Attachment_11_Design_Details_for_Accessible_Disaster_Relief_Housing_Guide.pdf

Design Detai ls for

Accessible Disaster Rel ief Housing

A manual to assist designers and builders in crea ng emergency, transportable, temporary dwellings complying with the accessibility requirements of the 2010 Americans with Disabili es Act Standards for Accessible Design and The Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development a publication of

Office of Policy Development and Research

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Policy Development and Research has been extensively involved in suppor ng research and development on building technology innova ons, construc on systems, products, standards, regula ons, and code issues which affect the affordability, safety and livability of the na on’s housing. HUD has worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to improve the performance of temporary housing for disaster survivors. Accessibility is cri cal to the success of those homes. This publica on will enhance the ability of designers and manufacturers to be er respond to the demands of a post disaster environment with quality, accessible disaster relief housing. These design details are in the public domain and are available to anyone who may find them useful. While there are many graphic examples included in this publica on, it is not the intent of this project to create an “approved government design”. This booklet is meant to be a guideline for accessible design ideas only, and be used as a supplementary resource for those implemen ng, designing and manufacturing disaster housing.

“Visit PD&R’s Web site www.huduser.org to find this report and others sponsored by HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R). Other services of HUD USER PD&R’s Research and Informa-on Service include listservs; special interest bimonthly publica ons (best prac ces, significant studies from other sources); access to public use databases; hotline 1-800-245-2691 for help accessing the informa on you need.”

Design Detai ls for

Accessible Disaster Rel ief Housing

A manual to assist designers and builders in crea ng emergency, transportable, temporary dwellings complying with the accessibility requirements of the 2010 Americans with Disabili es Act Standards for Accessible Design and The Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards

Mark J. Mazz, AIA and Loreen H. Arnold, AIA LEED AP for The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Office of Policy Development and Research

August 2011 prepared by

The authors of this publica on wish to thank the many individuals and organiza ons that provided assistance with this publica on. The various stakeholders and technical experts who reviewed the publica on, assisted with the research phase of this work and shared their firsthand experiences with disaster relief housing were essen al to our ability to create a publica on that is relevant and significant.

Requirements for accessible features in dwellings are compiled from many sources including:

The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Sec on 504 of the Rehabilita on Act of 1973 (Sec on 504) The Americans with Disabili es Act (ADA) The Interna onal Residen al Code (IRC) The Access Board’s Emergency Transportable Housing Report

Technical provisions in this publica on reference:

The Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) The 2010 the Americans with Disabili es Act Standards

Endnote cita ons are located in the last sec on of this publica on.

Unless otherwise noted, all details in this publica on are intended to comply with UFAS, 2010 Americans with Disabili es Act Standards for Accessible Design, Manufactured Home Construc on and Safety Standards (MHCSS), IRC 2009 and the Access Board’s Recommenda ons in their Emergency Transportable Housing Report as of July 30, 2011. The design and construc on requirements of the Americans with Disabili es Act Standards for Accessible Design, the Architectural Barriers Act, and Sec on 504 of the Rehabilita on Act, the Manufactured Home Construc on and Safety Standards, and the Interna onal Building Code are subject to various and possibly contradictory interpreta ons. Mark J. Mazz, AIA, and Loreen Arnold, AIA LEED AP, therefore, have used reasonable professional effort and judgment to interpret the applicable requirements. Mark J. Mazz, AIA, and Loreen Arnold, AIA LEED AP, do not warrant or guarantee that this publica on complies with all interpreta ons of the laws, regula ons, standards, and codes. The contents of this report are the views of the contractor and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or the U.S. Government.

Acknowledgements

The crea on of emergency transportable, temporary housing that includes accessible features requires a specific set of tools that address unique design and construc on challenges. These dwelling units are some of the smallest produced for housing, and they must accommodate a variety of func onal criteria for mobility that o en seems in conflict with the spa al requirements for accessibility. While the design and construc on of accessible housing for disaster survivors requires a en on to detail, and some less common construc on approaches, it can be rela vely straigh orward when integrated into the design and construc on process. Many builders may find that the accessibility features of these homes are easily implemented and provide value for all residents.

This is not a regulatory document, but is intended to illustrate possible solu ons, provide guidance to designers wishing to create accessible disaster relief housing, and aid the manufacturing industry. The focus of this publica on is on the interior of these dwellings and is not site-specific, and so it does not include essen al accessibility aspects of loca ng and installing the structures on site. Dwelling design is a crea ve process, and this document provides some approaches that can be used as a “point of departure” for designers to create safe, accessible housing units. Descrip ons and graphic illustra ons of accessible elements are provided in these pages, but it is not the intent of this guide to limit development of other accessible solu ons, or to imply that this is a complete directory of all possible arrangements. It is also not the intent of this publica on to replace, or be used in place of, exis ng standards and codes for manufactured and transportable dwelling units, and those involved in the crea on of this housing must s ll diligently verify compliance once constructed. It is the goal of this publica on that many may find this informa on useful in crea ng well-func oning housing for those who have had their lives disrupted by a disaster.

