Section 17b-653-17 - Alterations to client housing or small business propertySubject to the conditions listed below, architectural alteration services may be provided to enable a client to accomplish safe egress from and ingress to the home or the workplace, or to enable a client to function vocationally within the home or workplace.
(a) The bureau's participation in alterations shall be limited to those determined by the bureau to meet the functional needs of the client at the least cost. Ramps, grab bars, lifts, or bathroom modifications are examples of such services.(b) Alterations to work sites or business properties shall only be considered when they are not covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 29 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.(c)Exempted Services(1) Except as provided in subsection (c)(2) of this section, the bureau shall not be responsible for financial participation in extensive or elaborate reconstruction, structural modifications, the addition of a room or rooms, or any other alteration that adds appreciable value to the property.(2) The director or his/her designee may approve bureau participation in a structural addition or reconstruction in such cases where the bureau determines that, with respect to removing the architectural barriers which need to be eliminated in order for the individual to achieve an employment outcome:(A) there is no other alternative; or(B) such addition or reconstruction is the least costly alternative for the bureau.(3) In any case where the bureau makes an exception under subsection (c)(2) of this section, the bureau's participation shall be limited to the minimum cost necessary to eliminate such architectural barriers.(d) Architectural alterations will only be provided to the extent necessary for the successful completion of the client's employment plan. The case record will contain the following: (1) Limitation of activities and functioning, due to the client's disability, shall be explained specifically and in detail and should be supported by reports from appropriate sources recognized by the bureau;(2) The client's vocational impediment or barrier to employment that will be eliminated or reduced by the provision of the architectural modification service shall be thoroughly explained and supported; and(3) The architectural barriers of the present site shall be clearly and carefully delineated in the case record together with an explanation as to how they impede the successful attainment of the client's employment outcome. It shall be explained how these barriers will be eliminated or reduced through the planned alteration services.(e) The bureau will not be required to participate in alterations that are anticipated to meet the client's needs for a period of less than two years after the completion of the alterations, due to factors either related to the living situation or the client's disability. Alterations to a site may be made only after the client has provided written agreement that the client's planned occupancy is a minimum of two years beyond completion of alteration services.(f) The client shall provide a signed agreement by the owner of the site to be modified, giving consent and authorization for the bureau to provide or participate in the provision of the necessary modifications to the property occupied by the client. Without such written consent, the bureau cannot provide or participate in the provision of such services.(g) If the client or his/her family is building a home where the client is to reside, necessary alterations will be the responsibility of the client or his/her family. The bureau will not participate in the financing of such construction.(h) If the client or the client's family have entered negotiations with a vendor for alteration work to be done or for equipment or materials to be supplied, any resulting agreements shall not be binding upon the bureau.(i) The bureau shall not assume and is not responsible for the full restoration of structures or grounds that are disturbed in the process of alterations. Such areas will be functionally restored to the minimum level allowable by applicable codes. The bureau shall not be responsible for the matching of finishes, trims, and accessories when special sizing, tooling, and construction methods and materials would be required to do so.(j) The bureau's financial participation in alterations for a client will be limited to a one-time basis, with the exception of cases where there are changes in the client's disability, employment or other circumstances beyond the control of the client which warrant additional modifications in accordance with this section of the regulations.(k) Once the alterations are completed, the client is thereafter responsible for upkeep, maintenance, insurance and repairs. The bureau shall not pay for such expenses nor be responsible for the cost of removing ramps and restoration of property back to its original state after the accessibility-related construction is no longer needed.(l) As determined necessary by the bureau, when it anticipates that alteration services may be part of a client's employment plan and may require financial participation by the bureau, the bureau will secure consultation by a licensed architect or other qualified technical consultant approved by the bureau.(m) The bureau requires that a local building permit be issued for each project, which shall be provided to the bureau upon demand. Any zoning variance or other requirements necessary to secure such permit are the sole responsibility of the property owner.(n) If a bureau representative discovers a structural defect or building code violation on the property that has direct bearing on the proposed modifications, the bureau will not proceed until corrective action or repair has occurred. Any cost of repair will be the sole responsibility of the property owner. Documentation of sufficient corrective action shall be submitted to the bureau before proposed modifications can resume.(o) The bureau may deny assistance with any architectural modifications that it determines to be unsafe, unstable, in violation of applicable building codes or where, due to the nature of the site to be modified, the costs will be unreasonable.Conn. Agencies Regs. § 17b-653-17
Adopted effective June 6, 2000