Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 109 - Arkansas Development Finance Authority
Division 04 - Multi-Family Housing
Rule 109.04.07-003 - Changes to and New Policy pertaining to the Multi-Family Housing Minimum Design Standard
Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 9, September, 2024
Part 1:Introduction
OVERVIEW:
With the changing demographics of the United States (and much of the world)-i.e. the aging of the "baby-boom" generation and the increased prevalence of various disabilities- there has become an increasing importance (and demand) to develop affordable, user-friendly housing. The design and construction of inclusive housing has become most signifcant in the South and states such as Arkansas, where the aforementioned economic and demographic effects are most pronounced. This document serves as a guide for local, regional, and state governments, agencies, and housing authorities and for designers, developers, builders, architects, and engineers working with these organizations for designing and constructing more accessible, usable housing. This guide may be adopted or utilized (in part or in whole) by any of these organizations or individuals as a means to positively affect the quality of housing in the state of Arkansas.
HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT:
The Usability Standards contained herein provide guidance for designing and constructing more ergonomic, universally functional housing. The usability standards listed below are organized according to the traditional functions that take place within the home (e.g. sleeping, food preparation, etc.). Each category contains two components:
(1) Levels of Usability (top) and (2) Usability
Criteria (left). There are four types of usability:
ORGANIZATION OF THE DOCUMENT
ORGANIZATION OF THE USABILITY STANDARDS
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LEVELS OF USABILITY |
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Level 1: Visitable Accommodates the brief stay of diverse visitors. |
Level 3: Livable Accommodates the needs of diverse visitors as well as most residents, and is easily adaptable to accommodate future needs. |
Level 5: All-Inclusive Accommodates the needs of all visitors and residents throughout their life spans with minimal adaptation. |
Can you get to it?
Can you operate it?
Does it communicate with you?
Does it provide safety/protection?
PRIMARY DEFINITIONS:
Definitions are provided below for each level of usability and each usability criterion.
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LEVELS OF USABILITY |
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Level 1: Visitable "Visitable" is the enabling of: - ambulatory visitors, - visitors utilizing assistive technologies, and - visitors utilizing wheeled mobility devices to: - access, move to and through, and - remain safe and secure in at least one connected set of spaces, including a minimum of: a. one visitable approach and entry, b. one entry-floor visitable bathroom, and c. one entry-floor visitable interior space (other than the entry and bathroom). In addition, all Level 1 (or higher) standards must be fulfilled. |
Level 3: Livable "Livable" is the enabling of: - ambulatory residents, - residents who utilize assistive technologies, - residents utilizing wheeled mobility devices, - residents with a wide range of strengths and dexterities, and - residents with diverse sensory abilities to: - access, move to and through, - operate the fixtures within, - receive and interpret sensory cues in, and - remain safe and secure in at least one connected set of spaces, including a minimum of: a. a visitable and operable main entry, b. one livable bathroom, c. one livable kitchen, d. and one livable bedroom. In addition, all Level 3 (or higher) standards must be fulfilled. |
Level 5: All-Inclusive "All-Inclusive" is the enabling of: - ambulatory residents, - residents who utilize assistive technologies, - residents utilizing wheeled mobility devices, - residents with a wide range of strengths and dexterities to: - access, move to and through, - operate the fixtures within, - receive and interpret sensory cues in, and - remain safe and secure in all connected spaces of the home, including a minimum of: a. all approaches and entries, and b. all interior spaces. In addition, all Level 5 (or higher) standards described below must be fulfilled. |
Mobility is the enabling of ambulatory occupants, users of assistive technologies, and occupants utilizing wheeled mobility devices to access and move to and through various spaces.
Operability is the enabling of users with a wide range of strengths and dexterities to properly and efficiently use fixtures, mechanisms, and controls.
Perceptibility is the enabling of users with diverse sensory abilities to receive and interpret a variety of sensory cues, including visual, auditory, and tactile information.
Security is the enabling of diverse users to remain safe and protected from injury, harm, and discomfort caused by the design of the dwelling or its immediate surrounds.
ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS:
Defnitions are provided below for terms used in this document.
All-Inclusive. Any space or feature that meets or exceeds the criteria of Level 5.
