109.04.07 Ark. Code R. 003

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 10, October, 2024

Rule 109.04.07-003 - Changes to and New Policy pertaining to the Multi-Family Housing Minimum Design Standard

Part 1:Introduction

OVERVIEW:

With the changing demographics of the United States (and much of the world)-i.e. the aging of the "baby-boom" generation and the increased prevalence of various disabilities- there has become an increasing importance (and demand) to develop affordable, user-friendly housing. The design and construction of inclusive housing has become most signifcant in the South and states such as Arkansas, where the aforementioned economic and demographic effects are most pronounced. This document serves as a guide for local, regional, and state governments, agencies, and housing authorities and for designers, developers, builders, architects, and engineers working with these organizations for designing and constructing more accessible, usable housing. This guide may be adopted or utilized (in part or in whole) by any of these organizations or individuals as a means to positively affect the quality of housing in the state of Arkansas.

HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT:

The Usability Standards contained herein provide guidance for designing and constructing more ergonomic, universally functional housing. The usability standards listed below are organized according to the traditional functions that take place within the home (e.g. sleeping, food preparation, etc.). Each category contains two components:

(1) Levels of Usability (top) and (2) Usability

Criteria (left). There are four types of usability:

(a) mobility,

(b) operability,

(c) perceptibility, and

(d) security. To the right of each usability criteria is a continuum of achievement levels-Level 1: Visitable through Level 5: All-Inclusive-where the usability standard is specifed. The diagram below illustrates the two basic facets of the Usability Standards.

Level 1: Visitable	Level 3: Livable	Level 5: All-Inclusive
Mobility at parking/right-of-way.	A minimum of one parking space is easily adapted to accommodate a full-size car and side loading of diverse occupants.	A minimum of one parking space accommodates a full-size car and side loading of diverse occupants. 3.01 or 3.02	A minimum of one parking space²accommodates a full-size van and side and rear loading of diverse occupants.
Mobility to entry (approach).	*Egress from parking (or public right-of-way) to the interior of one visitable entry* can be easily traversed by diverse visitors.**	Egress from parking (or public right-of-way) to the interior of the main entry be easily traversed by diverse visitors. 3.01 or 3.02	Egress from parking (or public right-of-way) to the interior of all entries can be easily traversed by diverse visitors.
Mobility at entry (int. & ext.).	*An interior space and an exterior space, which enable diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees, are provided immediately adjacent to visitable entry.*	An interior space and an exterior space, which enable diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees, are provided immediately adjacent to main entry. 3.03 or 3.04	An interior space and an exterior space, which enable diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees, are provided immediately adjacent to all entries.
Operability of entrance.	Visitable entry (a) is operable with a closed fist and (b) requires minimum effort for operation.	Main entry (a) is operable with a closed fist and (b) requires minimum effort for operation. 3.05	All entries (a) are operable with a closed fist and (b) requires minimum effort for operation.
Perceptibility of entry signals.	Visitable entry enables visual access (interior to exterior) or auditory communication (between interior and exterior occupants).	Main entry provides a call device that provides visual, auditory, or tactile cues to the visitor.	Main entry enables visual access (interior to exterior) for residents of various heights. 3.06 Main entry enables auditory communication between interior and exterior occupants. 3.06 Main entry provides appropriate day- and night-time illumination. 3.06	All entries enable visual access (interior to exterior) for residents of various heights. All entries enable auditory communication between interior and exterior occupants. All entries provide appropriate day- and night-time illumination.
Security against slipping/tripping.	Materials, assemblies, and transitions along approach from parking (or public right-of-way) to interior space of visitable entry provides security against slipping and tripping.	Materials, assemblies, and transitions along approach from parking (or public right-of-way) to interior space of main entry provides security against slipping and tripping. 3.07	Materials, assemblies, and transitions along approach from parking (or public right-of-way) to interior space of all entries provide security against slipping and tripping.
Security from weather.	Main entry provides partial protection from the extreme weather of the region. 3.08	Main entry provides full protection from the extreme weather of the region; all other entries provide partial protection.

