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.
- 2021 Virginia State Building Codes
- Virginia DHCD Building and Fire Codes Overview
- National Fire Protection Association
The following load criteria are based on Chapter 16 of the Virginia Constructions Code, 2021, and Chapter 3 of the 2021 Virginia Residential Code.
This information is provided for reference only and HECO/CPSM requirements take precedence.
| Type | Criteria | |
| Ground snow load | 67 psf | 3.21 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 | Ssd (short periods): 0.16 S1d (1-second period): 0.042 |
|
| 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 |