Iowa Admin. Code r. 481-68.25

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 11, December 11, 2024

Rule 481-68.25 - Structural standards

(1) The EGH shall be safe, sanitary, well-ventilated, and properly lighted, heated, and cooled; and shall comply with all applicable state and local housing ordinances for family residences and with fire safety rules promulgated by the state fire marshal.

(2) In addition to meeting the requirements in subrule 68.25(1), the EGH shall meet the following standards:

a. General.

(1) The home, furnishings and fixtures shall be clean, in good repair and appropriate for the tenants.

(2) Stairways shall have handrails of a circumference, length, texture, strength and stability that can reasonably be expected to provide tenant support.

(3) A functioning light shall be provided in each room, stairway and exit; all light bulbs shall be protected from breakage or removal with appropriate covers.

(4) The yard, fire exits and exterior steps shall be kept free of obstructions and shall be accessible and appropriate to the condition of the tenants.

(5) There shall be at least 150 square feet of common living space and sufficient furniture in the home to accommodate the recreational and socialization needs of all the tenants at one time; common space shall not be located in the basement or garage, unless such space was constructed for that purpose. Additional common living space may be required if wheelchairs, walkers or other durable medical equipment is to be accommodated. For an EGH constructed or remodeled after July I, 2005, there shall be 300 square feet of usable floor space.

(6) Interior and exterior doorways used by tenants shall be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers if tenants with impaired mobility are in residence.

(7) Hot and cold water at each tub, shower, and sink shall be in sufficient supply to meet the needs of the tenants and staff.

(8) Grab bars shall be present for each toilet, tub and shower Access to toilet and bathing facilities shall be barrier-free. Toilet and bathing facilities shall provide individual privacy.

(9) A telephone shall be available and accessible for tenants' use in a manner that allows for privacy for all calls.

b. Safety.

(1) All combustion appliances shall be used and maintained properly and shall be inspected annually by a qualified technician for carbon monoxide emissions and any other hazards to health and safety;

(2) Extension cord wiring shall not be used in place of permanent electrical fixtures or outlets.

c. Sanitation requirements.

(1) A public water supply shall be utilized if available. If a nonmunicipal water source is used, the owner or on-site manager must show documentation from the state laboratory that the water supply is potable and is tested as required by the rules of the environmental protection commission of the department of natural resources.

(2) Septic tanks or other nonmunicipal wastewater disposal systems shall be in good working order and shall comply with state and local regulations for wastewater treatment.

(3) Garbage and refuse shall be suitably stored and disposed of by a sanitation company providing service in the area.

(4) If laundry service is provided, soiled linens and clothing shall be stored in containers in an area separate from food storage, kitchen and dining areas.

(5) Sanitation for household pets and other domestic animals shall be adequate to prevent health and safety hazards.

(6) There shall be adequate control of insects and rodents.

(7) Reasonable and prudent precautions for infection control shall be taken, including washing hands and exposed portions of arms with soap and hot water immediately before engaging in food preparation and meal service and before and after providing personal care.

(8) There shall be at least one toilet and one sink for every four household occupants. A minimum of one sink and toilet is required on each floor occupied by tenants. A sink shall be located near each toilet. For an EGH constructed or remodeled after July 1, 2005, there shall be at least one toilet and one sink for every two household occupants, with a minimum of one toilet and one sink on each floor occupied by tenants.

(9) At least one tub or shower is required for each six household occupants. For an EGH constructed or remodeled after July 1, 2005, there shall be at least one tub or one shower for every four household occupants.

d. Bedroom requirements.

(1) Each tenant bedroom shall:

1. Have a door that opens directly to a hallway or common use area without passage through another bedroom or common bathroom;

2. Be adequately ventilated, heated, cooled and lighted;

3. Have at least 70 square feet of usable floor space, excluding any area where a sloped ceiling does not allow a person to stand upright. For an EGH constructed or remodeled after July 1, 2005, each tenant bedroom shall have at least 100 square feet of usable floor space;

4. Provide individual privacy and be occupied by one tenant, unless an alternative arrangement is agreed to in the occupancy agreement by the tenant or the tenant's legal representative;

5. Be on ground level for tenants with impaired mobility;

6. Be in sufficiently close proximity to the on-site manager to ensure that tenants are able to alert the on-site manager to nighttime needs or emergencies, or be equipped with a call system.

(2) Owners, operators, on-site managers, their family members, and personal care providers shall not use as bedrooms areas that are designated as living areas or as tenant bedrooms;

(3) Common living space and tenant bedrooms shall not be used for storage areas.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 481-68.25

ARC 8175b, lAB 9/23/09, effective 1/1/10