36 CFR Part 1191 ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines for Emergency Transportable Housing Units
Appendix D to 36 CFR Part 1191 — Technical
405.2 Slope (Exception 2)
405.6 Rise (Exception)
These sections contain the technical requirements for the running slope and rise of ramp runs. The running slope of ramp runs must not be steeper than 1:12 and any ramp rise must be 30 inches maximum. The floor level of emergency transportable housing units is typically elevated 36 inches above the ground. To comply with the technical requirements, entry ramps installed at emergency transportable housing units with mobility features must have at least two ramp runs and an intermediate landing between the ramp runs. The entry ramps occupy 158 to 180 square feet depending on the landing configuration.44 The final rule adds exceptions to the technical requirements that permit a single ramp run with a slope not steeper than 1:10 and 36 inches maximum rise where existing physical or site constraints would prohibit the installation of an entry ramp complying with the slope and rise requirements at emergency transportable housing units installed on private sites provided by the occupant of the unit. The exceptions reduce the area occupied by the entry ramps to 120 square feet. The exceptions may enable disaster survivors with disabilities who need emergency transportable housing units with mobility features to have the units installed on their private home sites where existing physical or site constraints may otherwise prohibit the installation of an entry ramp complying with the technical requirements at the unit. Many individuals with disabilities have difficulty using ramps with slopes steeper than 1:12 and may find entry ramps with a 1:10 slope not usable. Because individuals with disabilities have varying needs and capabilities, the concurrence of individuals with disabilities who will use the entry ramps should be obtained before using the exceptions.
44. Where the ramp runs and landings are in a straight configuration, the landing is approximately 18 square feet. Where the ramp runs change direction at the landings, the landing is approximately 40 square feet.
Amendatory Language
For the reasons stated in the preamble, we amend 36 CFR part 1191 as follows:
In 405.2, redesignating the unnumbered Exception as Exception 1 and adding new Exception 2 to read as follows:
405.2 Slope. * * * * *
EXCEPTIONS: 1. * * * * *
2. For emergency transportable housing units installed on private sites provided by the occupant of the unit, where existing physical or site constraints prohibit the installation of an entry ramp complying with 405.2, ramps shall be permitted to provide a single ramp run with a slope no steeper than 1:10 provided that the maximum rise of all ramp runs serving the unit entrance is not greater than 36 inches (915 mm).
In 405.6, adding a new Exception to read as follows:
405.6 Rise. * * * * *
EXCEPTION: For emergency transportable housing units installed on private sites provided by the occupant of the unit, where existing physical or site constraints prohibit the installation of an entry ramp complying with 405.6, ramps shall be permitted to provide a single ramp run with a rise 36 inches (915 mm) maximum.
409.1 General
The final rule edits the references in these sections to the technical requirements for residential dwelling units with mobility features to conform to the renumbered technical requirements in section 809.
Amendatory Language
For the reasons stated in the preamble, we amend 36 CFR part 1191 as follows:
In 409.1, revising the first sentence to read as follows:
409.1 General. Private residence elevators that are provided within a residential dwelling unit required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2 shall comply with 409 and with ASME A17.1 (incorporated by reference, see “Referenced Standards” in Chapter 1). * * *
604.5 Grab Bars (Exception 2)
Exception 2 to this section permits grab bars to not be installed at water closets in residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features provided that the walls are reinforced to support future installation of grab bars. The final rule revises Exception 2 so that it does not apply to emergency transportable housing units required to provide mobility features since it could result in delays in installing grab bars in the units.
Amendatory Language
For the reasons stated in the preamble, we amend 36 CFR part 1191 as follows:
In 604.5, revising Exception 2 to read as follows:
604.5 Grab Bars. * * * * *
EXCEPTIONS: * * * * *
2. In residential dwelling units, other than emergency transportable housing units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2, grab bars shall not be required to be installed in toilet or bathrooms provided that reinforcement has been installed in walls and located so as to permit the installation of grab bars complying with 604.5.
