The administrative provisions and technical amendments of the USBC are available as a stand-alone document and can be downloaded on the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

Virginia versions of the codes listed above (except the National Electrical Code) which incorporate the Virginia-Specific provisions are available at the International Code Council website.

Please note that in the Virginia Version of the International Building Code, Chapter 34, Existing Structures, has been deleted in its entirety.  Designers much use the Virginia Rehabilitation Code (Virginia version of International Existing Building Code) for alterations to existing commercial and multi-family buildings.

 Contractor Requirements

All contractors in the State of Virginia (including building, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC) are required to obtain a Virginia State Contractors License if they plan to bid on a job in excess of $1,000. A permit will only be issued to a tradesman if the contract total is under $1,000. The license classifications are listed below:

Class A: Total value of a single contract or project is $120,000 or more OR the total value of all construction in any 12 month period is $750,000 or more. 

Class B: Total value of a single contract or project is $10,000 - $120,000 OR the total value of all construction in any 12 month period is $150,000 - $750,000

Class C: Total value of a single contract or project is more than $1,000 but less than $10,000 OR the total value of all construction in any 12 month period is $150,000 or more

FAQ's:

• How do I verify whether my contractor is properly licensed? You can verify a contractor licensing by contacting the Virginia Department of Professional Occupational Regulation at 804-367-8500 or online.

• How do I become a licensed contractor in the State of Virginia? Please visit the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations online to obtain licensing requirements.

• When is a Town of Herndon business license needed? A Town of Herndon business license is needed when the total cost of work being done in the town during a calendar year exceeds $25,000. To apply for a Town of Herndon business license please call the finance department at 703-435-6813 or connect with them online.

• Please contact the Town of Herndon Department of Public Works Building Inspections section at  buildinginspections@herndon-va.gov with any questions.