SECTION 553.211. Construction Requirements for a New Small Type A Assisted Living Facility

(a) Structurally sound. A new small Type A assisted living facility must ensure any building is structurally sound regarding actual or expected dead, live, and wind loads according to applicable building codes.

(b) Separation of occupancies. A new small Type A assisted living facility must be separated from other occupancies including other assisted living facilities, hospitals, or nursing facilities, by a fire barrier having at least a 2-hour fire resistance rating constructed according to the requirements of NFPA 101 and its referenced standards.

(c) Sheathing.

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection a new small Type A assisted living facility must ensure all buildings used by residents are sheathed with materials providing a fire resistance rating as follows.

(A) Interior wall and ceiling surfaces must have finished surfaces, substrates, or sheathing with a fire resistance rating of not less than 20 minutes.

(B) Columns, beams, girders, or trusses that are not enclosed within walls or ceilings must be encased in materials having a fire resistance rating of not less than 20 minutes.

(2) A sprinkler system does not substitute for the minimum sheathing requirements under paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(3) A building constructed to meet the minimum building construction type requirements of 18.1.6, Minimum Construction Requirements, in NFPA 101, Chapter 18, New Health Care Occupancies, is not also required to be sheathed.

(d) Interior finish. A new small Type A assisted living facility must ensure interior wall and ceiling finish materials meet the requirements of 32.2.3.3.2, Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish, in NFPA 101, Chapter 32, New Residential Board and Care Occupancies.

(e) Vertical openings. A new small Type A assisted living facility must ensure vertical openings are protected according to the requirements of 32.2.3.1, Protection of Vertical Openings, in NFPA 101, Chapter 32, New Residential Board and Care Occupancies.

Source Note: The provisions of this §553.211 adopted to be effective August 31, 2021, 46 TexReg 5189