HB371 (2007) Detail

Establishing accessibility requirements for new residential home construction.


HB 371 – AS INTRODUCED

2007 SESSION

07-0096

05/10

HOUSE BILL 371

AN ACT establishing accessibility requirements for new residential home construction.

SPONSORS: Rep. L’Heureux, Hills 19; Rep. Greco, Merr 7; Rep. Mooney, Hills 19; Rep. O’Neil, Hills 19

COMMITTEE: Commerce

ANALYSIS

This bill establishes accessibility requirements for new residential home construction. The requirements make the entrance and interior of the residence more accessible to persons with disabilities.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

07-0096

05/10

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Seven

AN ACT establishing accessibility requirements for new residential home construction.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 New Subdivision; Accessibility Requirement for Residential Construction. Amend RSA 155-A by inserting after section 12 the following new subdivision:

Accessibility Requirement for Residential Construction

155-A:13 Applicability. This subdivision applies to any new single family dwelling, duplex, or triplex constructed on or after January 1, 2008 unless the state building code review board has granted a waiver under RSA 155-A:15.

155-A:14 Design and Construction Requirements.

I. The dwelling unit shall provide at least one building entrance that complies with the state building code standard for an accessible entrance on an accessible route to the main living area served by a ramp or no-step entrance. A building entrance door shall have a minimum net clear opening of 32 inches. The entrance may be at the front, side, or back of a dwelling unit as long as it is served by an accessible route such as a garage or sidewalk.

II. Except for a door that provides access to a closet of fewer than 15 square feet in area, interior doors located on the first floor of a dwelling unit shall have a minimum clear opening of at least 32 inches. Accessible hardware is required on the affected doors. All doorways in the accessible route of travel shall meet clearance and clear floor space requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines or the International Residential Code 2000.

III. The dwelling unit shall provide an accessible route through the hallways and passageways of the first floor of the dwelling unit. The route shall provide a minimum width of 36 inches and be level with ramped or beveled changes at door thresholds, except that in all areas where a turn may be required, the space requirements of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines or the International Residential Code 2000 shall be met.

IV. First floor bathroom walls of the dwelling unit shall be designed and constructed with reinforcements using the following standards:

(a) Lateral 2 inch by 6 inch or larger nominal wood blocking shall be installed flush with wall studs around the entire perimeter of the bathroom.

(b) The centerline of the blocking shall be 34 inches from and parallel to the floor.

V. A light switch, thermostats, or electrical panel located on the first floor shall be no higher than 42 inches above the floor. Receptacles shall be at least 18 inches above the floor. An electrical panel located outside the dwelling unit shall be no higher than 42 inches above the ground, at least 18 inches above the ground, and adjacent to an accessible route.

VI. A 60” turning diameter, clear of any obstructions, including door swings, shall be provided within all rooms on the main living area level, especially the kitchen and bathroom.

VII. Provide a full bathroom on the main living area level.

VIII. Provide a room on the main living area level that could serve as a bedroom.

IX. Design the floorplan without hallways as much as possible.

X. Comply with all door clearance requirements of ADA Accessibility Guidelines or the International Residential Code 2000.

155-A:15 Waiver; Appeal. The state building code review board, established in RSA 155-A:10, may grant a waiver of the requirements in RSA 155-A:14 if the applicant demonstrates that, due to the topographical conditions of the site, compliance would create an undue hardship. The board’s decision may be appealed to the superior court pursuant to RSA 155-A:12.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2008.