Physical Facilities

Section 403 Section 403.26  Physical Facilities a)         Buildings, or parts of buildings, acquired or converted for use as a group home shall be safe, clean, well-ventilated, properly lighted and heated. b)         The water supply of the group home shall comply with the requirements of the local and State health departments.  If the group home accepts children under age 10 or developmentally disabled, the maximum hot water temperature from all showers and bathtubs shall be no more than 115º Fahrenheit.  If well water is used, a copy of the inspection report and compliance with local or State health department regulations shall be on file. c)         Fire prevention and health standards complying with State laws and municipal codes shall be maintained. 1)         The group home shall be equipped with a minimum of one approved smoke detector in operating condition on every floor level, including basements and occupied attics, in accordance with the Smoke Detector Act [425 ILCS 60/3]. 2)         A group home with any fuel burning equipment or an attached garage shall be equipped with a minimum of one approved carbon monoxide detector within 15 feet of every sleeping room in accordance with Section 10 of the Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act [430 ILCS 135/10]. 3) The carbon monoxide alarm may be combined with smoke detecting devices provided that the combined unit complies with the respective provisions of the administrative code, reference standards, and the State Fire Marshal rules relating to both smoke detecting devices and carbon monoxide alarms and provided that the combined unit emits an alarm in a manner that clearly differentiates the hazard. [430 ILCS 135/10] d)         Prescription and non-prescription drugs, dangerous household supplies and dangerous tools shall be kept in safe, locked places.  Firearms and ammunition shall not be kept in a group home. e)         There shall be provisions for separating a child who is ill or suspected of having a contagious disease from other children pending medical determination. f)         The group home shall have an operating telephone on the premises. g)         Each child shall be provided with a separate bed.  Each bed shall have a mattress and comfortable bedding.  Waterproof mattress covers shall be provided for any child who is enuretic. h)         Linens shall be changed at least weekly and more frequently for all enuretic children and all children not toilet trained. i)          Children over 6 years of age shall not share a bedroom with children of the opposite sex. j)          Sleeping rooms shall be furnished according to the ages and special needs of the children.  There shall be a minimum of 40 square feet of floor space per child, excluding the closet and wardrobe area. k)         Basements or attics shall not be used for sleeping unless provided for in the license document.  To be used for sleeping, basements and attics shall have 2 exits with one exit opening directly to the outside and with means to safely reach the ground. l)          The room shall be exposed to an outside window or shall have auxiliary means of ventilation. m)        There shall be a complete bathroom unit including lavatory, toilet, tub or shower for every 5 children. n)         The kitchen and dining facilities shall be clean and equipped for preparation, service and proper preservation of food. o)         Space and equipment shall be provided for indoor and outdoor recreation. Recreational resources in nearby communities may be used to fulfill this requirement. p)         Places shall be provided for quiet pursuits and privacy.