reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 41. DELAWARE STATE HOUSING CODE › Subchapter II. Minimum Conditions of Premises and Buildings › § 4119. Fire safety requirements.

§ 4119. Fire safety requirements.
(a) In general. — A safe, continuous and unobstructed means of egress shall be provided from the interior of a structure to the exterior at a street, or to a yard, court or passageway leading to a public open area at grade.
(b) Direct exit. — Every dwelling unit or guest room shall have access directly to the outside or to a public corridor.
(c) Locked doors; exit through other units. — All doors in the required means of egress shall be readily openable from the inner side. Exits from dwelling units, hotel units, lodging units and dormitory units shall not lead through other such units, or through toilet rooms or bathrooms.
(d) Fire escapes. — All required fire escapes shall be maintained in working condition and structurally sound.
(e) Exit signs. — All exit signs shall be maintained, illuminated and visible.
(f) Accumulations of waste, etc., prohibited. — Waste, refuse or other materials shall not be allowed to accumulate in stairways, passageways, doors, windows, fire escapes or other means of egress.
(g) Flammable matter. — Highly flammable or explosive matter, such as paints, volatile oils, and cleaning fluids, or combustible refuse, such as wastepaper, boxes and rags, shall not be accumulated or stored on residential premises except in reasonable quantities consistent with normal usage.
(h) Residential unit. — A dwelling unit or rooming unit shall not be located within a structure containing an establishment handling, dispensing or storing flammable liquids with a flash point of 110° F. or lower.
(i) Fire alarms. — Fire alarms and detecting systems shall be maintained and be suitable for their respective purposes.
(j) Fire suppression system. — Fire suppression systems shall be maintained in good condition, free from mechanical injury. Sprinkler heads shall be maintained clean, free of corrosion and paint and not bent or damaged.
(k) Fire extinguishers. — All portable fire extinguishers shall be visible and accessible, and maintained in an efficient and safe operating condition.
65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 41. DELAWARE STATE HOUSING CODE › Subchapter II. Minimum Conditions of Premises and Buildings › § 4120. Responsibilities of owners and occupants.

§ 4120. Responsibilities of owners and occupants.
(a) Cleanliness. — Every occupant of a structure or part thereof shall keep that part of the structure or premises thereof which that occupant occupies, controls or uses in a clean and sanitary condition. Every owner of a dwelling containing 2 or more dwelling units shall maintain, in a clean and sanitary condition, the shared or public areas of the dwelling and premises thereof.
(b) Disposal of rubbish. — Every occupant of a structure or part thereof shall dispose of all rubbish in a clean and sanitary manner by placing it in rubbish containers equipped with tight fitting covers as required by this chapter.
(c) Disposal of garbage. — Every occupant of a structure or part thereof shall dispose of garbage in a clean and sanitary manner, securely wrapping such garbage and placing it in tight garbage storage containers as required by this chapter, or by such other disposal method as may be required by applicable laws or ordinances.
(d) Rubbish storage facilities. — Every dwelling unit shall be supplied with approved containers and covers for storage of rubbish, and the owner, operator or agent in control of such dwelling shall be responsible for the removal of such rubbish.
(e) Food preparation. — All spaces used or intended to be used for food preparation shall contain suitable space and equipment to store, prepare and serve foods in a sanitary manner. There shall be adequate facilities and services for the sanitary disposal of food wastes and refuse, including facilities for temporary storage when necessary.
(f) Fixtures and equipment — Supplied by owner. — The owner or occupant of a structure or part thereof shall keep the supplied equipment and fixtures therein clean and sanitary and shall be responsible for the exercise of reasonable care in their proper use and operation.
(g) Fixtures and equipment — Furnished by occupant. — The equipment and fixtures furnished by the occupant of a structure shall be properly installed and shall be maintained in good working condition, kept clean and sanitary and free of defects, leaks or obstructions.
65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 41. DELAWARE STATE HOUSING CODE › Subchapter II. Minimum Conditions of Premises and Buildings › § 4121. Extermination.