* * * * *
606.2 Clear Floor Space (Exception 3)
This section requires clear floor space positioned for a forward approach and knee and toe clearance to be provided at lavatories and sinks. Exception 3 to the section permits readily removable cabinetry to be installed under lavatories and sinks in residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features provided that the finish floor extends under the cabinetry and the walls behind and surrounding the cabinetry are finished. The final rule revises Exception 3 so that it does not apply to emergency transportable housing units required to provide mobility features.
Amendatory Language
For the reasons stated in the preamble, we amend 36 CFR part 1191 as follows:
In 606.2, revising Exception 3 to read as follows:
606.2 Clear Floor Space. * * * * *
EXCEPTIONS: * * * * *
3. In residential dwelling units, other than emergency transportable housing units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2, cabinetry shall be permitted under lavatories and kitchen sinks provided that all of the following conditions are met:
(a) The cabinetry can be removed without removal or replacement of the fixture;
(b) The finish floor extends under the cabinetry; and
(c) The walls behind and surrounding the cabinetry are finished.
* * * * *
606.4 Faucets and Water Spray Units
The final rule revises this section to require a water spray unit to be provided at the kitchen sink in emergency transportable housing units required to provide mobility features so individuals with mobility disabilities can wash dishes without having to reach across the sink to control the water flow.
Amendatory Language
For the reasons stated in the preamble, we amend 36 CFR part 1191 as follows:
In 606.4, revising the heading to read “Faucets and water spray units,” and adding a sentence at the end of the section as follows:
606.4 Faucets and Water Spray Units. * * * A water spray unit shall be provided at the kitchen sink in emergency transportable housing units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2.
607.4 Grab Bars (Exception 2)
Exception 2 to this section permits grab bars to not be installed at bathtubs in residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features provided that the walls are reinforced to support future installation of grab bars. The final rule revises Exception 2 so that it does not apply to emergency transportable housing units required to provide mobility features since it could result in delays in installing grab bars in the units.
Amendatory Language
For the reasons stated in the preamble, we amend 36 CFR part 1191 as follows:
In 607.4, revising Exception 2 to read as follows:
607.4 Grab Bars. * * * * *
EXCEPTIONS: * * * * *
2. In residential dwelling units, other than emergency transportable housing units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2, grab bars shall not be required to be installed in bathtubs located in bathing facilities provided that reinforcement has been installed in walls and located so as to permit the installation of grab bars complying with 607.4.
608.3 Grab Bars (Exception 2)
Exception 2 to this section permits grab bars to not be installed in shower compartments in residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features provided that the walls are reinforced to support future installation of grab bars. The final rule revises Exception 2 so that it does not apply to emergency transportable housing units required to provide mobility features since it could result in delays in installing grab bars in the units.
Amendatory Language
For the reasons stated in the preamble, we amend 36 CFR part 1191 as follows:
In 608.3, revising Exception 2 to read as follows:
608.3 Grab Bars. * * * * *
EXCEPTIONS: * * * * *
2. In residential dwelling units, other than emergency transportable housing units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2, grab bars shall not be required to be installed in showers located in bathing facilities provided that reinforcement has been installed in walls and located so as to permit the installation of grab bars complying with 608.3.
608.4 Seats (Exception)
This section requires a folding or non-folding seat to be provided in transfer type shower compartments. An exception to the section permits seats to not be installed in transfer type shower compartments in residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features provided that the walls are reinforced to support future installation of seats. The final rule revises the exception so that it does not apply to emergency transportable housing units required to provide mobility features since it could result in delays in installing seats in transfer type shower compartments in the units. The final rule also requires a folding seat to be provided in roll-in type showers provided in emergency transportable housing units required to provide mobility features.
Amendatory Language
For the reasons stated in the preamble, we amend 36 CFR part 1191 as follows:
In 608.4, revising the second sentence and Exception to read as follows:
608.4 Seats. * * * A folding seat shall be provided in roll-in type showers required in transient lodging guest rooms with mobility features complying with 806.2 and in roll-in type showers provided in emergency transportable housing units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2. * * *
EXCEPTION: In residential dwelling units, other than emergency transportable housing units, seats shall not be required in transfer type shower compartments provided that reinforcement has been installed in walls so as to permit the installation of seats complying with 608.4.
