Part III. Physical Environment
Article 6
Records
6VAC35-101-350. Buildings and inspections.
A. All newly constructed buildings, major renovations to buildings, and temporary structures shall be inspected and approved by the local building official. Approval shall be documented by a certificate of occupancy.
B. A current copy of the facility's annual inspection by fire prevention authorities indicating that all buildings and equipment are maintained in accordance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (13VAC5-51) shall be maintained. If the fire prevention authorities have failed to timely inspect the detention center's buildings and equipment, documentation of the facility's request to schedule the annual inspection as well as documentation of any necessary follow-up with fire prevention authorities shall be maintained.
C. A current copy of the detention center's annual inspection and approval, in accordance with state and local inspection laws, regulations, and ordinances, of the systems listed below shall be maintained. These inspections shall be of the:
1. General sanitation;
2. Sewage disposal system;
3. Water supply; and
4. Food service operations.
D. Building plans and specifications for new construction, change in use of existing buildings, and any structural modifications or additions to existing buildings shall be submitted to and approved by the regulatory authority and by other appropriate regulatory agencies. Any planned construction, renovation, enlargement, or expansion of a detention center shall follow the submission and approval requirements of the Regulation Governing State Reimbursement of Local Juvenile Residential Facility Costs (6VAC35-30) and of any other applicable regulatory authorities.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 16.1-322.7, and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-101-360. Equipment and systems inspections and maintenance.
A. All safety, emergency, and communications equipment and systems shall be inspected, tested, and maintained by designated staff in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations or instruction manuals or, absent such requirements, in accordance with a schedule that is approved by the facility administrator. Testing of such equipment and systems shall, at a minimum, be conducted quarterly.
B. Whenever safety, emergency, and communications equipment or a system is found to be defective, immediate steps shall be taken to rectify the situation and to repair, remove, or replace the defective equipment.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 16.1-322.7, and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-101-370. Alternate power source.
The facility shall have access to an alternate power source for use in an emergency.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 16.1-322.7, and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-101-380. Heating and cooling systems and ventilation.
A. Heat shall be distributed in all rooms occupied by the residents such that a temperature no less than 68°F is maintained, unless otherwise mandated by state or federal authorities.
B. Air conditioning or mechanical ventilating systems, such as electric fans, shall be provided in all rooms occupied by residents when the temperature in those rooms exceeds 80°F.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 16.1-322.7, and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-101-390. Lighting.
A. Sleeping and activity areas shall provide natural lighting.
B. All areas within buildings shall be lighted for safety and the lighting shall be sufficient for the activities being performed.
C. There shall be night lighting sufficient to observe residents.
D. Operable flashlights or battery powered lanterns shall be accessible to each direct care staff member on duty.
E. Outside entrances and parking areas shall be lighted.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 16.1-322.7, and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-101-400. Plumbing and water supply; temperature.
A. Plumbing shall be maintained in operational condition, as designed.
B. An adequate supply of hot and cold running water shall be available at all times.
C. Precautions shall be taken to prevent scalding from running water. Water temperatures should be maintained at 100°F to 120°F.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 16.1-322.7, and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-101-410. Drinking water.
A. In all detention centers constructed after January 1, 1998, all sleeping areas shall have fresh drinking water for the residents' use.
B. All activity areas shall have potable drinking water available for the residents' use.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 16.1-322.7, and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-101-420. Toilet facilities.
A. There shall be toilet facilities available for resident use in all sleeping rooms for each detention center constructed after January 1, 1998.
B. There shall be at least one toilet, one hand basin, and one shower or bathtub for every eight residents for detention centers constructed on or before December 27, 2007. There shall be one toilet, one hand basin, and one shower or tub for every four residents in any building constructed or structurally modified on or after December 28, 2007.
C. There shall be at least one bathtub in each facility.
D. The maximum number of staff members on duty in the living unit shall be counted in determining the required number of toilets and hand basins when a separate bathroom is not provided for staff.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-322.7 and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014; amended, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 8, eff. January 30, 2016.