Preface vii

Table of Contents

Types of Disaster Relief Housing Travel Trailers, Park Model Homes, Manufactured Housing

Rooms and Spaces Accessible Design Front Porches Living/Dining Rooms Kitchens Bedrooms Closets Bathrooms Washers and Dryers U lity Areas

Detail Elements Doors Swinging Doors Sliding Doors Door Hardware Door Thresholds Level Changes and Floor Surfaces Operable Parts Blocking Grab Bars and Control Areas Shower Thresholds Pipe Protec on Visual and Hearing Features

Appendixes A - Product Resources B - Furniture Examples

Credits

Endnotes

Rooms and SpacesTypes of Disaster Relief Housing

A Park Model home can be rapidly deployed as a disaster relief dwelling

Travel Trailers provide an extremely mobile temporary housing solu on for disas-ter relief efforts. They are the smallest type of emergency transportable housing, gen-erally no larger than 320 square feet in area with their narrowest dimension typically 8’-0” wide. A one bedroom accessible unit will require at least one “slide-out” compart-ment to provide maneuvering clearances for a resident who uses a wheelchair. The indus-try uses the Na onal Fire Protec on Associa-on (NFPA) 1192 Standard on Recrea onal Vehicles.

Travel trailer with “slide-out” provides addi onal interior area required for an accessible plan

Park Model Homes (also known as Park Trailer Homes) are typically more spacious than travel trailers and can accom-modate a greater variety of design alterna-ves. With sizes up to 400 square feet, these units are typically 11’-0” to 11’-8” wide, and 34’-0” to 36’-0” long. This makes them a good choice for families and allows more flexibility in addressing accessibility needs.

The industry uses the American Na onal Standards Ins tute (ANSI) A119.5 and Recre-a onal Park Trailer Industry Associa on Stan-dards (RPTIA) in the construc on of Park Models.

Manufactured Homes can be quickly built and deployed as temporary housing, and also have the added poten al to become permanent housing. Manufac-tured homes are the largest of the trans-portable emergency housing used generally greater than 400 square feet in area and 14’-0” to 18’-0” wide (single sec on units).

These dwellings are regulated by the Man-ufactured Housing Construc on and Safety Standards (MHCSS; also known as the HUD Code).

Manufactured housing can become permanent housing

Rooms and Spaces

Accessible Design creates dwelling units that can be used more easily by many individuals. While primarily concerned with specific characteris cs that allow full use by a person with mobility impairments it also cre-ates be er spaces for individuals with visual or hearing impairments, the senior popula-on, and individuals with mul ple disabili-es.

There are a number of arrangements or “building blocks” that are essen al elements to include when crea ng accessible disaster relief dwellings. An accessible route connect-ing all spaces and rooms must be provided throughout all spaces in the home. This route cannot pass through bathrooms or closets in order to get to living areas, it must be at least 36 inches wide and have a clear headroom of at least 80 inches above the floor. The floor of the accessible route may reduce to 32 inches wide for a distance of no more than 24 inches (such as between fixtures) and it must be level or provide accessible transi-ons (see “Detail Elements” page 32).

Since alternate ways to arrange furniture are limited in these small dwellings, the designer should verify that the furnishing loca ons do not obstruct any part of the accessible route1.10.

Since adding furniture to hold a television may obstruct the accessible route, planning the loca on on the wall above the table can be a solu on

A floor plan of a Living/Dining Room

’-1

1”

The accessible route should be clear of the extended sofa bed, furniture, appliances and cabinets

17’-3” m in

Accessible Design

Rooms and Spaces Accessible Design

In an accessible space, a resident in a wheelchair can enter, turn around and exit without assistance. Each room must include a turning space having one of two configura-ons. These configura ons are either a circu-lar turning space, which requires a floor area of 60 inches diameter or a T-shaped turning space. The T-shape allows a user to execute a three-point turn within the specific measure-ments illustrated below and one leg of the turning space may use knee and toe clear-ance under an object.

The circular turnaround does not fit in this bath-room since it intersects the shower

A T-shaped turning space fits well in this bathroom because of its shape m in

Circular turning space dimensions

T - shaped turning space dimensions m in

36” min.

m in m in

24” min.12 m in

Comparison of different types of turning spaces in a bathroom

Clear floor space is required by a resident in a wheelchair to use appliances, fixtures and equipment. It is a level, rectangular shaped space 30 inches x 48 inches minimum that is directly adjacent to the accessible route. It can provide either a parallel or a perpendicu-lar approach, depending on the applica on.

Specific spaces and condi ons may require addi onal maneuvering clearances such as at plumbing fixtures and doors.

Knee and toe clearance is the area under a horizontal element that can be part of the clear floor space if it meets specific clearances. These clearances are required at accessible lavatories, workspaces, sinks and tables.

Knee and toe clearance and a forward approach is required at the workspace

Clear floor space must be adjacent to the accessible route

Clear floor space with a parallel approach to the refrigerator

Accessible Design

Clear floor space condi ons

A clear floor space for a person using a wheelchair

48” min.

m in

Toe clearance is not required to touch the wall

Knee and toe clearance

6” max. 11”min.

9” min.

8” min.

m in floor level 17”-25” m in to b o om of a pr on

Clear floor space that occurs in an alcove has unique requirements for maneuvering. When the approach and clear floor space are within a recess, or have obstruc ons on all or part of three of its sides, maneuvering clearances are increased beyond those required for a non-alcove approach. The alcove can be created by walls, wall depth or a furnishing arrangement.

60” min.

greater than 15” greater than 24”

Alcove maneuvering clearance parallel approach

36” min.

Alcove maneuvering clearance forward approach

Rooms and SpacesAccessible Design

Reach ranges set the cri cal limits for reaching operable parts and accessing storage. They are generally determined by two important factors: the approach or posi on of the person using a wheelchair, and whether the person must reach over an obstruc on such as a countertop.

