Article 8.
Sanitation.
§ 130A-227. Department to establish program; definitions.
(a) For the purpose of promoting a safe and healthful environment and developing corrective measures required to minimize environmental health hazards, the Department shall establish a sanitation program. The Department shall employ environmental engineers, sanitarians, soil scientists and other scientific personnel necessary to carry out the sanitation provisions of this Chapter and the rules of the Commission.
(b) The following definitions shall apply throughout this Article:
(1) "Department" means the Department of Health and Human Services.
(2) "Secretary" means the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1997-443, s. 11A.77A; 2011-145, s. 13.3(aaa).)
§ 130A-229: Repealed.
§§ 130A-230, 130A-231: Repealed by Session Laws 2011-145, s. 13.3(ppp), effective July 1, 2011. See note for recodification of former G.S. 130A-230.
§ 130A-232: Reserved for future codification purposes.
§ 130A-233: Repealed by Session Laws 2011-145, s. 13.3(rrr), effective July 1, 2011. See note for recodification of former G.S. 130A-233.1.
§ 130A-233.1: Repealed by Session Laws 2011-145, s. 13.3(rrr), effective July 1, 2011. See note for recodification of former G.S. 130A-233.1.
§ 130A-233.2: Repealed by Session Laws 2011-145, s. 13.3(rrr), effective July 1, 2011. See note for recodification of former G.S. 130A-233.1.
§ 130A-234. Reserved for future codification purposes.
§ 130A-235. Regulation of sanitation in institutions; setback requirements applicable to certain water supply wells.
(a) For protection of the public health, the Commission shall adopt rules to establish sanitation requirements for all institutions and facilities at which individuals are provided room or board and for which a license to operate is required to be obtained or a certificate for payment is obtained from the Department. The rules shall also apply to facilities that provide room and board to individuals but are exempt from licensure under G.S. 131D-10.4(1). No other State agency may adopt rules to establish sanitation requirements for these institutions and facilities. The Department shall issue a license to operate or a certificate for payment to such an institution or facility only upon compliance with all applicable sanitation rules of the Commission, and the Department may suspend or revoke a license or a certificate for payment for violation of these rules. In adopting rules pursuant to this section, the Commission shall define categories of standards to which such institutions and facilities shall be subject and shall establish criteria for the placement of any such institution or facility into one of the categories. This section shall not apply to State institutions and facilities subject to inspection under G.S. 130A-5(10). This section shall not apply to a single-family dwelling that is used for a family foster home or a therapeutic foster home, as those terms are defined in G.S. 131D-10.2.
(a1) Notwithstanding any law, rule, or policy to the contrary, the frequency of food service inspections in nursing homes or nursing home beds licensed under Part 1 of Article 5 of Chapter 131E of the General Statutes or Part 1 of Article 6 of Chapter 131E of the General Statutes that are also certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services shall be reduced to a minimum of two inspections per year until October 1, 2012, and thereafter reduced to a minimum of one inspection per year, if the facility achieves a grade "A" sanitation score. If the facility receives a grade "B" or lower on its annual food service inspection, the county may conduct inspections until the food service operation achieves a grade "A" sanitation score. Nothing in this section prohibits the county from conducting an evaluation or inspection in response to a complaint or in the interest of public safety.
(b) Rules that establish a minimum distance from a building foundation for a water supply well shall provide that an institution or facility located in a single-family dwelling served by a water supply well that is located closer to a building foundation than the minimum distance specified in the rules may be licensed or approved if the results of water testing meet or exceed standards established by the Commission and there are no other potential health hazards associated with the well. At the time of application for licensure or approval, water shall be sampled and tested for pesticides, nitrates, and bacteria. Thereafter, water shall be sampled and tested at intervals determined by the Commission but not less than annually. A registered sanitarian or other health official who is qualified by training and experience shall collect the water samples as required by this subsection and may examine the well location to determine if there are other potential health hazards associated with the well. A well shall comply with all other applicable sanitation requirements established by the Commission.
(c) The Department may suspend or revoke a license or approval for a violation of this section or rules adopted by the Commission. (1945, c. 829, s. 1; 1957, c. 1357, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1987, c. 543, s. 1; 1989, c. 727, s. 143; 1997-443, s. 11A.79; 1998-136, s. 1; 2001-109, s. 1; 2001-487, s. 84(a); 2011-226, s. 1.)
§ 130A-236. Regulation of sanitation in schools.
For the protection of the public health, the Commission shall adopt rules to establish sanitation requirements for public, private and religious schools. The rules shall address, but not be limited to, the cleanliness of floors, walls, ceilings, storage spaces and other areas; adequacy of lighting, ventilation, water supply, toilet and lavatory facilities; sewage collection, treatment and disposal facilities; and solid waste disposal. The Department shall inspect schools at least annually. The Department shall submit written inspection reports of public schools to the State Board of Education and written inspection reports of private and religious schools to the Department of Administration. (1973, c. 1239, s. 1; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1993, c. 522, s. 11.)
§ 130A-237. Corrective action.
A principal or administrative head of a public, private, or religious school shall immediately take action to correct conditions that do not satisfy the sanitation rules. (1973, c. 1239, s. 2; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1993, c. 262, s. 6.)
§ 130A-239: Repealed.
§ 130A-240: Repealed.
§ 130A-241: Repealed.
§ 130A-242: Repealed.
§ 130A-243: Repealed.
§ 130A-244: Repealed.
§ 130A-245: Repealed.
