Part II. Procedural Regulations
12VAC5-501-50. Continuing validity of existing permits.
Operational permits in effect prior to January 1, 2006, unless otherwise revoked, shall remain valid until the expiration date of the permit.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-60. Application of the Administrative Process Act.
The provisions of Article 3 (§ 2.2-4018 et seq.) of the Virginia Administrative Process Act shall govern the procedures for rendering all case decisions.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-70. Emergency orders.
The commissioner may, pursuant to §§ 32.1-13 and 32.1-20 of the Code of Virginia, issue emergency orders as is necessary to preserve the public health, safety, welfare and environment. Emergency orders arising out of matters governed by these regulations shall state the reasons and factual basis upon which the emergency order is issued. The emergency order shall state the time period for which it is effective.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-80. Enforcement of regulations.
A. Notice. Whenever the commissioner or any district or local health department official has reason to believe that a violation of Title 32.1 or Title 35.1 of the Code of Virginia or of any provision of this chapter has occurred or is occurring, he shall so notify the alleged violator. Such notice shall be (i) in writing, with a request to the owner or camp operator to respond by providing any pertinent information on this issue they may wish; (ii) cite the statute, regulation or regulations that are allegedly being violated; and (iii) state the facts that form the basis for believing that the violation has occurred or is occurring. Such notification may be accompanied by a request that certain corrective action be taken.
B. Orders. Pursuant to the authority granted in §§ 32.1-26 and 35.1-6 of the Code of Virginia, the commissioner may issue orders to require any owner or camp operator, or other person, to comply with the provisions of these regulations. The order may require the following:
1. The immediate cessation and correction of the violation;
2. Appropriate remedial action to ensure that the violation does not continue or recur;
3. The submission of a plan to prevent future violations;
4. The submission of an application for a variance; and
5. Any other corrective action deemed necessary to comply with the regulations.
C. Hearing before the issuance of an order. Before the issuance of an order, pursuant to subsection B of this section, the commissioner must comply with the requirements of § 32.1-26 of the Code of Virginia.
D. Order—when effective. All orders issued pursuant to subsection B of this section shall become effective not less than 15 days after mailing a copy thereof by certified mail to the last known address of the owner, camp operator or person violating these regulations. Violation of an order is a Class 1 misdemeanor. See § 32.1-27 of the Code of Virginia.
E. Compliance. The commissioner may act as the agent of the board to enforce all effective orders and these regulations. Should any owner or camp operator fail to comply with any effective order or these regulations, the commissioner may:
1. Institute a proceeding to revoke the camp operator's permit in accordance with 12VAC5-501-230;
2. Request the attorney for the Commonwealth to bring a criminal action;
3. Request the Attorney General to bring an action for civil penalty, injunction, or other appropriate remedy; or
4. Do any combination of the above.
F. Not exclusive means of enforcement. Nothing contained in 12VAC5-501-70 or this section shall be interpreted to require the commissioner to issue an order prior to seeking enforcement of any regulation or statute through an injunction, mandamus or criminal prosecution.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-90. Penalties, injunctions, civil penalties, and charges for violations.
A. Any person willfully violating or refusing, failing, or neglecting to comply with any regulation or order of the board or commissioner or any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor unless a different penalty is specified.
B. Any person willfully violating or failing, neglecting or refusing to obey any lawful regulation or order of the board or commissioner or any provision of this chapter may be compelled in a proceeding instituted in an appropriate court by the board or commissioner to obey such regulations, order, or provision of this chapter and to comply therewith by injunction, mandamus, or other appropriate remedy.
C. Without limiting the remedies that may be obtained in subsection B of this section, any person violating or failing, neglecting or refusing to obey any injunction, mandamus or other remedy obtained pursuant to subsection B of this section shall be subject, in the discretion of the court, to a civil penalty not to exceed $25,000 for each violation. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense.
D. With the consent of any person who has violated or failed, neglected, or refused to obey any regulation or order of the board or commissioner or any provision of this chapter, the board may provide, in an order issued by the board against such person, for the payment of civil charges for past violations in specific sums not to exceed the limit specified in subsection C of this section. Such civil charges shall be instead of any appropriate civil penalty that could be imposed under subsection C of this section.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-100. OSHA enforcement.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed to bar the enforcement of occupational safety and health standards adopted by the Safety and Health Codes Board in the manner prescribed in Chapter 3 (§ 40.1-22 et seq.) of Title 40.1 of the Code of Virginia and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-110. Suspension of regulations during disasters.
If, in the case of a manmade or natural disaster, the commissioner finds that certain regulations cannot be complied with and that the public health is better served by not fully complying with these regulations, he may authorize the suspension of the application of the regulations for specifically affected localities and institute a provisional regulatory plan until the disaster is abated.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-120. Variances.
A. In accordance with § 40.1-6 (9) of the Code of Virginia, a variance to those occupational safety and health regulations set forth at 29 CFR Part 1910 may be granted by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry. Applications for such variances shall be directed to him.
