Section 27-292.9. Usable dwelling units

--(a) General requirements.-
    (1)  Usable dwelling units are units in residential buildings in other
  than occupancy group J-3 which are accessible, constructed and equipped,
  as defined in section 27-232 and as set forth in this subarticle, so  as
  to  be  usable by people having physical disabilities. A usable dwelling
  unit shall be established by conversion from an adaptable dwelling  unit
  when the unit becomes occupied by a person having a physical disability.
    (2)   Access,  storage,  controls,  windows,  doors,  floor  surfaces,
  kitchens, kitchenettes and bathrooms, appliances and  emergency  warning
  devices  in  these units shall comply with the requirements set forth in
  reference standard RS 4-6.
    (b) Number of usable  dwelling  units.  (1)  Hotels--In  lieu  of  the
  requirements  of  section  27-292.8  in buildings in occupancy group J-1
  having ten or more units, not less than five percent of the total number
  of units shall be constructed as  usable  units.  In  all  buildings  in
  occupancy group J-1 there shall be available portable smoke detectors of
  both  audible and visual design. The number of detectors available shall
  be three percent of the number of sleeping rooms with a minimum  of  one
  operational  detector per building. Proprietors shall post conspicuously
  a sign at least three inches in  height,  at  the  main  desk  or  other
  similar  station,  advising  of  the availiblity of such detectors. Such
  detectors shall have a flash frequency range of  sixty  to  one  hundred
  twenty  flashes  per  minute;  and,  where  the average illuminance with
  motion present is more than twenty lumens per square foot,  the  visible
  signaling appliance shall have an effective intensity rating between one
  hundred   and  one  thousand  candela.  Hard  wiring  of  audible/visual
  detectors into an existing central closed-circuit alarm system shall  be
  permitted  in  lieu  of  such portable detectors. Where determination by
  percentage results in a number containing a decimal of 0.5 or more,  the
  next  higher  number  shall  be  used.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,
  entrance doors to all dwelling units in occupancy group J-1  having  ten
  or more units, and to all bathrooms in such units, shall be no less than
  thirty-two inches in width.
    (2) Adult residential care facilities.--All units in adult residential
  care facilities shall be usable. "Adult residential care facility" shall
  mean  a  family  type home for adults, a shelter for adults, a residence
  for adults, an enriched housing program or an adult home, which contains
  three or more dwelling units and which provides board and  temporary  or
  long-term  residential  care  and  services  to  adults  who, though not
  requiring continual medical or nursing care, are by reason  of  physical
  or   other   limitations   associated   with  age,  physical  or  mental
  disabilities or other factors unable or  substantially  unable  to  live
  independently.   Such  facilities  shall  be  considered  to  be  within
  occupancy group J-2.
    (c) Usable bathrooms, kitchens  and  kitchenettes.--Usable  bathrooms,
  kitchens   and  kitchenettes  within  usable  dwelling  units  shall  be
  constructed and equipped in accordance with requirements  set  forth  in
  reference standard RS 4-6 with respect to the following:
    Access doorway or opening
    Clear floor space
    Floor surface
    Bathroom, kitchen and kitchenette facilities and controls
    Space   and   utilities  for  usable  range,  (or  cooktop  or  oven),
  refrigerator/freezer, (dishwasher if provided).
    Such  items  shall  include  usable  water  closet  and  toilet  paper
  dispenser,  lavatory and base cabinet, bathtub and controls, bathtub and
  shower enclosure, grab bars, clearance between opposing  base  cabinets,
  counter tops, appliances and walls, sink and base cabinet.

    (d)  Washing  machines  and  clothes  dryers  within  usable  dwelling
  units.--Where washing machines and clothes  dryers  are  located  within
  usable  dwelling  units,  they  shall comply with or be capable of being
  converted to the requirements set forth in reference standard RS 4-6.
    (e) Emergency warning devices within usable dwelling units.--Emergency
  warning  devices  within usable dwelling units shall be capable of being
  converted to audible and visual indication as required and to conform to
  the  requirements  set  forth  in  subchapter  seventeen,  article  six,
  reference  standard  RS 17-11, reference standard RS 17-12 and reference
  standard RS 4-6.