§ 130A-246: Repealed.
§ 130A-247. Definitions.
The following definitions shall apply throughout this Part:
(1) "Bar" means an establishment with a permit to sell alcoholic beverages pursuant to subdivision (1), (3), (5), or (10) of G.S. 18B-1001 and that does not prepare or serve food as defined in this Part other than beverage garnishes, ice, or food that does not require time or temperature control for safety as set out in G.S. 130A-248(a) and rules adopted to implement that section and that is in an unopened original commercial package, except for food used as a beverage garnish.
(1a) "Bed and breakfast home" means a business in a private home of not more than eight guest rooms that offers bed and breakfast accommodations for a period of less than one week and that meets all of the following criteria:
a. Does not serve food or drink to the general public for pay.
b. Serves the breakfast meal, the lunch meal, the dinner meal, or a combination of all or some of these three meals, only to overnight guests of the home.
c. Includes the price of breakfast in the room rate. The price of additional meals served shall be listed as a separate charge on the overnight guest's bill rate at the conclusion of the overnight guest's stay.
d. Is the permanent residence of the owner or the manager of the business.
(2) "Bed and breakfast inn" means a business of at least nine but not more than 12 guest rooms that offers bed and breakfast accommodations for a period of less than one week, and that meets all of the following requirements:
a. Does not serve food or drink to the general public for pay.
b. Serves the breakfast meal, the lunch meal, the dinner meal, or a combination of all or some of these three meals only to overnight guests of the business.
c. Includes the price of breakfast in the room rate. The price of additional meals served shall be listed as separate charge on the overnight guest's bill at the conclusion of the guest's stay.
d. Is the permanent residence of the owner or the manager of the business.
(3) "Brewery" means an establishment licensed under G.S. 18B-1104 that is not engaged in the preparation of food on the premises. For purposes of this subdivision, the term "food" does not include beverages.
(4) "Distillery" means an establishment licensed under G.S. 18B-1105 that is not engaged in the preparation of food on the premises. For purposes of this subdivision, the term "food" does not include beverages.
(5) "Establishment" means (i) an establishment that prepares or serves drink, (ii) an establishment that prepares or serves food, (iii) an establishment that provides lodging, (iv) a bed and breakfast inn, or (v) an establishment that prepares and sells meat food products as defined in G.S. 106-549.15(14) or poultry products as defined in G.S. 106-549.51(26).
(6) "Establishment that prepares or serves drink" means a business or other entity that prepares or serves beverages made from raw apples or potentially hazardous beverages made from other raw fruits or vegetables or that otherwise puts together, portions, sets out, or hands out drinks for human consumption.
(7) "Establishment that prepares or serves food" means a business or other entity that cooks, puts together, portions, sets out, or hands out food for human consumption.
(8) "Limited food services establishment" means an establishment as described in G.S. 130A-248(a4), with food handling operations that are restricted by rules adopted by the Commission pursuant to G.S. 130A-248(a4) and that prepares or serves food only in conjunction with amateur athletic events. Limited food service establishment also includes lodging facilities that serve only reheated food that has already been pre-cooked.
(9) "Permanent house guest" means a person who receives room or board for periods of a week or longer. The term includes visitors of the permanent house guest.
(10) Repealed by Session Laws 2022-44, s. 6(b), effective July 7, 2022.
(11) "Private club" means an organization that (i) maintains selective members, is operated by the membership, does not provide food or lodging for pay to anyone who is not a member or a member's guest, and is either incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in accordance with Chapter 55A of the General Statutes or is exempt from federal income tax under the Internal Revenue Code as defined in G.S. 105-130.2(1) or (ii) meets the definition of a private club set forth in G.S. 18B-1000(5).
(12) "Regular boarder" means a person who receives food for periods of a week or longer.
(13) "Temporary food establishment" means an establishment not otherwise exempted from this part pursuant to G.S. 130A-250 that (i) prepares or serves food, (ii) operates for a period of time not to exceed 30 days in one location, and (iii) is affiliated with and endorsed by a transitory fair, carnival, circus, festival, public exhibition, or agritourism business. For purposes of this subdivision, "agritourism" means the same as in G.S. 160D-903(a). Notwithstanding the time limit set out in this subdivision, a local health department may, upon the request of a temporary food establishment, grant a one-time, 15-day extension of the establishment's permit if the establishment continues to meet all of the requirements of its permit and applicable rules.
(14) "Winery" means an establishment licensed under G.S. 18B-1101 or G.S. 18B-1102 that is not engaged in the preparation of food on the premises. For purposes of this subdivision, the term "food" does not include beverages. (1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1987, c. 367; 1991, c. 733, s. 1; 1993, c. 262, s. 1; c. 513, s. 12; 1995, c. 123, s. 12; c. 507, s. 26.8(f); 1999-247, ss. 3, 4; 2013-360, s. 12E.1(a); 2013-413, ss. 7, 11(a); 2014-115, s. 17; 2014-120, s. 21(a); 2017-211, s. 4(a), (b); 2018-5, s. 38.10(g); 2018-114, s. 2; 2019-49, s. 7; 2019-182, s. 15(a); 2021-150, ss. 6.3(a), (e); 2022-44, s. 6(b); 2022-55, s. 7(c); 2022-62, s. 18; 2023-129, s. 16(a).)
§ 130A-248. Regulation of food and lodging establishments.
