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Proposed senior housing rules would require backup power, mobility plans and 24-hour attendants for some multifamily units
Summary
Staff recommended senior multifamily units include at least one interior room with backup power and refrigeration for medications, backup elevator power or a mobility-assistance plan, 24-hour staff attendants and security cameras; council emphasized safety and asked for department coordination before adoption.
City staff outlined proposed minimum standards for senior multifamily housing that are intended to protect residents during extended outages or emergencies.
Under the draft, properties with senior-designated units (age 55+) would need at least one interior room with backup heat/air and a refrigerator suitable for temperature-sensitive medications. Buildings with one or more elevators would either need at least one elevator on backup power or an approved mobile mobility-assistance plan with a resident list for those who require assistance. The draft also proposes 24-hour staff attendants for prompt emergency response and operable security cameras at entrances and parking areas.
Councilmembers welcomed the safety measures. Mayor Pro Tem Clouser said the rules address concerns raised after storms and hurricanes and praised penalties for noncompliance. Staff said the senior housing provisions mirror some state law provisions regarding a central backup room but that other measures are local standards intended to improve resident safety.