B. The State Health Commissioner or his designee may grant a variance to these regulations by following the appropriate procedures set forth in this subsection.
1. Requirements for a variance to these regulations. The commissioner may grant a variance if he finds that the hardship imposed, which may be economic, outweighs the benefits that may be received by the public and that granting such a variance does not subject the public to unreasonable health risks or environmental pollution.
2. Application for a variance to these regulations. Any camp operator who seeks a variance shall apply in writing within the time period specified in this subsection. The request should be sent to the local health department. Any request for a variance must be made in writing and received by the department prior to the denial of the migrant labor camp permit, or within 30 days after such denial. In the event a person applies for a variance within the 30-day period after the permit has been denied, the date for appealing the denial of the permit, pursuant to 12VAC5-501-160, shall commence from the date on which the department acts on the request for a variance. The application for a variance shall include:
a. A citation to the regulation from which a variance is requested;
b. The nature and duration of the variance requested;
c. Any relevant analytical results including results of relevant tests conducted pursuant to the requirements of these regulations;
d. Statements or evidence that establish that the public health, welfare and environment would not be adversely affected if the variance were granted;
e. Suggested conditions that might be imposed on the granting of a variance that would limit the detrimental impact on the public health and welfare;
f. Other information believed pertinent by the applicant; and
g. Such other information as the district or local health department or commissioner may require.
C. Evaluation of an application for a variance to these regulations.
1. The commissioner shall act on any request for a variance to these regulations submitted pursuant to this subsection within 60 days of receipt of the request.
2. In evaluating a variance application, the commissioner shall consider such factors as the following:
a. The effect that such a variance would have on the operation of the migrant labor camp;
b. The cost and other economic considerations imposed by this requirement;
c. The effect that such a variance would have on protection of the public health, safety, welfare and the environment; and
d. Such other factors as the commissioner may deem appropriate.
D. Disposition of a request for a variance to these regulations.
1. If the commissioner proposes to deny the variance, he shall provide the camp operator an opportunity to an informal hearing as provided in § 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia. Following this opportunity for an informal hearing, the commissioner may reject any application for a variance by sending a rejection notice to the applicant. The rejection notice shall be in writing and shall state the reasons for the rejection. A rejection notice constitutes a case decision.
2. If the commissioner proposes to grant a variance request submitted pursuant to this chapter, the applicant shall be notified in writing of this decision. Such notice shall identify the variance and the migrant labor camp involved, and shall specify the period of time for which the variance will be effective. Such notice shall provide that the variance will be terminated when the migrant labor camp comes into compliance with the applicable regulation and may be terminated upon a finding by the commissioner that the migrant labor camp has failed to comply with any requirements or schedules issued in conjunction with the variance. The effective date of the variance shall be as noted in the variance letter.
3. All variances to these regulations granted to any migrant labor camp are not transferable unless otherwise stated. Each variance shall be attached to the permit to which it is granted. Each variance is revoked when the permit to which it is attached is revoked.
4. No camp operator may challenge the terms or conditions of a variance after 30 calendar days have elapsed from the receipt of the variance.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-130. Case decisions.
The commissioner or his designee may make case decisions based on informal hearings. An informal hearing is conducted by a district or local health department with the district or local health director presiding and held in conformance with § 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia. The district or local health department may record the hearing or create a written summary or record of the proceedings.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-140. Request for hearing.
A request for a hearing shall be made by sending the request in writing to the district or local health department in the locality where the migrant labor camp is located. Requests for hearings shall cite the reasons for the hearing request and shall cite the sections of these regulations involved and must be received within 30 calendar days of the decision by the department that led to the hearing request.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-150. Hearing.
Any owner, camp operator or named party whose rights, duties, or privileges have been, or may be affected by any case decision of the board or its subordinates in the administration of these regulations shall have a right to a hearing.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-160. Appeals.
A. Any appeal from a denial of a permit to operate a migrant labor camp must be made in writing and received by the local or state health department within 30 days of the date the denial letter was received.
B. Any request for hearing on the denial of an application for a variance pursuant to 12VAC5-501-120 D 1 must be made in writing and received within 30 days of receipt of the denial notice.
C. Pursuant to the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia), an aggrieved owner or camp operator may appeal a final decision of the commissioner to the appropriate circuit court.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-170. Notice of intention to construct or remodel camp and submission of plans.
Any person planning to construct, substantially remodel, or enlarge for occupancy or use a migrant labor camp or any portion of the facility thereof, or to convert a property for use or occupancy as a camp shall give notice in writing to the local health director of his intent to do so at least 30 days before the date of beginning such construction, remodeling, enlargement, or conversion. The notice shall include the name of the city or county in which the property is located; the location of the property within that area; plans of the proposed construction, remodeling, enlargement or conversion; and the name, mailing address and telephone number of the person giving the notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the local health director shall forward to such person a copy of Article 6 (§ 32.1-203 et seq.) of Chapter 6 of Title 32.1 of the Code of Virginia relating to migrant labor camps and a copy of this chapter.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-180. Permits.
