D.C. Municipal Regulations (Last Updated: September 13, 2017) |
Title 29. PUBLIC WELFARE |
Chapter 29-62. LICENSING OF YOUTH SHELTERS, RUNAWAY SHELTERS, EMERGENCY CARE FACILITIES, AND YOUTH GROUP HOMES |
Section 29-6237. BEDROOMS
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6237.1No more than four (4) residents may occupy a single bedroom without prior approval from the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs ("DCRA") and the licensing agency. Residents age four (4) and over sharing a bedroom shall be of the same sex. Facilities shall make reasonable efforts to place children of the same or close to the same age and level of development in the same bedroom. In facilities serving teen parents, a resident and his or her child may be housed in a single bedroom.
6237.2The facility shall provide bedrooms which comply with the 1996 BOCA National Building Code and all other applicable District of Columbia laws and regulations and have:
(a)Direct outside ventilation;
(b)At least one (1) operable window with a source of natural light;
(c)A mechanical light;
(d)At least seventy (70) square feet of space for single bedrooms, and at least fifty (50) square feet per person in bedrooms for two (2) or more residents;
(e)Appropriate individual furniture, and an individual closet or a designated section of a closet with clothes racks and shelves in or near the bedroom; and
(f)A separate bed or crib of sufficient size to accommodate each individual resident comfortably. Cots or portable beds may be used on an emergency basis only, which shall not exceed five (5) calendar days.
6237.3Each bed or crib shall have a clean, comfortable, non-toxic and fire retardant mattress that complies with all applicable federal and local laws and regulations.
6237.4Sheets and blankets shall be provided for each bed or crib, and pillows and pillowcases shall be provided for each bed. Sheets and pillowcases shall be washed at least weekly, and before use by another resident.
6237.5Each bed shall be at least three (3) feet from any other bed(s) and any unprotected radiator.
6237.6Bunk beds shall allow enough space in between each bed and the ceiling to allow the resident to sit up in bed; and they shall be equipped with safety rails on the top bunk and securely attached ladders capable of supporting an adult.
6237.7The facility shall provide adequate separate bedroom space for those staff who live at the facility.