804.3 Kitchen Work Surface (Exception)
This section requires at least one work surface to be provided at kitchen counters in residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features. The work surface must have a clear floor space positioned for a forward approach, and knee and toe clearance beneath the kitchen counter. The final rule adds an exception to the section for emergency transportable housing units in order to preserve storage space beneath kitchen counters in the units. The exception does not require work surfaces to be provided at kitchen counters where a table is provided within the kitchen; an electric outlet is provided within reach of the table; and all the kitchen countertops are 34 inches high maximum. The table must comply with the technical requirements for dining surfaces and work surfaces.
Amendatory Language
For the reasons stated in the preamble, we amend 36 CFR part 1191 as follows:
In 804.3, revising the section to read as follows:
804.3 Kitchen Work Surface. In residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2, at least one 30 inch (760 mm) wide minimum section of counter shall provide a kitchen work surface that complies with 804.3.
EXCEPTION: In emergency transportable housing units, a work surface complying with 804.3 shall not be required provided that the following criteria are met:
(a) A kitchen table complying with 902 is provided within the kitchen;
(b) An electrical outlet is provided at a location within reach of the table; and
(c) All kitchen countertops are 34 inches high maximum.
809 Residential Dwelling Units
The final rule reorganizes and renumbers the technical requirements for residential dwelling units in this section as shown below.45
| Old Sections | New Sections |
| 809 Residential Dwelling Units | 809 Residential Dwelling Units |
| 809.1 General | 809.1 General |
| 809.2 Accessible Routes 809.2.1 Location 809.2.2 Turning Space 809.3 Kitchen 809.4 Toilet Facilities and Bathing Facilities |
809.2 Residential Dwelling Units with Mobility Features 809.2.1 Accessible Routes 809.2.1.1 Location 809.2.1.2 Floor Surfaces 809.2.2 Turning Space 809.2.3 Kitchen 809.2.4 Toilet Facilities and Bathing Facilities 809.2.5 Bedrooms in Emergency Transportable Housing Units 809.2.5.1 Clear Floor Space 809.2.5.2 Furniture 809.2.5.3 Lighting Controls 809.2.6 Weather Alert Systems |
| 809.5 Residential Dwelling Units with Communication Features 809.5.1 Building Fire Alarm System 809.5.1.1 Alarm Appliances 809.5.1.2 Activation 809.5.2 Residential Dwelling Unit Smoke Alarms 809.5.2.1 Activation 809.5.3 Interconnection 809.5.4 Prohibited Use 809.5.5 Residential Dwelling Unit Primary Entrance 809.5.5.1 Notification 809.5.5.2 Identification 809.5.6 Site, Building, or Floor Entrance |
809.3 Residential Dwelling Units with Communication Features 809.3.1 Alarms 809.3.1.1 Building Fire Alarm System 809.3.1.2 Residential Dwelling Unit Smoke Alarms 809.3.1.3 Activation 809.3.2 Residential Dwelling Unit Primary Entrance 809.3.2.1 Notification 809.3.2.2 Identification 809.3.3 Site, Building, or Floor Entrance 809.3.4 Weather Alert Systems |
45. From footnote 39: The revisions made by the final rule to the guidelines do not change the requirements in the DOJ 2010 Standards until DOJ adopts the revisions. The sections of the DOJ 2010 Standards relating to residential facilities are not revised or renumbered. See 36 CFR 1191.1, Note 2 to paragraph (a), as amended in 78 FR 59493 (September 26, 2013).
Amendatory Language
For the reasons stated in the preamble, we amend 36 CFR part 1191 as follows:
In 809.1, revising the second and third sentences to read as follows:
809.1 General. * * * Residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features shall comply with 809.2. Residential dwelling units required to provide communication features shall comply with 809.3.
