Section 9.5 - DWELLING UNIT INTERIORSThe interiors of all Group 1 and 2 dwelling units, except as exempted by 521 CMR 9.2.1, shall comply with the following requirements:
9.5.1 Doorways: All doorways and all openings that allow passage in a Group 2 unit must comply with 521 CMR 26.2, Double Leaf Doorways, through 521 CMR 26.11, Door Hardware. All doorways and all openings that allow passage in Group 1 units shall be capable of complying, without structural change, with 521 CMR 26.2, Double Leaf Doorways, through 521 CMR 26.11, Door Hardware. For door types such as bifold, pocket, and accordion doors, the clear opening is measured when the door is in its most fully open position. SeeFig. 26b and 26c. For Group 1 units , only the common area and apartment entrance door hardware are required to comply with 521 CMR 26.11, Door Hardware.9.5.2 Every entry door to each dwelling unit shall have a means by which the resident can visually identify a visitor before opening the door. This may be achieved by any of the following means:a. In Group 1 and 2A units, a peephole mounted 60 inches (60" = 1524mm) above the floor, a vision panel in the door with its bottom edge no higher than 60 inches (60" = 1524mm) above the floor, or a sidelight with its bottom edge no higher than 60 inches (60" = 1524mm) above the floor, shall be provided.b. In Group 2B units, an additional peephole mounted at 42 inches (42" = 1067mm) above the floor; a vision panel in the door with its bottom edge no higher than 42 inches (42" = 1067mm) above the floor; or a sidelight with its bottom edge no higher than 42 inches (42" = 1067mm) above the floor. SeeFig. 9a. Click to view image
9.5.3 Buzzers/bells and intercoms: All buzzers/bells and intercom systems shall comply with 521 CMR 6.5, Forward Reach or 521 CMR 6.6, Side Reach.9.5.4Accessible routes: An accessible route at least 36 inches (36" = 914mm) wide shall be provided to all rooms and spaces in the dwelling unit including exterior decks, patios, balconies, attached garages, and storage closets. An accessible route shall be provided to mechanical spaces, only if the resident is expected to service, adjust or maintain the equipment therein.a. Patios, Terraces, and Balconies: Where it is necessary to use a door threshold or a change in level between the interior and exterior, greater than 1/2 inch (1/2" = 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 or capable of being provided. In Group 2B Units, the exterior deck, patio, balcony surfaces shall be either permanently installed at no more than 1/2 inch (1/2" = 13mm) below the floor level of the interior of the dwelling unit or a temporary raised surface, such as duckboards, that is no more than 1/2 inch (1/2" = 13mm) below the interior floor level shall be available upon request.
9.5.5 Laundry Facilities: If a washer or dryer is provided in a Group 1 or Group 2A unit, it shall be front loading or capable of being replaced with a front loading appliance. If a washer or dryer is provided in a Group 2B dwelling unit, it shall be front loading. Operating controls for washers and dryers shall be located within the zone of reach. If residents are expected to operate shut-off valves for the washer, the shut-off valves shall be located within the zone of reach. For common area laundry facilities, see521 CMR 10.8, Laundry Facilities.9.5.6 Outlets: Electrical outlets, telephone outlets, cable TV jacks, and other wall outlets shall be located between 15 inches (15" = 381mm) and 48 inches (48" = 1219mm) above the floor, measured at the centerline of the lowest receptacle. All outlets shall be located no less than 18 inches (18" = 457mm) from interior corners. When outlets are located on walls above counters or other fixtures that are 22 inches (22" = 559mm) or greater in depth, they shall be no higher than 44 inches (44" = 1118mm). In Group 1 and 2 units, at least one electrical outlet must be provided on the same wall as the telephone outlet and the door chime. Wherever exterior decks, patios, and balconies are provided, an exterior electrical outlet shall also be provided. In Group 2B units, all telephone outlets must have an electrical outlet located within 12 inches (12" = 305mm) for installation of a TTY.
9.5.7 Controls and alarms: In Group 2A and 2B units, the operable portions of all controls and alarms, including but not limited to: intercoms, and heat and air controls, shall be located between 36 and 48 inches (36" to 48" = 914mm to 1219mm) above the floor, measured at the centerline of the operable portion in its highest position. Operable portions shall be located at least 24 inches (24" = 610mm) from interior corners. Controls and alarms in Group 1 units may be located at other locations so long as sufficient wiring is provided to permit future location from 36 inches to 48 inches (36" to 48" = 914mm to 1219mm) above the floor.9.5.8 Closets/pantries and linen closets: Shall comply with the following:a. Closet shelves/poles: Closet walls shall be structurally capable of supporting the installation of shelves and poles which are relocatable from 42 inches to 72 inches (42" to 72" = 1067mm to 1829mm) to the top of shelf or pole whichever is higher.b. Closet depth: Where the interior depth of the closet exceeds 24 inches (24" = 610mm), the doorway must comply with 521 CMR 26.5, Width so that a disabled person can enter the closet. The bottom track of the closet door must also be recessed with no more than 1/4 of an inch (1/4" = 6mm) change in finish material. For Group 2 units, when the interior depth of the closet is 24 inches (24" = 610mm) or less, it shall be open to the room to permit a person with a disability to reach all parts of the closet. See Fig. 9b. Click to view image