Reach ranges have both high and low limits and understanding these is essen al in the design of an accessible dwelling.

A parallel approach with an unobstructed side reach, or a reach over an obstruc on shallower than 10 inches, has an upper limit of 48 inches and a lower limit of 15 inches above the floor.

A parallel approach with a side reach over an obstruc on that is up to 34 inches high maximum, and a reach depth greater than 10 inches and no more than 24 inches wide, has a height limit of 46 inches above the floor.

m ax m in

10” max.

A parallel approach with an unobstructed side reach

The top of the shelf of a wall cabinet must be no higher than 46”

24” max.

Parallel approaches with side reaches over obstruc ons m ax

24” max.

m ax m ax m ax

Operable parts, such as an electrical outlet, can be furred out to be 24” from the front edge of a countertop m ax

20” to 25” At the accessible countertop a person may need to plug in an appliance or use a switch on the wall; to be within reach ranges, these operable parts must be no higher than of 44” above the floor (note: the forward reach cannot extend beyond the toes)

An unobstructed forward approach allows a reach of 48 inches above the floor. This reach can accommodate an obstruc on with knee and toe clearance, such as a countertop, as long as it is not greater than 20 inches deep .

A forward approach over an obstruc on that is greater than 20 inches deep and up to 25 inches allows a reach of 44 inches. The obstruc on must have knee and toe clearance below.

m ax

This reach type might be used for an operable part such as a doorbell

A forward approach over an obstruc on

An unobstructed forward approach

Front Porches can provide outdoor space that helps relieve the feeling of being in a small dwelling unit. A porch may have a ramp3 leading on to it and it may also be the main entry for the unit. When fully furnished, a porch must provide an accessible route, a turning space and maneuvering spaces at doors. In addi on to being a desirable architectural feature, the roof of a porch can have the added benefit of protec ng shallow, accessible thresholds from rain infiltra on.

The width of the porch must accommodate a turning space when furnished (see page 3)

6’ -0 m in re co m m en de d

A 36” wide accessible route leading to the ramp must be clear of furniture and columns

R am p w ith

:1 sl op e do w n to g ra de

(b ui lt on s ite b y ot he rs

10’-11”

A floor plan of a front porch at an entry door

36” min.

The entry door threshold must be accessible with the top of the threshold no greater than 1/2” above the surface of the porch (see page 30)

Front Porches

A level landing at the top of a ramp must be 60” min. x 60” min. (ramp provided by others3) m in fu rn itu re de pt h

60” min.

Living and Dining Rooms are usually combined in one space to provide flexibility and mul use. In the smallest dwellings, a 72-inch-long sofa bed, a coffee table and a dining table to seat four people may be provided. One important considera on is to plan an accessible route to the entry door with the sofa bed in the extended posi on, in case emergency exi ng is required.

A living/dining area floor plan with furniture arranged for dining/living room use

The dining table posi on when the dining area is in use

The dining table posi on when the sofabed is in use;

the table and chairs should be on casters to make this move easier

The same living/dining area floor plan arranged for sleeping use with the sofabed extended

An accessible route should be clear with the sofabed extended

Wall-mounted television with “thru wall” air handling unit above

60” diameter turning space

Living and Dining Rooms

Rooms and SpacesLiving and Dining Rooms

A design that provides adequate knee and toe clearance is required for the dining table 1.4

Travel trailers with a slide-out compartment must have a “flush floor” joint (no change in level or threshold) when in a clear floor space

Spaces for dining must have floors that are flush with the rest of the areas (elevated dine e pla orms block knee and toe clearance thereby preven ng residents who use wheelchairs from approaching the dining table). If the table is provided with a clear floor space with knee and toe clearance, a resident using a wheelchair will be able to approach and use the dining surface.

The dining table clear floor space is 30” min. x 48” min. with knee and toe clearance

A living/dining area floor plan

Slide-out compartment depth (minimum recommended)

3’ -4

Casters allow the table and chairs to be easily moved

7’ -3

12’-3”

14’-1”

Kitchens can take many shapes, but they all must provide specific clearances and features to be usable by a resident in a wheelchair. Kitchens must have accessible countertops mounted at a maximum height of 34 inches above the floor at both the sink and at a 30-inch-wide kitchen work sur-face adjacent to the range 1.4

. A config-ura on where the sink is adjacent to the work surface, with a con nuous knee and toe clearance underneath these two areas

An L -shaped kitchen floor plan

The kitchen work surface must have a 30” min. x 48” min.

clear floor space with a forward approach and must be adjacent to the range

Since base corner cabinets are generally not accessible storage, it is a good space to house a compact water heater under the counter

Pantry cabinets are a good storage solu on in a kitchen with few standard base cabinets

10’-11”

’-4

Kitchens

The sink must have a 30” min. x 48” min.

clear floor space with a forward approach is common. Provision of a spray unit and/or gooseneck type faucet can make dishwashing easier, which is important since most emer-gency housing does not have a dishwasher1.2.

Reach ranges are important criteria in the design of cabinetry and worksurfaces in an accessible kitchen. Reach ranges (see pages 6 and 7) can determine what types of cabinets are used, the dimensions of the cases and at what height they are installed in the kitchen.