809.2 Residential Dwelling Units with Mobility Features
As discussed below, the final rule adds technical requirements to this section for floor surfaces, bedrooms, and weather alert systems in emergency transportable housing units with mobility features.
Amendatory Language
For the reasons stated in the preamble, we amend 36 CFR part 1191 as follows:
Redesignating sections 809.2 and 809.2.1 as 809.2.1 and 809.2.1.1, respectively; adding new section 809.2; revising redesignated section 809.2.1 and the first sentence of redesignated section 809.2.1.1; to read as follows:
809.2 Residential Dwelling Units with Mobility Features. Residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features shall comply with 809.2
809.2.1 Accessible Routes. Accessible routes complying with Chapter 4 shall be provided within residential dwelling units in accordance with 809.2.1.
Exception: * * * * *
809.2.1.1 Location. At least one accessible route shall connect all spaces and elements that are a part of the residential dwelling unit. * * *
809.2.1.2 Floor Surfaces
This section specifies that carpet not be provided on floor surfaces in emergency transportable housing units with mobility features.
Amendatory Language
For the reasons stated in the preamble, we amend 36 CFR part 1191 as follows:
Adding new section 809.2.1.2 to read as follows:
809.2.1.2 Floor Surfaces. Within emergency transportable housing units, carpet shall not be provided on floor surfaces.
809.2.5 Bedrooms in Emergency Transportable Housing Units
This section requires a clear floor space for individuals who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids to be provided on one side of a bed in bedrooms in emergency transportable housing units. The clear floor space must be positioned for a parallel approach to the side of the bed and must be on an accessible route. Where bedrooms are less than 70 square feet, the section specifies that the furniture supplied with the unit cannot overlap the accessible route, maneuvering clearances required at doors, and turning space since it is not possible to rearrange the furniture in such small spaces. The section also requires a means to control at least one source of lighting from the bed, such as bedside lamps, wall switches near the bed, or remote control devices that can be operated from the bed, so individuals with mobility disabilities can safely transfer in and out of bed.
Amendatory Language
For the reasons stated in the preamble, we amend 36 CFR part 1191 as follows:
Adding new sections 809.2.5, 809.2.5.1, 809.2.5.2, 809.2.5.3, and 809.2.6 to read as follows:
809.2.5 Bedrooms in Emergency Transportable Housing Units. Bedrooms in emergency transportable housing units shall comply with 809.2.5.
809.2.5.1 Clear Floor Space. A clear floor space complying with 305 shall be provided on one side of a bed. The clear floor space shall be positioned for parallel approach to the side of the bed and shall be on an accessible route.
809.2.5.2 Furniture. Where bedrooms are less than 70 square feet, furniture supplied with the unit shall not overlap the accessible route, maneuvering clearances required at doors, and turning space.
809.2.5.3 Lighting Controls. A means to control at least one source of bedroom lighting from the bed shall be provided.
809.2.6 Weather Alert Systems. Where provided in emergency transportable housing units, weather alert systems shall comply with 309.1 through 309.3.
809.2.6 Weather Alert Systems
Where weather alert systems are provided in emergency transportable housing units, this section requires the operable parts on weather alert systems in units with mobility features to comply with the technical requirements for clear floor space and reach ranges.
Amendatory Language
For the reasons stated in the preamble, we amend 36 CFR part 1191 as follows:
Adding new section 809.2.6 to read as follows:
809.2.6 Weather Alert Systems. Where provided in emergency transportable housing units, weather alert systems shall comply with 309.1 through 309.3.
809.3 Residential Dwelling Units with Communication Features
As discussed below, the final rule adds technical requirements to this section for smoke alarms and weather alert systems in residential dwelling units with communication features.
Amendatory Language
For the reasons stated in the preamble, we amend 36 CFR part 1191 as follows:
Redesignating section 809.5 as 809.3; revising redesignated section 809.3; and adding new sections 809.3.1, 809.3.1.1, 809.3.1.2, and 809.3.1.3 to read as follows:
809.3 Residential Dwelling Units with Communication Features. Residential dwelling units required to provide communication features shall comply with 809.3.
