Some counties welcome barndominiums, but metro and suburban areas may restrict them.
The Board of Housing and Community Development adopts the USBC. Local governments enforce it through their building departments. Local jurisdictions cannot adopt less restrictive codes.
Primary Code
Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC)
Code Version
2021 IBC / 2021 IRC with VA amendments
Adoption Level
Statewide
Statewide Enforcement
Yes
All jurisdictions enforce the USBC. Northern Virginia (NOVA) has the most thorough review processes.
Residential
Required
Commercial
Required
Agricultural
Not Required
Size threshold: structures under 256 sq ft may be exempt.
Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the USBC, except for buildings operated as restaurants. This exemption applies to buildings on property used for agricultural purposes. Virginia Farm Bureau has detailed guidance on this exemption.
Detached accessory structures under 256 sq ft may be exempt from building permits.
Coastal wind loads increase near the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia Beach. Mountain areas have higher snow loads. Moderate seismic risk in western VA.
Wind Load
100–150 mph
high zone
Snow Load
10–40 psf
Seismic
A–C
Category
Flood
FEMA Regulated
Energy Code
IECC with VA amendments
Version
2021 IECC
Energy code enforced statewide as part of USBC.
License Type
VA Board for Contractors license
Project Threshold
$1,000
Virginia requires contractor licensing. Class A for projects over $120,000. Class B for $10,000-$120,000. Class C for $1,000-$10,000.
Front
25–40 ft
Side
10–20 ft
Rear
15–30 ft
Varies by jurisdiction. Chesapeake Bay Act applies in tidewater Virginia.
Red clay soils in piedmont. Sandy soils on coast. Rocky soils in mountains.
Full USBC permits required.
Farm buildings are exempt from USBC. Strong agricultural exemption.
Farm building exemption does NOT apply to residential use. Full USBC compliance required for living space. More accepted in rural counties.
Full USBC permits required.
Full USBC compliance required.
HOAs very common in Northern Virginia, Virginia Beach, and suburban areas. Metal buildings restricted in most HOA communities. Shenandoah Valley and southwest VA have more unrestricted rural land.
Coastal flood zones along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coast. Riverine flooding in the Shenandoah Valley and piedmont.
Key counties with specific permit information for Virginia.
Full USBC enforcement. Thorough plan review. NOVA standards.
Typical fees: $500 – $5,000
Coastal wind loads. Full enforcement.
Typical fees: $400 – $4,000
Shenandoah Valley. Practical enforcement. Farm exemptions well-established.
Typical fees: $300 – $2,000
Ag Exemption AvailableAgricultural county. Strong farm exemptions.
Typical fees: $300 – $2,000
Ag Exemption AvailableRural southwest VA. Streamlined enforcement.
Typical fees: $200 – $1,200
Ag Exemption AvailableVerify the information above directly from these official sources. Regulations change — always confirm with your local building department before starting construction.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Building codes, permit requirements, and zoning regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local building department, planning office, or a licensed professional before starting construction. Homestead Steel Structures & Design is not a legal authority on building codes or zoning regulations. Last updated February 2026.