§ 4121. Extermination.
(a) Owner's responsibility. — The owner of any structure shall be responsible for extermination of insects, rats, vermin or other pests within the structure prior to renting, leasing or selling the structure.
(b) Tenant-occupant's responsibility. — The tenant-occupant of any structure shall be responsible for the continued rat proof condition of the structure, and if the tenant occupant fails to maintain the rat-proof condition, the cost of extermination shall be the responsibility of the tenant-occupant.
(c) Single unit occupant's responsibility. — The occupant of a structure containing a single dwelling unit shall be responsible for the extermination of any insects, rats or other pests in the structure or on the premises, except as otherwise provided in subsection (e) of this section.
(d) Responsibility for common areas in multiple unit structures. — Every owner, agent or operator of 2 or more dwelling units or multiple occupancies, or rooming houses, shall be responsible for the extermination of any insects, rats or other pests in the public or shared areas of the structure and premises.
(e) Bed bug remediation. —
(1) If the tenant notifies the owner that the tenant found or reasonably suspects a bed bug infestation in a dwelling unit within 60 days after the dwelling unit was occupied or within 30 days of discovery of a bed bug infestation in an adjoining unit in the building, the owner shall be responsible for the costs of investigating and remediating the infestation.
(2) If the tenant notifies the owner of a bed bug infestation more than 60 days after the dwelling unit was occupied and not within 30 days of a discovery of a bed bug infestation in an adjoining unit within the building, the landlord shall be responsible for investigating and remediating the bed bug infestation, provided that the tenant shall share in the responsibility for the reasonable costs for remediating the infestation in the tenant's unit.
(3) The tenant shall not be responsible to share in costs with properties managed by a state or local government housing authority.
65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 451, § 3;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 41. DELAWARE STATE HOUSING CODE › Subchapter III. Administration and Enforcement › § 4122. General provisions.

§ 4122. General provisions.
This subchapter shall govern the administration and enforcement procedures of the State Housing Code. Any municipality or county that adopts the Code as its own may use these administrative and enforcement procedures as its own or may develop procedures which are similar in nature as determined by the Code official.
65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;  67 Del. Laws, c. 386, §  8;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 41. DELAWARE STATE HOUSING CODE › Subchapter III. Administration and Enforcement › § 4123. Administrative liability.

§ 4123. Administrative liability.
Except as may otherwise be provided by state statute, no officer, agent or employee of the State or any Delaware community charged with the enforcement of this chapter shall be rendered personally liable for any damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of duties under this chapter. No person who institutes, or assists in the prosecution of, a criminal proceeding under this chapter shall be liable for damage therefor unless such person acted with actual malice and without reasonable grounds for believing that the person accused or prosecuted was guilty of an unlawful act or omission. Any civil suit brought against any officer, agent or employee of the State or of any Delaware community as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of duties under this chapter shall be defended by the attorney-at-law of each jurisdiction and of the State until the final determination of the proceedings therein.
65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 41. DELAWARE STATE HOUSING CODE › Subchapter III. Administration and Enforcement › § 4124. Conflict of interest.

§ 4124. Conflict of interest.
No officer or employee who has an official duty in connection with the administration and enforcement of this chapter shall be financially interested in the furnishing of labor, materials or appliances for the construction, alteration or maintenance of a building or in making the plans or specifications therefor, unless that person is the owner of such building. No such officer or employee shall engage in any activity which is inconsistent with the public interest and the officer's official duties.
65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;  67 Del. Laws, c. 386, §  9;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 41. DELAWARE STATE HOUSING CODE › Subchapter III. Administration and Enforcement › § 4126. Duties and powers of code official.

§ 4126. Duties and powers of code official.
(a) In general. — The code official shall enforce all the provisions of this chapter relative to the maintenance of structures and premises, except as may otherwise be specifically provided by other regulations.
(b) Notices and orders. — The code official shall issue all necessary notices and orders to abate illegal or unsafe conditions to insure compliance with the chapter requirements for the safety, health and general welfare of the public.
(c) Inspections. — In order to safeguard the safety, health and welfare of the public, the code official is authorized to enter any structure or premises at any reasonable time for the purpose of making inspections and performing duties under this chapter. The fee for inspections performed by the Housing Director, when acting as a code official for the enforcement of the Code in areas which have not adopted the Code shall be $25 for the initial inspection and $10 for each subsequent inspection related to the same complaint. At the discretion of the Housing Director and for good cause shown, such inspection fees may be waived.
(d) Right of entry. — If any owner, occupant or other person in charge of a structure subject to this chapter refuses, impedes, inhibits, interferes with, restricts or obstructs entry and free access to any part of the structure or premises where inspection authorized by this chapter is sought, the code official may seek, in a court of competent jurisdiction, an order that such owner, occupant or other person in charge cease and desist with such interference.
(e) Access by owner or operator. — Every occupant of a structure or premises shall give the owner or operator thereof, or agent or employee, access to any part of such structure or its premises at reasonable times for the purpose of making such inspection, maintenance, repairs or alterations as are necessary to comply with this chapter.
(f) Credentials. — The code official or the code official's authorized representative shall disclose proper evidence of the official's or representative's respective office for the purpose of demonstrating authority to inspect any and all buildings and premises in the performance of duties under this chapter.
(g) Rulemaking authority. — The code official shall have power, as may be necessary in the interest of public safety, health and general welfare, to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations to interpret and implement this chapter to secure the intent thereof and to designate requirements applicable because of local climatic or other conditions.
(h) Annual report. — At least annually, the code official shall submit to the chief executive of the community or State a written statement of activities in a form and content as shall be prescribed by the chief executive of that jurisdiction.
65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;  67 Del. Laws, c. 386, §  10;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 41. DELAWARE STATE HOUSING CODE › Subchapter III. Administration and Enforcement › § 4127. Condemnation.

