[Ord. No. 1341, 7-17-2002]
(a) Scope. This section covers the basic mechanical facilities and fixtures
requirements for properties covered by this division.
(b) Evidence of inadequate mechanical facilities. Evidence of inadequate
mechanical facilities shall be a violation of one or more of the subsections
of this section.
(c) Heating system. Every structure used as a dwelling shall be provided
with a heating system capable of providing sufficient heat to all
habitable rooms, bathing rooms, bathrooms, toilet rooms or washrooms
and, in fact, operating during the hours that the area is occupied
and required to be heated. "Sufficient heat" shall be defined as a
room temperature of no less than 65°, as measured at a point three
feet above the floor and three feet from existing walls, from September
15 to May 15. In the event exterior temperatures fall below 0°
F. and the heating system is operating at full capacity, "sufficient
heat" shall be defined as a room temperature of not less than 60°
F.
(d) Cooking and heating equipment. All cooking and heating equipment,
components and accessories in every heating, cooking and water heating
device shall be maintained free from leaks and obstructions and kept
functioning properly, so as to be free from fire, health and accident
hazards. All installations shall be made in accordance with the provisions
of the building code or other laws or ordinances applicable thereto.
(e) Installation and maintenance of mechanical equipment. All mechanical
equipment shall be properly installed and safely maintained in good
working condition, and be capable of performing the function for which
it was designed and intended.
(f) Inspections. Mechanical heating systems and heating appliances (including
space heaters) shall be inspected and serviced by a licensed heating
contractor under the following conditions:
(1)
On or before the expiration date of a three-year rental certificate
of compliance;
(2)
After receiving a written notice stating that an inspection
and service is required;
(3)
In the third year following the issuance of a six-year rental
certificate of compliance; or
(4)
In the sixth year following the issuance of a six-year rental
certificate of compliance in a newly constructed dwelling unit.
(g) Chimney, flue or vent. All fuel-burning equipment shall be connected
to an approved chimney, flue or vent.
(h) Clearances to combustible materials. All required clearances to combustible
materials shall be maintained.
(i) Safety controls. All safety controls for fuel-burning equipment shall
be maintained in effective operation.
(j) Combustion air. A supply of air for complete combustion of the fuel
and for ventilation of the space shall be provided the fuel-burning
equipment.
(k) Unauthorized devices. Devices purporting to reduce gas consumption
by attachment to a gas appliance, to the gas supply line thereto or
to the vent outlet or vent piping there from shall not be used, unless
approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory for such use
and unless the installation is specifically approved by the enforcing
officer. Unvented, gas fired, space heating devices are not permitted
as an alternative heat source.
(l) Climate control. When facilities for interior climate control (heating,
cooling and/or humidity) are integral functions of structures used
as dwelling units or other occupancies, such facilities shall be maintained
and operated in a continuous manner in accordance with the designed
capacity.
(m) Elevators—maintenance. Elevators shall be maintained to safely
sustain the loads to which they are subject, to operate properly and
to be free of physical and fire hazards.
(n) Operation. In buildings equipped with elevators, at least one elevator
shall be maintained in operation at all times when the building is
occupied, unless temporarily out of service for testing and servicing.
(o) Fireplaces, etc. Fireplaces, and other construction and devices intended
for use similar to a fireplace shall be stable and structurally safe
and connected to approved chimneys
(p) Fireplaces—inspections. All fireplaces shall be inspected and
serviced by a qualified mechanical contractor (for gas fueled or for
solid fueled fireplaces under the following conditions:
(1)
On or before the expiration date of a three-year rental certificate
of compliance, after receiving a written notice stating that an inspection
and service is required; or
(2)
In the third year following the issuance of a six-year rental
certificate of compliance; or
(3)
In the sixth year following the issuance of a six-year rental
certificate of compliance in a newly constructed dwelling unit.
(4)
Exception. Fireplaces shall not be required to be inspected
and serviced if the owner of a premise determines that the fireplace
shall not be used. In this case he or she shall submit a written letter,
upon request, stating such to the enforcing officer. Written notice
shall also be given to all current and new tenants. Alternately, the
fireplace may be physically disabled, or affixed with permanent signage
indicating it is not to be used.