PDFWAC 388-832-0185
What are architectural modifications?
(1) Architectural modifications are physical adaptations to your home to:
(a) Ensure the health, welfare, and safety of you, your caregiver, or both; or
(b) Enable you, who may otherwise require a more restrictive environment, to function with greater independence in your home and community.
(2) Examples of architectural modifications include:
(a) Installing ramps and grab bars;
(b) Widening of doorways;
(c) Bathroom modifications;
(d) Installing electrical or plumbing systems necessary to accommodate the specialized medical equipment and supplies that are necessary for your welfare;
(e) Repairing damage to your residence as a result [of ] your disability up to the balance of your allocation; and
(f) Repairing architectural modifications if necessary for your safety.
(3) The provider making architectural modifications must be contracted with the developmental disabilities administration (DDA) and be a registered contractor under chapter 18.27 RCW.
(4) The following limits apply to architectural modifications:
(a) Prior approval by the regional administrator or designee is required.
(b) Architectural modifications are excluded if they are of general utility without direct medical or remedial benefit to you, such as carpeting, linoleum, tile, hardwood flooring, decking, roof repair, air conditioning, and fencing for the yard.
(c) Architectural modifications must not add to the square footage of the home.
(d) DDA requires evidence that you have exhausted your private insurance, medicaid benefits, and benefits from the division of vocational rehabilitation (DVR) before authorizing architectural modifications.
(e) Architectural modifications must be the most cost-effective modification based on a comparison of contractor bids as determined by DDA.
(f) DDA may require an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or construction consultant to review and recommend an appropriate architectural modification statement of work before you solicit bids or purchase architectural modifications.
(g) Deteriorated condition of the dwelling or other remodeling projects in progress in the dwelling may prevent or limit some or all architectural modifications at the discretion of DDA.
(h) Location of the dwelling in a flood plain, landslide zone, or other hazardous area may limit or prevent any architectural modifications at the discretion of DDA.
(i) Written consent from your landlord is required before starting any architectural adaptations for rental property. The landlord must not require removal of the architectural modification at the end of your tenancy as a condition of the landlord approving the architectural modification.
(j) Damage repairs are limited to the cost of restoration to original function. If the damage resulted from your behavior, the behavior must be addressed before the damages are repaired;
(k) The following are excluded from architectural modifications:
(i) Repairs to personal property, such as furniture and appliances;
(ii) Fence construction or repairs; and
(iii) Carpet installation or replacement.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 71A.12.030 and 71A.12.161. WSR 18-14-002, § 388-832-0185, filed 6/20/18, effective 7/21/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 71A.12.30 [71A.12.030], 71A.12.040, and Title 71A RCW. WSR 09-11-054, § 388-832-0185, filed 5/13/09, effective 6/13/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 71A.12.030, 71A.12.040, and 2007 c 283. WSR 08-16-121, § 388-832-0185, filed 8/5/08, effective 9/5/08.]