Virginia Administrative Code Title 13 - HOUSING
The Virginia Administrative Code, Title 13 - HOUSING, is a crucial part of Virginia's regulatory framework, governing various aspects of housing in the Commonwealth. It primarily consolidates the rules and regulations promulgated by key state agencies involved in housing, ensuring public safety, promoting affordable housing, and regulating related industries.
The title is generally organized into agencies, with the most prominent being:
I. Agency 5 - DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (DHCD):
This is a comprehensive section covering a wide range of housing and community development initiatives and regulatory functions. Key areas include:
Building and Fire Safety Codes:
Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC): This is a fundamental and extensive set of regulations governing the construction, maintenance, and repair of buildings and structures in Virginia. It incorporates and amends national model building codes (like the International Building Code, International Residential Code, etc.) to apply statewide.
Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC): Regulations for the protection of life and property from fire and explosion hazards, also based on national model codes.
Virginia Industrialized Building Safety Regulations: Rules for the construction and safety of modular or factory-built homes.
Virginia Manufactured Home Safety Regulations: Specific regulations for the safety and installation of manufactured homes.
Virginia Amusement Device Regulations: Rules for the construction, maintenance, inspection, and operation of amusement devices.
Housing Programs and Assistance:
Regulations for various housing assistance programs, which may include:
Affordable Housing programs (e.g., Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, often detailed in a separate chapter like Chapter 175 - Rules and Regulations for the Virginia Low-Income Housing Tax Credit).
Housing rehabilitation programs.
Homeless assistance and prevention programs (e.g., Virginia Homeless Solutions Program).
Down payment assistance.
Community Development:
Virginia Enterprise Zone Program Regulations (e.g., Chapter 112 - Enterprise Zone Grant Program Regulation): Rules for programs designed to stimulate economic growth and investment in designated areas.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) administration.
Administrative Procedures:
Public Participation Guidelines (e.g., Chapter 11 - Public Participation Guidelines): Procedures for public involvement in the regulatory process.
Virginia Certification Standards: Standards for certain certifications related to housing and building professionals.
II. Agency 6 - VIRGINIA MANUFACTURED HOUSING BOARD:
This agency focuses specifically on the manufactured housing industry. Its regulations likely cover:
Licensing of manufactured home dealers, manufacturers, and installers.
Standards for the sale, installation, and warranty of manufactured homes.
Consumer protection related to manufactured housing.
III. Agency 10 - VIRGINIA HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (VHDA), now known as Virginia Housing:
This agency is a self-supporting financial institution created to help Virginians obtain quality, affordable housing. Its regulations primarily concern its various loan and financing programs, and often include:
Mortgage Loan Programs: Rules for its first-time homebuyer programs, conventional loans, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, often with specific income and purchase price limits.
Affordable Housing Development: Regulations for financing multi-family rental housing developments, often utilizing federal programs like Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.
Program Guidelines and Requirements: Detailed requirements for lenders, developers, and borrowers participating in Virginia Housing's programs, including eligibility criteria, underwriting standards, and compliance monitoring.
Bond Issuance: Regulations related to the issuance of bonds to fund its housing programs.
In essence, Title 13 of the Virginia Administrative Code provides the detailed legal framework for building safety, housing development, affordability programs, and the regulation of specific housing-related industries in the Commonwealth, working to ensure safe, decent, and affordable housing options for its residents.
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