Chapter 8.20
GROUP HOMES
Sections:
8.20.010 Standards to constitute minimum requirements.
8.20.020 Physical plant services.
8.20.030 Food and nutrition services.
8.20.050 Psychological services.
8.20.010 Standards to constitute minimum requirements.
All group homes and community integrated living arrangements (hereinafter referred to as “group homes”) shall be required to meet the minimum requirements of this code and the applicable zoning regulations of the village of Riverdale.
A. Codes. Each group home shall comply with the applicable provisions of life safety codes utilized by the village.
B. Drawings.
1. For new structures or additions or major alterations to existing structures or for the use of existing residential units coming within the scope of these standards, design development drawings and specifications shall be made.
2. Final work drawings and specifications shall be retained by the agency and a set submitted to the department.
3. For final approval to remain valid, construction contracts must be signed within one year of the date of final approval.
4. Alternate methods of design development and construction may be acceptable, subject to the approval of the building and zoning department.
5. Any contract modifications which affect or change the function, design or purpose of a facility shall be submitted to the building and zoning department for approval prior to authorizing the modifications.
6. The building and zoning department shall be notified at least thirty days before construction has been completed. The building and zoning department may complete a final inspection. Deficiencies noted during the final inspection must have an acceptable plan of correction filed or be completed before occupancy will be allowed.
7. Minor alterations or remodeling changes which do not affect the structural integrity of the building, which do not change functional operation, which do not affect fire safety, and which do not add resident capacity in licensed group homes need not be submitted for approval.
8. No system of water supply, plumbing, sewage, garbage or refuse disposal shall be installed, nor any such existing system materially altered or extended, until complete plans and specifications for the installation, alteration or extension have been submitted to the village for review and approval.
9. The preparation of any drawings and specifications required shall be executed by and be under the immediate supervision of an architect registered by the state of Illinois.
10. The drawings shall indicate in detail the assignment of all spaces, size of areas and rooms, the fixed equipment and the specifications.
11. The plans shall be drawn at a scale sufficiently large to clearly present the proposed design.
12. The drawings shall include a plan of each floor including the basement or ground floor; plot plan showing topography, roads, parking areas, sidewalks, landscaping, and the like; elevations of all facades; sections through the structure; and schedule(s) of finishes.
13. Specifications shall provide a general description of the construction, including finishes, acoustical material, floor covering, heating and ventilation systems, and description of the electrical system including the emergency electrical system.
14. Specifications shall supplement the drawings and shall describe, except where fully indicated and described on the drawings, the materials, workmanship, kind, sizes, capacities, finishes and other characteristics of all materials, products, articles and devices.
15. Structural drawings shall show plans of foundations, floors, roofs and all intermediate levels shall show the complete design with sizes, sections and the relative location of the various members.
16. Mechanical drawings with specifications shall show the complete heating, cooling and ventilation systems, and plumbing and drainage.
17. Electrical drawings shall show all electrical wiring, outlets and equipment which require electrical connections.
18. The total gross floor area and bed count shall be shown on the drawings.
19. A brief narrative of the proposed program shall be submitted to the architect and the building and zoning department.
20. Design development drawings and outline specifications shall be developed by the architect.
21. When the project is an existing structure or addition to an existing structure, details and information shall be provided including:
a. Type of activities within the existing structure, a distribution of any existing beds, and the like.
b. Type of construction of existing structure and number of stories in height.
c. Plans and details showing attachment of new construction to the existing structure.
d. Structure systems information showing connections to existing systems.
e. The architect may require additional details as needed.
C. Site.
1. The site shall be located in a neighborhood which can provide the necessary supporting services for the group home, such as physician’s services, medical facilities, public utilities or other acceptable substitutes.
2. The site shall be located in a section of the community conveniently accessible to transportation, churches, shopping and other community resources.