§ 4127. Condemnation.
(a) In general. — When a structure is found by the code official to be unsafe, or when a structure or part thereof is found unfit for human occupancy or use, it may be condemned pursuant to this chapter and may be placarded and vacated. Such condemned structure shall not be reoccupied without approval of the code official, but such approval may not be withheld upon completion of specified corrections of violations.
(b) Unsafe structure. — An unsafe structure is one in which all or part thereof is found to be dangerous to life, health, property or the safety of the public or the structure's occupants because it is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, structurally unsafe or of such faulty construction or unstable foundation that it is likely to partially or completely collapse.
(c) Unsafe equipment. — Unsafe equipment includes any boiler, heating equipment, elevator, moving stairway, electrical wiring or device, flammable liquid containers or other equipment on the premises or within the structure which is in such disrepair or condition that it is found to be a hazard to life, health, property or safety of the public or occupants of the premises or structure. Unsafe equipment may contribute to the finding that the structure is unsafe or unfit for human occupancy or use.
(d) Structure unfit for human occupancy. — A structure is unfit for human occupancy or use whenever the code official finds that it is unsafe or, because it lacks maintenance and is in extreme disrepair, is unsanitary, vermin- or rat-infested, contains filth and contamination or lacks ventilation, illumination, sanitary or heating facilities or other essential equipment required by this chapter.
(e) Closing of vacant structures. — If the structure or part thereof is vacant and unfit for human habitation, occupancy or use, and is not in danger of structural collapse, the code official may post a placard of condemnation on the premises and may order the structure closed up so it will not be an attractive nuisance to youngsters. Upon failure of the owner to close up the premises within the time specified in the order, the code official shall cause it to be closed through any available public agency or by contract or arrangement by private persons and the cost thereof shall be charged against the real estate upon which the structure is located and shall be a lien upon such real estate in accordance with § 4134 of this title.
65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 41. DELAWARE STATE HOUSING CODE › Subchapter III. Administration and Enforcement › § 4129. Placarding.

§ 4129. Placarding.
(a) Placarding of structure. — After the condemnation notice required under this chapter has resulted in an order by virtue of failure to comply within the time given, the code official may post on the premises or structure or parts thereof, or on defective equipment, a placard bearing the words “Condemned as unfit for human occupancy or use,” and a statement of the penalties provided for any occupancy or use or for removing the placard. The owner or the person or persons responsible for the correction of violations and all other occupants shall remove themselves from the property on failure to comply with the correction order in the time specified.
(b) Use following placarding prohibited. — Any person who shall occupy a placarded premises or structure or part thereof, or shall use placarded equipment, and any owner or any person responsible for the premises who shall let anyone occupy a placarded premises shall be subject to the penalties set forth in § 4131(b) of this title.
(c) Removal of placard. — The code official shall remove the condemnation placard whenever the defect or defects upon which the condemnation and placarding action were based have been eliminated. Any person who defaces or removes a condemnation placard without the approval of the code official shall be subject to the penalties provided by this chapter.
65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 41. DELAWARE STATE HOUSING CODE › Subchapter III. Administration and Enforcement › § 4130. Emergency orders.

§ 4130. Emergency orders.
(a) In general. — Whenever a code official finds that an emergency exists on any premises, or in any structure or part thereof or on any defective equipment which requires immediate action to protect the public's health and safety or that of the occupants thereof, the code official may, with proper notice and service in accordance with § 4128 of this title, issue an order reciting the existence of such an emergency and requiring the vacating of the premises or such action taken as the code official deems necessary to meet such emergency. Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, such order shall be effective immediately, and the premises or equipment involved shall be placarded immediately upon service of the order.
(b) [Repealed.]
65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;  67 Del. Laws, c. 386, §  13;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 41. DELAWARE STATE HOUSING CODE › Subchapter III. Administration and Enforcement › § 4131. Violations.