Mobility within interior.	Each "visitable" space contains a minimum of one area enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees. Passage between each "visitable" space is enabled for diverse occupants.	Each "livable" interior space contains a minimum of one area enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees.3.09 & 3.10 Passage between each "livable" space is enabled for diverse occupants.3.11, 3.12, 3.13, or 3.14		For multi-storey units, a Every interior space (excluding minimum of one defined storage spaces) contains a minimum vertical space is able to of one area enabling diverse accommodate the future occupants to rest and to turn 180 installation of an degrees. elevator or lift with a minimum of structural Passage between each space is adaptation. enabled for diverse occupants.
Operability of doors.	All doors connecting "visitable" spaces are operable with a closed fist.	All doors connecting "livable" spaces are operable with a closed fist. 3.15	All doors are operable with a closed fist.
Operability of windows.	Doors, windows, and finish materials and assemblies of "livable" spaces are easily maintained/cleaned.	All non-fixed windows are operable with a closed fist.
Operability of electrical fixtures.	All lighting controls along "visitable" means of egress are operable with a closed fist and a push-stick.	All lighting controls in "livable" spaces are operable with a closed fist and a push-stick by residents of various heights. 3.16 All electrical outlets are operable by residents of various heights. 3.16	Interior services & communication systems are easily serviced and upgraded w/ a minimum of adaptation required.	All lighting and heating controls are operable with a closed fist and a push-stick by residents of various heights or are controlled by automated devices or external agencies. All electrical outlets are operable by residents of various heights.
Operability of storage units/spaces.	All doors and drawers to storage units and spaces in "livable" areas a) are operable with a closed fist or a flat open hand and b) require a minimum effort of operation. 3.17	All doors and drawers to storage units and spaces a) are operable with a closed fist or a flat open hand and b) require a minimum effort of operation.
Perceptibility of exterior	A minimum of one window in each living space enables residents of various heights to view out. 3.18	All storage spaces/units can be reconfigured w/o structural adaptation to facilitate diverse storage arrangements.	A minimum of one window in each living space enables residents of various heights to view out.
Perceptibility of controls & alarms.	All environmental controls (e.g. light switches, thermostats, etc.) provide visual, auditory, and tactile cues.
Security against slipping/tripping.	All interior materials, assemblies, and transitions provide security against slipping and tripping.	All interior materials, assemblies, and transitions provide security against slipping and tripping. 3.19	All interior materials, assemblies, and transitions provide security against slipping and tripping.

Mobility within bathroom.	Each "visitable" toileting space contains an area enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees. Configuration of "visitable" toileting space or adjacent "visitable" space enables side approach to and use of sink for diverse occupants.	Each "livable" bathing and/or toileting space contains an area enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees. 3.20, *3.21, 3.22, or 3.23* Configuration of "livable" bathing and/or toileting space enables front and side approach to and use of all plumbing fixtures for diverse occupants. 3.20, 3.21, *3.22, or 3.23*	Every bathing and/or toileting space contains an area enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees. Configuration of each bathing and/or toileting space enables front and side approach to and use of sink for diverse occupants.
Operability of fixtures.	Sink fixture in "visitable" toileting space or adjacent "visitable" space a) is operable with a closed fist and b) requires a minimum effort of operation.	All plumbing fixtures in "livable" bathing and/or toileting spaces a) are operable with a closed fist and b) require a minimum effort of operation. 3.24 All cabinetry/storage in "livable" bathing and/or toileting spaces a) is operable with a closed fist or a flat open hand and b) requires a minimum effort of operation. 3.24	Cabinetry, fixtures, and assistive devices can be reconfigured to facilitate diverse arrangements w/o structural adaptation or purchase of additional components.	All plumbing fixtures a) are operable with a closed fist and b) require a minimum effort of operation. All cabinetry/storage in all bathing and/or toileting spaces a) is operable with a closed fist or a flat open hand and b) requires a minimum effort of operation.
Perceptibility of plumbing fixtures.	All plumbing controls (e.g. sinks and bathing fixtures) provide intuitive visual and tactile cues.
Security of plumbing fixtures.	All plumbing fixtures in "livable" bathing and/or toileting space(s) provide security against scalding. 3.25	All plumbing fixtures in all bathing and/or toileting spaces provide security against scalding.

Mobility within sleeping spaces.	A "visitable" sleeping space is provided which meets all Level 3 criteria for sleeping spaces.	All "livable" sleeping spaces contain areas enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees. 3.26	All sleeping spaces contain areas enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees.
Perceptibility of alarms.	Emergency alarms in "livable" sleeping space(s) provide both visual and auditory cues. 3.27	Emergency alarms in all sleeping space(s) provide both visual and auditory cues.
Security of egress.	A minimum of one window in each "livable" sleeping space enables emergency egress or rescue of diverse occupants. 3.28	A direct route between a minimum of one bedroom and one bathroom enables the future installation of a bed-to-bath hoist.	A minimum of one window in each sleeping space enables emergency egress or rescue of diverse occupants.

