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.
- Virginia State Building Codes
- Virginia DHCD Building and Fire Codes Overview
- National Fire Protection Association
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.
The 2018 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) is the currently adopted building code for all construction in Virginia.
Codes and standards referenced by the 2018 USBC & current NFPA standards:
- 2018 Virginia Construction Code (new buildings)
- 2018 Virginia Existing Building Code (formerly VA Rehabilitation Code)
- 2018 Virginia Maintenance Code
- 2018 Virginia Energy Conservation Code
- 2018 Virginia Fuel Gas Code
- 2018 Virginia Mechanical Code
- 2018 Virginia Plumbing Code
- 2018 Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code
- 2018 Virginia Building and Fire Codes Related Regulations
- 2018 International Fire Code
- Current NFPA 70
- Current NFPA 13
- Current NFPA 72
The following load criteria are based on Chapter 16 of the Virginia Constructions Code, 2018, and Chapter 3 of the 2018 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 |