§ 4131. Violations.
(a) Unlawful acts. — It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, alter, extend, repair, remove, demolish, use or occupy any structure or equipment regulated by this chapter, or cause same to be done, contrary to or in conflict with or in violation of this chapter.
(b) Penalty for violation; jurisdiction. — Any person who shall violate this chapter or who fails to comply with any notice or order issued by a code official pursuant to this chapter, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not less than $25 nor more than $1,000 or imprisoned for a term not to exceed 30 days, or both. Each day of a separate and continuing violation shall be deemed a separate offense under this section. The Justice of the Peace Court in the county in which the property is located shall have exclusive jurisdiction over offenses prosecuted under this chapter.
(c) Prosecution. — In the event any violation order is not promptly complied with, a code official with constable powers pursuant to § 2901 of Title 10, may issue a citation, and in cases involving first offenders of this Code, may assess a fine of $100 or, in the alternative, may direct that the owner or occupant appear in the court of law having jurisdiction over the alleged violation. In those jurisdictions in which the code officials do not have constable powers, the code official may institute an action in the appropriate court, or may request the city solicitor or community attorney-at-law to institute such action to seek the penalties provided in subsection (b) of this section.
65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;  67 Del. Laws, c. 93, §  1;  67 Del. Laws, c. 386, §§  14, 15;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 41. DELAWARE STATE HOUSING CODE › Subchapter III. Administration and Enforcement › § 4132. Demolition.

§ 4132. Demolition.
(a) In general. — The code official may order the owner of premises upon which is located any structure or part thereof, which in the code official's judgment is so old, dilapidated or has become so out of repair as to be dangerous, unsafe, unsanitary or otherwise unfit for human habitation, occupancy or use, so that it would be unreasonable to repair the same, to raze and remove such structure or part thereof; or, if it can be made safe by repair, to repair and make safe and sanitary or to raze and remove at the owner's option; or, where there has been a cessation of normal construction of any structure for a period of more than 2 years, to raze and remove such structure or part thereof.
(b) Order. — The order shall specify a time in which the owner shall comply therewith and specify repairs, if any. It shall be served on the owner of record or an agent where an agent is in charge of the building and upon the holder of any lien in the manner provided for service of a summons by a court of record. If the owner or a holder of a lien of record cannot be found, the order may be served by posting it on the main entrance of the building and by publishing it once each week for 3 successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in accordance with the rules of the Justice of the Peace Court.
(c) Restraining actions. — Anyone affected by any such order may, within 30 days after service of such order, apply to a Justice of the Peace Court for an order restraining the code official from razing and removing such structure or parts thereof. The Court shall determine whether the order of the code official is reasonable, and if found unreasonable, the court may issue a restraining order.
(d) Failure to comply. — Whenever the owner of a property fails to comply with a demolition order within the time prescribed, the code official shall cause the structure or part thereof to be razed and removed, either through an available public agency or by contract or arrangement with private persons, and the cost of such razing and removal shall be charged against the real estate upon which the structure is located and shall be a lien upon such real estate as provided in § 4134 of this title.
(e) Salvage materials. — When any structure has been ordered razed and removed the code official or other designated officer may sell the salvage and valuable materials resulting from such razing or removal, such materials to be sold at the highest price obtainable. The net proceeds of such sale, after deducting the expenses of such razing and removal, shall be promptly remitted with a report of such sale or transaction, including the items of expense and the amounts deducted, for the use of the person who may be entitled thereto, subject to any order of a court. If such a surplus does not remain to be turned over, the report shall so state.
65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;  67 Del. Laws, c. 93, §§  2, 3;  67 Del. Laws, c. 386, §  16;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 41. DELAWARE STATE HOUSING CODE › Subchapter III. Administration and Enforcement › § 4133. Creation of tax lien.

§ 4133. Creation of tax lien.
There is hereby created a tax lien on real property for moneys expended by the State, or a community, for razing, demolition, removal or repairs of buildings or abatement of other unsafe conditions constituting a threat to the public health and safety where the responsible party refuses or fails to comply with the lawful order of the code official after due notice thereof, either actual or constructive. Upon certification of a tax lien to the appropriate state or community official by the code official, the amount of such lien shall be recorded and collected in the same manner as other county real estate taxes, and paid to the State or community, when collected, by the appropriate county government.
65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;  67 Del. Laws, c. 386, §  16;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 41. DELAWARE STATE HOUSING CODE › Subchapter III. Administration and Enforcement › § 4134. Violation of existing ordinance, code or regulation.

§ 4134. Violation of existing ordinance, code or regulation.
This chapter shall not affect violations of any other ordinance, code or regulation of the State, county or municipality existing prior to July 12, 1985, and any such violation shall be governed and shall continue to be enforced to the full extent of the law under such ordinances, codes or regulations in effect at the time the violation was committed.
65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;  67 Del. Laws, c. 386, §  16;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 42. UNIVERSAL DESIGN STANDARDS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING › § 4201. Standards.

