Section 504 states that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall be excluded from participation in, denied benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any program, service, or activity receiving federal financial assistance or conducted by any Executive agency. Regarding accessible housing, HUD’s Section 504 regulations define an accessible dwelling apartment as a unit that is located on an accessible route and can be approached, entered, and used by individuals with physical disabilities. In other words, an accessible unit ensures that people with disabilities can navigate and use the space comfortably. A minimum 5% of apartments must be 504 accessible.
Baseline
Each parking lot, building entrance, vertical transportation system, apartment entrance, kitchens, bathroom & bedroom must comply with 504 accessibility VCA/ADA standards. Vertical transportation systems must meet Usability Standards as set forth by the VCA. Strobes, CO detectors, smoke detectors, must be installed as a standard. Outlets, switches and lever handsets should be accessible height and locations.
Stretch
Each living unit shall have an Emergency call system which register a call (annunciator and alarm) at one or more central supervised locations, an intercommunicating telephone system connected to a switch board which is monitored 24 hours a day, or an emergency call system which sound an alarm (not be fire alarm) in the immediate corridor and automatically actuates a visual signal at the living unit entrance.
RAD Conversions
RAD Conversions are required to comply with the December 2021 agreement entered into by NYCHA and HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (“FHEO”), intended to ensure compliance with federal accessibility requirements and standards under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (“Section 504”) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) in PACT Projects. Project teams shall comply with the specific requirements as outlined in Attachment E –PACT Accessibility Design Checklist pdf below. It includes the requirement for no less than 4% Hearing/Vision Accessible Units, and 7% Mobility Units.
Attachment E – PACT Accessibility Design Checklist
Description
Bathroom renovations are critical for residents’ health and well-being. Quality finishes and fixtures improve the overall quality of the apartment while reducing indoor air pollution from mold and excessive moisture that could harm finishes outside the bathroom space. Thoughtful layouts contribute to an efficient use of space, finishes are chosen for durability, ease of maintenance, and adequate attic stock in the event replacement is required. GFCI outlets are required.
Bathrooms must be designed with accessibility in mind. Because the size of NYCHA bathrooms poses a challenge to meet all ADA requirements as specified in federal ADA / UFAS standards, any conflicts with ADA / UFAS the VCA, is the controlling document, designers must include accessibility features including appropriate turn angles and door widths for the mobility impaired. Grab bars should be installed along with accessible basins. New fixtures should comply with UFAS, utilizing the UFAS Accessibility Checklist, HPD Accessibility Guide, and ADA standards.
Baseline
Overall
All surfaces to be durable and cleanable to help with pest management and discourage mold growth.
Piping under lavatories and sinks open to below must be insulated, enclosed, or configured to prevent contact.
Provide a GFCI outlet in wet locations according to code.
Use cement board, fiber cement board, or other waterproof surfaces for floors (where appropriate), walls, and ceilings (where appropriate). [COMPMOD]
This proposal does not take into consideration limited chase space and discharge volume into existing system, an additional waste line would be required for washer discharge.
All exposed water supply and drain pipes under lavatories and kitchen sinks shall be insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. There shall be no sharp or abrasive surfaces under lavatories and sinks
Floors
Bathroom floors should have ceramic or porcelain tiles with a 4″ cove base. Porcelain is better for wet environments so can be used as an option based on cost effectiveness.
Floor tiles are typically 2×2-inch but can vary as per project requirements.
Floor tile to be waterproof and slip-resistant. [COMPMOD]
Walls
Use cement board, fiber cement board or the equivalent meeting ASTM #D3273 for all wet wall backing.
Walls are not to be tiled.
Ceilings
Ceilings to be painted with mold-resistant paint. [COMPMOD]
Bathrooms
Bathtubs are required to be standard cast-iron enamel with a push pop-up drain stopper with overflow and water-saving showerhead.
