Section 8.5 - UNITS, SLEEPING ROOMS AND SUITES: MINIMUM REQUIREMENTSAccessible units, sleeping rooms and suites shall comply with the following:
8.5.1Accessible Route: Accessible units, sleeping rooms, and suites shall be on an accessible route. An accessible route shall connect all accessible spaces and elements including telephones, televisions, alarms clocks, and climate controls within the unit, sleeping room, or suite.8.5.2 Elevators: An elevator is not required in a transient lodging facility that is less than three stories or that has less than 3000 square feet per story if all rooms are proportionately distributed in accordance with 521 CMR 8.4.1 and all public spaces are fully accessible.8.5.3 Maneuvering Space: Accessible sleeping rooms shall have a 36 inch (36" = 914mm) clear width maneuvering space located along both sides of a bed, except that where two beds are provided, this requirement can be met by providing a 36 inch (36" = 9 14mm) wide maneuvering space located between the two beds.8.5.4 Doors and doorways designed to allow passage into and within all accessible units, sleeping rooms, or suites shall comply with 521 CMR 26.00: DOORS AND DOORWAYS.8.5.5 Visitor Identification: Every entry door to each accessible unit shall have a means by which the person can visually identify a visitor before opening the door. This may be achieved by any of the following means:a. A peephole mounted at 42 inches (42" = 1067mm) above the floor;b. A vision panel in the door with its bottom edge no higher than 42 inches (42" = 1067mm) above the floorc. A sidelight with its bottom edge no higher than 42 inches (42" = 1067mm) above the floor. 8.5.6 Storage: If fixed or built-in storage such as cabinets, shelves, closets, and drawers are provided in accessible spaces, at least one of each type of storage space shall comply with 521 CMR 34.00: STORAGE.8.5.7 Controls: All controls in accessible units, sleeping rooms, and suites shall comply with 521 CMR 39.00: CONTROLS.8.5.8Accessible spaces: Where provided as part of an accessible unit, sleeping room, or suite, the following spaces shall be accessible and shall be on an accessible route: c. at least one sleeping area;d. at least one bathroom ;e. if only half baths are provided, at least one half bath;f. carports, garages or parking spaces; andg. patios, terraces, and balconies. 8.5.9 Patios, Terraces, and Balconies: Where it is necessary to utilize a door threshold or a change in level between the interior and exterior greater than ½ inch (½" = 13mm) to protect the integrity of the unit from water or snow damage, equivalent facilitation such as raised decking or a ramp shall be provided. SeeFig. 8a.
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8.5.10 Kitchenettes: When provided, kitchens and kitchenettes in accessible units, sleeping rooms, and suites shall comply with the requirements for Group 2B Kitchens in 521 CMR 45.00: GROUP 2 KITCHENS.8.5.11 Wet Bars: When provided as an accessory to an accessible unit, sleeping room or suite, wet bars or similar amenities shall be accessible, on an accessible route, and comply with the following: a.Clear floor space for a front or parallel approach to cabinets, counters, sinks, and appliances shall be provided to comply with Fig. 8b.b. Counter tops and sinks shall be at a maximum height of 34 inches (34" = 864mm) above the floor.c.Accessible storage: At least 50% of shelf space in cabinets or refrigerator/freezers shall comply with 521 CMR 6.5, Forward Reach and 521 CMR 6.6, Side Reach and space shall be designed to allow for the operation of cabinet and/or appliance doors so that all cabinets and appliances are accessible and usable.d. Controls and operating mechanisms shall comply with 521 CMR 39.00: CONTROLS. Click to view image