Iowa Admin. Code r. 201-50.8

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

Rule 201-50.8 - Physical requirements for new and remodeled facilities-after December 28, 2005

This rule shall apply to all jails which are of new construction and to all major remodeling or reconstruction after December 28, 2005.

(1) Cells and dormitory units.

a. Single occupancy cells shall provide a minimum of 35 square feet of unencumbered floor space. When confinement exceeds 10 hours per day, except during administrative segregation or emergencies, there shall be at least 70 square feet of total floor space.

b. Multiple occupancy cells shall provide a minimum of 25 square feet of unencumbered floor space for each prisoner When confinement exceeds 10 hours per day, except during administrative segregation or emergencies, there shall be at least 35 square feet of unencumbered floor space for each occupant.

c. Dormitory units shall provide a minimum of 60 square feet of floor space for each prisoner, exclusive of lavatories, showers, and toilets.

(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 and at least 12 inches off the floor

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 35 square feet of space per prisoner (exclusive of lavatories, showers and toilets) for the maximum number of prisoners who use the dayroom at one time. No dayroom shall encompass less than 100 square feet of space, exclusive of lavatories, showers and toilets. Dayrooms shall provide sufficient seating and writing surfaces. (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/stool for each group of 9 prisoners or portion thereof. Urinals may be substituted for up to one-third of the toilets in housing units for male prisoners.

(3) Each maximum-security cell shall have a security-type toilet/lavatory-combination fixture that provides adequate hot and cold running water

(4) Holding cells/special-needs cells.

a. Holding cells shall provide a minimum of 20 square feet per prisoner with a maximum 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 the persons are awaiting booking, processing, transfer, court appearance or discharge. Prisoners 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.

b. Special-needs cells. A jail may contain one or more single occupancy cells, designated as special-needs cells, in which to temporarily contain violent persons. The cell shall have not less than 40 square feet of floor space and a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet. The cell shall be constructed to minimize self-injury. Toilet facilities may be controlled from outside the cell and may be in the floor Water need not be available in the cells, but water shall be accessible from staff upon request.

(5) Exercise areas.

a. This paragraph shall apply to all jails constructed on or before July 1, 2008. Exercise areas may be indoor or outdoor exercise areas and shall contain 15 square feet per prisoner for the maximum number of prisoners expected to use the space at one time, but not less than 500 square feet of unencumbered space. Segregation units may have individual exercise areas containing a minimum of 180 square feet of unencumbered space. Exercise areas shall provide opportiunty for adequate exercise in accordance with 50.18(1) "c. " Exercise areas shall not be the same as dayrooms.

b. This paragraph shall apply to all jails which are of new construction and to all major remodeling or reconstruction after July 1, 2008. Exercise areas may be indoor or outdoor exercise areas and shall contain 15 square feet per prisoner for the maximum number of prisoners expected to use the space at one time, but not less than 500 square feet of unencumbered space. Segregation units may have individual exercise areas containing a minimum of 180 square feet of unencumbered space. Exercise areas shall have a minimum ceiling height of 18 feet. Exercise areas shall provide opportunity for adequate exercise in accordance with 50.18(1)"c. " Exercise areas shall not be the same as dayrooms.

(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. 201-50.8