(a) For the protection of the public health, the Commission shall adopt rules governing the sanitation of establishments that prepare or serve drink or food for pay and establishments that prepare and sell meat food products or poultry products. However, any establishment that prepares or serves food or drink to the public, regardless of pay, shall be subject to the provisions of this Article if the establishment that prepares or serves food or drink holds an ABC permit, as defined in G.S. 18B-101, meets any of the definitions in G.S. 18B-1000, and does not meet the definition set forth in G.S. 130A-247 for a brewery, distillery, bar, private club, or winery.
(a1) For the protection of the public health, the Commission shall adopt rules governing the sanitation of hotels, motels, tourist homes, and other establishments that provide lodging for pay.
(a2) For the protection of the public health, the Commission shall adopt rules governing the sanitation of bed and breakfast homes, as defined in G.S. 130A-247, and rules governing the sanitation of bed and breakfast inns, as defined in G.S. 130A-247. In carrying out this function, the Commission shall adopt requirements that are the least restrictive so as to protect the public health and not unreasonably interfere with the operation of bed and breakfast homes and bed and breakfast inns.
(a3) The rules adopted by the Commission pursuant to subsections (a), (a1), and (a2) of this section shall address, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) Sanitation requirements for cleanliness of floors, walls, ceilings, storage spaces, utensils, ventilation equipment, and other areas and items;
(2) Requirements for:
a. Lighting and water supply;
b. Wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal facilities; and
c. Lavatory and toilet facilities, food protection, and waste disposal;
(3) The cleaning and bactericidal treatment of eating and drinking utensils and other food-contact surfaces. A requirement imposed under this subdivision to sanitize multiuse eating and drinking utensils and other food-contact surfaces does not apply to utensils and surfaces provided in the guest room of the lodging unit for guests to prepare food while staying in the guest room.
(3a) The appropriate and reasonable use of gloves or utensils by employees who handle unwrapped food;
(4) The methods of food preparation, transportation, catering, storage, and serving;
(5) The health of employees;
(6) Animal and vermin control; and
(7) The prohibition against the offering of unwrapped food samples to the general public unless the offering and acceptance of the samples are continuously supervised by an agent of the entity preparing or offering the samples or by an agent of the entity on whose premises the samples are made available. As used in this subdivision, "food samples" means unwrapped food prepared and made available for sampling by and without charge to the general public for the purpose of promoting the food made available for sampling. This subdivision does not apply to unwrapped food prepared and offered in buffet, cafeteria, or other style in exchange for payment by the general public or by the person or entity arranging for the preparation and offering of such unwrapped food. This subdivision shall not apply to open air produce markets nor to farmer market facilities operated on land owned or leased by the State of North Carolina or any local government.
The rules shall contain a system for grading establishments, such as Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C. The rules shall be written in a manner that promotes consistency in both the interpretation and application of the grading system.
(a4) For the protection of the public health, the Commission shall adopt rules governing the sanitation of limited food service establishments. In adopting the rules, the Commission shall not limit the number of days that limited food service establishments may operate. Limited food service establishment permits shall be issued only to political subdivisions of the State, establishments operated by volunteers that prepare or serve food in conjunction with amateur athletic events, or for establishments operated by organizations that are exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) or section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(a5) The Department of Health and Human Services may grant a variance from rules adopted pursuant to this section in accordance with the United States Food and Drug Administration Food Code 2017 if the Department determines that the issuance of the variance will not result in a health hazard or nuisance condition.
(a6) Notwithstanding any provision of this Part or any rules adopted pursuant to G.S. 130A-335(e), a permitted food stand may elect to provide tables and not more than eight seats for customers to use while eating or drinking on the premises. Addition of seats under this subsection shall not require further evaluation of the adequacy of the approved sanitary sewage system.
(b) No establishment shall commence or continue operation without a permit or transitional permit issued by the Department. The permit or transitional permit shall be issued to the owner or operator of the establishment and shall not be transferable. If the establishment is leased, the permit or transitional permit shall be issued to the lessee and shall not be transferable. If the location of an establishment changes, a new permit shall be obtained for the establishment. A permit shall be issued only when the establishment satisfies all of the requirements of the rules. The Commission shall adopt rules establishing the requirements that must be met before a transitional permit may be issued, and the period for which a transitional permit may be issued. The Department may also impose conditions on the issuance of a permit or transitional permit in accordance with rules adopted by the Commission. A permit or transitional permit shall be immediately revoked in accordance with G.S. 130A-23(d) for failure of the establishment to maintain a minimum grade of C. A permit or transitional permit may otherwise be suspended or revoked in accordance with G.S. 130A-23.
(b1) A permit shall expire one year after an establishment closes unless the permit is the subject of a contested case pursuant to Article 3 of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes.
(c) If ownership of an establishment is transferred or the establishment is leased, the new owner or lessee shall apply for a new permit. The new owner or lessee may also apply for a transitional permit. A transitional permit may be issued upon the transfer of ownership or lease of an establishment to allow the correction of construction and equipment problems that do not represent an immediate threat to the public health. Upon issuance of a new permit or a transitional permit for the same establishment, any previously issued permit for an establishment in that location becomes void. This subsection does not prohibit issuing more than one owner or lessee a permit for the same location if (i) more than one establishment is operated in the same physical location and (ii) each establishment satisfies all of the rules and requirements of subsection (a) of this section. For purposes of this subsection, "transitional permit" means a permit issued upon the transfer of ownership or lease of an existing food establishment to allow the correction of construction and equipment problems that do not represent an immediate threat to the public health.