Rooms and SpacesKitchens

Plumbing pipes must be protected so wheelchair users do not injure themselves

The top surface of accessible shelves can be no higher than 46” above the floor

Since accessible kitchens tend to have few base cabinets, a pantry can be a solu on to provid-ing more storage in the 15” to 48” reach range

Accessible wall outlets and switches over countertops must be located within reach ranges - full height backsplashes may make installa on of outlets under wall cabinets easier

The top surface of accessible shelves must be at least 15” above the floor

24”-tall wall cabinets that provide one accessible and one non-accessible shelf can meet the requirement for 50 percent accessible storage

A parallel approach to an accessible countertop allows a side reach extending to 46 inches over a 34-inch high base cabinet. This is the maximum height the top surface of an accessible shelf in a wall cabinet can be mounted. Any storage in base cabinets that is less than 15 inches above the floor can not be reached by many persons who use wheelchairs, and is not considered accessible. At least half of the storage must be located within accessible reach ranges (storage may be calculated by the linear footage of the shelf face). Any storage located above 36-inch-high countertops is not accessible, since this countertop height exceeds the highest obstruc on that a person using a wheelchair can reach over.

It is recommended all counter-tops be mounted no more than 34” above the floor so storage above can accessible 1.4

Pull-out or swing-out shelves can make storage easier to access.

A kitchen with base and wall cabinets

In an accessible kitchen, each appliance requires a 30-inch minimum x 48-inch min-imum clear floor space with a specific approach. The refrigerator and the range must have a parallel approach. A forward approach with knee and toe clearance is required at both the workspace and sink.

A linear kitchen floor plan Refrigerator doors should swing 180 degrees to allow a parallel approach, clear floor space with a centerline within 24 inches of the refrigerator centerline

30” min. x 48” min.

parallel approach, clear floor space adjacent to the range

30” min. x 48” min.

forward approach, clear floor space with knee and toe clearance at the sink and workspace

The kitchen table must have a clear floor space with knee and toe clearance 1.4

These cabinet doors slide into the sides to provide knee and toe clearances; they can be closed to conceal pipes when not in use

17’-3”

’-1

1”

Kitchens

Countertops with base cabinets can have a parallel approach. Though permi ed, it is not recommended to use removable cab-inetry in disaster relief housing under accessible countertops 1.7. Movable storage cabinetry with casters may provide flexible, low storage in kitchens.

A faucet spray unit makes washing dishes an easier task 1.2

Rooms and SpacesKitchens

A linear kitchen floor plan

Using a 21” narrow range with a 13-1/2” wide counter on this side of the stove allows the parallel approach for the range to be centered

Small refrigerators that meet required reach ranges are available. Accessible “freezer over refrigerator“ types can be found as narrow as 28” wide and as shal-low as 31-1/2” deep

21”

13-1/2” min.

30” min.

A dining table clear floor space must have accessible knee and toe clearance and the floor must be level at the slide-out transi on

Travel trailers, the smallest of the disaster housing types, require crea ve approaches to provide accessible features. By using small appliances, adequate maneuvering clearances can be pro-vided in the kitchen and the accessible route can remain clear.

3’ -4

7’

-3

12’-3”

14’-1”

30”min.

clear floor space

Rooms and Spaces Bedrooms

Bedrooms must provide an accessible route that allows the resident to approach each piece of furniture and to turnaround in the room. The accessible route should also provide access to windows which will allow the resident to operate the window 1.8 for natural ven la on and for an assisted emer-gency escape

6.

Since the furnishing arrangement choices are limited in the small spaces of emergency transportable housing, the designer should take actual furniture placement into consid-era on when planning the accessible route and approaches in a bedroom that may have less than 70 square feet in area1.10. Though not a code requirement, it is recommended that a bed, a small dresser and a built-in closet be provided in each bedroom. Space for a full-size bed (54 inches wide x 75 inches long) in the Master Bedroom is customary, and Secondary Bedrooms should accommo-date a twin bed (39 inches wide x 75 inches long). The designer should carefully verify minimum bedroom sizes, as some codes require that the smallest bedroom must not be less than 70 square feet in area5.

Bunk beds are o en used to provide more sleeping area, but it can be difficult for a parent in a wheelchair to reach a sick child in the top bunk. When bunk beds are used in the emergency relief dwelling, the ladder must not obstruct the clear floor area at the lower bed.

Provision of an overhead light with two-way switched controls, posi oned at the room entry and at the bedside, is a useful arrange-ment for a resident who may require the light on while transferring in or out of bed to a wheelchair or assis ve device1.12.

A secondary bedroom floor plan

60” diameter turning space

T-shaped turning space

9’-7”

7’ -3

8’ -3

10’-10”

If a window is on the accessible route it can be accessed by a resident using a wheelchair

A master bedroom floor plan

A forward approach with a 32” min. clear opening provides good access to the storage in the closet because the resident can pull into the closet

48” max.

top of highest accessible shelf

15” min. top of lowest accessible shelf

Built-in closet space should be provided in each bedroom. A clear floor space with either a forward or parallel approach to the closet door must be provided. If the door of the closet has a 32-inch clear opening, the resident can pull into the closet for even be er access to the storage.

Closets

A bedroom closet with a pair of doors

Closet storage in bedrooms must have at least one of each type of storage that is provided ( i.e. shelf, hanging pole) within accessible reach ranges (see pages 6 and 7). With this unobstructed forward approach, the maximum accessible reach is 48 inches.

