia Energy Conservation Code | 2018 Virginia Energy Conservation Code
- 2021 Virginia Mechanical Code (IMC) | 2018 Virginia Mechanical Code (IMC)
- 2021 Virginia Plumbing Code (IPC) | 2018 Virginia Plumbing Code (IPC)
- 2021 Virginia Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) | 2018 Virginia Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
- 2020 National Electrical Code | 2017 National Electrical Code (To access this code, you are required to register for a free account.)
- 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code | 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
- 2021 Virginia Existing Building Code (IBC) | 2018 Virginia Existing Building Code (IBC)
- 2021 Virginia Maintenance Code (IBC) | 2018 Virginia Maintenance Code (IBC)
- 2021 Virginia Building and Fire Code Related Regulations | 2018 Virginia Building and Fire Code Related Regulations
- 2021 Statewide Fire Prevention Code
Letters to Industry - Technical Bulletins
County Code
- Chapter 61, Building Provision
- Chapter 62, Fire Prevention Code
- Chapter 65, Plumbing and Gas Provisions
- Chapter 67.1, Sanitary Sewers and Sewage Disposal
- Chapter 117, Expedited Building Plan Review
- Chapter 109.1, Solid Waste Management
- Chapter 112.2, Zoning Ordinance
- Appendix A, Floodplains
- Appendix Q, Land Development Services Fee Schedule | Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2026
Fire Code
The Fairfax County Fire Marshal is authorized to act on behalf of the Fairfax County Building Official regarding enforcement of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), providing primary USBC enforcement in the area of fire protection systems.