Diverse Occupants. Visitors and/or residents who may:
Egress. Any interior or exterior path of travel to or from any interior or exterior space.
Emergency Egress. Any means of travel that can be legally defned (by applicable national and local codes/regulations) as a safe, effective means of travel in the case of fre or other emergency.
Interior Space(s). Any environmentally-controlled space of a residence, including, but not limited to bathing, toileting, food preparation, living, eating, and sleeping spaces.
Livable. Any space or feature that exceeds the criteria of Level 3.
Main Entry. The most visually prominent and/or most proximal entry to the public right-of-way or parking.
Occupant. Any visitor, resident, or other person who temporarily or permanently inhabits a residence.
Occupants/residents of Various Heights. Visitor, residents, or other persons who temporarily or permanently inhabit a residence who (a) may be ambulatory, nonambulatory or may use wheeled mobility devices, (b) may be standing or seated, (c) may be a child or adult and male or female, and (d) may be 42-75" in height.
Parking Space. Any interior or exterior space in which the primary function is for the storage/parking of automobiles; this may be either privately owned or public.
Resident. One of the primary, permanent or semi-permanent occupants of a residence; or a person whose temporary or permanent address is at said residence. This may be an owner, a renter, or a family member/friend of the owner or renter.
Public Right-of-Way. The non-privately-owned space most proximal to an entry of a residence that is accessible to either pedestrians or vehicular traffc.
Visitable. Any space or feature that meets or exceeds the criteria of Level 1.
Visitor. Any non-resident occupant of a residence.
REFERENCES
American National Standards Institute, Inc. (2004). American national standard: Accessible and usable buildings and facilities. Illinois: International Code Council, Inc. Building Officials and Code Administrators. (1999). The BOCA national building code. Illinois: Delmar Thomson Learning.
Clarkson, John, Roger Coleman, Simeon Keates, and Cherie Lebbon, eds. (2003). Inclusive design: Design for the whole population. London: Springer.
The Center for Universal Design (1997). The principles of universal design, version 2.0. Raleigh, NC: North Carolina State University. Covington, George A., & Bruce Hannah. (1997) Access by design. NY: John Wiley and Sons
Goldsmith, Selwyn. (2000). Universal design: A manual of practical guidance for architects. Oxford: Architectural Press.
Imrie, Rob & Peter Hall. (2001). Inclusive design: Designing and developing accessible environments. London: Spon.
International Code Council, Inc. (2003). International building code. Illinois: International Code Council, Inc.
International Code Council, Inc. (2003). International residential code for one- and two-family dwellings. Illinois: International Code Council, Inc.
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. (2000). Access to and use of buildings: Approved document M. United Kingdom: The Stationery Office.
Preiser, Wolfgang F.E. & Elaine Ostroff, eds. (2001). Universal Design Handbook. NY: McGraw-Hill.
Smith, Korydon, Jennifer Webb & Brent Wlliams (2006). Arkansas housing and health survey: Summary report. Arkansas: Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services. From http://uark.edu/ua/studio/StudioAID2/content/survey%20report/AR%20Health%26Housing%20Report%202006.doc
Universal Design New York, vols. 1 & 2. Gary Scott Dandford and Beth Tauke, eds. in conjunction with the University at Buffalo Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access.
United States Access Board (1984). Uniform federal accessibility standards. Washington, D.C.: Federal Register.