Bathtub walls must be fitted with a fiberglass tub surround. If a tub surround is installed at a window, use a 3- to 5-piece trim kit.
Provide fiberglass tub surround, seamless or with waterproof seams, and with no protruding elements. Lesson Learned: the protruding soap dishes on some shower surrounds are prone to cracking and have caused mold and moisture problems at multiple NYCHA properties. [COMPMOD]
Bathtubs must be equipped with a removable in-tub seat or a permanent seat at the head end of the tub or Swivel Tub Transfer Bench.
Consider UFAS standards. (This requires a raised shower stall with ramp)
Sinks
ADA adaptable 20-inch (W) x 19-inch (D) vitreous china sinks are required.
Toilets
Provide floor-mounted toilets a maximum of 27 inches from the rear wall, and the water closet flange shall be installed 12 inches from the finished back wall. The centerline of the water closet shall be 16 inches minimum to 18 inches maximum from the side wall.
Toilets must have a MaP rating of 1000. (Sustainability to verify. 500 min?)
Fixtures
Provide 20-gauge 304 polished stainless steel curtain rod.
Above the sink, provide a soap dish and toothbrush holder, a 28-inch (H) x 18-inch (W) surface-mounted medicine cabinet with mirror, and an LED light fixture.
Provide toilet paper holder and towel rod.
Specify fixtures that comply with UFAS and ADA standards.
Provide a minimum of five grab bars to meet accessibility requirements as specified by ADA standards. Grab bars should be located at appropriate heights with ¾” plywood or metal plate between studs for secure attachment (see A-DG_Bathroom Diagram). Provide blocking in all units including non-ADA units.
Stretch
Install ultra-high efficiency toilets (0.8 gpf).
Provide vented exhaust in bathrooms. [COMPMOD] An exhaust fan significantly outperforms an operable window. It’s important that any integrated exhaust fan into a window unit allows for operability of the window unit for fresh air. Consider putting the fan and light switch on separate circuits for flexibility and less wear and tear on the fan. (This proposal supposes no existing exhausts, all bathrooms are either vented by a window or is mechanically vented by duct in chase and mechanical roof fan to draw air out, mold issues are related to poor fan function or clogged duct lines)
Provide rear-discharge toilets and run waste pipes in walls, eliminating the visible waste pipes from floor above. Rear discharge toilets allow for maintenance of that toilet without having to access the apartment below. [COMPMOD] (This proposal requires deepening chase wall and replacement of waste line riser)
Install extra-large or multiple medicine cabinets to provide residents with bathroom storage. Lesson Learned: under-sink vanity cabinets can cause maintenance problems and are not preferred. [COMPMOD] (Our medicine cabinets are surface mounted, there is no room for recessed cabinets)
Provide 4” high minimum back splash above the top of the sink counter. [COMPMOD] (This proposal will make repairs behind chase more expensive because of tile work)
Provide wider sinks with counters from 28 inches to 40 inches depending on available space, with integral space for tenant-supplied soap dishes and toothbrush holders, instead of the wall-mounted accessories. [COMPMOD] (Standard sized bathrooms are 5’x7’ nominally, in actuality it’s closer to +/- 4’-10 ½” x 6’-10 ½”, tub size and toilet space is limiting sink size without a major renovation)
Stop and prevent building plumbing systems leakage. [SA]
Upgrade mechanical ventilation systems for mold prevention. [SA]
RAD Conversions
General
Evaluate all plumbing lines and ensure proper allowance for % repair or replacement if full replacement is not required.
Wall-mounted vanities will only be accepted in apartments where they are the existing vanity type. Residents should be engaged on preferences related to storage and exposed plumbing to determine vanity style.
Flooring
Bathrooms should be tiled with porcelain or ceramic tiles; products should meet Enterprise Green Communities requirements.
Walls
Walls should be evaluated for moisture using a moisture meter. In any location that would measure wet and/or require replacement of sheetrock, paperless sheetrock must be used as replacement.