3. It shall be located on well-maintained, all-weather roads.
4. Each group home site shall comply with all applicable zoning ordinances and shall be located on reasonably flat or rolling well-drained land that is not subject to flooding, and is reasonably free from sources of excessive noise, noxious or hazardous smoke or fumes and not in a deteriorated, unpleasant, or potentially hazardous area.
5. Each group home site shall be served by village water supply, sewage disposal and waste treatment system.
6. Each group home site shall be located so as to meet local fire authorities requirements.
7. Each group home site shall be located so as to enable residents to participate in community activities.
8. Group homes shall not be located within a distance of eight hundred feet measured in any direction from another group home.
D. Structure.
1. Structures shall be constructed of fire-resistive, protected noncombustible, protected ordinary, one-third-hour protected wood frame, heavy timber, or unprotected noncombustible construction.
2. All corridors shall be three feet in clear and unobstructed width.
3. Corridor walls shall have fire-resistive rating of at least one-third hour. Corridor walls may terminate at the underside of the ceiling.
4. Rooms or space, including maintenance areas used for the storage of combustible supplies and equipment in quantities deemed hazardous by the authority having jurisdiction, shall be protected as required by the authority having jurisdiction.
5. Group homes shall be in a structure comparable in appearance with other housing in the community neighborhood.
6. Group home structures shall have interior finishes, floors and walls of “C” class fire rating or better.
7. Foundations shall rest on natural solid ground and shall be carried to a depth below the frost line.
8. Assumed live loads shall be in accordance with the Building Code, as amended.
9. Structures and all parts thereof shall structurally support all dead, live and lateral loads.
E. Bath and Toilet Rooms.
1. Each tub or shower shall be in an individual room or enclosure which provides space for the private use of the bathing fixture and for drying and dressing.
2. A bath shall be provided on each bedroom floor and shall include tub or shower, toilet and lavatory. A toilet and lavatory shall be provided on other resident use floors. One bath shall be provided for each six residents.
F. Bedrooms.
1. Each single bedroom used for a resident shall have at least seventy-five square feet of usable net floor area, not including any space taken up for closets, wardrobes, bathrooms and clearly definable entryway areas.
2. Each multiple bedroom used for residents shall have for each resident housed in the room at least sixty square feet of usable floor area. Usable area does not include any space utilized for closets, wardrobes, bathrooms and clearly identifiable entryway area. Maximum room capacity shall be two residents. There shall be a minimum three-foot distance between beds.
G. Doors and Windows.
1. Exit access doors and all doors used by residents shall be functional.
2. All toilet or bathroom and bedroom doors and hardware shall be designed to permit emergency ingress to the room. All locks shall be arranged to permit exit from the room by a simple operation without the use of a key.
3. All doors to bedrooms and exit corridors shall be a minimum of twenty-minute fire-resistive rating.
4. Doors in stairways shall have a fire protection rating of one-third hour and be self-closing and self-latching.
5. Doors and windows shall fit snugly and be weather tight, yet open and close easily.
H. Exit Facilities and Subdivisions.
1. Any basement used by residents for such purposes as recreation, group meetings or laundry shall be provided with two means of exit. At least one of the exits shall have direct access to the outside of the building. Basements that are not more than fifty percent below grade level may use escape windows as long as the bottom of the window is at or above grade. These windows shall meet with the approval of the village.
2. A device shall be provided on the interior of the building for climbing to the lower sill of the escape window on the interior of the building.
3. All corridors and passages to be used as a means of exit, or part of means of exit, shall not lead through any room or space used for a purpose that may obstruct free passage.
4. Means of egress shall be so arranged that there are no dead-end pockets, hallways, corridors, passageways or courts whose depth exceeds twenty feet.
I. Kitchen.
1. Provide a residential kitchen properly located for efficient food service, and large enough to accommodate the equipment and personnel needed to prepare and serve properly the number of meals required.
