Building Code

Building code and property maintenance appeals can be filed for two reasons:

• The appeal of a decision of the building official or the property maintenance official concerning the application of the VUSBC to such building or structure
• The appeal of a refusal by the building official or the property maintenance official to grant a modification to the provisions of the VUSBC pertaining to such building or structure

How to apply for building code and property maintenance appeals.

Arlington County’s Chief Building Official has the sole responsibility of interpreting and enforcing the VUSBC. When clarity is needed on provisions of the VUSBC, the Chief Building Official will publish an interpretation for the specific issue. Decisions and interpretations may be appealed to the Local Board of Building Code Appeals in accordance with VUSBC.

Interpretations

• May 2021: Excavation Policy(PDF, 65KB)
• Oct. 2018: Stormwater Planter Box Guidelines | Building Code Memo 
• May 2018: Updated Registered Design Professional Policy
• Jan. 2017: Short-Term Stay in Multi-Family Buildings (Airbnb, Craigslist, VRBO, etc.)
• Sept. 2016: Third Party Inspectors 
• May 2015: Wireless First Responder Network | Certificate of Radio Coverage Compliance