SECTION 551.62. Site and Grounds

(a) General (All Facilities).

(1) Site grades must provide for positive surface water drainage so that there will be no ponding or standing water at or near the building such as would present a hazard to health or provide a breeding site or harborage for disease vectors.

(2) Outdoor activity, recreational, and sitting spaces must be provided and be accessible to all residents.

(3) Each facility must have parking space to satisfy the needs of residents, employees, staff, and visitors.

(4) Protection must be provided for resident safety on facility grounds using appropriate methods, such as fences, hedges, retaining walls, railings, or other landscaping. Such protection must not inhibit the free emergency egress to a safe distance away from the building.

(5) All outside areas, grounds, and adjacent buildings on the site must be maintained in good condition and kept free of rubbish, garbage, untended growth, and other conditions which may constitute a fire or health hazard.

(b) Additional site conditions (large facilities only).

(1) Auxiliary buildings located on the site within 20 feet of the main licensed structure and which contain hazardous operations or contents, such as laundries or storage buildings, must meet the same code requirements for safety as the main licensed structure, or the building must be moved to be 20 feet or farther away from the main building.

(2) Other buildings on the site must meet the appropriate occupancy section or separation requirements of NFPA 101.

(3) A new building (or addition) must be set back at least ten feet from the property lines except as otherwise approved by HHSC.

(4) Exit doors from the building must not open directly onto a drive for vehicular traffic but must be set back at least six feet from the edge of such drive (measured from the end of building wall in the case of a recessed door) to prevent accidents due to lack of visual warning. These doors are to have automatic or self-closures.

(5) Walks must be provided from all exits and must be of non-slip surfaces free of hazards. Walks must be at least 48 inches wide except as otherwise approved. Ramps must be used in lieu of steps where grade change is 21 inches or less, and where possible, for persons with physical disabilities or mobility impairment, and to facilitate bed or wheelchair removal in an emergency.

(6) Open or enclosed courts with resident rooms or living areas opening upon them must not be less than 20 feet in the smallest dimension unless otherwise approved by HHSC.

(7) There must be at least one approved readily accessible fire hydrant located within 300 feet of the building. The hydrant must be on a minimum six-inch service line, or else there must be an approved equivalent (such as a storage tank). The hydrant, its location, and service line, or equivalent must be approved by the local fire department and HHSC.

(8) The building must have suitable fire lanes for access as required by local fire authorities and HHSC.

Source Note: The provisions of this §551.62 adopted to be effective July 1, 1996, 21 TexReg 5328; transferred effective May 1, 2019, as published in the Texas Register April 12, 2019, 44 TexReg 1883; amended to be effective February 24, 2022, 47 TexReg 787