2. Provide kitchen equipment in an arrangement for convenient operation, good sanitation, healthful working conditions and control of heat, noise and odors, if food service is provided. There shall be an adequate supply of food preparation equipment, including, but not limited to, pots, pans, spoons, knives and mixers of the proper type to satisfactorily prepare the meals.
3. The walls and ceilings and all food-handling rooms shall be finished with smooth, washable surfaces.
4. A kitchen shall be located so that no resident must pass through it to reach a bathroom or a resident’s bedroom.
5. Provide a two-compartment sink equipped with drain boards. One compartment is for washing dishes and the other is for rinsing and sanitizing. The compartment for sanitizing shall be sufficiently deep to allow complete submersion of all items washed. A domestic-type dishwashing machine equipped with sanitizing features may be used in place of the two-compartment sink.
6. Appropriate approved sanitation procedures shall be used, commensurate with the food service provided.
J. Laundry, Housekeeping and Storage Areas.
1. Provide a laundry area equipped with appropriate and satisfactory type equipment of a design to meet the needs of the residents, unless alternative appropriate means are provided (laundry service, laundromat, and the like).
2. Sufficient housekeeping storage space shall be provided throughout the facility as required to maintain a clean and sanitary environment.
3. Provide for the storage of excess personal possessions of residents and staff, linens, supplies, activity materials and other items. This does not include closets or wardrobes in residents’ rooms. Provisions for locking and security control shall be provided.
4. Provide storage room for maintenance supplies, yard equipment and the like.
5. Provide a medicine cabinet conveniently located and capable of being locked.
K. Living, Dining and Family Room(s).
1. The social activities area shall have a total window area of at least one-tenth the floor area.
2. There shall be a dining area with sufficient area to properly and comfortably seat the residents it serves.
L. Walls and Ceilings.
1. All rooms occupied or used by residents shall have ceilings not less than seven feet minimum.
2. Any projection located in the path of traffic shall be not less than six feet, eight inches above the floor.
3. Materials used for wall construction shall be maintained free from impact damage.
M. Electrical Systems.
1. All materials, including equipment, conductors, controls and signaling devices, shall be installed to provide a complete electrical system with the necessary characteristics and capacity to supply the electrical facilities required by these standards. All materials shall meet the standards of the Building Codes.
2. All spaces occupied by people, machinery and equipment within buildings, approaches to and exits from buildings shall have lighting.
3. Residents’ rooms shall have general lighting. At least one light fixture shall be switched at the entrance in residents’ rooms.
4. An emergency electrical service, which may be battery operated if effective for four or more hours, shall provide services as follows:
a. Illumination of means of egress.
b. Fire detection and alarm system.
5. There shall be a minimum of two duplex-type receptacles in each bedroom, appropriately located.
6. Resident bathrooms shall have a minimum of one duplex receptacle.
N. Fire Protection System.
1. Provide an approved fire alarm system and smoke detectors.
2. An approved automatic smoke detection system shall be installed on each floor level.
3. Smoke detectors shall not be spaced further apart than thirty feet on center, or more than fifteen feet from any wall. The automatic smoke detection system shall be electronically interconnected to the fire alarm system.
4. The fire department will make inspections for fire safety and compliance with these standards. The fire department shall call to the attention of the building and zoning department any violations of these standards pertaining to fire protection found during an inspection. The fire department shall be privileged to make as many subsequent visits as deemed necessary by the department for assurance of compliance.
5. There shall be at least one approved fire extinguisher in all basements, furnace areas, kitchens and laundry areas. In addition, there shall be at least one fire extinguisher on each floor of the building, located so a person will not have to travel more than fifty feet from any point to reach one. These shall be inspected annually and recharged when necessary. The date of checking and recharging shall be recorded on a tag attached to the extinguisher. Staff shall be trained in their use.
6. Approved containers with proper covers shall be provided for storage of rubbish and waste.
7. Housekeeping through the building, including basements, attics and unoccupied rooms, shall be adequately performed to minimize fire hazards.
