School Building REgulations & Guidelines
State Building Codes & Regulations
The primary purpose of the design of Virginia's public school buildings is to protect and enhance the life, safety and welfare of the building's occupants. The design is governed by The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. The building code regulates everything from how many people can occupy a room to the number and placement of restrooms, fire walls and exit doors. Additional regulation is provided by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and others.
- State Building Codes & Regulations - from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
VDOE Guidelines:
Recommendations for Public School Construction
VDOE develops guidelines for public school construction. The guidelines are design recommendations and they tend to exceed the building code in an effort to better support the unique requirements of an educational program and facility. The guidelines should be used as a tool for school planners and school boards when beginning the planning process for a new school construction project. The recommendations also should be considered as providing only the minimum in terms of the size of rooms, sites or play fields, for example. Planners are encouraged to exceed the recommendations whenever possible.
VDOE guidelines are in the process of being updated and should be available soon. Please contact Hunter Barnes at 804-225-2035 if you have questions
Glossary
Words and terms used in school building project guidelines.