Cal. Civ. Code § 13VAC5-63-460
Section 102 Purpose and scope.
Operative Text
A. Section 102.1 Purpose. In accordance with § 36-103 of the Code of Virginia, the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development may adopt and promulgate as part of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, building regulations that facilitate the maintenance, rehabilitation, development and reuse of existing buildings at the least possible cost to ensure the protection of the public health, safety and welfare. Further, in accordance with § 36-99 of the Code of Virginia, the purpose of this code is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia, provided that buildings and structures should be permitted to be 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 the physically handicapped and aged. B. Section 102.2 Scope. In accordance with § 36-98 of the Code of Virginia, the VMC shall supersede the building codes and regulations of the counties, municipalities and other political subdivisions and state agencies. C. Section 102.3 Exemptions. This code shall not regulate those buildings and structures specifically exempt from the VCC, except that existing industrialized buildings and manufactured homes shall not be exempt from this code.
Section 13VAC5-63-460 establishes the purpose and scope of Virginia's Maintenance Code (VMC), which is designed to protect public health, safety, and welfare by setting minimum standards for maintaining existing buildings at the least possible cost. The VMC, authorized under §§ 36-98, 36-99, and 36-103 of the Code of Virginia, covers issues such as overcrowding, pest infestation, garbage accumulation, energy and water conservation, and accessibility for people with disabilities and the elderly. Importantly, the VMC supersedes local building codes and regulations across Virginia's counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions, creating a uniform statewide standard, though certain buildings exempt from the Virginia Construction Code (VCC) are also exempt from the VMC—with the notable exception of industrialized buildings and manufactured homes.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under 13VAC5-63-460, property owners and managers operating in Virginia are subject to a statewide maintenance standard that overrides any conflicting local building codes or regulations. Compliant operators generally ensure their properties meet the VMC's baseline requirements addressing structural upkeep, pest control, waste management, energy and water conservation, and accessibility features for residents with disabilities or age-related needs. Because the VMC applies uniformly across Virginia—including to industrialized buildings and manufactured homes—operators of those property types should be aware they cannot claim the exemptions that apply under the Virginia Construction Code.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 13VAC5-63-460 establishes that Virginia tenants living in most residential buildings are protected by a uniform statewide maintenance code that sets minimum standards for habitability, including protections against overcrowding, pest infestation, and garbage accumulation, as well as accessibility requirements. Because the VMC supersedes local codes, these protections apply regardless of which Virginia locality a tenant lives in. Tenants who believe their housing conditions fall below the standards described in 13VAC5-63-460 may consider contacting their local building or housing inspection office, raising the issue with a tenant-rights organization, or consulting a legal aid resource to understand available enforcement paths.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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