90 Years of Service
Since 1929, the members of the Virginia Building and Code Officials Association have worked to foster partnerships among all groups associated with the construction industry. By working together we can build better buildings and safer communities.
The Virginia Building and Code Officials Association traces its beginnings back to a one-day meeting on December 4, 1929, in Petersburg. The meeting was presided over by Lynchburg Inspector George C. Hough, Inspector, and was held in conjunction with the 24th Annual Conference of the Virginia Municipal League. The participants formed the Virginia Building Inspectors Association with the purpose of providing an opportunity for the interchange of ideas among building officials.
In 1933, the group changed its name to the Building Officials Conference of Virginia. The annual conference was lengthened to two days in 1940.
In 1947, plumbing officials began meeting with BOCV, so the group changed its name to the Building and Plumbing Officials Conference of Virginia to reflect the change in membership. Just two years later—in 1949—electrical inspectors joined the fold, and the name was changed to Building, Plumbing and Electrical Officials Conference of Virginia. And then in 1962, the group changed its name to the Virginia Building Officials Conference.
In 1970, VBOC held its first annual conference separate from the Virginia Municipal League’s conference. The meeting was held in Natural Bridge. At the 47th annual conference in Bristol, the group voted to change its name to the Virginia Building Officials Association.
Finally, at the 58th annual conference in Roanoke, the group voted to change its name to the present Virginia Building and Code Officials Association.
Throughout its history and regardless of its name, VBCOA has dedicated itself to promoting the uniform enforcement of building codes and to encouraging the provision of continuing education to its members. VBCOA members actively participate in activities at the local, regional, state and national levels designed to fulfill its mission statement: The Virginia Building and Code Officials Association is a statewide organization of building safety professionals dedicated to the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of all persons who live, work, or visit the Commonwealth of Virginia.