Ara Krisela Mendoza

The board meeting agenda includes an update on Private Activity Bond guidelines for the 2026 program year, which incorporates recent federal legislative changes, and regulatory action for the Enterprise Zone Grant Program and the Statewide Fire Prevention Code. The board will also receive updates on code development, the National Transportation Safety Board report, budget items, and reports from the Virginia Housing, the Virginia Fire Services Board, and the Director.

The board discussed a commending resolution for a departing member, approved amendments to the Enterprise Zone Grant Program regulations and manuals, and deliberated on the State Fire Marshal's Office Fee Report, ultimately deferring action. Additionally, the board approved updates to the code development cycle schedule, received reports from Virginia Housing and the Fire Services Board, and reviewed information regarding the conflict of interest filing requirements and a legal appeal related to the uniform statewide building code.

The board discussed the State Fire Marshal's Office Fee Report, noting significant budget deficits and the need for updated fees, ultimately deciding to defer action on the report. Staff provided an overview of the 2024 Building Code Development Cycle and updated members on regulatory requirements. Representatives from Virginia Housing provided reports on the Qualified Allocation Plan, strategic planning, and workforce housing investment. Additionally, the Board received agency staffing updates, details on broadband infrastructure funding, and reminders regarding annual financial disclosure requirements and code development leadership.

The board discussed the State Fire Marshal's Office Fee Report, approving a draft letter that expresses agreement with a joint recommendation to assess fees for voluntary fire inspections. Appointments were made for the Amusement Device Technical Advisory Committee. Updates were provided regarding Private Activity Bonds, the upcoming code development cycle, and relevant legislation from the General Assembly. Additionally, the board received reports on the Qualified Allocation Plan from Virginia Housing, the activities of the Fire Services Board, and agency updates from the Director, including funding announcements and operational staffing changes.

The board discussed the State Fire Marshal's Office fee report, including an assessment of current inspection fees, operational deficits, and potential fee adjustments for voluntary inspections to address funding gaps. The agenda also covered a 2024 code development cycle update, a regulatory update regarding the General Assembly session, and reports from the Virginia Fire Services Board and the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding amusement device technical advisory committee appointments and upcoming board meeting dates.