Part VI. Community Custody Facilities Design and Construction
Article 1
General
6VAC15-81-1130. Community custody facilities design and construction - general.
A. For localities or regional facilities that demonstrate a need based on the needs assessment, a community custody facility meeting the requirements in this section may be constructed with a number of beds in accordance with 6VAC15-81-220 A.
B. These structures are designed to house community custody inmates as defined in this chapter.
C. When designing the facility, specific consideration shall be given to appropriate traffic patterns; groups of functions; facilitating ease of movement to, from, and within functions; clear sightlines to eliminate blindspots; efficiency and economy of staffing; PREA; and facilitating a smooth, logical sequence of operation.
D. Material and installation shall be in accordance with manufacturer recommendations or as otherwise noted in this chapter.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
Article 2
Housing Design
6VAC15-81-1140. Separate building.
Community custody housing shall be constructed as a building separate from the secure portion of the jail or separated from the secure portion of the facility by the secure perimeter.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1150. Traffic pattern separation.
If secure and community custody housing are provided in the same building, the design of the facility shall provide exterior and interior traffic patterns to assure separation of secure and community custody populations.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1160. Type of construction.
Perimeter walls shall be of masonry, concrete, stone, metal, or other similar durable nonfabric, noncombustible material. The reviewing authority may require that perimeter walls, floor, and roof or ceiling meet secure perimeter requirements.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1170. Occupancy.
Community custody housing shall be designed to consist of multiple occupancy cells or dormitories. If dormitories are utilized and design capacity of community custody exceeds 24, at least two housing units are required.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1180. Separation of males and females.
A community custody facility that contains housing units for both males and females shall have the housing units designed and constructed to prohibit normal communication by sight and sound between the two.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1190. Housing unit size.
A. Housing units shall be dormitories or multiple occupancy cells.
1. Multiple occupancy cells shall be designed for no more than four inmates per cell and shall be sized in accordance with the current American Correctional Association Standards for Adult Local Detention Facilities. Multiple occupancy cells shall be configured to open into a dayroom.
2. Dayroom space shall contain no less than 35 square feet of space for each inmate for which the unit is designed to serve. Calculation of this space shall not include sally ports, visitation booths, stairs, area under stairs, toilet, shower, and lavatory areas. On the first level an, 18-inch wide path in front of all cell fronts, toilets, and showers shall not be counted as dayroom space.
3. Dormitories shall be constructed to provide 85 square feet of space per inmate for each inmate for which the area is designed. The 85 square feet associated with dormitory space is normally separated into 50 square feet for sleeping and 35 square feet for activity. Calculation of this space shall not include sally ports, stairs, area under stairs, or toilet, shower, and lavatory areas.
B. Ceiling heights in these cells areas shall meet the requirements of the table in 6VAC15-81-930 C 2.
C. Housing units shall be designed to accommodate no more than 48 inmates per dormitory or 64 inmates per housing unit with multiple occupancy cells.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1200. Building access.
The facility shall be designed for the capability to monitor ingress and egress to the facility. Space shall be provided outside of the housing unit for search, work clothes lockers, showers, and toilet facilities. If attached to a secure facility, the primary entrance and exit to the facility shall be separate from that of the secure portion of the facility. Any connection between the secure portion and the community custody portion shall be sally ported.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1210. Fixtures and furnishings.
A. Each housing unit shall be provided with natural light, toilet fixtures, hot and cold running water, drinking fountain or lavatory with a sanitary bubbler, mirrors, bed or bunk, tables and seating, and storage space for personal items to accommodate the number of inmates for whom it is designed.
B. Showers, lavatories, and toilets shall be located within the dayroom or dormitory.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1220. Services.
Space or provisions shall be made for food service, laundry, commissary, and other support services.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
Article 3
Additional Design Features
6VAC15-81-1230. Elevators.
Elevators, if provided, shall be of sufficient size to transport food carts and at least one elevator per facility shall be of sufficient size to transport wheeled stretchers or gurneys.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1240. Corridors.
Corridors used for the movement of inmates, stretchers, food carts, etc. shall be constructed to provide a minimum of five feet in width and height meeting the requirements of the table in 6VAC15-81-930 C 2.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1250. Door swing.
Door swings for any space utilized by inmates shall open away from the inmate occupied side.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1260. Voice and visual communication.
A. The facility shall be equipped with a system capable of communicating with the master control of its associated facility.
B. To enhance operations and security, intercom and CCTV systems shall be considered.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1270. Telephone.
Provisions shall be made for inmate telephone and video communication services available at appropriate locations within the facility.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1280. Multipurpose space.
