(a) In general. Each licensee shall ensure the residents’ health, safety, comfort, and protection through the standards contained in this section that address the construction, remodeling, and maintenance of a boarding home facility.
(b) Applicable regulations. Each boarding home facility must comply with the following codes and regulations:
(1) The Dallas Development Code. [NOTE: A boarding home facility is not a zoning use and is separate from and unrelated to the lodging or boarding house use defined in Chapter 51A.]
(2) The Dallas Building Code, the Dallas One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code, or the Dallas Existing Building Code, as applicable.
(3) The Dallas Fire Code and any other applicable federal, state, or local fire codes and standards, as amended.
(4) Articles III and IV of Chapter 27, "Minimum Urban Rehabilitation Standards," of the Dallas City Code.
(5) Federal, state, and local health and safety codes.
(6) Federal and state accessibility regulations.
(c) Interior doors. An interior door to a living space, bedroom, bathroom, or toilet room must fit the opening in which it is hung, be properly equipped with hardware, and be maintained in good working
condition. Unless a resident has a disability that requires frequent check-ups by others, a door with a locking device must be provided to provide privacy to and protection of the resident.
(1) Every closet door latch must be such that it can be readily opened from the inside in case of emergency.
(2) Every bathroom door or door lock must permit immediate opening of the locked door in case of emergency.
(d) Public pathways and stairways. A public pathway or stairway in a building must maintain a minimum unobstructed width in accordance with the Dallas Fire Code, as amended, and must be provided with a convenient light switch controlling an adequate light system.
(e) Windows and exterior doors.
(1) Every habitable room must have at least one window that can be easily opened, or such other device as will ventilate the room.
(2) Locks that can be easily opened manually from inside must be provided on all exterior doors.
(3) All windows must be capable of being opened without tools. Window openings must meet the requirements of the Dallas Building Code, Dallas Existing Building Code, the Dallas One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code, and the Dallas Fire Code, as applicable, for emergency egress.
(4) The bottom of the window opening must be not more than 44 inches above the floor in accordance with the Dallas Fire Code, as amended.
(5) A door, window, or emergency escape and rescue opening may be maintained that does not meet the requirements of this subsection upon the written approval of the fire code official.
(f) Maintenance.
(1) The licensee shall maintain the dwelling and premises in a clean and sanitary condition.
(2) The licensee shall keep a boarding home facility in good repair and maintenance in a manner that will promote the health, comfort, safety, and well-being of residents. (Ord. Nos. 28706; 29753)