A pair of smaller doors may func on be er than a single large door

Rooms and Spaces Bathrooms

A bathroom floor plan with a roll-in shower

Bathrooms require a large percentage of floor area in small disaster relief dwellings. They must provide a turning space, and specific approaches with clear floor space for maneuvering at each individual fixture. Clear floor spaces may overlap, but doors may not swing into the clear floor space unless there is a 30-inch x 48-inch clear floor space outside of the swing of the door (Note: the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) does not allow the door to swing into the clear floor space at any fixture). The use of a pocket door can alleviate this conflict.

A T-shaped turning space o en works well in small bathrooms roll-in shower w/d

7’-1” min.

9’ -0 m in m in w/d

48” min.

While either type of turning space can be used, a T-shaped turning space o en can fit in a smaller bath-room when a 60-inch diameter turn-ing space cannot. This is because its shape fits around the bathroom fix-tures.

A 30-inch minimum x 48-inch mini-mum clear floor space with a forward approach and knee and toe clear-ance is required below the lavatory.

Providing a countertop at the lav-atory is recommended as it makes it easier for those with and without disabili es to use this fixture. Addi-onally, if counters are provided in non-accessible disaster relief units, then the accessible units must also be provided with countertops.

A bathroom floor plan with a roll-in shower roll-in shower

7’-1” min.

9’ -0 m in

This countertop is 33” wide and provides knee and toe clearance between two ver cal support panels

The three types of bathing arrangements that may be provided for residents needing accessible fixtures are tubs, transfer seat showers and roll-in showers. Each requires specific clear floor space and approaches. Loca ons of grab bars, controls and shower spray units are also specific depending on which bathing fixture is provided.

length of the tub

Tub clear floor space is 30” min. x length of the tub

”m in tub

”m in

A tub fixture requires a clear floor space of 30 inches x the length of the tub, located adjacent to the long side of the tub. A T-shaped turning space will fit in this bathroom if the lavatory is mounted on brackets (see page 21 for details). Either a per-manent or removable seat must be provided in the tub and the type pro-vided determines how grab bars are posi oned in the fixture.

In emergency relief dwellings, a removable seat (but one that is securable) is commonly provided.

The accompanying grab bar require-ments are two 24-inch minimum long grab bars on the back wall, one 24-inch minimum long grab bar on the side control wall and one 12-inch long minimum grab bar on the oppo-site side wall.

A bathroom floor plan with a tub

12” max. 24”max.

se at

Bathrooms

Tub seats can be secured to the back wall of the tub by a hinge or channel. The tub seat can be raised or lowered as needed

Grab bar arrangements are dependent on the type of tub seat provided (see page 36)

A hinged, removable tub seat

Grab bar Grab bar

A wall-mounted lavatory -see page 21

”m in

”m in

Grab bar

6’-6” min.

8’ -0

”m in m in

48” min.

Clear floor space is 36” min. x 48” min.

The seat can either be a folding or non-folding type

18” min.

Grab bar

Bathrooms

60” min.

60” min.

Clear floor space is 36” min. x 60” min.

m in

.roll-in showerw/d m in

A bathroom floor plan with a roll-in shower

6” max.

6”max.

se at

A roll-in shower is another choice when providing bathing fixtures. The shower must be at least 60 inches wide and 30 inches deep. A seat is recommended1.9, though not required, and grab bar loca-ons are dependent on whether one is provided. If a seat is included, it must be a folding type and two grab bars must be provided. If there is no seat, three grab bars must be provided. Grab bars on the back wall must begin 6 inches maxi-mum from the corner, but must not extend above the seat (the length of the grab bars is dependent on the size of the shower compartment.) Also, when a seat is pro-vided, addi onal controls must be provided within 27” of the seat (see page 36) .

An alternate bathing op on (which works well in limited space) is to provide a transfer type shower. A transfer type shower requires a seat be provided, and a parallel approach clear floor space extending beyond the compartment on the side with the seat. The shower compartment must have inside clear (exact) dimensions of 36 inches by 36 inches, with a entry opening of 36 inches wide. The control wall must be opposite the seat wall (see page 37) and it must have a grab bar on its en re length. The rear wall must have a grab bar extending 18 inches minimum from the control wall.

In showers, the threshold must be no greater than 1/2-inch high (see page 38)2.

It is also important to note that this detail conflicts with the 2-inch minimum height for shower thresholds required by the MHCSS (the “HUD Code”) 2. A bathroom floor plan with a transfer type shower

Grab bars

36” seat width

12”

60” min.

7’-1” min.

9’ -0 m in

7’ -3 m in

8’-10” min.

Rooms and SpacesBathrooms w/d m

Toilet clear floor space is 60” min. x 56” min.

24” min.

A bathroom floor plan with a roll-in shower

60” min.

12” min.

m in m ax

36” min. length grab bar

42” min. length grab bar

CL

18”

The centerline of the toilet must be 18” from the adjacent wall surface

Toilets (or water closets) require specific clear floor spaces and the size of the clear floor space may vary depending on the loca-on of the lavatory. If the lavatory is outside of the toilet clear floor space, then the size of the clear floor space is 60 inches wide minimum x 56 inches deep minimum (note:

the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standard (UFAS) requires 66 inches in lieu of 56 inches for a forward approach). In the configura on shown, the lavatory can be mounted in a countertop supported by side panels.

