Header:
TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
TITLE 40. SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE
PART 1. DEPARTMENT OF AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES
CHAPTER 90. INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITIES FOR PERSONS WITH MENTAL RETARDATION OR RELATED CONDITIONS
SUBCHAPTER D. GENERAL REQ
Date:
08/31/2009
Document:
40 TAC § 90.62 (2011)
§ 90.62. Site and Grounds
(a) General (All Facilities).
(1) Site grades shall provide for positive surface water drainage so that there will be no ponding or standing water at or near the building such as would present a hazard to health or provide a breeding site or harborage for disease vectors.
(2) Outdoor activity, recreational, and sitting spaces shall be provided and be accessible to all residents.
(3) Each facility shall have parking space to satisfy the needs of residents, employees, staff, and visitors.
(4) Protection shall be provided for resident safety on facility grounds by the use of appropriate methods, such as fences, hedges, retaining walls, railings, or other landscaping. Such protection shall not inhibit the free emergency egress to a safe distance away from the building.
(5) All outside areas, grounds, adjacent buildings, etc., on the site shall be maintained in good condition and kept free of rubbish, garbage, untended growth, and other conditions which may constitute a fire or health hazard.
(b) Additional site conditions (large facilities only).
(1) Auxiliary buildings located on the site within 20 feet of the main licensed structure and which contain hazardous operations or contents, such as laundries or storage buildings, shall meet the same code requirements for safety as the main licensed structure, or the building shall be moved to be 20 feet or farther away from the main building.
(2) Other buildings on the site shall meet the appropriate occupancy section or separation requirements of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code.
(3) A new building (or addition) shall be set back at least ten feet from the property lines except as otherwise approved by DHS.
(4) Exit doors from the building shall not open directly onto a drive for vehicular traffic, but shall be set back at least six feet from the edge of such drive (measured from the end of building wall in the case of a recessed door) to prevent accidents due to lack of visual warning. These doors are to have automatic or self-closures.
(5) Walks shall be provided from all exits and shall be of non-slip surfaces free of hazards. Walks shall be at least 48 inches wide except as otherwise approved. Ramps should be used in lieu of steps where grade change is 21 inches or less, and where possible, for persons with physical disabilities and/or mobility impairment, and to facilitate bed or wheelchair removal in an emergency.
(6) Open or enclosed courts with resident rooms or living areas opening upon them shall not be less than 20 feet in the smallest dimension unless otherwise approved by the department.
(7) There shall be at least one approved readily accessible fire hydrant located within 300 feet of the building. The hydrant shall be on a minimum six-inch service line, or else there shall be an approved equivalent (such as a storage tank). The hydrant, its location, and service line, or equivalent shall be approved by the local fire department and the department.
(8) The building shall have suitable fire lanes for access as required by local fire authorities and DHS.
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