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Current page: Virginia USBC 2021 Amendment 14 (IRC R308.4.5)
CodeMandatory

Hazardous glazing zone within 60 inches of hot tubs / pools / showers / tubs

Virginia USBC 2021 Amendment 14 (IRC R308.4.5)

Description

Glazing in walls, enclosures, or fences containing or facing hot tubs, spas, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, bathtubs, showers, and indoor or outdoor swimming pools shall be considered a hazardous location if located less than 60 inches measured horizontally from the water's edge AND the bottom exposed edge of the glazing is less than 60 inches measured vertically above any standing or walking surface.

Why this exists

Tempered or laminated glazing required in this zone to protect against impact-injury hazards when occupants are wet, slippery, or near water.

Measurements

PropertyOperatorValueUnitNote
horizontalDistancemax60inHorizontal distance from water's edge within which glazing is hazardous
verticalHeightmax60inVertical height above walking surface

Categories

Life safety

Applies to

  • Room types: bathroom, half_bath
  • Jurisdiction: Virginia

Source

Virginia DHCDauthoritative
2021 Virginia Construction Code (Part I of USBC) (2021)
Section: Amendment 14 (IRC R308.4.5)
Published 2024-01-18 · last verified 2026-05-10

Solver enforcement

Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.

Related directives

Last reviewed 2026-05-10.