(c1) The Commission shall adopt rules governing the sanitation of pushcarts and mobile food units. A permitted restaurant or commissary shall serve as a base of operations for a pushcart. A mobile food unit shall meet all of the sanitation requirements of a permitted commissary or shall have a permitted restaurant or commissary that serves as its base of operation. Pushcarts or mobile food units that are based from a permitted commissary or restaurant that is located on the premises of a facility which contains at least 3,000 permanent seats shall be allowed to prepare and serve food on the premises. Raw meat, poultry, and fish shall be prepared in a permitted commissary or restaurant in a pre-portioned or ready-to-cook form. Pushcarts or mobile food units that handle raw ingredients shall be equipped with a handwashing sink. All open food and utensils shall be provided with overhead protection or otherwise equipped with individual covers, such as domes, chafing lids, or cookers with hinged lids. Food equipment and supplies shall be located in enclosed areas and protected from environmental contamination when not in operation.
(c2) Notwithstanding any provision of this Part, a food establishment may use an outdoor grill to prepare food for customers for sample or sale if all of the following criteria are met:
(1) The outdoor grill is located on the premises of the food establishment and is continuously supervised by a food employee when the grill is in use.
(2) The outdoor grill has a cooking surface made of stainless steel[,] cast iron, stone, or similar surface that complies with Parts 4-1 and 4-2 of the NC Food Code and meets sanitation requirements for equipment in a food establishment, and is stationed on a concrete or asphalt foundation.
(3) The outdoor grill is not operated within 10 feet of combustible construction.
(4) All open food and utensils are provided with overhead protection or otherwise equipped with individual covers, such as domes, chafing lids, or cookers with hinged lids.
(5) The outdoor grill is protected from environmental contamination when not in operation.
(6) The outdoor grill and concrete or asphalt foundation are cleaned daily on any day that the grill is in operation.
(7) Raw meat, poultry, and fish are prepared in a pre-portioned or ready-to-cook form inside the food establishment and may only be handled indirectly with utensils when using the outdoor grill. Food prepared on the outdoor grill is processed inside the food establishment.
(c3) Notwithstanding any provision of this Part, a food establishment may reuse an oyster shell to serve shucked oysters that are cooked, regardless if the shucked oysters are reused in the same shells from which they originated, provided the establishment does all of the following:
(1) Posts on the premises a conspicuous sign, clearly legible, and easily readable by the public, advising that the establishment reuses oyster shells to serve cooked oysters.
(2) Protects each reused oyster shell from contamination by, at a minimum, doing all of the following on the same day the oyster is removed from the shell:
a. Boils the shell for a minimum of ten minutes.
b. Thoroughly dries the shell.
c. Stores the shell in a covered container that is refrigerated until it is reused.
(3) Reuses the shell within 48 hours after the oyster is removed from the shell.
(d) The Department shall charge each establishment subject to this section, except nutrition programs for the elderly administered by the Division of Aging and Adult Services of the Department of Health and Human Services, establishments that prepare and sell meat food products or poultry products, temporary food establishments, limited food services establishments, and public school cafeterias, a fee of one hundred twenty dollars ($120.00) for each permit issued. This fee shall be reassessed annually for permits that do not expire. The Commission shall adopt rules to implement this subsection. Fees collected under this subsection shall be used for State and local food, lodging, and institution sanitation programs and activities. No more than fifty dollars ($50.00) of each fee collected under this subsection may be used to support State health programs and activities.
(d1) The Department shall charge a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) late payment fee to any establishment subject to this section, except nutrition programs for the elderly administered by the Division of Aging of the Department of Health and Human Services, establishments that prepare and sell meat food products or poultry products, temporary food establishments, limited food services establishments, and public school cafeterias, that fails to pay the fee required by subsection (d) of this section within 45 days after billing by the Department. The Department may, in accordance with G.S. 130A-23, suspend the permit of an establishment that fails to pay the required fee within 60 days after billing by the Department. The Department shall charge a reinstatement fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) to any establishment that requests reinstatement of its permit after the permit has been suspended. The Commission shall adopt rules to implement this subsection.
The clear proceeds of civil penalties collected pursuant to this subsection shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C-457.2.
(d2) A local health department shall charge each temporary food establishment and each limited food services establishment a fee of seventy-five dollars ($75.00) for each permit issued. A local health department shall use all fees collected under this subsection for local food, lodging, and institution sanitation programs and activities.
(e) In addition to the fees under subsection (d) of this section, the Department may charge a fee of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for plan review of plans for prototype franchised or chain facilities for food establishments subject to this section. All of the fees collected under this subsection may be used to support the State food, lodging, and institution sanitation programs and activities under this Part.
(e1) Plans for a franchised or chain food establishment that have been reviewed and approved by the Department shall not require further review and approval under this section by any local health department. The local health department may suggest revisions to a reviewed and approved plan to the Department. The local health department shall not impose any of the suggestion revisions on the owner or operator without written approval from the Department.
(f) Any local health department may charge a fee not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for plan review by that local health department of plans for food establishments subject to this section that are not subject to subsection (e) of this section. All of the fees collected under this subsection may be used for local food, lodging, and institution sanitation programs and activities. No food establishment that pays a fee under subsection (e) of this section is liable for a fee under this subsection.
