OFFERED FOR CONSIDERATION 2/05/2026
HOUSE BILL NO. 377
AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE
(Patron Prior to Substitute—Delegate Bennett-Parker)
A BILL to amend and reenact § 36-99 of the Code of Virginia, relating to the Uniform Statewide Building Code; amendments; energy efficiency and conservation.
on ________________)
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That § 36-99 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 36-99 . Provisions of Code; modifications.
A. The Building Code shall prescribe building regulations to be complied with in the construction and rehabilitation of buildings and structures, and the equipment therein as defined in § 36-97 , and shall prescribe regulations to ensure that such buildings and structures are properly maintained, and shall also prescribe procedures for the administration and enforcement of such regulations, including procedures to be used by the local building department in the evaluation and granting of modifications for any provision of the Building Code, provided the spirit and functional intent of the Building Code are observed and public health, welfare and safety are assured. The provisions of the Building Code and modifications thereof shall be such as to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Commonwealth, provided that buildings and structures should be permitted to be constructed, rehabilitated and maintained at the least possible cost consistent with recognized standards of health, safety, energy conservation and water conservation, including provisions necessary to prevent overcrowding, rodent or insect infestation, and garbage accumulation; and barrier-free provisions for individuals with physical disabilities and aged individuals. Such regulations shall be reasonable and appropriate to the objectives of this chapter.