A. No person shall own, establish, conduct, maintain, manage, or operate any migrant labor camp in this Commonwealth unless the migrant labor camp is permitted as provided in this section. All permits shall be in the name of the camp operator. Permits shall not be issued to newly constructed or extensively remodeled migrant labor camps until a certificate of occupancy has been issued by the building official. Only a person who complies with the requirements of these regulations shall be entitled to receive or retain such a permit.
B. Nontransference of migrant labor camp permits. Permits issued shall not be transferable from one person to another or from one location to another. A new camp operator shall be required to make a written application for a permit. The application forms are available from local health departments.
C. Requirements for posting permits. The permit shall be posted in a location in the camp readily visible and accessible to the migrant workers.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-190. Application for permit.
A. Application for a permit to operate a migrant labor camp shall be made on a form prescribed by the board to the local health director of the county or city in which the migrant labor camp is located at least 30 days before such camp is to be opened. A separate application shall be submitted for each camp every year.
B. The local health director shall issue a permit after an inspection if the camp is found to be in compliance with this chapter.
C. If the camp is not found to be in compliance, the local health director may deny, revoke or suspend the permit or recommend denial of a variance.
D. Any expansion or modification of a permitted migrant labor camp shall require the obtaining of a new permit.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-200. Issuance of permit.
Prior to the issuance of a permit, the director or his designee shall inspect the migrant labor camp to determine compliance with the requirements of these regulations. The department shall issue a permit to the applicant if its inspection reveals that the proposed migrant labor camp complies with all requirements of these regulations. The permit shall expire annually on December 31. Also, changes in the camp operator void the permit and the new camp operator must apply for a new permit.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-210. Denial of a permit.
Whenever the department denies a permit to operate a migrant labor camp, it shall, within 10 days of the inspection, send the applicant a written explanation of the reasons why the permit was denied.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-220. Suspension of a permit.
The director may suspend a permit to operate a migrant labor camp without an informal hearing if the director finds the continued operation constitutes a substantial and imminent threat to the public health. Upon receipt of such notice that a permit is suspended, the permit holder shall cease operation immediately and begin corrective action.
Whenever a permit is suspended, the holder of the permit or the camp operator shall be notified in writing by certified mail or by hand delivery. Upon service of notice that the permit is immediately suspended, the former permit holder shall be given an opportunity to request an informal hearing. If a permit holder wants to request an informal hearing, he must submit a request in writing to the director within 10 working days after he receives notice of the suspension. The written request shall be filed with the local health director by the former holder of the permit. If written request for an informal hearing is not filed within 10 working days, the suspension is sustained. Each holder of a suspended permit shall be afforded an opportunity for an informal hearing within three working days of receipt of a request for an informal hearing. The director may end the suspension at any time if the reasons for suspension no longer exist.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-230. Revocation.
Prior to revocation, the director shall notify in writing the holder of the permit, or the camp operator, of the specific reason or reasons for which the permit is to be revoked. The permit shall be revoked at the end of the 30 days following service of such notice unless a written request for an informal conference is filed with the director within 10 days after the permit holder received the notice of revocation. If no request for an informal conference is filed within the 10-day period, the revocation of the permit shall be final.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-240. Application after revocation.
Any person whose permit has been revoked may apply for a new permit, after complying with these regulations, by following the procedures of these regulations.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-250. Compliance with regulations.
The camp operator shall be responsible for ensuring that the migrant labor camp is in compliance with these and any applicable occupational safety and health regulations throughout the period for which the permit is valid.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-260. Inspections to be conducted.
The local health director or his designated representative shall make inspections of camps occupied by migrants to determine compliance with this chapter. If a camp is found not to be in compliance, the local health department may move to suspend or revoke the permit. Migrant labor camps shall be inspected as often as necessary during their occupancy to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-270. Inspection report.
The director or his designated representative who conducts an inspection of a camp shall provide the camp operator with a copy of a completed inspection report after an inspection has been conducted. The report shall indicate that the camp is either in compliance or shall specify which specific standards the director or his designated representative has reason to believe have been or are being violated. The inspection report shall further specify needed corrective action or abatement procedures and a date by which this action is requested to be completed or the problem abated.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-280. Correction.
The completed inspection report shall specify a reasonable period of time for the correction of the suspected violations found. Where a period of time for the correction is specified, the correction shall be accomplished within the period specified and in accordance with the following provisions:
1. Should a substantial and imminent health hazard be declared by the director, including, but not limited to, substantial fire damage, sewage backing into the living or food preparation and service areas, lack of refrigeration or lack of water, the operator shall immediately cease operations. Operations shall not be resumed until authorized by the director. Authorization shall not be granted until such violations are corrected.
2. All suspected violations identified by the department are to be corrected within a reasonable period of time or as soon as possible, but in any event, within the period of time specified. A follow-up inspection shall be conducted by the director or his designee to confirm the corrections.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.