N.J. Admin. Code § 10:44A-6.6

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 19, October 7, 2024

Section 10:44A-6.6 - General home requirements

(a) For residences housing individuals with physical disabilities, the licensee shall make accommodations to ensure maximum physical accessibility feasible for entrance to and movement within the residence based upon individual characteristics.

1. Any necessary modifications shall conform to the requirements contained in the Barrier Free Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.14(b)10 (which includes the accessibility rules--see N.J.A.C. 5:23-7.1(Barrier Free Subcode)).

2. Two means of egress shall be ramped, located in different parts of the building, and lead to the ground level.

3. Such residences located on a floor above the ground floor shall have been designated for occupancy by non-ambulatory individuals by the fire official, including, but not limited to, safe havens, fire-proof stairs, and fire suppression systems.

(b) The exterior of the residence and the surrounding grounds shall be properly maintained and shall be free from any hazard to health or safety.

1. Sheds, garages, and other outbuildings shall be maintained in a safe condition or be rendered inaccessible to individuals.

(c) The interior of the residence shall be properly maintained and shall be free from any hazard to health or safety.

1. All interior doors shall be equipped with standard hardware which can be readily opened in an emergency. Hooks and eyes, bolts, bars, and other similar devices shall not be used on interior doors.

i. Where a doorknob lock requires a key or other device to open from the outside, such key or device shall be readily available to staff.

ii. Chain locks are prohibited on apartment doors, unless required by local ordinance. In this case, the lock shall be changed to the type that can be opened from the outside with a key. The key must be available to staff at all times. In all cases, the individual must have the ability to operate the chain lock.

2. A carbon monoxide detector(s) shall be installed with the technical requirements and in the location specified by the Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23).

3. Nothing shall be stored within three feet of a boiler, furnace, or water heater.

4. Portable halogen lamps shall be prohibited.

5. Cellophane wrapping on lamps shades shall be prohibited.

6. The use of candles indoors is prohibited.

7. Electric and gas clothes dryers shall be maintained in good repair. Vent ducts shall remain unblocked, uncrushed, and properly connected to the dryer, and the lint trap screen shall be cleaned after each use.

8. Fireplaces and wood or pellet burning stoves and all components shall be kept clean and well maintained.

i. Wood or pellet burning stoves shall be permitted only if proof of its proper installation is provided by the local construction code official, as evidence by a certificate of approval.

ii. Protective screening or covers shall be provided to prevent occupants in the home from coming into direct contact with the fire and/or prevent sparks from flying into the home from the fireplace.

iii. Fireplaces, as well as wood or pellet burning stoves, if used, must be professionally inspected, and cleaned as necessary, annually, and documentation of such shall be maintained.

9. Every exhaust fan and exhaust fan filter shall be regularly cleaned from accumulated grease.

10. Attics and unfinished spaces without adequate flooring shall be rendered inaccessible to individuals.

(d) Each individual receiving services shall have access to a telephone.

(e) Non-slip surfaces shall be provided as appropriate:

1. As non-skid backing for scatter or throw rugs;

2. On stairs and landings; and

3. In each shower or bathtub.

(f) All furniture throughout the home shall be clean and in good repair.

(g) All common areas for living and dining shall be of sufficient size to provide enough seating for all occupants of the home at one time.

(h) No temporary wiring shall be used except UL listed extension cords, rated appropriate to the anticipated load.

(i) Extension cords shall not run under rugs, through walls, or through doorways.

(j) Standby generators and battery back-up power systems, if present, shall be permanently installed by a qualified technician, in accordance with all local codes, permitting, and inspection requirements.

(k) Portable generators shall only be used in accordance with the following:

1. Under a permit issued by the local enforcement agency, if such a permit is required by local municipal codes;

2. Not plugged directly into the home's electrical receptacles or outlets;

3. Operated outside and away from doors, vents, or open windows leading into the home;

4. Properly grounded, dry, and shielded from contact with liquid;

5. Operated only with heavy-duty electrical cords that are rated for outdoor use, free of any punctures or exposed wiring, kept out of the way of foot traffic and not run underneath rugs;

6. Powering only devices that, when operated simultaneously, do not draw more electrical capacity than the generator is designed to supply; and

7. Not powering devices hard-wired into the homes' electrical system, unless the generator is plugged into a transfer switch or panel of transfer switches installed by a qualified technician, in accordance with all local codes and permitting and inspection requirements.

N.J. Admin. Code § 10:44A-6.6

Amended by 55 N.J.R. 171(a), effective 2/6/2023