O. Mechanical Systems.
1. Mechanical systems shall be tested, balanced and operated to demonstrate that the installation and performance of these systems conform to the requirements of these standards.
2. The owner shall be provided with instructions in the operational use of the systems and equipment as required.
3. The heating system must be capable of maintaining a temperature at a minimum of sixty-eight degrees during the heating season.
4. All ventilation supply, return and exhaust systems shall be mechanically operated.
P. Plumbing Systems.
1. The number of water closets, lavatories, bathtubs, showers and other fixtures shall be required by these standards.
2. Shower bases and tub bottoms shall be provided with nonslip surfaces.
3. Water supply systems shall be designed to supply water at sufficient pressure and volume to operate all fixtures and equipment during maximum demand periods.
4. Hot water distribution systems shall be arranged to provide hot water at each hot water outlet at all times. Hot water at shower, bathing and hand washing facilities shall not exceed one hundred ten degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Insofar as possible, drainage piping shall not be installed above the ceiling nor installed in an exposed location in food preparation centers, food serving facilities, food storage areas and other critical areas. Special precautions shall be taken to protect these areas from possible leakage or condensation from necessary overhead piping systems. (Ord. 2017-20 § 3, 2017; Ord. 2005-09, 2005)
8.20.020 Physical plant services.
A. Maintenance.
1. Every group home shall have an effective plan for maintenance including sufficient staff, appropriate equipment and adequate supplies for carrying out the plan.
2. Each group home shall maintain its grounds in a safe, sanitary condition and its building in good repair and free of the following: cracks in floors, walls or ceilings; peeling wallpaper or paint; warped or loose boards; warped, broken, loose or cracked floor covering, such as tile or linoleum; loose handrails or railings; loose or broken window panes; and any other similar hazards, both interior or exterior, as needed to keep it attractive, clean and safe, and free of insects and rodents.
3. Windows and doors shall be screened.
4. Maintain all electrical, plumbing, signaling, mechanical, water supply, heating, fire protection and sewage disposal systems, fixtures, piping and appliances in a safe and functioning condition.
5. Regular inspections of these systems shall be done.
6. Maintain all furniture and furnishings in a clean, attractive and safely repaired condition.
B. Housekeeping.
1. Each group home shall:
a. Keep the building in a clean, safe and orderly condition. This includes all rooms, corridors, attics, basements and storage areas.
b. Keep floors clean, as nonslip as possible, free from tripping hazards.
c. Control odors by effective cleaning procedures and by the proper use of ventilation systems. Deodorants shall not be used to cover up persistent odors caused by unsanitary conditions or poor housekeeping practices.
2. Attics, basements, stairways and similar areas shall be kept free of accumulations of refuse, discarded furniture, old newspapers, boxed, discarded equipment and other items.
3. Bathtubs, shower stalls and/or lavatories shall not be used for laundering, janitorial or storage purposes.
4. Potentially hazardous compounds or solutions, such as cleaning compounds and insecticides, shall be kept in a segregated space outside of food preparation or storage areas and bathrooms.
C. Laundry.
1. Every facility shall have an effective means of supplying an adequate amount of clean linen for operation, either through an in-house laundry, a contract with an outside service or other appropriate means.
2. If an in-house laundry service is provided, then the following conditions shall exist:
a. The laundry area shall be maintained and operated in a clean, safe and sanitary manner.
b. The linen shall be handled, transported and stored in a manner that protects the residents and personnel.
c. The laundry and its accessory storage and handling area shall not be used as a storage area for supplies not directly connected with the operation of the laundry.
d. Laundry facilities shall not be located in rooms used for food storage, preparation or serving.
D. Furnishings, Equipment and Supplies.
1. Each resident shall be provided with bed springs in good repair, and a clean, firm mattress. Bunk beds, cots, roll-a-ways, double or folding beds shall not be used. Double beds may be used for married couples if they desire this arrangement.
