Article 2. Physical Environment
12VAC35-105-260. Building inspection and classification.
All locations shall be inspected and approved as required by the appropriate building regulatory entity. Documentation of approval shall be a Certificate of Use and Occupancy indicating the building is classified for its proposed licensed purpose. The provider shall submit a copy of the Certificate of Use and Occupancy to the department for new locations. This section does not apply to correctional facilities or home and noncenter-based services. Sponsored residential service providers shall certify that their sponsored residential homes comply with this regulation.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-265. Floor plans.
All services shall submit floor plans with room dimensions to the department for new locations. This does not apply to home or noncenter-based services.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-270. Building modifications.
A. The provider shall submit building plans and specifications for any planned construction at a new location, changes in the use of existing locations, and any structural modifications or additions to existing locations where services are provided for review by the department to determine compliance with the licensing regulations. This section does not apply to correctional facilities, jails, or home and noncenter-based services.
B. The provider shall submit an interim plan to the department addressing safety and continued service delivery if new construction involving structural modifications or additions to existing buildings is planned.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-280. Physical environment.
A. The physical environment, design, structure, furnishings, and lighting shall be appropriate to the individuals served and the services provided.
B. The physical environment shall be accessible to individuals with physical and sensory disabilities, if applicable.
C. The physical environment and furnishings shall be clean, dry, free of foul odors, safe, and well-maintained.
D. Floor surfaces and floor coverings shall promote mobility in areas used by individuals and shall promote maintenance of sanitary conditions.
E. The physical environment shall be well ventilated. Temperatures shall be maintained between 65°F and 80°F in all areas used by individuals.
F. Adequate hot and cold running water of a safe and appropriate temperature shall be available. Hot water accessible to individuals being served shall be maintained within a range of 100° to 110°F. If temperatures cannot be maintained within the specified range, the provider shall make provisions for protecting individuals from injury due to scalding.
G. Lighting shall be sufficient for the activities being performed and all areas within buildings and outside entrances and parking areas shall be lighted for safety.
H. Recycling, composting, and garbage disposal shall not create a nuisance, permit transmission of disease, or create a breeding place for insects or rodents.
I. If smoking is permitted, the provider shall make provisions for alternate smoking areas that are separate from the service environment. This subsection does not apply to home-based services.
J. For all program areas added after September 19, 2002, minimum room height shall be 7-1/2 feet.
K. This section does not apply to home-based and noncenter-based or crisis services. Sponsored residential services shall certify compliance of sponsored residential homes with this section.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 24, eff. September 18, 2003; Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011; Volume 40, Issue 22, eff. July 17, 2024.
12VAC35-105-290. Food service inspections.
Any location where the provider is responsible for preparing or serving food shall request inspection and shall obtain approval by state or local health authorities regarding food service and general sanitation at the time of the original application and annually thereafter. Documentation of the most recent three inspections and approval shall be kept on file. This section does not apply to sponsored residential services or to group homes or community residential homes.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-300. Sewer and water inspections.
A. Service locations shall be on a public water and sewage system or on a nonpublic water and sewage system. Prior to a location being licensed, the provider shall obtain the report from the building inspector pertaining to the septic system and its capacity. Nonpublic water and sewer systems shall be maintained in good working order and in compliance with local and state laws. Providers of sponsored residential home services shall certify that their sponsored residential homes comply with this section.
B. Service locations that are not on a public water system shall have a water sample tested prior to being licensed and annually by an accredited, independent laboratory for the absence of coliform. The water sample shall also be tested for lead or nitrates if recommended by the local health department. Documentation of the three most recent inspections shall be kept on file.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-310. Weapons.
The provider or facility shall have and implement a written policy governing the use and possession of firearms, pellet guns, air rifles, and other weapons on the premises, including parking areas, of the provider's services. The policy shall provide that no firearms, pellet guns, air rifles, and other weapons shall be permitted unless the weapons are:
1. In the possession of licensed security or sworn law-enforcement personnel;
2. Kept securely under lock and key; or
3. Used under the supervision of a responsible adult in accordance with policies and procedures developed by the provider for the weapons' lawful and safe use.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-320. Fire inspections.
The provider shall document at the time of its original application and annually thereafter that buildings and equipment in residential service locations serving more than eight individuals are maintained in accordance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (13VAC5-51). This section does not apply to correctional facilities or home and noncenter-based or sponsored residential home services.
Statutory Authority
§§ 37.2-302 and 37.2-400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011; Volume 36, Issue 22, eff. August 1, 2020.
12VAC35-105-325. Community liaison.
Each residential service shall designate a staff person as a community liaison responsible for facilitating cooperative relationships with neighbors, local law-enforcement personnel, local government officials, and the community at large.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.