How many program participants can live in a Group Home?
The governing agency has requirements for the number of program participants that can occupy a group home, based upon the application for the license. The greater the number of program participants, the requirements will increase. The requirements are usually based upon the ADA guidelines and local fire and building regulations. Many of the regulations are based upon the International Building Code. In general a group home can have 5-10 participants, excluding staff, without fire sprinklers. Any group home exceeding the local limit must have fire sprinklers, which are tied to smoke and fire detectors. All participants should have their own accommodations. That means no sleeping on the couch, laundry room, garage or storage rooms.