§ 4201. Standards.
All applications for public financial assistance to be used in the construction of new dwelling units shall include the extent of the proposed construction's use of the standards of universal design found in this chapter. This chapter does not apply to redevelopment or rehabilitation of existing structures, to multi-family housing as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or to public financial assistance in the form of grants, loans, or tax credits provided to individual homeowners using the dwelling unit as a residence. During the process of appropriating the public financial assistance, the extent of the proposed construction's use may constitute a basis of best value, and the invitation to bid must so indicate. This section is in addition to any requirements of any other statute or regulation governing the bidding and construction of dwelling units as defined.
78 Del. Laws, c. 368, §  5;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 42. UNIVERSAL DESIGN STANDARDS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING › § 4202. Definitions.

§ 4202. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall mean:
(1) “Accessible level” shall mean the first floor of the dwelling unit.
(2) “Accessible route” shall mean a continuous, unobstructed path that complies with § 4204 of this title. With the exception of ramped surfaces, all portions of an accessible route shall have a slope less than 5% parallel to travel, have a cross slope of less than 2%, and shall be at least 42 inches wide. An accessible route shall be free of any protruding object.
(3) “Administering entity” shall mean any state agency, local government, municipality or any instrumentality thereof responsible for the process by which public financial assistance is allocated, distributed, conveyed, contracted, or appropriated or any entity performing those duties on behalf of any state agency, local government, municipality, or any instrumentality thereof.
(4) “Dwelling unit” shall mean any single family residence and each individual living unit in a duplex or triplex, or semi-detached residential building which is constructed with public financial assistance.
(5) “Point” or “points” shall mean the amount of credit given, out of a possible total of 41, for calculating an application's Universal Design Standards compliance for purposes of this chapter.
(6) “Primary bathroom” shall mean a bathroom that provides a toilet, lavatory, and tub/shower or shower.
(7) “Public financial assistance” shall mean:
a. A building contract or similar contractual agreement with any state agency;
b. Any real estate received by the owner through a donation by the State;
c. State tax credits;
d. Grant assistance from state funds;
e. State loan guarantees;
f. Federal funds administered by the State, a state agency, local government, or municipality; or
g. Funding by municipalities and other local governments or their agencies and instrumentalities;
but does not include loans and grants from any public entity to individual homeowners.
(8) “Ramp” shall mean a surface with a running slope more than 1:
20 and equal to or less than 1:
12, and a cross slope less than 1:
50. Handrails shall be required on both sides of the ramp.
78 Del. Laws, c. 368, §  5;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 42. UNIVERSAL DESIGN STANDARDS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING › § 4203. Dwelling unit no-step entry.

§ 4203. Dwelling unit no-step entry.
(a) The dwelling unit may provide at least 1 primary no-step entry, valued at 8 points if it complies with the following:
(1) A door width and type that is 36 inches wide, at a minimum, with a standard pivot or hinged door;
(2) A maximum threshold height that is 1/2 inch beveled or 1/4 inch squared; and
(3) The no-step entry may be achieved through the addition of a permanent ramp on the outside of the dwelling unit when grading prevents reasonable no-step entry otherwise.
(b) A primary no-stop entry sheltered from weather with an overhang shall be valued at an additional 2 points.
78 Del. Laws, c. 368, §  5;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 42. UNIVERSAL DESIGN STANDARDS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING › § 4204. Interior accessible route; interior doors, doorways, and hallways.

§ 4204. Interior accessible route; interior doors, doorways, and hallways.
The dwelling unit may provide for an accessible route running through the interior of the dwelling unit, valued at 8 points if it complies with the following:
(1) The accessible route shall be continuous through all spaces within the dwelling unit and shall connect to all primary living spaces, including, but not limited to, the living room, the family room, and the dining space;
(2) The interior doors and doorways, except for closets, of the dwelling unit shall provide a clear opening with a minimum width of 36 inches; and
(3) The hallways of the dwelling unit shall be at least 42 inches wide.
78 Del. Laws, c. 368, §  5;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 42. UNIVERSAL DESIGN STANDARDS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING › § 4205. Bathroom.

§ 4205. Bathroom.
(a) The bathroom shall be on an accessible level and be connected to the accessible route.
(b) The bathroom shall have at least a 60-inch diameter turning space, valued at 1 point.
(c) The bathroom shall have a barrier-free shower stall (2 points), raised toilet seat height of at least 16 inches (1 point), 29 inches of knee space under the lavatory (1 point), ADA compliant faucets (1 point), hand-held shower (1 point), and grab bars (2 points) or grab bar blocking for subsequently mounting a grab bar (allocated 1 point instead of 2 points for the actual grab bars in place).
78 Del. Laws, c. 368, §  5;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 42. UNIVERSAL DESIGN STANDARDS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING › § 4206. Bedrooms.

§ 4206. Bedrooms.
The dwelling unit may provide at least 1 primary bedroom or room that can easily be converted to a primary bedroom within the dwelling unit on the accessible level and connected to the accessible route, valued at 7 points.
78 Del. Laws, c. 368, §  5;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 42. UNIVERSAL DESIGN STANDARDS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING › § 4207. Kitchen.

