Building Codes

Regulations Available Online

Roanoke County's building regulations are contained in Chapter 7 of the County Code.

State Codes

Roanoke County, along with all other localities in the State of Virginia, utilizes the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). This is a document produced by the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development. It is based upon the model codes published by The International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Prevention Association. It is updated on a three-year cycle along with each of the model codes. The current edition of the USBC is 2018, with an effective date of July 1, 2021. The referenced model codes are as follows:

  • 2018 International Building Code
  • 2018 International Fire Prevention Code
  • 2018 International Property Maintenance Code
  • 2018 International Mechanical Code
  • 2018 International Plumbing Code


  • 2018 International Residential Code
  • 2018 International Energy Conservation Code
  • 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
  • 2017 National Electrical Code

New Building Code Online

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development has partnered with the ICC to publish a Virginia version of the ICC model codes. This special printing includes all of the Virginia modifications to the ICC model documents. The Virginia codes are available for purchase through the ICC .




Return to Building Safety

Return to Development Services