(a) The department, State Fire Marshal, or local fire officials shall not make a de facto determination of a resident’s ambulatory or nonambulatory status based on a resident’s placement in the facility. Interpretation of regulations related to fire safety in residential care facilities shall be made to provide flexibility to allow residents to remain in the least restrictive environment.
(b) This chapter shall not preempt the application of any local zoning requirements to residential care facility, except as provided for in Section 1568.0831.