§ 2610.14. Building and physical plant.
(a) The following building and physical plant standards apply to foster homes and group foster homes:
(1) Housing arrangements shall meet applicable Federal, State, and local building and health codes.
(2) Water from a source not under public supervision shall be approved as meeting State water quality standards.
(3) The home shall have an adequate supply of piped hot and cold water to each lavatory, bathtub/shower, kitchen sink, dishwasher, and for laundry equipment. Hot water accessible to clients shall not exceed 140°F. at the outlets.
(4) Sewage shall be discharged into a public sewer system or disposed of in a manner approved by the State or local health authorities.
(5) Heating in rooms used by clients shall be maintained at a temperature of not less than 68°F.
(6) Space heaters shall not be used.
(7) A living room or recreational area shall be available to clients.
(8) Bedrooms shall be either single or double occupancy. A single occupancy room shall have no less than 80 square feet of floor space. A double occupancy room shall have no less than 70 square feet of floor space for each client.
(9) A minimum total window area on outside walls equal to 1/8 of the floor area shall be provided in each client’s bedroom.
(10) Clients’ bedrooms shall not be used for another purpose by the foster home care provider.
(11) Space for personal property, such as trunks, suitcases, and seasonal clothing, shall be provided in a dry, protected area, accessible to clients.
(12) Toilet paper in a suitable dispenser shall be provided within reach of each toilet.
(13) Clean linens shall be stored in an area separate from the laundry room. Soiled linens and clothing shall be stored in a separate storage room or area.
(b) The following building and physical plant standards apply to group foster homes:
(1) Group foster care homes shall be inspected and approved by the Department of Labor and Industry before certification is granted by the Department of Human Services. Homes located in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Scranton shall be inspected and approved in accordance with the occupancy and fire safety code of the appropriate city.
(2) A copy of the occupancy and fire safety reports shall be on file in the Department before a certification is issued by the Department to operate a group foster care home for adults.
(3) Plans for remodeling or altering an existing building, and for new construction, shall be submitted to the Department of Labor and Industry for approval. If the total costs of remodeling, alterations or new construction exceed $10,000 or more than 30,000 cubic feet, the plans shall be prepared by a registered architect or professional engineer.
(4) There shall be at least one toilet and lavatory to every six clients on each floor used by clients. These facilities shall be directly accessible without going through adjacent client bedrooms or up flights of stairs.
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