The State Board of Health is considering amending the Rules and Regulations Governing Campgrounds (Title 35.1 - Hotels, Restaurants, Summer Camps, and Campgrounds) in order to improve campground safety and to recognize current use of campgrounds.
The 244 permitted campgrounds across the state, listed in Permitted Campgrounds 2016 dataset, and any newly permitted facilities would be effected by the proposed changed regs. The changes would also affect 31 campgrounds in the eight counties which make up the Three Rivers Health District. No waivers were requested between 2015 and May 12, 2017 for this health district.
In addition, there has been a growth in primitive camping. Again, from the notice:
How might this impact the Northern Neck? It is entirely possible that waivers could be requested by any of the31 20 currently permitted campgrounds or a temporary campground on the Northern Neck until the proposed amendments are approved and implemented. It is also possible that one or more of the counties individually or collectively through the Northern Neck Planning District Commission and/or Northern Neck Tourism Commission could entice festivals to this part of the state as part of an economic development, arts, or tourism plan. In this case, the proposed amendments if passed would ease the burden on permanent and temporary campgrounds.
Modifying regs to reflect current campground use
The May 29 amendment, public hearing, and public comment notice explains the changes in campground use since 2015:The current definition of a campground (contained in § 35.1-1 of the Code of Virginia) requires an owner to comply with the regulations when three or more designated campsites are intended for occupancy for periods of overnight or longer. However, festivals and short-term outdoor events occur today that draw large attendance, and temporary camping is often provided. Attempting to meet the requirements of the existing regulations for these short-term duration events has proven burdensome to property owners, and public health and safety can be protected with other controls in place. For these festivals and related events to proceed under the current regulations without undue hardship, waivers must be granted by the commissioner. The commissioner granted 44 waivers to allow for temporary camping throughout the Commonwealth in 2015, and 41 in 2016. Processing waiver requests drains limited staff resources away from mandated services provided by the department and can lead to regulatory inconsistency. Creating new requirements to govern short-term events will provide needed consistency and minimize waiver requests.
In addition, there has been a growth in primitive camping. Again, from the notice:
Primitive camping, commonly referred to as back country camping, zero-impact camping, or neutral footprint camping, is characterized by the absence of what are generally understood as modern conveniences. Requirements to provide numbered campsites, drinking water, solid waste disposal, and service buildings with modern sanitary facilities for all types of primitive camping is not only an undue hardship placed upon many campground owners, but is also not desired by all campers. By creating an allowance for primitive camping, campers will be permitted to provide their own water supply or means of waste disposal when camping, and campgrounds will not be required to provide numbered sites or showers and flush toilets. Creating distinct provisions for primitive camping areas will be less burdensome on campground owners, while still protecting public health and safety.
How might this impact the Northern Neck? It is entirely possible that waivers could be requested by any of the
Improving safety, requiring emergency response plan
From the notice:The current regulations do not require campground operators to have an emergency response plan in place. Campgrounds, having few or no permanent structures, can be high risk areas during natural disasters or other weather-related emergency events. The proposed amendments will better protect the safety of campers in Virginia by requiring campground operators to compose and maintain an emergency response plan that prepares for camper safety and potential evacuation, promote availability of emergency contact information for campers, and prepare for the communication of emergency response information to campers.
Share your thoughts
The State Board of Health is holding a public hearing on the proposed amendments Wednesday, June 20, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Perimeter Center (9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 200, Richmond in the Conference Center). Those unable to attend may submit written comments by midnight Friday, July 28, 2017 using the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall or by emailing Olivia K. McCormick, Program Manager, Tourist Establishment Services and Bedding and Upholstery Program, Virginia Department of Health.