2.E.14.d. 50+ sq. ft. per bed

Rule

Verification of 50+ sq. ft per bed per sleeping room.

Levels

This applies to all recovery residences.

Guidance

This rule is very objective, and with good reason, overcrowding is one of the largest concerns across all types of shared living environments. For the purposes of defining a “home-like environment”, NARR turned to the international health and safety code of 50 square feet per bed in sleeping rooms.

Local health and safety codes define what is legally required. This can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. However, most utilize internationally accepted codes. Regardless, recovery residences must uphold local health and safety codes, which restrict the number of occupants per square footage.

Note, local health and safety codes often require at least 70 square feet per occupant in single-bed rooms.

Note, land use restrictions that limit the number of occupants per dwelling are not health and safety codes. NARR does not provide legal advice. Language such as “no more than 3 unrelated adults per dwelling” is an attempt to define “family” to uphold the characteristics of residential family zoning. Fair housing discrimination may occur if the local government enforces these types of ordinances in a way that raises barriers to housing choice for persons who are “disabled”. If a recovery residence has questions around occupancy restrictions or fair housing discrimination, they are encouraged to seek legal counsel familiar with fair housing law.

Evaluation

• Does each sleeping room have at least 50 square feet per bed?

Evidence

• Policy and procedure

• Staff / Peer leadership role description – one or more roles responsible for conducting property self assessment to ensure standards are met.

• Onsite confirmation that each sleeping room meets the requirement. For each sleeping room, Reviewer are expected to measure total square footage and divide by the number of beds

References

• NARR Standard 3.0

• NARR Standard 3.0 Compendium

• Measure Up