§ 4207. Kitchen.
(a) The kitchen shall be on an accessible level and be connected to the accessible route.
(b) The kitchen in the dwelling unit shall have at least a 60-inch diameter turning space valued at 1 point.
(c) The kitchen in the dwelling unit shall have all pull-out shelving valued at 1 point.
78 Del. Laws, c. 368, §  5;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 42. UNIVERSAL DESIGN STANDARDS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING › § 4208. Hardware.

§ 4208. Hardware.
(a) With the exception of panel boxes and HVAC filter access panels, all door hardware, cabinet hardware, faucets, bath and shower valves, diverters, and similar items throughout the dwelling unit shall be lever and wire handles or D-pull handles. Such items shall operate easily by using a single closed fist and shall be valued at 2 points.
(b) Luminous rocker or toggle light switches, valued at 1 point, shall be mounted 36 to 42 inches above the finished floor throughout the dwelling unit, for a separate value of 1 point.
78 Del. Laws, c. 368, §  5;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 42. UNIVERSAL DESIGN STANDARDS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING › § 4209. Implementation of this chapter.

§ 4209. Implementation of this chapter.
The administering entity shall comply with this chapter by incorporating points as calculated herein into its process for approving the use of public financial assistance for the construction of new dwelling units. The points for Universal Design Standards may be scaled to fit the individual process but shall be given a significant weight as compared to other scoring categories. Tenths of a point may be awarded to account for compliance with this chapter for a corresponding portion of the total development. The administering entity shall enforce compliance with the standards included in the application for public financial assistance during construction of the dwelling unit. The administering entity may include universal design standards incentives or requirements in excess of the provisions of this chapter.
78 Del. Laws, c. 368, §  5;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 42. UNIVERSAL DESIGN STANDARDS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING › § 4210. Other applicable law or regulation.

§ 4210. Other applicable law or regulation.
This chapter does not limit or supplant requirements, rights, or remedies which are otherwise applicable or available under any other building code, disabilities rights statute, or any other applicable law or regulation. To the extent any other applicable law or regulation contains more stringent standards and requirements, that law or regulation controls.
78 Del. Laws, c. 368, §  5;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 43. HOUSING AUTHORITY › § 4301. Definitions.

§ 4301. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless a different meaning appears from the context:
(1) “Area” or “area of operation” means the county or part of the county in and with respect to which an authority shall be created.
(2) “Authority” or “housing authority” means a corporate body organized in accordance with the provisions of this chapter for the purposes, with the powers and subject to the restrictions set forth in this chapter.
(3) “Bureau” means the State Bureau of Housing.
(4) “Commissioner” means 1 of the members of an authority appointed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(5) “Community facilities” includes lands, buildings and equipment for recreation or social assembly, for educational, health or welfare activities and other necessary utilities primarily for use and benefit of the occupants of housing accommodations to be constructed and operated under this chapter.
(6) “DSHA” means the Delaware State Housing Authority.
(7) “Government” includes the state and federal governments, and any subdivision, agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of either of them.
(8) “Housing project” or “project” means any work or undertaking:
a. To demolish, clear or remove buildings from any slum area acquired by the authority;
b. To provide decent safe and sanitary urban or rural dwellings, apartments or other living accommodations for persons of low income; such work or undertaking may include buildings, land, equipment facilities, and other real or personal property for necessary, convenient or desirable appurtenances, streets, sewers, water service, utilities, parks, site preparation, landscaping, administrative, community, health, recreational, welfare or other purposes; or
c. To accomplish a combination of the foregoing. The term “housing project” or “project” also may be applied to the planning of the buildings and improvements, the acquisition of property, the demolition of existing structures, the construction, reconstruction, alteration and repair of the improvements and all other work in connection therewith; and the term shall include all other real and personal property and all tangible or intangible assets held or used in connection with the housing project.
(9) “Persons of low income” means persons or families who lack the amount of income which is necessary, as determined by the authority undertaking a project, to enable them, without financial assistance, to live in decent, safe and sanitary dwellings, without overcrowding.
(10) “Slum” means any area where dwellings predominate which by reason of dilapidation, overcrowding, faulty arrangement or design, lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities, or any combination of these factors, are detrimental to safety, health and morals.
39 Del. Laws, c. 16, §  2;  Code 1935, §  5454;  48 Del. Laws, c. 117, §§  1, 2;  31 Del. C. 1953, §  4301;  52 Del. Laws, c. 126, §  1;  56 Del. Laws, c. 293, §  2;  57 Del. Laws, c. 679, §  5A;  71 Del. Laws, c. 357, §  7;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 43. HOUSING AUTHORITY › § 4302. Legislative purpose.

