LIS

Administrative Code

Virginia Administrative Code
11/23/2024

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.

Website addresses provided in the Virginia Administrative Code to documents incorporated by reference are for the reader's convenience only, may not necessarily be active or current, and should not be relied upon. To ensure the information incorporated by reference is accurate, the reader is encouraged to use the source document described in the regulation.

As a service to the public, the Virginia Administrative Code is provided online by the Virginia General Assembly. We are unable to answer legal questions or respond to requests for legal advice, including application of law to specific fact. To understand and protect your legal rights, you should consult an attorney.