2. Each bed shall be provided with clean linen and bedding in good condition and changed at least once weekly or more often if needed.
3. There shall be a first aid kit in each living unit. This shall contain bandages, sterile gauze dressings, bandage scissors, tape, sling, burn ointment and any other first aid supplies and equipment.
E. Safety.
1. There shall be records that document strict compliance with the regulations of the state or local fire safety authority for:
a. Provision of exit ramps, with nonskid surface and slope not exceeding one foot in twelve as needed.
b. Provision of handrails on stairways.
c. Aisles and exits being free from all encumbrances and floors shall be uncluttered.
d. Flammable materials being properly stored and safeguarded.
e. Attics and basements being kept orderly and free of rubbish.
f. Records of periodic fire safety inspections and reports.
2. The group home shall have a written plan of evacuation in the event of a fire or other emergency; development of such plan is the responsibility of the resident supervisor. The resident supervisor shall keep all residents and employees of the home informed of the plan and their responsibilities in meeting all potential emergencies and disasters pertinent to the area, such as fire, severe weather and missing persons. The plans and procedures shall include:
a. Plans for the assignment of personnel to specific tasks and responsibilities.
b. Instructions relating to the use of alarm systems and signals.
c. Information concerning methods of fire containment.
d. Systems for notifications of appropriate persons, agencies and the like.
e. Information concerning the location of firefighting equipment.
f. Specification of evacuation routes and procedures.
3. The plans and procedures shall be posted at suitable locations throughout the group home.
4. Fire and disaster drills shall be held at least twice annually for all residents and staff, and under varied conditions, in order to:
a. Ensure that all personnel are trained to perform assigned tasks.
b. Ensure that all personnel are familiar with the use of the firefighting equipment in the group home.
c. Evaluate the effectiveness of disaster plans and procedures.
d. Fire and disaster drills shall include actual evacuation of residents to safe areas during at least one drill each year or on each shift.
e. There shall be special provisions for the evacuation of the physically handicapped, including deaf and/or blind.
f. Where the welfare of the residents precludes an actual evacuation of an entire building, there must be drills involving the evacuation of successive portions of the building under such conditions as to assure the capability of evacuating the entire building with the personnel usually available, should the need arise.
5. There shall be a written evaluation submitted from the fire department to the group home administrators which shall be maintained for three years.
6. Each group home shall be inspected and approved for fire safety prior to the placement of residents and at least annually thereafter as part of the licensing process. (Ord. 2005-09, 2005)
8.20.030 Food and nutrition services.
A. Dining Areas.
1. Dining areas shall be equipped with tables, chairs, eating utensils and dishes to meet the developmental needs of each resident.
2. Dining areas shall be adequately supervised and staffed for the direction of self-help eating procedures and to assure that each resident receives an adequate amount and variety of food.
B. Food Service.
1. Food shall be served:
a. As soon as possible after preparation, in order to conserve nutritive value.
b. In an attractive manner.
c. In appropriate quantity.
d. At appropriate temperature.
e. In a form consistent with the development level of the resident.
f. With appropriate utensils.
2. For residents temporarily not able to get to dining areas, food service practices shall permit and encourage maximum self-help and shall promote special interaction and enjoyable experiences.
3. Appropriate modifications to food serving and utensil equipment to provide for the development of functional chewing, sucking and swallowing to ensure proper bodily elimination shall be provided.
4. Dishes and kitchen equipment shall be provided sufficient to meet residents’ needs.
C. Food Preparation.
1. When food is transported, it shall be done in a manner that maintains proper temperature, protects the food from contamination and spoilage and ensures the preservation of nutritive value.
2. There shall be a sufficient number of competent personnel to fulfill the objectives of the food and nutrition services.
3. Modified diets shall be:
a. Prescribed by the resident’s physician with a record of the prescription kept on file.
b. Planned, prepared and served by persons who have received adequate instruction.
c. Periodically reviewed and adjusted as needed.