809.3.1 Alarms. Alarms shall comply and 809.3.1. The same visible notification appliances shall be permitted to provide notification of building fire alarm and residential dwelling unit smoke alarm activation. Visible notification appliances used to indicate building fire alarm or residential dwelling unit smoke alarm activation shall not be used for any other purpose within the residential dwelling unit.
809.3.1.1 Building Fire Alarm System. Where a building fire alarm system is provided, the system wiring shall be extended to a point within the residential dwelling unit in the vicinity of the residential dwelling unit smoke alarm system. Notification appliances provided within a residential dwelling unit as part of the building fire alarm system shall comply with NFPA 72 (1999 or 2002 edition) (incorporated by reference, see "Referenced Standards" in Chapter 1).
809.3.1.2 Residential Dwelling Unit Smoke Alarms. Residential dwelling unit smoke alarms shall provide combination smoke alarms and visible notification appliances complying with NFPA 72 (1999 or 2002 edition) (incorporated by reference, see "Referenced Standards" in Chapter 1). Combination smoke alarms and visible notification appliances shall be supplied with power from one or more power sources as follows:
(a) A commercial light and power source along with a secondary power source; or
(b) A non-commercial alternating current (ac) power source along with a secondary power source.
809.3.1.3 Activation. All visible notification appliances within the residential dwelling unit providing notification of a building fire alarm shall be activated upon activation of the building fire alarm in the portion of the building containing the residential dwelling unit. All combination smoke alarms and visible notification appliances within the residential dwelling unit shall be activated upon smoke detection.
809.3.1.2 Residential Dwelling Unit Smoke Alarms
This section requires residential dwelling unit smoke alarms to provide combination smoke alarms and visible notification appliances. The final rule requires combination smoke alarms and visible notification appliances to be supplied with a commercial light and power source along with a secondary power source, or a non-commercial alternating power source along with a secondary power source. This requirement is consistent with the NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code, which is referenced in the section.
Amendatory Language
For the reasons stated in the preamble, we amend 36 CFR part 1191 as follows:
Adding new section 809.3.1.2 to read as follows:
809.3.1.2 Residential Dwelling Unit Smoke Alarms. Residential dwelling unit smoke alarms shall provide combination smoke alarms and visible notification appliances complying with NFPA 72 (1999 or 2002 edition) (incorporated by reference, see "Referenced Standards" in Chapter 1). Combination smoke alarms and visible notification appliances shall be supplied with power from one or more power sources as follows:
(a) A commercial light and power source along with a secondary power source; or
(b) A non-commercial alternating current (ac) power source along with a secondary power source.
Amendatory Language
For the reasons stated in the preamble, we amend 36 CFR part 1191 as follows:
Redesignating sections 809.5.5, 809.5.5.1, 809.5.5.2, and 809.5.6 as 809.3.2, 809.3.2.1, 809.3.2.2, and 809.3.3, respectively, and revising redesignated section 809.3.2 to read as follows:
809.3.2 Residential Dwelling Unit Primary Entrance. Communication features shall be provided at the residential dwelling unit primary entrance and shall comply with 809.3.2.
809.3.4 Weather Alert Systems
Where weather alert systems are provided in emergency transportable housing units, this section requires weather alert systems in units with communication features to provide audible and visible output.
Amendatory Language
For the reasons stated in the preamble, we amend 36 CFR part 1191 as follows:
Adding new section 809.3.4 to read as follows:
809.3.4 Weather Alert Systems. Where provided in emergency transportable housing units, weather alert systems shall provide audible and visual output.
Amendatory Language
For the reasons stated in the preamble, we amend 36 CFR part 1191 as follows:
Removing sections 809.5.1, 809.5.1.1, 809.5.1.2, 809.5.2, 809.5.2.1, 809.5.3, and 809.5.4.
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