Richmond scaffold and shoring work is governed by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), which incorporates the 2021 IBC Chapter 33 and OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L for worker safety on commercial projects.
Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review issues building permits that authorize scaffold erection as part of construction, repair, or facade work. Sidewalk sheds and pedestrian canopies in the public right-of-way require a separate right-of-way permit from the Department of Public Works. Scaffolds over 125 feet or supporting engineered loads require stamped engineering drawings submitted with the permit. Scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person before each shift per OSHA. The USBC is enforced locally by the Richmond building official, with the state serving as the appeal body through the Virginia State Building Code Technical Review Board.
Unpermitted scaffold erection or obstruction of the public right-of-way can result in stop-work orders and civil penalties up to 2,500 dollars per Virginia Code 36-106.
See how Richmond's scaffold & sidewalk shed rules stack up against other locations.
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