Virginia launches new online building and fire code change process system based on cdpACCESS.

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The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has launched a new online building and fire code change process system, cdpVA, which is based on cdpACCESS, ICC's online tool for code development. The new system allows for electronic submission of new code change proposals, collaboration between stakeholders and access to information about the 2015 code change process. "Virginia is a leader in building and fire code regulations, and stakeholder input is vital to Virginia's code development process," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. "We encourage participation in this process through cdpVA and are excited to transition the code change process to an electronic format." The Virginia Code Change Cycle is a formal two-year cycle that is part of state regulations of the building and fire codes that is used for updates to the existing codes to use the latest model codes and standards. The process gathers a wide variety of stakeholder and public input. Workgroups meet regularly throughout the process to gather stakeholder input and public hearings are scheduled to collect public comment. All meeting information, including date, time, location, agendas and meeting notes will be available on cdpVA, as well as access to the 2012 Virginia Building Codes and the 2015 International Codes to use as reference for the proposed changes. "Virginia is recognized as having the best codes by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, and this is in part due to the strong code development process we have in the commonwealth," said DHCD Director Bill Shelton. "We look forward to continuing to streamline the process to provide yet another way to collect stakeholder and public input. For more information about cdpVA, visit www.dhcd.virginia.gov or va.cdpaccess.com/.