Iowa Admin. Code r. 201-50.7

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 10, November 13, 2024

Rule 201-50.7 - Physical requirements for new and remodeled facilities-after September 12, 2001

This rule shall apply to jails which are of new construction and all major remodeling or reconstruction after September 12, 2001. Plans for any remodeling or new construction shall be submitted to the jail inspection unit prior to letting any bids or commencing any construction subject to this rule. The jail inspection unit shall, within 60 days of receiving plans, review them for compliance with this rule and forward any comments to the submitting authority.

(1) New housing units may be single occupancy cells, multiple occupancy cells or dormitory units. Each single occupancy cell shall have a minimum of 70 square feet of floor space. Each multiple occupancy cell shall have a minimum of 35 square feet of unencumbered floor space for each prisoner Dormitory units shall provide a minimum of 60 square feet per prisoner

(2) All housing units shall provide:

a. No less than 7 feet of space between the floor and ceiling.

b. A bunk of adequate size for normal-sized adults for each prisoner

c. Sufficient desks/tables and chairs/seats to accommodate the capacity of the housing unit.

d. A dayroom which provides a minimum floor area of 30 square feet for the first prisoner and an additional 15 square feet for each prisoner beyond one. (Dormitories excluded.)

e. A functionally operating shower which produces both hot and cold water for each group of 12 prisoners.

f. A lavatory that furnishes both hot and cold water for each group of 9 prisoners or portion thereof

g. A functional toilet for each group of 9 prisoners or portion thereof.

(3) Each maximum security cell shall have a security-type toilet/lavatory-combination fixture which provides adequate hot and cold running water These cells may rely on common toilet facilities located outside the detention room provided that the prisoner is never involuntarily locked in the room and denied access to the toilet facilities.

(4) Holding cells shall provide a minimum of 20 square feet per prisoner with a total capacity per cell of eight prisoners. Holding cells need not contain any fixture other than a means whereby prisoners may sit. Drinking water and toilet facilities shall be made available under staff supervision. Dayrooms need not be available to prisoners held in holding cells. Holding cells are for detaining persons for a limited period of time, not to exceed 24 hours, except in cases of emergency, while awaiting booking, processing, transfer, court appearance or discharge. Detainees will be supplied blankets if detained overnight in the holding cell. Emergencies are defined as unexpected occurrences, requiring immediate attention, of singular incident and resolution.

(5) Exercise areas shall be 15 square feet per prisoner for the maximum number of prisoners expected to use the space at one time in accordance with 50.18(1)"c. "

(6) The facility shall be designed to admit natural light and to give access to outside viewing by prisoners where practical.

(7) The facility shall be designed and constructed so that prisoners may be segregated according to existing laws and regulations.

(8) Except in emergency situations, no housing unit shall house more prisoners than its rated capacity.

(9) All hinged doors serving as required exits shall swing with exit traffic.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 201-50.7