Inspections checklist

The City of Lynchburg has adopted Part III, Virginia Maintenance Code of the Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC).  The provisions of this part of the USBC prescribe building maintenance regulations to be complied with in the maintenance and repair of existing structures and equipment.  Following receipt of a complaint or violation, an inspection is performed on the structure.  Upon finding violations, an Inspection Report/ Notice of Violation is delivered to the building owner allowing a reasonable time to correct the violations.  (Building permits may be required for the corrective actions and must be obtained prior to performing any work).  After the allotted time has passed, a follow-up inspection is performed to verify that the violation has been corrected.  When necessary, Property Maintenance Inspectors will take building owners to General District Court for failing to comply with the City's building maintenance code.

This checklist is to inform property owners, realtors, property managers and the general public of the items that are checked and inspected on existing residential and commercial property.  This is not to imply that these are the only items inspected or the only items that are required to be in good repair.

Exterior Structure

  • Exterior painting
  • Street numbers (minimum of 4" height and 1/2" width)
  • Foundation walls
  • Exterior walls (holes, deterioration, rotten materials, etc.
  • Roofs and drainage
  • Decorative features
  • Overhang extensions
  • Stair and walking surfaces
  • Decks, porches and balconies
  • Chimneys and towers
  • Handrails and guards
  • Window and door frames
  • Glazing
  • Operable windows
  • Insect screens
  • Doors
  • Basement hatchways
  • Interior Structure
  • General (equipment, etc.)
  • Structural members (floors, load bearing walls, headers, beams, etc.)

Interior surfaces (walls, windows, floors, etc.)

  • Stairs and railings
  • Handrails and guards

Extermination

  • The owner is responsible for extermination prior to renting.
  • The occupant is responsible for extermination after occupancy.
  • The owner is responsible for extermination of public or shared areas in a multiple occupancy situation.

Light

  • Habitable spaces must have at least one window.
  • Common halls and stairways with three or more dwellings shall be lighted at all times.
  • Other spaces must have natural or artificial light while in use.


Plumbing Facilities & Fixtures

  • Dwelling units (bathtub or shower, etc.)
  • General - All plumbing fixtures must be properly installed and in good working condition.
  • General - Water for all plumbing fixtures must be properly connected to either a public or private water system.
  • Water supply must be free of contamination.
  • Adequate pressure.
  • Water heating facilities (not less than 110 degrees)


Mechanical & Electrical

  • Heat supply - not less than 65 degrees during the period of October 15 - May 1
  • Mechanical equipment - All mechanical equipment, fireplaces and solid fuel-burning equipment shall be properly installed and in working condition.
  • Flue - All fuel equipment and appliances shall be connected to an approved chimney or vent.
  • Facilities required - Every occupied building shall be provided with an electrical system.
  • Electrical hazards - correct fusing/breakers,wiring, etc.
  • Receptacles - two in all habitable spaces, one in every bathroom, one ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in any new bathroom.
  • Lighting fixtures - Every public hall, interior stairway, bathroom, laundry and furnace room shall contain at least one light fixture.

The above listed items are only a portion of the entire Virginia Maintenance Code. See references for complete information.
2012 Virginia Maintenance Code

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