Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Housing and Community Development intends to consider amending 13VAC5-21, Virginia Certification Standards. The purpose of the proposed action is to update the regulation to coordinate with the building (13VAC5-63) and fire (13VAC5-51) regulations, which are being updated to reference the newest available nationally recognized model codes and standards. As the national codes are comprehensive in scope, the agency will accept comments on all provisions of the Virginia Certification Standards to ensure compatibility with the latest codes.

In addition, this regulation will undergo a periodic review pursuant to Executive Order 14 (as amended, July 16, 2018) and a small business impact review pursuant to § 2.2-4007.1 of the Code of Virginia to determine whether this regulation should be terminated, amended, or retained in its current form. Public comment is sought on the review of any issue relating to this regulation, including whether the regulation (i) is necessary for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare or for the economical performance of important governmental functions; (ii) minimizes the economic impact on small businesses in a manner consistent with the stated objectives of applicable law; and (iii) is clearly written and easily understandable.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 36-137 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: June 26, 2019.

Agency Contact: Kyle Flanders, Senior Policy Analyst, Department of Housing and Community Development, Main Street Centre, 600 East Main Street, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 786-6761, FAX (804) 371-7090, TTY (804) 371-7089, or email kyle.flanders@dhcd.virginia.gov.