Room types, door widths, egress paths, bathroom ratios, fire clearances, and construction specs covering everything your building must meet before CDSS will license it as a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly.
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CCR §§87303 and 87400 establish minimum bedroom requirements: each single-occupancy bedroom must have at least 80 square feet of floor space. Double-occupancy rooms must have at least 60 square feet per resident. Rooms must have a window of a minimum size and must provide access to a corridor or hallway. Specific requirements for basements, attics, and rooms with no windows also apply.
CCR §87303 requires at least one toilet, one lavatory, and one bathtub or shower for every six residents. For larger facilities, the ratio scales accordingly. Bathrooms must have grab bars, non-slip surfaces, and must be accessible from a common corridor without passing through another resident's bedroom.
Before CDSS will issue an RCFE license, the state fire marshal or a local fire authority with equivalent jurisdiction must inspect the property and issue a fire clearance. The inspection covers egress paths, smoke detectors, fire extinguisher placement, emergency lighting, exit signage, and (for larger facilities) sprinkler system compliance. This guide explains what inspectors look for and how to prepare.
Not all RCFEs are required to meet the full scope of ADA requirements, but CDSS physical plant standards require that facilities serving residents with mobility limitations have doorways and bathrooms accessible to wheelchair users and other mobility devices. The extent of required modifications depends on whether your building is new construction, a conversion, or an existing licensed care facility.
CCR §87303 requires that residents have access to outdoor space. The specific requirements for size, surface, fencing, and accessibility depend on the facility capacity and whether residents include individuals with dementia or cognitive impairment. For facilities with a dementia special care designation, a secured wandering area may be required.