Fixtures
All new plumbing fixtures should be low-flow and comply with efficiency rates set by Local Law 57 and Enterprise Green Communities Criteria.
Apartment entrance doors serve as the primary barrier between the interior living space and the external environment, providing security, privacy, and insulation for residents. They are generally made from hollow metal and include robust locking systems.
Baseline
General Interior Doors
In all multiple dwelling buildings, building entrance doors, unit entrance doors, fire stair doors, fire tower doors, bulkhead doors, and rubbish chute closet doors are required to be self-closing. Local Law 62 of 2022 defines a self-closing door as a door equipped with a device that will ensure the door, when opened and released, returns to the closed position and self-latches shut.
All self-closing doors should comply with the NYC Housing Maintenance Code section 27-2041.1.
Doors to apartments shall be equipped with a heavy-duty latch set and a heavy-duty deadbolt operable by a key from the outside and a thumb-turn from the inside. Those doors shall also be equipped with a chain guard so as to permit partial opening of the door. Apartment entrance doors shall also be equipped with a viewing device located so as to enable a person on the inside of the entrance door to view a person immediately outside.
Door closers shall be adjusted so that from an open position of 90 degrees, the time required to move the door to an open position of 12 degrees shall be 5 seconds minimum. (Door closers at building entrances are LCN type, while door closers at apartment entrance doors are self closing by spring hinges)
Kitchens are central to residents’ overall apartment living experience. A well-designed kitchen maximizes space utilization, enhances functionality, and promotes indoor air-quality with proper ventilation. Thoughtful layouts ensure an efficient workflow, adequate storage and lighting with materials chosen not only for aesthetics but also their durability and ease of maintenance. Kitchens must be designed with accessibility in mind, incorporating features that adhere to ADA requirements, including appropriate counter heights and clearances for those with mobility impairments. Accessible features such as pull-out shelves (This is a stretch, requires additional hardware), lever handles (this is not typical, use of cabinet and drawer pulls are held by two screws and not as indicated as lever handle) and strategically placed (GFCI) outlets over countertops should be integrated. New appliances should be in the range of ENERGY STAR’s “Save More” standards. New fixtures should comply with UFAS / ADA standards to ensure inclusivity and functionality for all residents.
Baseline
Overall
All surfaces to be durable and cleanable to help with pest management and discourage mold growth.
Kitchenettes (less than 80 square feet) must be provided with natural ventilation (window) or mechanical ventilation. Must be in accordance with the New York City Mechanical Code. (All apartment kitchens are tiled with same material through-out apartment, different material will raise level requiring transition strips)
Cabinets
For durability, use a solid hardwood face frame, 5-ply side panels, 7-ply doors, and 170-degree (minimum) hinges.
Provide 12-inch (D) x 42-inch (H) wall cabinets; the bottom shelf of the wall cabinets must measure 4 feet above the floor. Consider mounting upper cabinets as close to the ceiling as reasonably possible to allow adequate clearance at countertops for appliances i.e. coffee machines etc. Regarding the implementation of a microwave, a 12-inch depth cabinet will barely accommodate a standard microwave.
The mid and top floors of a high rise may have reduced height wall cabinet.
Install floor cabinets with a 24-inch (D) base; the top of countertop must measure 34 inches above the finished floor.
Provide cabinet spaces for standard refrigerators and microwaves. When the kitchen size allows, provide a pantry closet.
The cabinetry must allow for easy removal of components below the countertop for accessibility. (This is usually reserved for 33” min sink cabinet and one 33” min base cabinet)
Lay out kitchen cabinetry and appliances to maximize the amount of storage space while reducing the number of different cabinet sizes. [COMPMOD]
Provide an in-unit recycling zone – dedicate cabinet space to recycling in unit kitchens, provide pull-out frame with blue and green recycling bins, including infographic sticker. [COMPMOD]
Countertops
Provide as much counter space as possible. Countertops shall be ¾-inch exterior-grade plywood covered with plastic laminate with an integral 4-inch backsplash.