6VAC35-101-430. Sleeping areas.
A. Males and females shall have separate sleeping rooms.
B. Beds shall be at least three feet apart at the head, foot, and sides; and double-decker beds shall be at least five feet apart at the head, foot, and sides.
C. Sleeping quarters established, constructed, or structurally modified after July 1, 1981, shall have:
1. At least 80 square feet of floor area in a bedroom accommodating one person;
2. At least 60 square feet of floor area per person in rooms accommodating two or more persons; and
3. Ceilings with a primary height at least 7-1/2 feet in height exclusive of protrusions, duct work, or dormers.
D. Mattresses shall be fire retardant as evidenced by documentation from the manufacturer except in buildings equipped with an automated sprinkler system as required by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (13VAC5-63).
E. The environment of sleeping areas shall be, during sleeping hours, maintained in a manner that is conducive to sleep and rest.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 16.1-322.7, and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-101-440. Furnishings.
All furnishings and equipment shall be safe, clean, and suitable to the ages and number of residents.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 16.1-322.7, and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-101-450. Disposal of garbage and management of hazardous materials.
A. Provision shall be made for the collection and legal disposal of all garbage and waste materials.
B. All flammable, toxic, medical, and caustic materials within the facility shall be stored, used, and disposed of in appropriate receptacles and in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 16.1-322.7, and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-101-460. Smoking prohibition.
Tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco, such as chewing tobacco or snuff, shall not be used by staff or visitors in any areas of the facility or its premises where residents may see or smell the tobacco product.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 16.1-322.7, and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-101-470. Space utilization.
A. Each detention center shall provide for the following:
1. Indoor and outdoor recreation areas;
2. Kitchen facilities and equipment for the preparation and service of meals;
3. Space and equipment for laundry, if laundry is done at the detention center;
4. A designated visiting area that permits informal communication between residents and visitors, including opportunity for physical contact in accordance with written procedures;
5. Storage space for items such as first aid equipment, household supplies, recreational equipment, and other materials;
6. Space for administrative activities including, as appropriate to the program, confidential conversations and the storage of records and materials; and
7. A central medical room with medical examination facilities developed and equipped in consultation with the health authority.
B. If a school programs is operated at the facility, school classrooms shall be designed in consultation with appropriate education authorities to comply with applicable state and local requirements.
C. Spaces or areas may be interchangeably utilized but shall be in functional condition for the designated purposes.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 16.1-322.7, and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-101-480. Kitchen operation and safety.
A. Meals shall be served in areas equipped with tables and benches or chairs that are size and age appropriate for the residents.
B. Written procedures shall govern access to all areas where food or utensils are stored and the inventory and control of all culinary equipment to which the residents reasonably may be expected to have access.
C. Walk-in refrigerators and freezers shall be equipped to permit emergency exits.
D. Bleach or another sanitizing agent approved by the federal Environmental Protection Agency to destroy bacteria shall be used in laundering table and kitchen linens.
E. Residents shall not be permitted to work in the detention center's food service.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 16.1-322.7, and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-101-490. Maintenance of the buildings and grounds.
A. The interior and exterior of all buildings and grounds shall be safe, maintained, and reasonably free of clutter and rubbish. This includes, but is not limited to, (i) required locks, mechanical devices, indoor and outdoor equipment, and furnishings and (ii) all areas where residents, staff, and visitors reasonably may be expected to have access.
B. All buildings shall be reasonably free of stale, musty, or foul odors.
C. Buildings shall be kept reasonably free of flies, roaches, rats, and other vermin.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 16.1-322.7, and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-101-500. Animals on the premises.
A. Animals maintained on the premises shall be housed at a reasonable distance from sleeping, living, eating, and food preparation areas, as well as a safe distance from water supplies.
B. Animals maintained on the premises shall be tested, inoculated, and licensed as required by law.
C. The premises shall be kept reasonably free of stray domestic animals.
D. Pets shall be provided with clean sleeping areas and adequate food and water.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 16.1-322.7, and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.