(g) All hotels, motels, tourist homes, and other establishments that provide lodging for pay shall comply with the requirements of G.S. 143-138(b2)(2). Upon notification of a violation of G.S. 143-138(b2)(2) by the code official responsible for enforcing the NC State Building Code (Fire Prevention) in accordance with G.S. 143-138(b2)(4), the local health department is authorized to suspend a permit issued pursuant to this section in accordance with G.S. 130A-23. (1941, c. 309, s. 1; 1955, c. 1030, s. 1; 1957, c. 1214, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1987, c. 438, s. 2; 1989, c. 551, ss. 1, 4; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1064, s. 1; 1991, c. 226, s. 1; c. 656, ss. 1, 2; c. 733, s. 2; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 1039, s. 7; 1993, c. 262, s. 2; c. 346, s. 1; c. 513, s. 13; 1995, c. 123, s. 13(a)-(d); c. 507, s. 26.8(b), (g); 1997-367, s. 1; 1997-443, s. 11A.118(a); 1997-479, s. 1; 2002-126, ss. 29A.15(a), 29A.16; 2003-340, ss. 1.5, 3; 2005-276, s. 6.37(s); 2009-451, s. 13.2(a)-(c); 2009-484, s. 2(b); 2011-145, s. 31.11A(a); 2011-391, s. 61A; 2011-394, s. 15(b); 2012-142, s. 10.15; 2012-187, s. 16.2; 2013-360, s. 12E.1(b)-(d), (f); 2013-413, ss. 11(b), 19(b), (c); 2014-120, s. 22(a), (b), (d); 2015-104, ss. 1, 2; 2015-246, s. 10; 2015-286, s. 3.8; 2017-18, s. 1; 2019-49, s. 8; 2019-141, s. 1; 2019-182, s. 15(b); 2021-77, s. 7; 2021-150, s. 6.3(b); 2022-44, s. 6(c); 2024-45, s. 18.)
§ 130A-249. Inspections; report and grade card.
The Secretary may enter any establishment that is subject to the provisions of G.S. 130A-248 for the purpose of making inspections. The Secretary shall inspect each food service establishment at a frequency established by the Commission. In establishing a schedule for inspections, the Commission shall consider the risks to the population served by the establishment and the type of food or drink served by the establishment. The person responsible for the management or control of an establishment shall permit the Secretary to inspect every part of the establishment and shall render all aid and assistance necessary for the inspection. The Secretary shall leave a copy of the inspection form and a card or cards showing the grade of the establishment with the responsible person. The Secretary shall post the grade card in a conspicuous place as determined by the Secretary where it may be readily observed by the public upon entering the establishment or upon picking up food prepared inside but received and paid for outside the establishment through delivery windows or other delivery devices. If a single establishment has one or more outside delivery service stations and an internal delivery system, that establishment shall have a grade card posted where it may be readily visible upon entering the establishment and one posted where it may be readily visible in each delivery window or delivery device upon picking up the food outside the establishment. The grade card or cards shall not be removed by anyone, except by or upon the instruction of the Secretary. (1941, c. 309, s. 2; 1955, c. 1030, s. 2; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1987, c. 145; c. 189; 1989, c. 551, s. 2; 1993, c. 262, s. 3; 2005-386, s. 4.1.)
§ 130A-250. Exemptions.
The following shall be exempt from this Part:
(1) Establishments that provide lodging described in G.S. 130A-248(a1) with four or fewer lodging units.
(2) Condominiums.
(3) Establishments that prepare or serve food or provide lodging to regular boarders or permanent houseguests only. However, the rules governing food sanitation adopted under G.S. 130A-248 apply to establishments that are not regulated under G.S. 130A-235 and that prepare or serve food for pay to 13 or more regular boarders or permanent houseguests who are disabled or who are 55 years of age or older. Establishments to which the rules governing food sanitation are made applicable by this subdivision that are in operation as of 1 July 2000 may continue to use equipment and construction in use on that date if no imminent hazard exists. Replacement equipment for these establishments shall comply with the rules governing food sanitation adopted under G.S. 130A-248.
(4) Private homes that occasionally offer lodging accommodations, which may include the providing of food, for two weeks or less to persons attending special events, provided these homes are not bed and breakfast homes or bed and breakfast inns.
(4a) Bars as defined in G.S. 130A-247(1).
(5) Private clubs.
(6) Curb markets operated by the State Agricultural Extension Service.
(7) Establishments (i) that are incorporated as nonprofit corporations in accordance with Chapter 55A of the General Statutes or (ii) that are exempt from federal income tax under the Internal Revenue Code, as defined in G.S. 105-228.90, or (iii) that are political committees as defined in G.S. 163-278.6(74) and that prepare or serve food or drink for pay no more frequently than once a month for a period not to exceed two consecutive days, including establishments permitted pursuant to this Part when preparing or serving food or drink at a location other than the permitted locations. A nutrition program for the elderly that is administered by the Division of Aging of the Department of Health and Human Services and that prepares and serves food or drink on the premises where the program is located in connection with a fundraising event is exempt from this Part if food and drink are prepared and served no more frequently than one day each month.
(8) Establishments that put together, portion, set out, or hand out only beverages that do not include those made from raw apples or potentially hazardous beverages made from raw fruits or vegetables, using single service containers that are not reused on the premises.
(9) Establishments where meat food products or poultry products are prepared and sold and which are under inspection by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or the United States Department of Agriculture.
(10) Markets that sell uncooked cured country ham or uncooked cured salted pork and that engage in minimal preparation such as slicing, weighing, or wrapping the ham or pork, when this minimal preparation is the only activity that would otherwise subject these markets to regulation under this Part.
