TITLE 12. HEALTH
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH
Report of Findings
Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the State Board of Health conducted a periodic review and a small business impact review of 12VAC5-450, Rules and Regulations Governing Campgrounds, and determined that this regulation should be retained as is. The board is publishing its report of findings dated July 11, 2026, to support this decision.
The General Assembly has charged the board with adopting, promulgating, and enforcing regulations necessary to protect public health and safety at campgrounds. The board has determined that this regulation is essential to protecting public health.
The regulation fulfills the statutory mandate from the General Assembly by ensuring that campgrounds that receive a license from the board meet minimum requirements, including (i) an approved drinking water supply; (ii) an approved sewage disposal system; (iii) an approved solid waste disposal system; (iv) the proper maintenance of buildings, grounds, and equipment; (v) vector and pest control; (vi) toilet, swimming, and bathing facilities, including shower facilities; (vii) effective measures for the control of animals and pets; and (viii) appropriate procedures and safeguards for hazardous situations, including the maintenance and sale of propane gas or other explosives and combustibles.
The regulation meets the criteria set forth in Executive Order 17 (2026) and is necessary to interpret and apply the requirements imposed by the board. The regulation is designed to achieve its objective in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. The agency is recommending that the regulation be retained as is. The continued need for the regulation is established in the Code of Virginia and is not discretionary. The sole comment received regarding the regulation was in support of maintaining the regulation in its current state. The regulation is clearly written, easily understandable, and does not overlap, duplicate, or conflict with any federal or state law or regulation. The regulation was previously updated in February 2025. The regulation is evaluated on an ongoing basis to ensure considerations of change in technology, economic conditions, and other factors that may have an impact on the citizens of the Commonwealth. Retaining the regulation in its current state will not have a negative impact on small businesses throughout the Commonwealth.
Contact Information: Olivia McCormick, Director, Division of Food and General Environmental Services, Virginia Department of Health, 109 Governor Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 864-8146, or email olivia.mccormick@vdh.virginia.gov.