§ 4302. Legislative purpose.
It is as a matter of legislative determination that, in order to promote and protect the health, safety, morals and welfare of the public, it is necessary in the public interest to provide for the creation of public corporate bodies to be known as housing authorities, and to confer upon and vest in such housing authorities all powers necessary or appropriate in order that they may engage in low-rent housing and slum clearance projects, and that the powers herein conferred upon the housing authorities, including the power to acquire property, to remove unsanitary or substandard conditions, to construct and operate housing accommodations and to borrow, expend and repay moneys for the purposes set forth in this chapter are public objects essential to the public interest.
39 Del. Laws, c. 16, §  3;  Code 1935, §  5455;  31 Del. C. 1953, §  4302;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 43. HOUSING AUTHORITY › § 4304. Wilmington Housing Authority.

§ 4304. Wilmington Housing Authority.
The Wilmington Housing Authority shall consist of 9 commissioners, 7 of whom shall be appointed by the Mayor of the City of Wilmington, 1 of whom shall be appointed by the Governor and 1 of whom shall be appointed by the County Executive of New Castle County. Each commissioner shall serve for a term of 3 years unless replaced before 3 years by an interim commissioner.
Notwithstanding any provisions of this chapter to the contrary, a Wilmington Housing Authority commissioner or interim commissioner shall serve at the pleasure of the person who appointed that commissioner or interim commissioner, and may be removed, with or without cause, by the appointing person. In the event of death, disability, resignation, or removal of a commissioner or interim commissioner before the expiration of that commissioner's or interim commissioner's term, the appointing person may appoint an interim commissioner to complete the term.
31 Del. C. 1953, §  4303A;  58 Del. Laws, c. 139;  59 Del. Laws, c. 323, §  1;  64 Del. Laws, c. 390, §  1;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  72 Del. Laws, c. 9, §  1;  84 Del. Laws, c. 155, § 1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 43. HOUSING AUTHORITY › § 4304A. Newark Housing Authority.

§ 4304A. Newark Housing Authority.
The Newark Housing Authority shall consist of 7 commissioners, 4 of whom shall be appointed by the Mayor of the City of Newark, and 3 of whom shall be appointed by the Governor. Each commissioner shall serve for a term of 3 years unless replaced by an interim commissioner before the expiration of the 3-year term.
A Newark Housing Authority commissioner or interim commissioner shall serve at the pleasure of the person who appointed the commissioner or interim commissioner, and may be suspended or removed by the appointing authority for misfeasance, nonfeasance, malfeasance, misconduct, incompetence, or neglect of duty. A commissioner may appeal any suspension or removal to the Superior Court by filing an appeal within 30 days of the suspension or removal decision.
A commissioner who is absent without adequate reason for 3 consecutive meetings, or who fails to attend at least half of all regular business meetings during any calendar year, shall be guilty of neglect of duty.
In the event of the death, disability, resignation, or removal of a commissioner or interim commissioner before the expiration of the commissioner's or interim commissioner's term, the appointing authority may appoint an interim commissioner to complete the term.
77 Del. Laws, c. 340, §  2;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 43. HOUSING AUTHORITY › § 4305. Interest of authority member or employee in projects.

§ 4305. Interest of authority member or employee in projects.
No member or employee of an authority shall acquire any interest, direct or indirect, in a project or in any property then or thereafter included or planned to be included in a project, nor retain any interest direct or indirect in any property acquired subsequently to the member's or employee's appointment or employment which is later included or to the member's or employee's knowledge planned to be included in a project, nor shall the member or employee have any interest, direct or indirect, in any contract or proposed contract for materials or services to by furnished or used in connection with any project. If any member or employee of an authority owns or controls an interest, direct or indirect, in any property included in any project, which was acquired prior to the member's or employee's appointment or employment, the member or employee shall disclose such interest and the date of acquisition thereof in writing to the authority, and such disclosure shall be entered upon the minutes of the authority.
39 Del. Laws, c. 16, §  5;  Code 1935, §  5457;  31 Del. C. 1953, §  4304;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 43. HOUSING AUTHORITY › § 4306. Organization by commissioners; quorum; employment of assistants.

§ 4306. Organization by commissioners; quorum; employment of assistants.
As soon as possible after the creation of an authority, the commissioners shall organize for the transaction of business by choosing from among their number a chairperson and vice-chairperson and by adopting bylaws and rules and regulations suitable to the purposes of this chapter. Three commissioners shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of organizing the authority and conducting the business thereof. The commissioners shall, from time to time, select and appoint such officers and employees, including a director to be ex officio secretary, and engineering, architectural and legal assistants, as they may require for the performance of their duties, and shall prescribe the duties and compensation of each officer and employee.
39 Del. Laws, c. 16, §  6;  Code 1935, §  5458;  31 Del. C. 1953, §  4305;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 43. HOUSING AUTHORITY › § 4307. Compensation and expenses of commissioners.

