The mission of the Building Department is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public by assuring that all buildings, structures and related equipment are constructed, installed and maintained in compliance with the standards contained within the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
2018 CODE UPDATE TRAINING – Presentation given by Building Official Tim Ferguson, October 26, 2021 8:00 a.m.
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Commonwealth Adopts New Building Code
The Commonwealth of Virginia has adopted a new building code which became effective on July 1, 2021. Approximately every three years this process occurs through the legislative process.
The 2018 Uniform Statewide Building Code is the prevailing building code for the Commonwealth, references, adopts and amends the 2018 International Codes. The uniform statewide building code is the building code used throughout Virginia and supersedes all local building codes. The 2018 USBC can be found at the following link:
https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/regulations
This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all required inspections. For an official inquiry, please contact the Building Inspections department directly.
- All footings are inspected after excavation and before pouring concrete. (Allowed by Third Party Inspectors)
- All slabs are inspected prior to pouring concrete with all steel in place. (Allowed by Third Party Inspectors)
- Concrete walls are inspected prior to pouring concrete with all steel in place. (Allowed by Third Party Inspectors)
- Backfill/foundation drainage inspection prior to burying habitable basements and crawl spaces. (Allowed by Third Party Inspectors)
- All plumbing and gas piping and electrical conduit or wiring prior to covering ditch.
- All gas lines, fuel lines, water and sewer lines must be pressure tested.
- Rough-in inspections of plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and gas prior to concealment.
- Framing inspection of floors, walls, and roofs prior to insulating.
- Insulation inspection prior to hanging drywall.
- Fireplace hearth inspection prior to pouring concrete with all steel in place.
- Inspection required on all electrical services prior to connection by power company.
- Electrical bonding and steel placement inspection for all pools.
- Special inspections as required by the building code or inspector.
- Final inspection is required on all projects.
THIRD PARTY INSPECTION
Shenandoah County has implemented a Third Party Inspections Policy as of September 3, 2019. Please read the policy carefully if you so choose to use a third party inspector for you footings, concrete foundation walls, concrete slabs, or draintile/backfill for your project.
Third Party Inspection Report Form