(11) Establishments that only set out or hand out beverages that are regulated by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in accordance with Article 12 of Chapter 106 of the General Statutes.
(12) Establishments that only set out or hand out food that is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in accordance with Article 12 of Chapter 106 of the General Statutes.
(13) Traditional country stores that sell uncooked sandwiches or similar food items and that engage in minimal preparation such as slicing bananas, spreading peanut butter, mixing and spreading pimiento cheese, and assembling these items into sandwiches, when this minimal preparation is the only activity that would otherwise subject these establishments to regulation under this Part. For the purposes of this subsection, traditional country stores means for-profit establishments that sell an assortment of goods, including prepackaged foods and beverages, and have been in continuous operation for at least 75 years.
(14) Bona fide cooking schools, defined for the purpose of this subdivision as cooking schools that (i) primarily provide courses or instruction on food preparation techniques that participants can replicate in their homes, (ii) prepare or serve food for cooking school participants during instructional time only, and (iii) do not otherwise prepare or serve food to the public.
(15) Temporary family health care structures under G.S. 160D-915.
(17) A brewery as defined in G.S. 130A-247(10).
(18) A distillery as defined in G.S. 130A-247(4).
(19) A winery as defined in G.S. 130A-247(14).
(20) The bar area or other similar area in an establishment where alcoholic beverages are prepared, poured, or mixed before service to customers and food is not prepared, except for the preparation of garnishes for alcoholic beverages. (1955, c. 1030, s. 4; 1957, c. 1214, s. 3; 1983, c. 884, ss. 1, 2; c. 891, s. 2; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 926; 1989, c. 551, s. 3; 1991, c. 733, s. 3; 1993, c. 262, s. 4; c. 513, s. 14; 1995, c. 123, s. 14; 1997-261, s. 86; 1999-13, s. 1; 1999-247, s. 5; 2000-82, s. 1; 2001-440, s. 4; 2010-180, s. 18; 2011-335, s. 1; 2014-94, s. 3; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, ss. 3.1(a), (b), 6.1; 2019-49, s. 9; 2019-182, s. 15(c); 2021-150, s. 6.3(c); 2022-44, s. 6(d); 2022-51, s. 16; 2022-62, s. 19; 2023-129, s. 16(b); 2024-41, s. 14(b).)
§ 130A-251. Legislative intent and purpose.
The intent and purpose of this Part is to provide for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare of those persons in attendance at mass gatherings and of those persons who reside near or are located in proximity to the sites of mass gatherings or are directly affected by them. (1971, c. 712, s. 1; 1983, c. 891, s. 2.)
§ 130A-252. Definition of mass gathering; applicability of Part.
(a) For the purposes of this Part, "mass gathering" means a congregation or assembly of more than 5,000 people in an open space or open air for a period of more than 24 hours. A mass gathering shall include all congregations and assemblies organized or held for any purpose, but shall not include assemblies in permanent buildings or permanent structures designed or intended for use by a large number of people. To determine whether a congregation or assembly extends for more than 24 hours, the period shall begin when the people expected to attend are first permitted on the land where the congregation or assembly will be held and shall end when the people in attendance are expected to depart. To determine whether a congregation or assembly shall consist of more than 5,000 people, the number reasonably expected to attend, as determined from the promotion, advertisement and preparation for the congregation or assembly and from the attendance at prior congregations or assemblies of the same type, shall be considered.
(b) The provisions of this Part do not apply to a permanent stadium with an adjacent campground that hosts an annual event that has, within the previous five years, attracted crowds in excess of 70,000 people. The term "stadium" includes speedways and dragways. (1971, c. 712, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1999-3, s. 1; 1999-171, s. 1.)
§ 130A-253. Permit required; information report; revocation of permit.
(a) No person shall organize, sponsor or hold any mass gathering unless a permit has been issued to the person by the Secretary under the provisions of this Part. A permit shall be required for each mass gathering and is not transferable.
(b) A permit may be revoked by the Secretary at any time if the Secretary finds that the mass gathering is being or has been maintained or operated in violation of this Part. A permit may be revoked upon the request of the permittee or upon abandonment of the operation. A permit will otherwise expire upon satisfactory completion of the post-gathering cleanup following the close of the mass gathering.
(c) The Secretary, upon information that a congregation or assembly of people which may constitute a mass gathering is being organized or promoted, may direct the organizer or promoter to submit within five calendar days an information report to the Department. The report shall contain the information required for an application for permit under G.S. 130A-254(b) and other information concerning the promotion, advertisement and preparation for the congregation or assembly and prior congregations or assemblies, as the Secretary deems necessary. The Secretary shall consider all available information including any report received and shall determine if the proposed congregation or assembly is a mass gathering. If the Secretary determines that a proposed congregation or assembly is a mass gathering, the Secretary shall notify the organizer or promoter to submit an application for permit at least 30 days prior to the commencement of the mass gathering. (1971, c. 712, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1983, c. 891, s. 2.)
§ 130A-254. Application for permit.
(a) Application for a permit for a mass gathering shall be made to the Secretary on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Secretary. The application shall be filed with the Secretary at least 30 days prior to the commencement of the mass gathering. A fee as prescribed by the Secretary, not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00), shall accompany the application.
(b) The application shall contain the following information: identification of the applicant; identification of any other person or persons responsible for organizing, sponsoring or holding the mass gathering; the location of the proposed mass gathering; the estimated maximum number of persons reasonably expected to be in attendance at any time; the date or dates and the hours during which the mass gathering is to be conducted; and a statement as to the total time period involved.
