N.J. Admin. Code § 8:36-22.3

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 23, December 2, 2024

Section 8:36-22.3 - Physical plant

(a) Each comprehensive personal care home shall, at a minimum:

1. Maintain substantial compliance with the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23-3, and the Uniform Fire Code, N.J.A.C. 5:70, Use Group I-2 of the subcode;

2. Maintain a comprehensive automatic fire-suppression system throughout the facility. Buildings presently in Use Group I-2 or buildings which comply with the construction requirements for an I-2 use may apply to the Department for an exemption to this requirement, provided they can document compliance with the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, N.J.A.C. 5:70, with regard to construction type;

3. Maintain compliance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-7, regarding barrier-free accessibility, applicable at the time plans are approved.

4. Provide smoke detectors in all resident bedrooms, living rooms, and public areas; and

5. Provide corridor widths of at least 36 inches of clear space.

(b) Ventilation requirements for comprehensive personal care homes are as follows:

1. Means of ventilation shall be provided either by a window with an openable area or by mechanical ventilation for every habitable room. If mechanical ventilation is used, there shall be at least two air changes per hour.

2. Means of ventilation shall be provided for every bathroom or water closet compartment (toilet). Ventilation shall be provided either by a window with an openable area or by mechanical ventilation.

3. All hallway corridors and passageways shall have a minimum of two outside air changes per hour.

(c) Interior wall, ceiling and floor finishes shall be in compliance with the Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23.

(d) Residential units occupied by one person shall have a minimum of 80 square feet of clear and useable floor area. ("Clear and useable floor area" means space exclusive of closets, bathroom and, if provided, kitchenette.)

(e) In units occupied by more than one resident, there shall be a minimum of 50 additional square feet of clear floor area.

(f) No residential unit in a comprehensive personal care home may be occupied by more than two individuals. An exception may be considered in those instances where an eligible facility at the time of conversion to a comprehensive personal care home has more than two individuals in a unit. However, as attrition occurs the number of individuals per residential unit shall be reduced to no more than two.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:36-22.3