The toilet must have a centerline posi oned 18” from the side wall surface. A 36-inch min-imum length grab bar is required on the rear wall and a 42-inch minimum length grab bar is required on the side wall adjacent to the toilet. See the diagram below for specific posi oning of the grab bars.

7’-1” min.

9’ -0 m m in

60” min.

A bathroom floor plan

A lavatory is allowed to overlap the clear floor space for the toilet if the countertop is mounted on wall brackets that allow for knee and toe clearance

Toilet clear floor space is 66 inches deep when the lava-tory overlaps the space

6’-6” min.

8’

-0 m in

Wall bracket with a profile providing knee and toe clearance m ax

6” max.

8” min.

m in

9” m knee and toe clearance (dashed area)

Bathrooms

An arrangement where the lavatory is adja-cent to the toilet and overlaps the toilet clear floor space is permi ed if the depth of the toilet clear floor space is increased to 60 inches by 66 inches. The clear floor space for the toilet can include knee and toe space

Window sills should be 12” above grab bars to prevent elbows from impac ng the window

Knee and toe clearances at lavatory countertop under the countertop. This means the coun-tertop must be hung on wall-mounted brack-ets designed to allow the knee and toe clearance to extend to the wall. This bath-room has limited wall space for moun ng grab bars.

Lavatory countertop mounted with a wall bracket

Wall bracket with knee and toe clearance clearance m in

The bo om of the apron must provide 29” clearance

17”-25”

Rooms and SpacesWashers and Dryers

Washer and dryers require a parallel approach and a 30-inch minimum x 48-inch minimum clear floor space centered on each appliance to be usable by a person seated in a wheelchair 4. Doors to top-loading machines must not be higher than 36 inches above the floor. Doors to front-loading machines must be between 15 inches and 36 inches above the floor. Also available are small fixtures which combine washing and drying func ons in one appliance with a single door opening4.

Operable parts including doors, lint screens, detergent and bleach compartments must be within accessible reach ranges (see pages 6 and 7). Some manufacturers provide braille kits upon request.

A typical “combo” unit

“Side-by-side” washer and dryer equipment can be located in a niche off the hallway ap pr ox . 3

4” approx. 24” approx. 24”

A small appliance that both washes and dries in a single machine with one door opening, is known as a “combo” unit; it requires less space than a “side-by-side” arrangement and ven ng is not required by some manufacturers

3’-6”

30” clear hallway width

(recommended)

A washer/dryer loca on on a hallway

The highest breaker in the electric circuit breaker box must be no higher than 48” above the floor

A resident must be able to reach the air filter, which is accessed through the return grill; the grill must be removable with only one hand (no grasping, pinching or twis ng required)

Thermostat control for HVAC must be mounted no more than 48” above the floor

Switches for ceiling fans and ligh ng must be no higher than 48” to the center of the switch

48” max.

above the floor 15” min.

above the floor

Utility Areas

Electric outlets must be no lower than 15” above the floor to the center of the lower outlet

U lity areas in disaster relief dwellings generally occur in a hallway where a parallel approach by a person in a wheelchair is possible. Thermostat controls, loca ons for HVAC filters, controls for fans and ligh ng, as well as the electric panel breaker boxes must be within a side reach between 15 inches and

Operable parts and fixtures located on a hallway

A fire ex nguisher mounted on the hallway wall must not protrude more than 4” from the wall surface if the bo om is more than 27” above the floor

48 inches above the floor (see page 6 and 7 for other reach types and limits). Also help-ful are remote controls which can be used at a distance from fixtures such as a mechani-cal unit, light, fan or television, when reach ranges are exceeded.

low range high range

Detail Elements

Specific Detail Elements are cri cal to crea ng successful accessible disaster relief dwellings. These features must possess defini ve dimensions, sizes, heights and quali-es or the space will not func on as intended. A frac on of an inch can make the difference between usability and non-usability for a resident using a wheelchair, and these very important elements should be designed and built with the greatest of care.

Doors

32” min.

clear opening

Floor plan of a swinging door

Clear opening is measured between the face of the door and the stop

Operable hardware does not affect the clear opening if it projects 4 inches or less, and is mounted between 34” and 48” above the floor

Doors are generally either single leaf, sliding or folding. Accessible doors allowing passage into a space or room must provide a clear opening width of 32 inches minimum and must also be a minimum of 80 inches tall.

At a swinging door, the actual dimen-sion of the clear opening is measured between the face of the door opened to 90 degrees and the face of the stop. A swinging door larger than 32 inches must be provided because the door’s width and stops reduce the clear door opening. It is common to use a 36-inch wide door to provide the required 32-inch clear opening (a 34-inch wide door on “swing clear” hinges may also provide a 32-inch clear opening) . The designer must verify that doors provide the required opening.

At a pocket door, the actual dimen-sion of the clear opening is measured from the edge of the door fully retracted to the face of the stop. The opening with the door fully retracted must have a clear width of 32 inches (this means that the door stop inside the wall must be accurately posi-oned). See page 28 for more infor-ma on about pocket doors.