(c) The application shall be accompanied by an outline map of the area to be used, to approximate scale, showing the location of all proposed and existing privies or toilets; lavatory and bathing facilities; all water supply sources including lakes, ponds, streams, wells and storage tanks; all areas of assemblage; all camping areas; all food service areas; all garbage and refuse storage and disposal areas; all entrances and exits to public highways; and emergency ingress and egress roads.
(d) The application shall be accompanied by additional plans, reports and information required by the Secretary as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Part.
(e) A charge shall be levied by the Secretary to cover the cost of additional services, including police, fire and medical services, provided by the State or units of local government on account of the mass gathering. The Secretary shall reimburse the State or the units of local government for the additional services upon receipt of payment. (1971, c. 712, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1983, c. 891, s. 2.)
§ 130A-255. Provisional permit; performance bond; liability insurance.
(a) Within 15 days after the receipt of the application, the Secretary shall review the application and inspect the proposed site for the mass gathering. If it is likely that the requirements of this Part and the rules of the Commission can be met by the applicant, a provisional permit shall be issued.
(b) The Secretary shall require the permittee within five days after issuance of the provisional permit to file with the Secretary a performance bond or other surety to be executed to the State in the amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for up to 10,000 persons and an additional one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each additional 5,000 persons or fraction reasonably estimated to attend the mass gathering. The bond shall be conditioned on full compliance with this Part and the rules of the Commission and shall be forfeitable upon noncompliance and a showing by the Secretary of injury, damage or other loss to the State or local governmental agencies caused by the noncompliance.
(c) The permittee shall in addition file satisfactory evidence of public liability and property damage insurance in an amount determined by the Secretary to be reasonable, not to exceed one million dollars ($1,000,000) in amount, in relation to the risks and hazards involved in the proposed mass gathering. (1971, c. 712, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1983, c. 891, s. 2.)
§ 130A-256. Issuance of permit; revocation; forfeiture of bond; cancellation.
(a) If, upon inspection by the Secretary five days prior to the starting date of the mass gathering, or earlier upon request of the permittee, the required facilities are found to be in place, satisfactory arrangements are found to have been made for required services, the charge for additional services levied in accordance with G.S. 130A-254(e) has been paid and other applicable provisions of this Part and the rules of the Commission are found to have been met, the Secretary shall issue a permit for the mass gathering. If, upon inspection, the facilities, arrangements or other provisions are not satisfactory, the provisional permit shall be revoked and no permit shall be issued.
(b) Upon revocation of either the provisional permit or the permit, the permittee shall immediately announce cancellation of the mass gathering in as effective a manner as is reasonably possible including, but not limited to, the use or whatever methods were used for advertising or promoting the mass gathering.
(c) If the provisional permit or the permit is revoked prior to or during the mass gathering, the Secretary may order the permittee to install facilities and make arrangements necessary to accommodate persons who may nevertheless attend or be present at the mass gathering despite its cancellation and to restore the site to a safe and sanitary condition. In the event the permittee fails to comply with the order of the Secretary, the Secretary may immediately proceed to install facilities and make other arrangements and provisions for cleanup as may be minimally required in the interest of public health and safety, utilizing any State and local funds and resources as may be available.
(d) If the Secretary installs facilities or makes arrangements or provisions for cleanup pursuant to subsection (c), the Secretary may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction prior to or within 60 days after the action to order forfeiture of the permittee's performance bond or surety for violation of this Part or the rules of the Commission. The court may order that the proceeds shall be applied to the extent necessary to reimburse State and local governmental agencies for expenditures made pursuant to the action taken by the Secretary upon the permittee's failure to comply with the order. Any excess proceeds shall be returned to the insurer of the bond or to the surety after deducting court costs. (1971, c. 712, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1983, c. 891, s. 2.)
§ 130A-257. Rules of the Commission.
For the protection of the public health, safety and welfare of those attending mass gatherings and of other persons who may be affected by mass gatherings, the Commission shall adopt rules to carry out the provisions of this Part and to establish requirements for the provision of facilities and services at mass gatherings. The rules shall include, but not be limited to, the establishment of requirements as follows:
(1) General requirements relating to minimum size of activity area including camping and parking space, distance of activity area from dwellings, distance from public water supplies and watersheds and an adequate command post for use by personnel of health, law-enforcement and other governmental agencies;
(2) Adequate ingress and egress roads, parking facilities and entrances and exits to public highways;
(3) Plans for limiting attendance and crowd control, dust control and rapid emergency evacuation;
(4) Medical care, including facilities, services and personnel;
(5) Sanitary water supply, source and distribution; toilet facilities; sewage disposal; solid waste collection and disposal; food dispensing; insect and rodent control; and post-gathering cleanup; and
(6) Noise level at perimeter; lighting and signs. (1971, c. 712, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1983, c. 891, s. 2.)
§ 130A-258. Local ordinances not abrogated.
Nothing in this Part shall be construed to limit the authority of units of local government to adopt ordinances regulating, but not prohibiting, congregations and assemblies not covered by this Part. (1971, c. 712, s. 1; 1983, c. 891, s. 2.)
§§ 130A-259 through 130A-260. Reserved for future codification purposes.
§§ 130A-261 through 130A-273: Recodified as Article 4H of Chapter 106, G.S. 106-65.95 through 106-65.107, by Session Laws 2011-145, s. 13.3(v), effective July 1, 2011.
