Section 2602.270  New Design and Construction

a)         Department Approval

The Department shall approve all remodeling and new construction plans of detention facilities. The Department will assist architects in planning new facilities through consultation and review of preliminary and final drawings submitted to the Department for examination.

1)         The architect's preliminary drawings shall be reviewed by the Department.

2)         A complete set of final plans and specifications shall be submitted to include:

A)        Architectural design;

B)        Heating and ventilating system;

C)        Plumbing specifications;

D)        Electrical specifications;

E)        Specifications for construction materials;

F)         Equipment; and

G)        Furnishings.

3)         Change orders in construction, subsequent to final plan approval, must be submitted to the Department.

4)         Plans showing the proposed building location must be submitted to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to determine compliance with the Regulation of Construction within Flood Plains (17 Ill. Adm. Code 3706) and Construction Activities in Special Flood Hazard Areas (Executive Order 79-4, effective June 1, 1979).

b)         Compliance with Local and State Laws and Existing Standards for County Detention Homes

The Department shall withhold approval of a site or building design not complying with the requirements of or having the approval of local zoning boards, county or municipal governing bodies or commissions, or other responsible agencies.

c)         Location

The site shall be located so as to:

1)         Assure privacy for youth;

2)         Insure against encroachment by future construction on adjacent property;

3)         Permit future expansion of the facility; and

4)         Be reasonably accessible by available public transportation.

d)         Rated Capacity

The rated capacity of each detention facility shall be established prior to construction. 

e)         Lighting

Fixtures shall be tamperproof, recessed and provide a comfortable reading level (30 foot-candles).  Building design shall provide for maximum natural light.

f)         Emergency Systems

Each facility shall be equipped with an automatic fire alarm system, including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire sprinkler system and an emergency lighting system.

g)         Secure Doors

Placement and type of doors throughout a facility shall be of physical condition to ensure security and safety:

1)         Doors shall be either 14 gauge hollow metal filled with sound absorbing insulation or a solid hardwood with metal covering.   Doors to sleeping quarters and detention area corridors shall have a secure observation port.

2)         Door jambs shall be hinged to metal frames set securely in the wall. Hinges shall be concealed, tamperproof mounted and contain tamperproof hinge pins.

3)         Doors in Youth Quarters

A)        Shall have knobs on the corridor side only with a solid metal non-projecting finger pull on the room side; and

B)        Each door shall have a security-type ventilating feature unless air conditioning is provided.

h)         Corridors

When a central corridor design is used, the corridor must be no less than eight feet wide.  It must be without turns and blind spots and be well-lighted.

1)         Individual rooms shall be on each side of the corridor in a staggered fashion.

2)         Doors shall swing open into the corridor.

3)         The corridor shall provide direct entrance to the living area from the sleeping area.

i)          Admission Area

The admission area shall be accessible by separate entrance for youth being admitted and shall be:

1)         Adjacent to the detention area.

2)         Equipped with toilet, washbasin and shower facilities.

3)         Provided with a medical examination room adjacent to the admission area.

j)          Storage

Adequate storage area shall be provided in the admission area and living unit area.  Storage rooms, particularly janitor closets, shall be ventilated.

k)         Administration Area

The administration area shall provide adequate office space for private consultations. Staff washroom and shower areas shall be provided.

l)          Detention Room Space

Detention room floor space shall be a minimum of 80 square feet.