Part 2: Usability Standards
Parking, Approach & Entry 2.01
Interior Spaces (general) 2.02
Bathing & Toileting Spaces 2.03
Sleeping Spaces 2.04
Food Preparation Spaces 2.05
Exterior Spaces 2.06
Miscellaneous 2.07
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Level 1: Visitable |
Level 3: Livable |
Level 5: All-Inclusive |
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Mobility at parking/right-of-way. |
A minimum of one parking space is easily adapted to accommodate a full-size car and side loading of diverse occupants. |
A minimum of one parking space accommodates a full-size car and side loading of diverse occupants. 3.01 or 3.02 |
A minimum of one parking space2 accommodates a full-size van and side and rear loading of diverse occupants. |
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Mobility to entry (approach). |
Egress from parking (or public right-of-way) to the interior of one visitable entry can be easily traversed by diverse visitors. |
Egress from parking (or public right-of-way) to the interior of the main entry be easily traversed by diverse visitors. 3.01 or 3.02 |
Egress from parking (or public right-of-way) to the interior of all entries can be easily traversed by diverse visitors. |
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Mobility at entry (int. & ext.). |
An interior space and an exterior space, which enable diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees, are provided immediately adjacent to visitable entry. |
An interior space and an exterior space, which enable diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees, are provided immediately adjacent to main entry. 3.03 or 3.04 |
An interior space and an exterior space, which enable diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees, are provided immediately adjacent to all entries. |
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Operability of entrance. |
Visitable entry (a) is operable with a closed fist and (b) requires minimum effort for operation. |
Main entry (a) is operable with a closed fist and (b) requires minimum effort for operation. 3.05 |
All entries (a) are operable with a closed fist and (b) requires minimum effort for operation. |
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Perceptibility of entry signals. |
Visitable entry enables visual access (interior to exterior) or auditory communication (between interior and exterior occupants). |
Main entry provides a call device that provides visual, auditory, or tactile cues to the visitor. |
Main entry enables visual access (interior to exterior) for residents of various heights. 3.06 Main entry enables auditory communication between interior and exterior occupants. 3.06 Main entry provides appropriate day- and night-time illumination. 3.06 |
All entries enable visual access (interior to exterior) for residents of various heights. All entries enable auditory communication between interior and exterior occupants. All entries provide appropriate day- and night-time illumination. |
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Security against slipping/tripping. |
Materials, assemblies, and transitions along approach from parking (or public right-of-way) to interior space of visitable entry provides security against slipping and tripping. |
Materials, assemblies, and transitions along approach from parking (or public right-of-way) to interior space of main entry provides security against slipping and tripping. 3.07 |
Materials, assemblies, and transitions along approach from parking (or public right-of-way) to interior space of all entries provide security against slipping and tripping. |
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Security from weather. |
Main entry provides partial protection from the extreme weather of the region. 3.08 |
Main entry provides full protection from the extreme weather of the region; all other entries provide partial protection. |
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Mobility within interior. |
Each "visitable" space contains a minimum of one area enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees. Passage between each "visitable" space is enabled for diverse occupants. |
Each "livable" interior space contains a minimum of one area enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees.3.09 & 3.10 Passage between each "livable" space is enabled for diverse occupants.3.11, 3.12, 3.13, or 3.14 |
For multi-storey units, a Every interior space (excluding minimum of one defined storage spaces) contains a minimum vertical space is able to of one area enabling diverse accommodate the future occupants to rest and to turn 180 installation of an degrees. elevator or lift with a minimum of structural Passage between each space is adaptation. enabled for diverse occupants. |
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Operability of doors. |
All doors connecting "visitable" spaces are operable with a closed fist. |
All doors connecting "livable" spaces are operable with a closed fist. 3.15 |
All doors are operable with a closed fist. |
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Operability of windows. |
Doors, windows, and finish materials and assemblies of "livable" spaces are easily maintained/cleaned. |
All non-fixed windows are operable with a closed fist. |
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Operability of electrical fixtures. |
All lighting controls along "visitable" means of egress are operable with a closed fist and a push-stick. |
All lighting controls in "livable" spaces are operable with a closed fist and a push-stick by residents of various heights. 3.16 All electrical outlets are operable by residents of various heights. 3.16 |
Interior services & communication systems are easily serviced and upgraded w/ a minimum of adaptation required. |