§§ 130A-274 through 130A-279: Recodified as Article 28C of Chapter 106, G.S. 106-266.30 through 106-266.35, by Session Laws 2011-145, s. 13.3(l), effective July 1, 2011.
§ 130A-280. Scope.
This Article provides for the regulation of public swimming pools in the State as they may affect the public health and safety. As used in this Article, the term "public swimming pool" means any structure, chamber, or tank containing an artificial body of water used by the public for swimming, diving, wading, recreation, or therapy, together with buildings, appurtenances, and equipment used in connection with the body of water, regardless of whether a fee is charged for its use. The term includes municipal, school, hotel, motel, apartment, boarding house, athletic club, or other membership facility pools and spas, spas operating for display at temporary events, and artificial swimming lagoons. As used in this Article, an "artificial swimming lagoon" means any body of water used for recreational purposes with more than 20,000 square feet of surface area, an artificial liner, and a method of disinfectant that results in a disinfectant residual in the swimming zone that is protective of the public health. This Article does not apply to a private pool serving a single family dwelling and used only by the residents of the dwelling and their guests. This Article also does not apply to therapeutic pools used in physical therapy programs operated by medical facilities licensed by the Department or operated by a licensed physical therapist, nor to therapeutic chambers drained, cleaned, and refilled after each individual use. (1989, c. 577, s. 1; 1997-443, s. 11A.80; 2019-88, s. 2(a); 2021-77, s. 8(a).)
§ 130A-281. Operation permit required.
No public swimming pool may be opened for use unless the owner or operator has obtained an operation permit issued by the Department pursuant to rules adopted under G.S. 130A-282. (1989, c. 577, s. 1.)
§ 130A-282. Commission to adopt rules; exception.
(a) Rules Required. For protection of the public health and safety, the Commission shall adopt and the Department shall enforce rules concerning the construction and operation of public swimming pools. The Commission shall classify public swimming pools on the basis of size, usage, type, or any other appropriate factor and shall adopt requirements for each classification. The rules shall include requirements for:
(1) Submission and review of plans prior to construction.
(2) Application, review, expiration, renewal, and revocation or suspension of an operating permit.
(3) Inspection.
(4) Design and construction including materials, depth and other dimensions, and standards for the abatement of suction hazards.
(5) Operation and safety including water source, water quality and testing, fencing, water treatment, chemical storage, toilet and bath facilities, measures to ensure the personal cleanliness of bathers, safety equipment and other safety measures, and sewage and other wastewater disposal.
(b) Exception. Public swimming pools constructed or remodeled prior to May 1, 1993, that do not meet specific design and construction requirements of the rules for public swimming pools adopted by the Commission shall not be required to comply with design and construction requirements other than requirements related to the abatement of suction hazards. Public swimming pools constructed or remodeled prior to May 1, 1993, shall comply with all other rules for public swimming pools adopted by the Commission.
(c) No single drain, single suction outlet public swimming pools less than 18 inches deep shall be allowed to operate. (1989, c. 577, s. 1; 1993, c. 215, s. 1; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 732, s. 1.)
§ 130A-283. Tattooing regulated.
(a) Definition. - As used in this Part, the term "tattooing" means the inserting of permanent markings or coloration, or the producing of scars, upon or under human skin through puncturing by use of a needle or any other method.
(b) Prohibited Practice. - No person shall engage in tattooing without first obtaining a tattooing permit from the Department. Licensed physicians, as well as physician assistants and nurse practitioners working under the supervision of a licensed physician, who perform tattooing within the normal course of their professional practice are exempt from the requirements of this Part.
(c) Application. - To obtain a tattooing permit, a person must apply to the Department. Upon receipt of the application, the Department, acting through the local health department, shall inspect the premises, instruments, utensils, equipment, and procedures of the applicant to determine whether the applicant meets the requirements for a tattooing permit set by the Commission. If the applicant meets these requirements, the Department shall issue a permit to the applicant. A permit is valid for one year and must be renewed annually by applying to the Department for a permit renewal.
(d) Violations. - The Department may deny an application for a tattooing permit if an applicant does not meet the requirements set by the Commission for the permit. The Department may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a permit if it finds that tattooing is being performed in violation of this Part. In accordance with G.S. 130A-24(a), Chapter 150B of the General Statutes, the Administrative Procedure Act, governs appeals concerning the enforcement of this Part.
(e) Limitation. - A permit issued pursuant to this Part does not authorize a person to remove a tattoo from the body of a human being. Compliance with this Part is not a bar to prosecution for a violation of G.S. 14-400. (1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 670, s. 1.)
§ 130A-284. Decontamination of property used for the manufacture of methamphetamine.
For the protection of the public health, the Commission shall adopt rules establishing decontamination standards to ensure that certain property is reasonably safe for habitation. An owner, lessee, operator or other person in control of a residence or place of business or any structure appurtenant to a residence or place of business, and who has knowledge that the property has been used for the manufacture of methamphetamine, shall comply with these rules. For purposes of this section, the terms "residence" and "place of business" shall be defined as set forth in G.S. 130A-334. (2004-178, s. 7.)
§ 130A-285: Reserved for future codification purposes.
§ 130A-286: Reserved for future codification purposes.
§ 130A-287: Reserved for future codification purposes.
§ 130A-288: Reserved for future codification purposes.
§ 130A-289: Reserved for future codification purposes.