§ 4307. Compensation and expenses of commissioners.
No commissioner shall receive any compensation, whether in form of salary, per diem allowances or otherwise, for or in connection with the commissioner's services as such commissioner. Each commissioner shall, however, be entitled to reimbursements, to the extent of appropriations or other funds available therefor, for any necessary expenditures in connection with the performance of the commissioner's general duties or in connection with the construction or operation of any project. The authority may allocate such expenses among its project in such manner as it may consider proper.
39 Del. Laws, c. 16, §  7;  Code 1935, §  5459;  31 Del. C. 1953, §  4306;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 43. HOUSING AUTHORITY › § 4309. Agreements with federal government.

§ 4309. Agreements with federal government.
An authority may, in connection with the borrowing of funds, or otherwise, enter into any agreement with the federal government or any agency or subdivision thereof providing for supervision and control of the authority of any project, and containing such covenants, terms and conditions as the authority may deem advisable.
39 Del. Laws, c. 16, §  14;  Code 1935, §  5466;  31 Del. C. 1953, §  4308;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 43. HOUSING AUTHORITY › § 4310. Transfer of property to authority by municipalities.

§ 4310. Transfer of property to authority by municipalities.
Any city, village or incorporated town included in the area of operation of an authority may sell, convey or lease any of its interest in any property or grant easements, licenses or any other rights or privileges therein or with respect thereto to the authority, irrespective of the purposes for which such property or such interest therein may have been acquired. Such city, village or incorporated town is authorized to sell any such property, property rights or interest therein to the authority at private sale without advertisement or competitive bidding, and, in the case of property, property rights or interest therein devoted or dedicated to a public use, the city, village or incorporated town is authorized to make grants to the authority on such terms and under such conditions as it deems advisable. The authority may acquire and accept any such property, property rights or interest therein as it deems necessary or desirable in the development of a project pursuant to this chapter.
39 Del. Laws, c. 16, §  9;  Code 1935, §  5461;  42 Del. Laws, c. 162;  31 Del. C. 1953, §  4309;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 43. HOUSING AUTHORITY › § 4311. Condemnation procedure.

§ 4311. Condemnation procedure.
Whenever the housing authority cannot agree with the owner of any land, building, franchise, easement or other property necessary to be taken or used in the construction, reconstruction or maintenance of any housing project or proposed housing project, which the housing authority constructs, reconstructs or otherwise improves, or proposes to construct, reconstruct or otherwise improve, for the purpose thereof, the housing authority may exercise the power of eminent domain by proceeding in accordance with Chapter 61 of Title 10.
39 Del. Laws, c. 16, §  10;  Code 1935, §  5462;  31 Del. C. 1953, §  4310;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 43. HOUSING AUTHORITY › § 4312. Property as public property.

§ 4312. Property as public property.
All property, both real and personal, acquired, owned, leased, rented or operated by an authority is deemed public property for public use.
39 Del. Laws, c. 16, §  11;  Code 1935, §  5463;  31 Del. C. 1953, §  4311;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 43. HOUSING AUTHORITY › § 4313. Projects subject to zoning regulations.

§ 4313. Projects subject to zoning regulations.
All projects of an authority shall be subject to the comprehensive development plan, including the housing component thereof, planning, zoning, sanitary, and building laws, ordinances and regulations applicable to the locality in which the project is to be situated.
39 Del. Laws, c. 16, §  12;  Code 1935, §  5464;  31 Del. C. 1953, §  4312;  58 Del. Laws, c. 161, §  3;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 31 - Welfare › Chapter 43. HOUSING AUTHORITY › § 4314. Issuance of evidences of indebtedness; rights of creditors.

§ 4314. Issuance of evidences of indebtedness; rights of creditors.
Subject to the restrictions set forth in this chapter, an authority may incur any indebtedness, issue any obligations and give any security therefor which it deems necessary or advisable in connection with any project undertaken by it under this chapter. Authorization for the issuance of bonds shall be made by resolution of the authority and the bonds shall be signed by any agent whom the authority designates.
The bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness executed by an authority shall not be a debt or charge against the State, county, municipality, or any subdivision or agency or instrumentality thereof other than the authority, and no individual liability shall attach for any lawful official act done by any commissioner, but a commissioner shall be liable for the commissioner's own malfeasance. The rights of creditors of an authority shall be solely against such authority as a corporate body and shall be satisfied only out of property held by it in its corporate capacity, and the enforcement of such rights shall be subject to all the provisions of Part III of this title.
39 Del. Laws, c. 16, §  13;  Code 1935, §  5465;  31 Del. C. 1953, §  4313;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;