Mobility within food prep spaces.	Each "livable" food preparation space contains a minimum of one area enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees.3.29, 3.30, 3.31, or 3.32 Configuration of "livable" food preparation space(s) enables front or side approach to and use of sink(s), appliances, and cabinetry/storage for diverse occupants. 3.29, 3.30, 3.31, or 3.32	All food preparation spaces contain a minimum of one area enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees. Configurations of all food preparation spaces enable front and side approach to and use of sink(s), appliances, and cabinetry/storage for diverse occupants.
Operability of fixtures.	Work surfaces enable usability for residents of various heights. 3.33 All cabinetry/storage in "livable" food preparation spaces a) is operable with a closed fist or a flat open hand and b) requires a minimum effort of operation. 3.34 All plumbing fixtures in "livable" food preparation spaces a) are operable with a closed fist and b) require a minimum effort of operation. 3.34	Cabinetry, fixtures, and assistive devices can be reconfigured to facilitate diverse arrangements w/o structural adaptation or purchase of additional components.	All cabinetry/storage in all food preparation spaces a) is operable with a closed fist or a flat open hand and b) requires a minimum effort of operation. All plumbing fixtures in all food preparation spaces a) are operable with a closed fist and b) require a minimum effort of operation.
Operability of electrical fixtures.	All lighting controls in "livable" spaces are operable with a closed fist and a push-stick by residents of various heights. 3.35 All electrical outlets are operable by residents of various heights. 3.35	All lighting and heating controls are operable with a closed fist and a push-stick by residents of various heights or are controlled by automated devices or external agencies. All electrical outlets are operable by residents of various heights.
Perceptibility of plumbing fixtures.	All plumbing controls (e.g. sinks and bathing fixtures) provide intuitive visual and tactile cues.
Perceptibility of appliances.	All devoted outlet appliances provide intuitive visual and auditory or tactile cues. 3.36	All devoted outlet appliances provide intuitive visual and auditory or tactile cues.
Security against scalding.	All plumbing fixtures in "livable" food preparation spaces provide security against scalding. 3.37	All plumbing fixtures in all food preparation spaces provide security against scalding.

Mobility at exterior.	An exterior space including a minimum of one area enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees is provided. Passage between "livable" interior and exterior spaces is enabled for diverse occupants.	An exterior space is provided which contains a minimum of one area enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees. Passage between interior and exterior spaces is enabled for diverse occupants.
Mobility to neighborhood/vicinity.	*Egress from main entry* of home to neighborhood amenities (e.g. shopping, public transportation, employment, etc.) is easily traversed by diverse visitors.**
Operability of doors.	All doors connecting "livable" interior spaces to exterior spaces are operable with a closed fist.	All doors connecting interior spaces to exterior spaces are operable with a closed fist.
Operability of exterior.	Exterior landscaping, finish materials, and assemblies are easily maintained.	Exterior landscaping, finish materials, and assemblies are easily maintained or are maintained by a private agency.
Operability of exterior lighting.	All lighting controls in "livable" exterior spaces are operable with a closed fist and a push-stick.	All exterior lighting controls are operable with a closed fist and a push-stick or are controlled by automated devices or external agencies.
Operability of exterior lighting.	All doors and drawers to storage units and spaces in exterior "livable" areas are operable with a closed fist.	All doors and drawers to exterior storage units and spaces are operable with a closed fist.
Perceptibility of exterior controls and signage.	All exterior controls (e.g. light switches) and neighborhood signage provides visual, auditory, and tactile cues.
Security against slipping/tripping.	All materials, assemblies, and transitions in "livable" exterior spaces provide security against slipping and tripping.	All exterior materials, assemblies, and transitions provide security against slipping and tripping.

Mobility at electrical panels.	Electrical panels enable access for diverse occupants and users of various heights. 3.38	Electrical panels enable access for diverse occupants and users of various heights.
Security at electrical panels.	Electrical panels provide security against electrical shock. 3.38	Electrical panels provide security against electrical shock.