City Code Chapter 11

Building Construction Services.

Whether you are going to build a new structure, from the ground up or make repairs to an existing structure, chances are you will need a permit for the work that is going to be done. Building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical permits are all issued through the Division of Building Construction Services in the Department of Planning and Community Development.

The City of Norfolk by State mandate enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, which uses as its referenced documents the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code and the ANSI A117-1 Standards for Handicap accessibility and use. Single family structures can be designed and constructed to the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings. All electrical work must be designed and installed in compliance with the National Electrical Code. These codes are available for use at all Norfolk Public Library locations or for purchase from the Division of Building Construction Services (664-6565).

ARTICLE I. VIRGINIA UNIFORM STATEWIDE BUILDING CODE*

*State law references: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, Code of Virginia, § 36-97 et seq. __________

Sec. 11.1-1. Adoption.

The Uniform Statewide Building Code, including the property maintenance provisions, as promulgated by the Virginia State Board of Housing and Community Development, as amended, along with its associated referenced standards hereby are adopted by the City of Norfolk as a comprehensive body of law which is and shall hereafter be cited as the Uniform Statewide Building Code, USBC, or the Building Code of the City of Norfolk.

(Ord. No. 34,384, § 1, 3-17-87; Ord. No. 39,590, § 9, 5-18-99)

Sec. 11.1-1.1. Applicability.

The construction, reconstruction, alteration, conversion, repair, maintenance, or use of structures and buildings within the City of Norfolk, and installation of equipment therein shall be governed by the USBC as adopted and promulgated by the Virginia State Board of Housing and Community Development, together with the local fee schedule and special climatic and geographic design criteria established by this article.

(Ord. No. 34,384, § 1, 3-17-87)

Sec. 11.1-2. Code violations prohibited.

No person, partnership, firm or corporation shall construct, alter, extend, repair, remove, demolish, maintain or use any building or equipment regulated by the USBC or this code, or cause the same to be done, in conflict with or in violation of any of the provisions of the USBC or this code.

(Ord. No. 34,384, § 1, 3-17-87)

Sec. 11.1-2.1. Enforcement.

The code official shall be responsible for the administration and enforcement of Uniform Statewide Building Code and all regulations adopted as part of the building code of the city. The property maintenance code official shall be responsible for the administration and enforcement of the property maintenance provisions of the USBC.

(Ord. No. 34,384, § 1, 3-17-87; Ord. No. 35,627, § 1, 7-5-89; Ord. No. 39,268, § 1, 8-18-98; Ord. No. 39,590, § 9, 5-18-99)

Whether you are going to build a new structure, from the ground up or make repairs to an existing structure, chances are you will need a permit for the work that is going to be done. Building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical permits are all issued through the Division of Building Construction Services in the Department of Planning and Community Development.

The City of Norfolk by State mandate enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, which uses as its referenced documents the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code and the ANSI A117-1 Standards for Handicap accessibility and use. Single family structures can be designed and constructed to the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings. All electrical work must be designed and installed in compliance with the National Electrical Code. These codes are available for use at all Norfolk Public Library locations or for purchase from the Division of Building Construction Services (664-6565).