Provide solid surface resin-based countertops and backsplashes (minimum 4” high) as standard. Lesson Learned: consider the ability to repair countertops – solid colors are often easier to refinish than faux stone or other patterned surfaces. [COMPMOD]
Use straight runs where possible to avoid corner cabinets and “L-shaped” countertops, which are large and difficult to store attic stock and maneuver replacements. [COMPMOD]
Sinks
Provide 18-gauge stainless steel, three-hole, single or double bowl sinks. Provide single-lever faucet with threaded inlet shanks, fastened for durability. Consider a dish rack solution.
Appliances
All appliances must be ENERGY STAR certified (where applicable).
Provide a top-freezer refrigerator and a 30-inch-wide gas range with a non-vented range hood.
Fixtures must comply with UFAS and ADA standards, and with durability standards set by the Severe Use requirements in the HUD Minimum Property Standards.
Floors
Floors to be waterproof and slip-resistant. [COMPMOD]
Walls & Ceilings
Walls & ceilings to be primed with mold-blocking primer per the Mold Standard Procedure. [COMPMOD]
Stretch
Install domestic dishwashing machines in new construction.
Provide backsplashes for the full height between the countertop and cabinet above. Lesson Learned: tamperproof mechanical fasteners instead of glue could allow the removal of backsplash panels for future access to plumbing chases. [COMPMOD]
Provide larger cooking ranges. Lesson Learned: The current standard 20” range is a common complaint from residents. [COMPMOD]
Provide rock wool insulation for sound deadening between apartments. [COMPMOD]
Stop and prevent building plumbing systems leakage. [SA]
Upgrade mechanical ventilation systems for mold prevention. [SA]
Install under-sink food waste disposal system. These should have a dedicated electrical circuit and installations must include staff and resident training with clear instructions and guidelines for residents on the types of food waste suitable for disposal helps to prevent system damage and reduces the risk of malfunctions or blockages.
RAD Conversion
Cabinets
Cabinets should be solid hardwood and plywood. Cabinets with HDF or MDF panels, even if they have a solid hardwood frame, will not be accepted. Cabinets should include integrated storage for separate waste streams, if space allows.
Accessible kitchens require removable cabinets with adjacent cabinetry finished on both sides.
Countertops
Solid-surface countertops rather than laminate products should be used. Solid-surface countertop options include quartz and other engineered stone products; countertop thickness should be minimum 3cm.
Backsplashes in kitchens should be full height (to the underside of cabinets). Tile backsplashes are preferred.
Fixtures and Appliances
All new plumbing fixtures should be low-flow and comply with efficiency rates set by Local Law 57 of 2010 and Enterprise Green Communities Criteria.
Assume all-electric ranges in units (with a preference for induction ranges), if feasible to convert from natural gas.
Washer hookups should be fully inset into the wall and include a water supply and drain line; a dedicated electrical outlet nearby should be located.
Floors
The use of vinyl finishes (including LVT and VCT) is prohibited by the NYCHA Design Guidelines (published 2016). “Vinyl” includes both PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and any other petrochemical (petroleum-derived) vinyl. ERT, or enhanced resilient tile, is also vinyl-based. Alternatives to vinyl-based tile include bio-based tile (“BBT”), engineered wood and wood laminates, linoleum tile, ceramic and porcelain tile, and rubber tile products.
Per Enterprise Green Communities 2020 requirements, non-vinyl finishes are recommended but some vinyl products are allowable if they do not contain PVC. Other products that meet Enterprise Green Communities requirements may be reviewed by NYCHA.
For buildings with existing hardwood floors, the feasibility of preserving and refinishing existing floors should be evaluated. For developments with hardwood flooring that has been covered with vinyl tile, evaluate removing vinyl tile and refinishing hardwood floors.
