SB 400 (Hanger), as introduced, would initiate a regulatory process to create basic building code standards utilized to host certain events in a farm building or structure. Under current law, these farm buildings or structures used primarily for agricultural operations are exempt from building code. This legislation would also have expanded the building code exemption to buildings, which are solely used to host events.
The amended bill placed reenactment clauses on the language expanding the building code exemption to event spaces (meaning those sections would have to be reenacted next session to become law) and now consists of language that will result in the convening of a technical advisory committee consisting of representatives from the Virginia Association of Counties, the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, the Virginia Agribusiness Council, the Virginia Wineries Association, a craft beverage manufacturer, the Virginia Fire Prevention Association, the Virginia Fire Services Board, and the Virginia Building and Code Officials Association.
VACo supports this amendment and will report on the work of the advisory committee once it begins meeting.
VACo Contacts: Joe Lerch, AICP and Phyllis Errico, Esq., CAE