D. Food Service Sanitation. Every group home shall comply with the Illinois Department of Public Health regulations for food handling sanitation. Important points are:
1. Dishes, glassware and cooking utensils shall be in good repair and be free of breaks, cracks, chipped places, corrosion and open seams. Plastic dishes shall be free of stains.
2. All counters, shelves, tables and other work surfaces, refrigeration equipment, stoves, mixers and similar equipment shall be so constructed and located as to be easily and properly cleaned.
3. All dishes, trays, silverware and cooking utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and washed in warm water (one hundred ten degrees Fahrenheit to one hundred twenty degrees Fahrenheit) containing an adequate amount of an effective soap or detergent to remove grease and solids. The wash water shall be changed often.
4. Dishes should be air dried.
5. All dishes, silverware and cooking utensils shall be stored off the floor in a clean, dry place protected from flies, splash, dust and other contamination.
6. Dishes and utensils shall be handled by the bottom of glasses, handles of cups and silver, and edges of plates, saucers and bowls.
7. All food stored, prepared or served in the home shall be clean, wholesome, free from spoilage, and so prepared as to be safe for human consumption.
8. All readily perishable foods or fluids shall be stored at either a maximum of forty degrees Fahrenheit for cold foods or a minimum of one hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit for hot foods. This shall include all custard-filled and cream-filled pastries; milk and milk products; egg products, meat, fish, shellfish; gravy, poultry stuffing, sauces, dressings; and salads containing meat, fish, eggs or milk or milk products. Raw meats shall be stored at or below forty degrees Fahrenheit.
9. All staple foods shall be stored on racks or shelves off the floor at a sufficient height to clean under them and protect from contamination by flies, roaches, rodents and the like.
10. All garbage shall be kept in covered metal or suitably designed plastic containers pending removal. All cans, trash and other waste material shall be stored in a properly covered container. The garbage and trash shall be removed from the premises as often as necessary to prevent nuisance and unsightliness.
11. All poisonous compounds shall be used with extreme caution and compounds harmless to humans should be substituted wherever possible. Poisonous compounds shall not be stored in the kitchen or food preparation rooms, and shall be kept in a locked cabinet or cupboard.
12. None of the operations connected with food preparation shall be conducted in a room used for living, sleeping and laundry purposes. (Ord. 2005-09, 2005)
8.20.040 Medical services.
A. Familiarity with Local Service. The resident supervisor shall be familiar with local medical services, such that it would be possible to secure a physician, provide first aid, and effect hospitalization as promptly as needed.
B. Medical Isolation. An individual, when suspected or diagnosed with having a communicable, contagious or infectious disease, shall be placed in isolation in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Illinois Department of Public Health until removed from the facility. (Ord. 2005-09, 2005)
8.20.050 Psychological services.
A. Disturbed or Unmanageable Individuals. If an individual becomes disturbed or unmanageable, he or she shall be examined immediately by a physician and/or psychologist, or removed from the facility to a proper treatment center.
B. Restraints. Restraints shall be used only in an emergency and a physician or psychologist must be notified immediately. Restraints may be applied only by personnel trained in proper application and observation of this equipment. (Ord. 2005-09, 2005)
8.20.060 Unusual occurrences.
In the event of any unusual occurrence, including crimes committed by or to the resident, serious illness or accident, impending death, or death, the resident’s next of kin, or the person who functions in that capacity (a guardian or citizen advocate), shall be notified as soon as possible.
A. The wishes and needs of the resident and the next of kin concerning religious matters shall be determined and, insofar as possible, fulfilled.
B. If a death occurs, the facility shall render as much assistance as possible in making arrangements for dignified religious services and burial, unless contraindicated by the wishes of the family.
C. The coroner or medical examiner and other appropriate public authorities shall be notified of deaths, in accordance with state laws. (Ord. 2005-09, 2005)