As detailed in Technical Bulletin 23-07, the administrative provisions of the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) became effective January 18, 2024, which will effectively replace the 2018 USBC on January 17, 2025. During the one-year grace period, building permit applicants may choose to use the technical provisions of either the 2018 or 2021 USBC. To navigate Masterfile submissions through the grace period, applicants are advised to submit new Masterfile plans under the 2021 provisions. The 2018 Masterfile plans cannot be partially amended with 2021 provisions.

Additionally, building permits for detached and attached single-family dwellings obtained under a 2018 Masterfile Plan, will only be eligible for one 6-month extension request, whether it has been issued or is still a pending application. Additional extensions will not be granted. If inspections have not occurred, the permit will be deemed abandoned per Section 110.6 of the 2021 USBC and administratively voided.

It is strongly recommended that applicants avoid submitting new 2018 Masterfile plans as those plans will become invalid on January 17, 2025, when the technical provisions of the 2018 USBC code expire. Applicants will be required to submit a new Masterfile (MFILE) record in the Planning and Land Use System (PLUS) reflecting the 2021 USBC.

For information on how to submit Masterfile records in PLUS, see the Masterfile permit library guide.

For additional information on the 2021 Masterfile submission process, please email Permit Services at email or call 703-222-0801, TTY 711.