Floor plan of a pocket door

32” min.

clear opening

At a retracted door, the hardware must have enough space around it to allow use

Clear opening is measured between the edge of the door and the stop

The door requires a clear manuvering area the width of the doorway plus an addi-onal 18” on the latch side of the door, and a depth of 60”

18” min.

m in door width m in forward approach

Furniture should not block the clear floor area required for maneuvering at a door

The door requires a clear manuvering area the width of the doorway and a depth of 48” door width

Entry door and porch floor plan

Swinging Doors

Maneuvering clearances at doors that allow a person in a wheelchair to open the door and enter into the space depend on whether the door is swinging into or out of the space, and on the direc on of the approach. Note that outward swinging entry doors may be required by wind zone codes in disaster prone areas.

forward approach latch approach forward approach 24 m in d oo r w id th

A latch approach on the pull side of a door requires addi-onal clear maneuver-ing area at the latch side of the door do or w id th

48” min.

A latch approach manuvering area requires a space that is 48” wide, larger than most hallways commonly found in disaster relief housing; a part of the hallway may need to be widened

48” min.

A forward approach on the push side of a door requires a clear maneuvering area the width of the doorway by 48” deep

Hallway floor plan

Swinging Doors

In disaster relief dwellings, a common place for swinging doors to be located is opening onto or off a hallway. Hallway doors require specific clearances depending on which direc on they are approached from, and on which side the user is posi oned. The hallway or the room must be wide enough to provide the clear maneuvering area required to approach and use the door.

Detail Elements Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are extremely useful in the small spaces in disaster relief dwellings since they do not require floor space for a door swing. They must be equipped with acces-sible hardware (such as a “wire pull”) that does not require twis ng, pinching or grasp-

A “barn door” is a sliding door with easily accessible hanging hardware, that is simple to maintain

Pocket door in a 2 x 4 stud wall ing, and, when in the fully open posi on, the hardware must be exposed and usable from both sides. Pocket doors should be specified with a heavy duty hanging kit that includes “jump proof” wheels mounted inside a 2 x 4 (min.) stud wall.

m in cl ea r do w id th

A latch approach at a pocket door requires addi onal clear floor area at the stop side of the door latch approach forward approach

42” min.

d oo r w id th

Hallway floor plan

48” min.

Electronic controls can operate the deadbolt on entry doors without the use of a key; these devices can be equipped with touch sensi ve numerical pads and/or proximity cards/key fobs

48” max. and 34” min.

moun ng height above the floor to center of the highest operable part

At sliding doors, a wire (loop) pull that is large enough to accommodate a hand’s width is an accessible type of hardware that can be used

Door hardware (including deadbolts) must have specific a ributes to be considered accessible. The hardware must operate with the use of only one hand, it must not require ght grasping, pinching, or twis ng of the wrist and it must operate with a maximum force of 5 pounds.

Lever hardware can have these quali es and is commonly used in residen al dwellings.

The operable parts of the hardware, includ-ing deadbolts, must be mounted at a height between 34 inches minimum and 48 inches maximum above the floor.

Resident opening a sliding door

Lever hardware allows a resident to operate the latch without grasping or twis ng

Accessible dwelling entry door hardware

Door Hardware

Detail Elements Door Thresholds

Thresholds that are accessible can not exceed 1/2-inch in height and must have a specific profile. There are three types of pro-files that are accessible. A threshold up to 1/4-inch high can simply be a ver cal face and does not require any bevel. Thresholds taller than 1/4-inch, and up to 1/2-inch high

0” to 1/4” change in levels can be a ver -cal change

1/4” to 1/2” high change in levels must have a 1:2 slope beveled edge

Flooring (carpet shown)

Flooring (ceramic le shown )

1/4” 1/4”

Beveled interior door threshold can have a beveled profile that combines a 1/4-inch ver cal face with 1:2 sloped beveled edges and a flat top. The last type of thresh-old is a ramp type threshold, which is sloped for its en re length at a 1:12 slope or less (see page 31 for this profile).

Provide weather seals at the bo om corners of both jambs with flexible “pile pads” and caulk where the jambs meet the threshold

Set the front edge of the threshold in a con nuous bead of caulk

Provide threshold wings and caulk at sides

To direct water away from the exterior face of the door, provide aluminum drip flashing above the trim at the head of the door

Typical door head detail with cemen ous siding and trim entry door exterior trim

Door sill detail with low ramp type threshold

Door trim

Exterior entry doors with low accessible thresholds present a challenge in protec ng against water infiltra on. Required emergency exit doors must have an accessible threshold 6. The best choice is an exterior door that is under an overhanging roof, such as on a front porch. This will help prevent water intrusion from driving rain condi ons. Other measures include providing a rain diverter or a gu er on the roof above the door to reduce the amount of water dripping onto the accessible threshold. Including a number of though ul construc on details will improve water resistance for exterior accessible thresholds 1.1.

Ramp threshold

Ceramic le flooring

Door Thresholds

Detail Elements Door Thresholds

Provide the highest threshold that is accessible. In new construc on, provide a 1/2” high threshold

To increase water ghtness, include a compression seal door bo om that can be adjusted to compress to an 1/8” gap maximum when the door is closed. Also provide a door drip and a door sweep.

1/2”

Ramp threshold detail at transi on between exterior decking and interior le flooring (TCNA 150-07)

Saddle threshold detail at transi on between exterior decking and interior vinyl composi on le flooring

1/2”

Vinyl composi on le

Exterior decking

Entry door

Flashing membrane (wrap over underlayment/ vinyl edge)

Exterior decking

Flashing membrane (under door threshold and down face of wall sheathing)

Ceramic or porcelain le

Entry door

Sealant and backer rod

Sealant (under both edges)

Floors in travel trailers must have a flush floor condi on at the joint that occurs when the slide-out is extended and the edge of the carpet that overlaps the joint must be secured

Slide-out com-partment on a travel trailer

Level changes in spaces create difficul es not only for persons in wheelchairs, but also for the general popula on. The maximum ver cal change in floor surfaces that can occur without becoming a barrier is 1/4-inch.

