Virginia’s building codes continue to evolve, with changes affecting everything from townhouse construction and deck requirements to energy efficiency, HVAC systems and lighting.
At the 2026 Virginia Builders Summit, Jeff Brown, director of the State Building Codes Office at the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), provided an overview of the 2021 Virginia Residential Code and a look ahead at proposed changes under consideration for the 2024 code cycle.
Brown also explained how builders can participate in the code development process, access Virginia’s building codes online and work with local building officials on code modifications.
Topics covered in the presentation
- Virginia’s 2024 building code development process and anticipated changes
- Townhouse construction, emergency escape openings and fire safety
- Deck footings, posts and structural requirements
- Energy efficiency, insulation and climate zone changes
- HVAC systems, duct testing and ventilation requirements
- Interior and exterior lighting controls
- Proposed revisions that could provide additional flexibility for builders
Watch by topic: Presentation chapters
Looking for information about a specific code requirement? Select a chapter below to jump directly to that portion of the presentation.
- 00:00 – Introduction and speaker welcome
- 02:27 – Overview of Virginia’s building code updates
- 03:20 – The 2024 code development timeline
- 06:15 – How to participate in the code development process
- 09:55 – Accessing Virginia building codes online
- 11:50 – Townhouse construction and fire separation
- 13:50 – Emergency escape openings, stairs and smoke alarms
- 18:15 – Footings, foundations and deck requirements
- 23:15 – Walls, exterior materials and soffit requirements
- 28:45 – Energy codes and Virginia’s new climate zones
- 33:45 – Insulation requirements and proposed 2024 changes
- 39:00 – Air sealing, heat pumps and duct testing
- 44:30 – Mechanical ventilation testing
- 49:00 – Interior and exterior lighting requirements
- 53:45 – Audience questions and answers
Stay informed as Virginia’s building codes evolve
The presentation offers builders, remodelers, and other residential construction professionals an opportunity to better understand existing code requirements and the changes being considered for the next code cycle. As Virginia continues its code development process, HBAV encourages members to stay engaged, review proposed revisions, and share their perspectives on how code requirements affect residential construction.