A minimum of 15 square feet per inmate expected to use the space at any one time, but not less than 360 square feet of space shall be provided for indoor recreation or multipurpose use.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1290. Drains, storage, and janitorial closets.
A. Floor water drains shall be centrally located in all housing units and adjacent to shower, toilet, and lavatory areas.
B. Storage and janitorial closets with mop sinks shall be provided in or in proximity to housing units.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1300. Standby power and emergency release provisions.
A. A standby power source shall be provided sufficient to sustain, as a minimum, life safety operations, security systems, refrigerators, and freezers.
1. "Life safety operations" means the function of certain electrical, mechanical, and other building equipment provided for the purpose of ensuring the life, health, and safety of building occupants in an emergency situation.
2. Fuel capacity shall be provided for a minimum of 72 hours of operation without refueling.
3. Consideration shall be given to standby power for nonemergency lighting.
B. Emergency release provisions shall be made for unlocking or group release of cell doors in case of fire, power failure, or other emergencies.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
Article 4
Construction, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical Requirements
6VAC15-81-1310. Interior finishes.
A. All interior exposed walls, partitions, and ceilings shall have a low maintenance, nonabsorbent durable finish.
B. All floor surfaces shall be of a durable, low maintenance, nonabsorbent material.
C. If concrete floor surfaces are used they shall be finished with a sealer or coating.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1320. Windows, doors, and locks.
A. Doors, windows and frames shall be commercial grade or detention type.
B. Window openings shall be screened, locked, fixed, or otherwise controlled or designed to prevent unauthorized entry or passage of contraband.
C. Magnetic locks are prohibited.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1330. Climate control.
A. Heat and air conditioning shall be provided in all rooms in the facility so that a temperature not less than 65 degrees F or more than 85 degrees F is maintained.
B. Mechanical, electrical, and laundry spaces may be mechanically ventilated.
C. Special consideration shall be afforded to additional cooling in kitchen, food storage areas, and rooms containing heat sensitive and electronic equipment.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1340. Mechanical.
A. Thermostats, sensors, control wiring, and control and pneumatic tubing for the mechanical system shall not be inmate accessible.
B. Consideration shall be given to locating balancing dampers close to or integral with diffusers so they can be adjusted and checked without the installation of access panels.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1350. Plumbing.
A. Shower and toilet areas, including ceilings, shall be provided with a durable surface finish to withstand humidity and cleaning.
B. All exposed plumbing shall be kept flush with the walls and ceilings. Exposed pipes shall not be inmate accessible.
C. Hot water for inmates shall be controlled by a temperature limiting device to preclude temperatures in excess of 105 degrees F.
D. Actuating valves provided on lavatories and showers shall be the metering type.
E. Toilets equipped with tanks are prohibited.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1360. Electrical.
A. All wiring, conductors, and control tubing shall be concealed to the greatest extent possible.
1. Where wiring is exposed and accessible by inmates, it shall be housed in intermediate metal conduit or rigid metal conduit with threaded fittings.
2. Rigid nonmetallic conduit (PVC or CPVC) shall not be used above the ground floor slab except when encapsulated in concrete or in concrete masonry units. For transitions, rigid nonmetallic conduit may extend not more than six inches above floor.
3. Flexible metallic conduit not exceeding six feet in length may be installed above ceilings.
4. Electrical metallic tubing (EMT) may be installed above ceilings. EMT, if utilized, shall have compression fittings.
5. Flexible conduit, if required for a moving part of a device (e.g., pan-tilt-zoom camera), shall not exceed 12 inches exposed and shall be liquid tight or equivalent.
6. Set screw fittings and other types of conduits are not permitted.
B. Surge protection is recommended on power supplies for critical life safety, security, and telephone systems. Surge protection shall be considered on control and alarm circuits that leave the building.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1370. Lighting.
A. Natural light is required in inmate housing units. Consideration shall be given to providing natural light in renovation projects that provide new inmate housing.
B. Intensity of artificial lighting shall be in accordance with requirements for artificial light in 6VAC15-40, Minimum Standards for Jails and Lockups.
C. Light fixtures shall be a minimum of commercial grade secured with tamper resistant screws.
D. Provisions are required for night lighting.
E. Lights and electrical outlets shall be provided for walk-in type plumbing chases.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.
6VAC15-81-1380. Equipment.
Equipment and fixtures shall be a minimum of commercial grade.
Statutory Authority
§§ 53.1-5, 53.1-80, and 53.1-82 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 12, eff. March 8, 2018.