Code Connection is back as a blog
The Code Connection has been resurrected as a blog. The newsletter was a quarterly publication several years ago, but to meet the needs of a digital age, the newsletter has now been converted a blog. The blog is updated on a continuous basis, to share stories, happenings and other information DHCD feels is important to the code and building communities. You can follow the blog now at http://dhcdcodeconnection.wordpress.com . Click follow in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen to start receiving notifications.
 

DHCD – Virginia Building Code Academy Knowledge Center Black-Out

The Commonwealth of Virginia will upgrade its current Knowledge Center to Meridian Global (MG) beginning Sunday, June 10, 2012. From Sunday, June 10th through Tuesday, June 19th the knowledge center will be blacked-out and users will not be able to take online courses through the DHCD - Virginia Building Code Academy Knowledge Center. Additionally, new users will not be able to register to the DHCD - Virginia Building Code Academy Knowledge Center during the black-out period. So please plan accordingly. The upgrade is scheduled to be complete and go live again on Wednesday, June 20th. We apologize for any inconvenience.
 

DHCD Training Announcement:

In our continuing effort to provide comprehensive energy code training, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is pleased to announce its newest energy code training opportunity. DHCD has partnered with the Southface Energy Institute to provide ‘Energy Code for Commercial Structures’. This training program is for code officials, inspectors and plan reviewers seeking certification in commercial energy plan review or inspection as well as others looking to increase their knowledge on the commercial aspect of the energy codes. This two-day training focuses on the scope, application and methods of demonstrating compliance with the 2009 IECC Chapter 5 and ASHRAE 90.1-2007. Attendees will also learn building science basics, the content of IECC 2009 Chapter 5 and strategies for more efficient building envelope, HVAC and lighting systems. In addition, the training will include an overview of COMcheck software used to demonstrate compliance with these codes and standards.   

In addition to our newest offering we currently provide other two programs focusing energy and energy codes.  The first is a one-day free program for design professionals, builders, building owners and code enforcement personnel seeking an introduction to the concepts of energy, energy conservation and the energy codes. This program is designed to outline Virginia’s initiative in energy conservation and energy code compliance while providing the participant with a framework of applicable knowledge on energy concepts, conservation, and code. The second program is our two-day technical program offered through the Virginia Building Code Academy  (VBCA) required for those seeking certification in DHCD newest category  - residential energy inspection or residential energy plan review. This program follows a similar model to other VBCA certification courses providing participants with a detailed application of the energy codes in the residential inspection and plan review process while in a hands-on learning environment. 

For registration for these or other VBCA certification programs please visit the TASO On-line Registration system at  https://dmz1.dhcd.virginia.gov/TASO/TASOTCO/Default.aspx  and  for registration for our single day energy events visit https://dmz1.dhcd.virginia.gov/dhcdevents/default.aspx 

For additional information please contact Sandi Morris at sandi.morris@dhcd.virginia.gov or 804.371.7181.

DHCD Continuing Education Policy
Effective May 1, 2008, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) requires continuing education as a component of maintaining compliance with the state regulations relative to certain certifications granted by the Board of Housing and Community Development. All building officials, property maintenance officials, and technical assistants employed by a jurisdiction to enforce the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) as well as local building department personnel certified to enforce the Virginia Amusement Device Regulations shall obtain 16 hours of continuing education every two years. This is in addition to the mandatory and/or periodic training required for certificate issuance and maintenance.  For more information, contact the Training and Certification Office at tco@dchd.virginia.gov or 804-371-7180.
Continuing Education Application
Continuing Education Policy