All lighting and heating controls are operable with a closed fist and a push-stick by residents of various heights or are controlled by automated devices or external agencies. All electrical outlets are operable by residents of various heights. |
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Operability of storage units/spaces. |
All doors and drawers to storage units and spaces in "livable" areas a) are operable with a closed fist or a flat open hand and b) require a minimum effort of operation. 3.17 |
All doors and drawers to storage units and spaces a) are operable with a closed fist or a flat open hand and b) require a minimum effort of operation. |
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Perceptibility of exterior |
A minimum of one window in each living space enables residents of various heights to view out. 3.18 |
All storage spaces/units can be reconfigured w/o structural adaptation to facilitate diverse storage arrangements. |
A minimum of one window in each living space enables residents of various heights to view out. |
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Perceptibility of controls & alarms. |
All environmental controls (e.g. light switches, thermostats, etc.) provide visual, auditory, and tactile cues. |
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Security against slipping/tripping. |
All interior materials, assemblies, and transitions provide security against slipping and tripping. |
All interior materials, assemblies, and transitions provide security against slipping and tripping. 3.19 |
All interior materials, assemblies, and transitions provide security against slipping and tripping. |
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Mobility within bathroom. |
Each "visitable" toileting space contains an area enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees. Configuration of "visitable" toileting space or adjacent "visitable" space enables side approach to and use of sink for diverse occupants. |
Each "livable" bathing and/or toileting space contains an area enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees. 3.20, 3.21, 3.22, or 3.23 Configuration of "livable" bathing and/or toileting space enables front and side approach to and use of all plumbing fixtures for diverse occupants. 3.20, 3.21, 3.22, or 3.23 |
Every bathing and/or toileting space contains an area enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees. Configuration of each bathing and/or toileting space enables front and side approach to and use of sink for diverse occupants. |
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Operability of fixtures. |
Sink fixture in "visitable" toileting space or adjacent "visitable" space a) is operable with a closed fist and b) requires a minimum effort of operation. |
All plumbing fixtures in "livable" bathing and/or toileting spaces a) are operable with a closed fist and b) require a minimum effort of operation. 3.24 All cabinetry/storage in "livable" bathing and/or toileting spaces a) is operable with a closed fist or a flat open hand and b) requires a minimum effort of operation. 3.24 |
Cabinetry, fixtures, and assistive devices can be reconfigured to facilitate diverse arrangements w/o structural adaptation or purchase of additional components. |
All plumbing fixtures a) are operable with a closed fist and b) require a minimum effort of operation. All cabinetry/storage in all bathing and/or toileting spaces a) is operable with a closed fist or a flat open hand and b) requires a minimum effort of operation. |
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Perceptibility of plumbing fixtures. |
All plumbing controls (e.g. sinks and bathing fixtures) provide intuitive visual and tactile cues. |
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Security of plumbing fixtures. |
All plumbing fixtures in "livable" bathing and/or toileting space(s) provide security against scalding. 3.25 |
All plumbing fixtures in all bathing and/or toileting spaces provide security against scalding. |
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Mobility within sleeping spaces. |
A "visitable" sleeping space is provided which meets all Level 3 criteria for sleeping spaces. |
All "livable" sleeping spaces contain areas enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees. 3.26 |
All sleeping spaces contain areas enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees. |
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Perceptibility of alarms. |
Emergency alarms in "livable" sleeping space(s) provide both visual and auditory cues. 3.27 |
Emergency alarms in all sleeping space(s) provide both visual and auditory cues. |
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Security of egress. |
A minimum of one window in each "livable" sleeping space enables emergency egress or rescue of diverse occupants. 3.28 |
A direct route between a minimum of one bedroom and one bathroom enables the future installation of a bed-to-bath hoist. |
A minimum of one window in each sleeping space enables emergency egress or rescue of diverse occupants. |
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Mobility within food prep spaces. |
Each "livable" food preparation space contains a minimum of one area enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees.3.29, 3.30, 3.31, or 3.32 Configuration of "livable" food preparation space(s) enables front or side approach to and use of sink(s), appliances, and cabinetry/storage for diverse occupants. 3.29, 3.30, 3.31, or 3.32 |
All food preparation spaces contain a minimum of one area enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees. Configurations of all food preparation spaces enable front and side approach to and use of sink(s), appliances, and cabinetry/storage for diverse occupants. |