Walls & Ceilings
During rehab, all walls in kitchens should be evaluated for moisture using a moisture meter. In any location that would measure wet and/or require replacement of sheetrock, paperless sheet rock must be used for replacement.
Apartment renovations can significantly enhance the quality of life for residents while adhering to modern standards and regulations. Starting with lead testing and abatement, repairing or installing new plasterwork, drywall, molding, interior doors, flooring, and ceilings not only improves the aesthetic appeal but also ensures structural integrity and a healthy environment. For more comprehensive modernizations, installing new electrical panels, lighting fixtures, and ventilation fans will improve safety and energy efficiency while ensuring proper air circulation and reducing moisture buildup. Renovations must comply with ADA standards, where feasible, to accommodate residents with disabilities, incorporating features like appropriate door widths and lever handles for ease of use. Specifications should strive to be sustainable and environmentally responsible, selecting low-VOC materials to improve indoor air quality, while emphasizing the importance of durability, ease of maintenance, and overall tenant well-being. Tamper resistant receptacles (TR) are required in all rooms except bathroom and kitchen.
Baseline
Materials
Use low- or no-volatile organic compound (VOC) caulks, paints, primers, coatings, and adhesives as defined by SCAQMD Rules 1113 and 1168.
Use composite wood products that emit no formaldehyde per the requirements of California 93120 Phase 2.
Use non-vinyl, non-carpet floor coverings throughout a building.
Interior hollow core doors should typically be replaced in kind. Hinges should be replaced or stripped before reinstalling door.
Safety
Identify lead hazards and abate them according to EPA and HUD guidelines.
Install one hard-wired smoke detector CO alarm with battery backup for each sleeping zone.
Stretch
Generally NYCHA apartment renovations consist of upgrades in materials, utilities, finishes, doors, etc., that maintain the existing unit configuration. However, most buildings are more than 50 years old and room sizes and layouts are dated by current standards. In the case of gut rehab, it is possible to reconfigure the layout to allow for more open layouts, less restricted kitchen areas, wall pass-throughs, larger (if fewer) bedrooms, less corridor space, more natural light/ventilation, etc., to allow for more comfortable use and more passive green features. This might be possible in both 504 and non-504 apartments. Reconfiguration of the units if proposed should be verified with the development management and borough office.
Provide mineral wool insulation for sound deadening between apartments. [COMPMOD]
RAD Conversions
Flooring
The use of vinyl finishes (including LVT and VCT) is prohibited by the NYCHA Design Guidelines (published 2016). “Vinyl” includes both PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and any other petrochemical (petroleum-derived) vinyl. ERT, or enhanced resilient tile, is also vinyl-based. Alternatives to vinyl-based tile include bio-based tile (“BBT”), engineered wood and wood laminates, linoleum tile, ceramic and porcelain tile, and rubber tile products.
Per Enterprise Green Communities 2020 requirements, non-vinyl finishes are recommended but some vinyl products are allowable if they do not contain PVC. Other products that meet Enterprise Green Communities requirements may be reviewed by NYCHA.
For buildings with existing hardwood floors, the feasibility of preserving and refinishing existing floors should be evaluated. For developments with hardwood flooring that has been covered with vinyl tile, evaluate removing vinyl tile and refinishing hardwood floors.
Floating floor options with underlayment should be considered to improve the feel of flooring for residents and energy performance of residential units.
Request the “PACT Flooring Booklet” to learn more about flooring products used in previous projects.
Walls
All interior paints, coatings, primers and wallpaper must comply with Enterprise Green Communities requirements.
Vinyl wall bases cannot be specified in apartments. Preferred alternatives include formaldehyde-free MDF and solid wood.
Doors
Interior hollow core doors should typically be replaced with solid core wood doors with the exception of closet doors. Hinges should be replaced or stripped of paint before reinstalling. Door hardware should match throughout units.
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