A change of surfaces greater than 1/4-inch, but less than 1/2-inch are allowed with a bev-eled 1:2 slope. Level changes are not per-mited in clear floor spaces, and level changes greater than 1/2-inch in other areas are not allowed without a ramp, so it is recom-mended to avoid these condi ons.

Inside a travel trailer with a slide-out compartment 1.6

Level Changes and Floor Surfaces

Floor surfaces must have finishes that are level, firm and slip-resistant. Surfaces such as le, linoleum and wood laminate flooring, are good choices in accessible disaster relief dwellings. Carpet is not recommended in disaster relief housing 1.3, however, if provided, it should be glued down directly to the underlayment or have a firm cushion or pad. Carpet pile must be no greater than 1/2-inch high level loop types, which wear well without padding, are best.

Detail Elements Operable Parts

Operable parts of appliances in accessible dwellings must have specific characteris cs and be mounted within accessible reach ranges (see pages 6 and 7). Switches, con-trols for appliances, electrical outlets, are all examples of operable parts found in disas-ter relief housing. Operable parts must be usable with one hand, cannot require ght grasping, pinching or twis ng of the wrist, Accessible controls must be located at the front since ranges are taller than 34”, the maximum allowable height for an obstruc on that is more than 10” deep

Hood controls must be located within accessible reach ranges;

this requires wiring the hood controls to a sepa-rate switch on the wall behind a countertop that is 34” maximum above the floor

Wire (loop) pulls 5” or wider are accessible or require more than 5 pounds of force to operate. Touch pads are considered acces-sible controls if located within reach ranges.

Fi ngs such as knobs are not accessible, but wire pulls (5-inch minimum width recom-mended) and levers may be used if they are easy to operate. Some manufacturers pro-vide braille kits for appliance controls upon request.

Kitchen range with hood wired to accessible switch m ax

. a bo ve th e flo

Detail Elements Operable Parts m ax im um

Hardware on tall double hung windows can be above the accessible reach ranges; adding a transom can reduce the height of the window and lower the loca on of the operable hardware

Operable parts of windows are required to be within accessible reach ranges (see pages 6 and 7) by the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS)1.8. Windows provide important natural ven la on and emergency egress in disaster relief homes. A clear floor space with either a parallel or for-ward approach on an accessible route must be provided adjacent to the window. Oper-able parts must be mounted at 48 inches maximum above the floor. Window hardware to open the window, as well as any hardware for blinds or curtains, must be usable with one hand without ght grasping, pinching or twis ng of the wrist and operable with a maximum force of 5 pounds.

Assis ve hardware, like the lever system shown above, is specifically designed to make opening windows easier, can be added to windows from a variety of manufacturers and can be mounted within accessible reach ranges

Locking hardware that is easy to use is available; the latch release shown here requires the user only to apply light pressure on the mechanism for the window to lock or unlock

Resident opening a double hung window.

Other types of windows such as horizontal sliding or awning types may be used

Detail Elements Blocking

Blocking must be included in bathroom walls at specific heights to support accessible grab bars. A common blocking technique is to use either a 2 x 10 board or 3/4-inch thick ply-wood mounted between the studs and under the gypsum board wall surface. Sixteen gauge metal sheet blocking is also another choice.

All blocking must be able to withstand a 250-pound load applied to the grab bar in any direc on. Since interior walls in many units can be 2 x 3 studs, it is advisable to plan plumbing loca ons so as not to conflict with the blocking, or to increase wall thickness to accommodate blocking materials.

There are several types of grab bar installa-ons that require blocking in an accessible bathroom. At the toilet, blocking should be installed at a height spanning from 32 inches to 40 inches above the floor on both the side and rear wall, for a distance of 48 inches and 60 inches from the corner respec vely. Other grab bar loca ons at showers and tubs also require blocking (see pages 36 and 37).

ce nt er lin e of to ile t

24” min. 12” min.

m in m ax m in

Plywood blocking supported between studs on wood blocking is another method

2 x 10 blocking between studs

Grab bar length is measured from the centerline of the grab bar return on each end ce nt er lin e of gr ab b ar re tu rn length of grab bar

Photo of 2 x 10 blocking

Plan detail of 2 x 10 blocking at toilet grab bars

Plan detail of plywood blocking at toilet grab bars

42” min.

Detail ElementsGrab Bars and Control Areas

Each of the bathing op ons has grab bars located specific to the type of fixture. These grab bars require blocking similar to the toilet grab bars illustrated on the previous page.

Control areas are specific to each bathing op on and must be coordinated with the placement of the grab bars. Controls can be no higher than 48 inches above the floor. If an adjustable height shower head on a ver -

A roll-in shower plan that requires two grab bars

A tub plan that requires three grab bars

12” max. 24” max.24” min.

m in

6” max.

m in no n-p er m an en t se at no n-pe rm an en t se at

The seat is op onal in the roll in shower.

If no seat is provided a third grab bar must be included on this wall

6” m ax

6” m ax

If an op onal seat is provided the controls must be on the rear wall within 27” of the side wall adjacent to the seat.

27” max.

control area cal bar is used, it must also be coordinated with grab bars so as not…