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Operability of fixtures. |
Work surfaces enable usability for residents of various heights. 3.33 All cabinetry/storage in "livable" food preparation spaces a) is operable with a closed fist or a flat open hand and b) requires a minimum effort of operation. 3.34 All plumbing fixtures in "livable" food preparation spaces a) are operable with a closed fist and b) require a minimum effort of operation. 3.34 |
Cabinetry, fixtures, and assistive devices can be reconfigured to facilitate diverse arrangements w/o structural adaptation or purchase of additional components. |
All cabinetry/storage in all food preparation spaces a) is operable with a closed fist or a flat open hand and b) requires a minimum effort of operation. All plumbing fixtures in all food preparation spaces a) are operable with a closed fist and b) require a minimum effort of operation. |
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Operability of electrical fixtures. |
All lighting controls in "livable" spaces are operable with a closed fist and a push-stick by residents of various heights. 3.35 All electrical outlets are operable by residents of various heights. 3.35 |
All lighting and heating controls are operable with a closed fist and a push-stick by residents of various heights or are controlled by automated devices or external agencies. All electrical outlets are operable by residents of various heights. |
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Perceptibility of plumbing fixtures. |
All plumbing controls (e.g. sinks and bathing fixtures) provide intuitive visual and tactile cues. |
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Perceptibility of appliances. |
All devoted outlet appliances provide intuitive visual and auditory or tactile cues. 3.36 |
All devoted outlet appliances provide intuitive visual and auditory or tactile cues. |
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Security against scalding. |
All plumbing fixtures in "livable" food preparation spaces provide security against scalding. 3.37 |
All plumbing fixtures in all food preparation spaces provide security against scalding. |
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Mobility at exterior. |
An exterior space including a minimum of one area enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees is provided. Passage between "livable" interior and exterior spaces is enabled for diverse occupants. |
An exterior space is provided which contains a minimum of one area enabling diverse occupants to rest and to turn 180 degrees. Passage between interior and exterior spaces is enabled for diverse occupants. |
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Mobility to neighborhood/vicinity. |
Egress from main entry of home to neighborhood amenities (e.g. shopping, public transportation, employment, etc.) is easily traversed by diverse visitors. |
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Operability of doors. |
All doors connecting "livable" interior spaces to exterior spaces are operable with a closed fist. |
All doors connecting interior spaces to exterior spaces are operable with a closed fist. |
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Operability of exterior. |
Exterior landscaping, finish materials, and assemblies are easily maintained. |
Exterior landscaping, finish materials, and assemblies are easily maintained or are maintained by a private agency. |
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Operability of exterior lighting. |
All lighting controls in "livable" exterior spaces are operable with a closed fist and a push-stick. |
All exterior lighting controls are operable with a closed fist and a push-stick or are controlled by automated devices or external agencies. |
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Operability of exterior lighting. |
All doors and drawers to storage units and spaces in exterior "livable" areas are operable with a closed fist. |
All doors and drawers to exterior storage units and spaces are operable with a closed fist. |
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Perceptibility of exterior controls and signage. |
All exterior controls (e.g. light switches) and neighborhood signage provides visual, auditory, and tactile cues. |
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Security against slipping/tripping. |
All materials, assemblies, and transitions in "livable" exterior spaces provide security against slipping and tripping. |
All exterior materials, assemblies, and transitions provide security against slipping and tripping. |
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Mobility at electrical panels. |
Electrical panels enable access for diverse occupants and users of various heights. 3.38 |
Electrical panels enable access for diverse occupants and users of various heights. |
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Security at electrical panels. |
Electrical panels provide security against electrical shock. 3.38 |
Electrical panels provide security against electrical shock. |
Part 3: Examples
I: Parking, Approach & Entry 3.01 - 3.08
II: Interior Spaces (general) 3.09 - 3.19
III: Bathing & Toileting Spaces 3.20 - 3.25
IV: Sleeping Spaces 3.26 - 3.28
V: Food Preparation Spaces 3.29 - 3.37
VI: Miscellaneous 3.38
Parking, Approach & Entry: Mobility
Interior Spaces: Mobility
Interior Spaces: Operability
Interior Spaces: Perceptibility
Bathing & Toileting Spaces: Mobility |
Bathing & Toileting Spaces: Operability
Bathing & Toileting Spaces: Security
Sleeping Spaces: Mobility
Sleeping Spaces: Perceptibility
Sleeping Spaces: Mobility
Food Preparation Spaces: Mobility
Food Preparation Spaces: Operability
Food Preparation Spaces: Perceptibility
Food Preparation Spaces: Security
Miscellaneous.: Mobility + Security
