07-98
CHAPTER 3
COMPLIANCE WITH BUILDING CODES
1. All federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA),
who construct or alter buildings are required to comply with Public Law
100-678, "Public Buildings Amendments Act of 1988." This law requires
federal agencies to follow nationally recognized model building codes,
consider local building, zoning, and similar laws, give due consideration
to recommendations made by local officials, submit plans and notify local
officials when constructing facilities.
2. VA compliance with each requirement of Public Law 100-678 is as follows:
a. Compliance with Nationally Recognized Codes: The law requires VA to
assure each building is constructed and altered to the maximum extent
feasible to one of the nationally recognized model building codes and to
other applicable nationally recognized codes such as electrical, fire
and life safety, and plumbing as determined by the head of the agency.
The latest edition of these codes shall be used. VA has adopted the
Uniform Building Code (UBC), which is a nationally recognized model
building code issued by the International Conference of Building
Officials (ICB0). VA has also adopted the National Fire Protection
Association's (NFPA) Fire Codes which includes Standard No. 101, Life
Safety Code and Standard No. 70, the National Electrical Code, among
others. For further guidance, consult VA Construction Standard Nos. CD-
30 and on fire safety and structural engineering design requirements and
other VA Construction Standards.
b. Consideration of Zoning and Similar Laws: The law requires VA to
assure each building is constructed and altered only after consideration
of zoning laws and laws related to landscaping, open space, minimum
distance of a building from the property line, maximum height of a
building, historic preservation, and esthetic qualities of a building.
This provision applies to laws in the political division of the State
which would normally apply if the building was constructed or altered by
someone else other than VA. For example, the National Historic
Preservation Act requires VA to consider historic preservation in
accordance with the Secretary of Interior's Standards. VA is also
required to comply with Public Law 90-480, "Architectural Barriers Act",
which requires our facilities to be accessible by disabled persons.
Consideration then must be given to any local or state law or ordinance
that address these topics and other similar laws affecting building
construction.
c. Consulting with Local Officials: Appropriate local building
department officials will be notified in writing of construction
projects once design development has begun. There will also be instances
where VA must contact other local or state offices. For example, the
State Historic Preservation Office must be contacted when historic
preservation is required.
d. Plan Review by Local Officials: Plans should be submitted for review
to local building department officials only when requested by them. It
is recommended that submission of plans for construction projects be
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