Under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), which entity has the authority to modify or waive specific code requirements?
Correct Answer
C) State Building Code Technical Review Board
The State Building Code Technical Review Board has the authority to grant modifications or waivers to USBC requirements when justified.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The State Building Code Technical Review Board is the designated body under the USBC with authority to grant modifications or waivers to specific code requirements. When a project presents unique circumstances where strict code compliance is impractical or would produce an unreasonable hardship, the Technical Review Board evaluates requests and may approve alternative compliance solutions. This centralized authority ensures statewide consistency in how the USBC is applied.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Local building official only
Local building officials administer and enforce the USBC at the local level and can make interpretations, but they do not have authority to modify or waive the code's requirements. Modifications and waivers require the state-level Technical Review Board to ensure uniformity across Virginia.
Option B: Individual contractors with proper certification
Individual contractors — regardless of certification level — have no authority to waive or modify building code requirements. Contractors must build to code; they can request relief through proper channels, but the decision-making authority rests with the Technical Review Board, not the contractor.
Option D: Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is responsible for adopting and promulgating the USBC, but code modification and waiver decisions for specific projects are handled by the Technical Review Board, not DHCD itself. DHCD sets the code; the Technical Review Board adjudicates exceptions to it.
Memory Technique
Think of USBC waivers as a court case: DHCD writes the law, local officials enforce it, but the Technical Review Board is the JUDGE who can grant exceptions. Only the Board can modify or waive — nobody else in the USBC system has that power.
More Virginia Questions
Under Virginia law (Title 54.1), what is the minimum net worth requirement for a Class A contractor license?
A Virginia contractor fails to pay a subcontractor $18,500 for completed work. Under Virginia mechanics lien law, within how many days must the subcontractor file a memorandum of lien to preserve their lien rights?
A Virginia contractor employs 8 workers with a total annual payroll of $420,000. Using the standard construction rate of $8.50 per $100 of payroll, what is the annual workers' compensation premium?
A Virginia contractor fails to pay subcontractors on a $180,000 project. Under Virginia mechanics lien law, what is the maximum time period a subcontractor has to file a mechanics lien after last furnishing labor or materials?
Under Virginia contractor law, what happens to a contractor's license if they fail to maintain required insurance coverage?
A contractor fails to pay a subcontractor and the subcontractor files a mechanics lien. Under Virginia law, within how many days must the general contractor post a bond to release the lien from the property?
A Class B contractor in Virginia completed $850,000 worth of work in the current license period and has contracts totaling $1,200,000 for the next period. What action must the contractor take?
A homeowner hired an unlicensed contractor for a $45,000 kitchen renovation. Under Virginia law, what remedy is available to the homeowner?
Calculate the required bond amount for a Virginia Class A contractor with average annual gross receipts of $2,800,000 over the past three years.
A Class C contractor in Virginia wants to install a residential HVAC system valued at $12,000. The contractor's specialty classification is electrical work. What must the contractor do to legally perform this work?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass
Related Study Resources
Previous Question
A contractor is building a commercial structure requiring a fire-rated wall assembly. According to USBC, what is the minimum fire rating required between a warehouse and office space?
Next Question
Which Virginia environmental regulation requires contractors to obtain permits before disturbing more than 2,500 square feet of land?