An elder group home shall be located in an area zoned for single-family or multiple-family housing or in an unincorporated area and shall be constructed in compliance with applicable local housing codes and the rules adopted for the special classification by the department. In the absence of local building codes, the facility shall comply with the state plumbing code established pursuant to section 135.11* and the state building code established pursuant to section 103A.7 and the rules adopted for the special classification by the department. The rules adopted for the special classification by the department regarding second floor occupancy shall take into consideration the mobility of the tenants.