Cal. Civ. Code § 13VAC5-63-510
Chapter 2 Definitions.
Operative Text
A. Change Section 201.3 of the IPMC to read: 201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in this code and are defined in the IBC, IFC, IFGC, IPC, IMC, International Existing Building Code, IRC, International Zoning Code, or NFPA 70, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as stated in those codes, except that terms defined in the VCC shall be used for this code and shall take precedence over other definitions. B. Add the following definitions to Section 202 of the IPMC to read: Applicable building code. The local or statewide building code and referenced standards in effect at the time the building or portion thereof was constructed, altered, renovated, or underwent a change of occupancy. See Section 103 for the application of the code. Maintained. To keep unimpaired in an appropriate condition, operation, and continuance as installed in accordance with the applicable building code, or as previously approved, and in accordance with the applicable operational and maintenance provisions of this code. Unsafe equipment. Unsafe equipment includes any boiler, heating equipment, elevator, moving stairway, electrical wiring or device, flammable liquid containers, or other equipment that is in such disrepair or condition that such equipment is determined by the code official to be dangerous to the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants of a structure or the public. Unsafe structure. An existing structure determined by the code official to be dangerous to the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants of the structure or the public because of but not limited to any of the following conditions: 1. The structure contains unsafe equipment; 2. The structure is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, structurally unsafe, or of such faulty construction or unstable foundation that partial or complete collapse is likely; 3. The structure is vacant, and unsecured or open; 4. The degree to which the structure is in disrepair or lacks maintenance, ventilation, illumination, sanitary or heating facilities, or other essential equipment; 5. The required plumbing and sanitary facilities are inoperable. C. Change the following definition in Section 202 of the IPMC to read: Infestation. The presence of insects, rodents, vermin, or other pests in sufficient number to adversely affect the structure or health, safety, and welfare of the occupants. D. Delete the following definitions from Section 202 of the IPMC: Condemn Cost of such demolition or emergency repairs Equipment support Inoperable motor vehicle Labeled Neglect Openable area Pest elimination Strict liability offense Ultimate deformation Workmanlike
Section 13VAC5-63-510 of the Virginia Maintenance Code modifies and supplements the definitions section of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) as adopted in Virginia. It establishes how terms from other model codes are to be interpreted, with Virginia Construction Code (VCC) definitions taking precedence, and it introduces or revises key terms such as 'maintained,' 'unsafe structure,' 'unsafe equipment,' and 'infestation.' Certain definitions that appeared in the base IPMC—such as 'condemn,' 'neglect,' and 'workmanlike'—are removed from the Virginia version of the code. These definitional choices shape how inspectors, property owners, and courts interpret maintenance obligations and enforcement authority throughout the rest of the code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under 13VAC5-63-510, the definition of 'maintained' sets the baseline standard against which a property's condition is measured: equipment and systems are expected to remain unimpaired and functional as originally installed under the applicable building code or as previously approved. Operators who keep records of original construction standards, prior approvals, and ongoing maintenance activities are generally better positioned to demonstrate compliance when a code official evaluates whether a structure or its equipment meets this standard. The definitions of 'unsafe structure' and 'unsafe equipment' in this section identify the specific conditions—such as structural instability, inoperable plumbing, or dangerous electrical devices—that can trigger enforcement action, so property managers commonly use these criteria as a checklist when conducting routine inspections.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 13VAC5-63-510 defines the conditions that make a structure or its equipment legally 'unsafe' under Virginia's property maintenance regulations, including scenarios such as inoperable plumbing and sanitary facilities, structural decay, or dangerous heating and electrical equipment. Tenants who observe conditions that appear to match these defined categories—such as persistent pest infestation as defined in this section, or equipment in serious disrepair—may have grounds to raise those conditions in communications with their local code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and act on violations. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help residents understand how these definitions apply to conditions in their housing and what complaint or defense options may be available to them.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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