New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 10 - HUMAN SERVICES
Chapter 44B - MANUAL OF STANDARDS FOR COMMUNITY CARE RESIDENCES
Subchapter 6 - PHYSICAL PLANT AND SAFETY
Section 10:44B-6.1 - General home requirements

Universal Citation: NJ Admin Code 10:44B-6.1

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 18, September 16, 2024

(a) The licensee shall take such measures to protect all persons in the residence from hazards to health, safety, and welfare that can be attributed to the location or environment of the residence.

(b) All one- or two-family dwellings shall be subject to the requirements of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code Group R-3 or R-5.

(c) All modifications, renovations, or upgrades requiring heating, plumbing, or electrical modifications shall be completed by licensed contractors and the required permits and inspections obtained as required by local ordinances or the UCC, as applicable.

(d) Whenever the licensee moves, he or she shall obtain a copy of the Certificate of Occupancy as required by local ordinances or the UCC, as applicable.

(e) In single-family residences that have been subdivided into more than two apartments, if the licensee is the owner, the building shall comply with the Uniform Construction Code Group Category R-2 (Multi-family dwelling).

(f) Every residence shall be provided with heating facilities that are installed, maintained, and operated in good and safe working condition and which are capable of maintaining all habitable rooms at a temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

1. Heat sources exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit in any part of the home that are accessible to individuals shall be equipped with protective covers to prevent individuals from coming into direct contact with the heat source.

2. The licensee shall take steps to assure the health and safety of individuals served if the temperature in the home exceeds 82 degrees Fahrenheit for more than four hours.

(g) Air conditioners and fans shall be installed and operated in a safe manner.

(h) The home shall be equipped with plumbing, drains, and sewer lines or septic systems that are installed and maintained in good and safe working conditions.

1. The hot water temperature in the home shall register no lower than 105 degrees Fahrenheit and shall not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit at the tap.

2. Hot and cold running potable water shall be available in adequate supply at all times.

(i) An operable telephone shall be available in the residence.

1. The telephone number of the Division hotline shall be readily accessible by the primary telephone.

(j) All stair treads and landings shall be equipped with non-slip surfaces in good repair.

(k) Stair treads shall be at least nine inches deep and have risers no more than 8-1/4 inches high.

(l) Stairways shall be a minimum of two feet eight inches wide from handrail to handrail or wall.

(m) All stairways, hallways, and exits shall be maintained in good repair and kept free and clear of obstructions or tripping hazards at all times.

(n) Every balcony, staircase, or place higher than 30 inches off the ground shall be provided with adequate and secure railings. Such railings shall be no less than 30 inches or more than 34 inches in height. For new construction or buildings undergoing rehabilitation, railings shall be no less than 34 inches for stair railings and 36 inches for porches or decks.

(o) All stairways consisting of four or more steps shall be provided with a secure handrail.

(p) All operable windows and doors used for natural ventilation shall be provided with insect screening maintained in good condition.

(q) Every residence shall be provided with at least one full bathroom consisting of a door for privacy with a privacy lock, one flush type toilet, sink, and bathtub or shower maintained in good sanitary condition and available for every eight persons living in the residence.

1. Bathrooms shall be accessible without passing through any sleeping unit and shall be available within one floor above or below the individual's room, unless it is a "master bedroom" type suite for the sole use of that bedroom's occupants.

2. Toilet paper shall be available at each toilet.

3. Non-slip surfaces shall be available in each shower or bath.

4. All bathroom fixtures, lighting, and mirrors shall be in good condition and securely fastened to the wall, ceiling, or floor.

(r) The accumulation of garbage, waste, or clutter in any area of the residence or property shall be prohibited.

1. Garbage containers shall be non-corrosive, non-combustible, and leak-proof and maintained in good condition.

2. Outside garbage containers shall be provided with tight fitting covers.

(s) Floors, walls, ceilings, and other interior surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair.

(t) The interior and exterior of the residence shall be maintained free of hazards to the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants.

1. The following, at a minimum, shall be prohibited:
i. Light bulb wattage in excess of manufacturer's recommendations;

ii. Piggybacking electrical cords;

iii. Overloaded outlets;

iv. Broken light fixtures;

v. Missing outlet or switch plate covers;

vi. Cellophane wrapping on lampshades;

vii. Water leaks or accumulation of stagnant water;

viii. Frayed or unsecured carpeting;

ix. Electrical cords running under carpeting or through doorways;

x. Improper use or maintenance of electrical devices;

xi. Improperly wired holiday decorations;

xii. Unsecured or overloaded shelving;

xiii. Exposed wiring;

xiv. Broken furniture; and

xv. Tripping hazards.

2. All fuse boxes, circuit breakers, control panels, junction boxes, and exterior electrical receptacles shall be provided with protective covers and maintained in good operating condition.

3. Major electrical equipment or appliances that require high wattage, including, but not limited to, refrigerators, washers, dryers, air conditioners, or home theatre equipment, shall be plugged directly into an outlet or heavy duty surge protector.

(u) Chain locks, hook, and eye locks, slide locks, or other locks that cannot be readily opened from either side shall be prohibited on all doors.

1. Locks on egress doors shall be of the type that can be unlocked from the inside without the use of a key.

(v) Only commercially available security devices that are quick release and visible shall be permitted for use with sliding glass exit doors. The placement of a stick or bar in the door track is prohibited.

(w) Exterminator services shall be arranged, and documentation retained, by the licensee whenever there is evidence of infestation.

(x) The licensee shall ensure that pets kept at the home pose no danger to the health, safety, or welfare of all of the occupants or visitors to the household.

(y) Any occupant of the home who owns a firearm shall have a valid New Jersey license to own a firearm.

1. Firearms shall be secured in a locked steel gun vault and all ammunition shall be secured in a locked area separate from the firearm storage vault.

(z) The home shall incorporate barrier-free design, as necessary, for individuals in the home with physical disabilities.

(aa) Basements may be used as activity rooms by individuals provided the basement is dry, warm, adequately lighted, and have two independent means of egress.

1. Basements without two independent means of egress may not be occupied.

(bb) Kitchen facilities requirements are as follows:

1. Storage space shall be clean and well ventilated.

2. Containers of food shall be covered and appropriately stored above the floor on shelves or other clean surfaces, and away from household cleaners, insecticides, poisons, etc.

3. Refrigeration and storage of food shall be provided at not more than 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees C). Freezer compartments shall operate at no more than 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees C).

4. All food and drink shall be safe for human consumption, clean, wholesome, and free of spoilage.

5. All food and drink shall be prepared and served in a sanitary manner.

6. All appliances, equipment, and utensils used for eating, drinking, preparation, and serving of food shall be kept clean and in good condition.

7. All equipment and utensils used for eating, drinking, preparation, and serving of food shall be thoroughly washed after each use.

8. Floors, walls, and work surfaces of food preparation and food serving areas shall be kept clean and in good condition at all times.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. New Jersey may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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