Virginia Codes and Standards

George Mason University is required to enforce the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC). These codes are administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and reference the International Codes as published by the International Code Council.  Periodic amendments are utilized to update codes and incorporate new reference standards.

In addition, for state owned property, the Commonwealth of Virginia Bureau of Engineering and Buildings has incorporated the requirements of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design excluding the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Scoping requirements. In cases that the ADAAG standards and ICC ANSI Standards conflict, the most extensive requirements shall govern.

Local Design Load Criteria

The following load criteria are based on Chapter 16 of the Virginia Construction Code, the 2010 ASCE-7 and Chapter 3 of the 2012 Virginia Residential Code.

This information is provided for reference only and HECO/CPSM requirements take precedence.

Type Criteria
Ground snow load 25 psf 1.25 kN/m2
Wind:    
Basic
Ultimate (Vult)

90 mph
115 mph

 40 m/s
51 m/s
Frost depth
24 in.
600 mm
Earthquake spectral response acceleration at short periods: 0.129
at 1 second period: 0.053
Residential Seismic Design Category B
Weathering probability for concrete severe
Termite infestation probability moderate to heavy
Decay probability slight to moderate
Ice shield underlayment required yes
Flood hazards (date of entry into National Flood Insurance Program) 3/5/1990
Winter Design Temperature 17°F -9°C
Air freezing index <=1500°F <=815°C
Mean annual temperature 50°F 10°C

Additional Resources