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 13VAC5-51, Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code. The purpose of the proposed action is to update the regulation to incorporate by reference the newest available nationally recognized model building codes and standards produced by International Code Council (ICC). The ICC International Fire Code (IFC) is the major model code. The IFC further references the ICC building, mechanical, plumbing, gas, and electrical codes. The ICC codes are known collectively as the "I-Codes." In conjunction with incorporating the newest available I-Codes into the regulation, the entire regulation will be subject to review and change. The I-Codes constitute the majority of the regulation and the various parts of the regulation must be coordinated with the use of the I-Codes, which necessitates scrutiny of the entire regulation.

This action is exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act under § 2.2-4406 A 12 of the Code of Virginia.

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

Statutory Authority: § 27-97 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: May 23, 2012.

Agency Contact: Stephen W. Calhoun, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Housing and Community Development, Main Street Center, 600 East Main Street, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 371-7000, FAX (804) 371-7090, TTY (804) 371-7089, or email steve.calhoun@dhcd.virginia.gov.