A.
Scope. The provisions of this article shall govern the minimum conditions
and standards for light, ventilation and space for the occupancy of
a structure.
B.
Responsibility. The owner of the structure shall provide and maintain
light, ventilation and space conditions in compliance with these requirements.
A person shall not occupy as owner-occupant, or permit another person
to occupy any premises that do not comply with the requirements of
this article.
C.
Alternative devices. In lieu of the means for natural light and ventilation
herein prescribed, artificial light or mechanical ventilation complying
with the Building Code shall be permitted.
The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this
article and as stated elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown
herein:
Space in a structure for living, sleeping, eating or cooking.
Bathrooms, toilet compartments, closets, halls, storage or utility
spaces and similar areas are not considered habitable spaces.
That part of a window or door which is available for unobstructed
ventilation and which opens directly to the outdoors.
The natural or mechanical process of supplying conditioned
or unconditioned air to, or removing such air from, any space.
A.
Habitable spaces. Every habitable space shall have at least one window
of approved size facing directly to the outdoors or to a court. The
minimum total window area measured between stops, for every habitable
space, shall be 8% of the floor area of such room, except in kitchens
where artificial light is provided in accordance with the provisions
of the Building Code. Wherever walls or other portions of a structure
face a window of any room and such obstructions are located less than
three feet (914 mm) from the window and extend to a level above that
of the ceiling of the room, such window shall not be deemed to face
directly to the outdoors nor to a court and shall not be included
as contributing to the required minimum total window area for the
room.
B.
Common halls and stairways. Every common hall and stairway, other
than in one- and two-family dwellings, shall be lighted at all times
with at least a sixty-watt standard incandescent light bulb or equivalent
for each 200 square feet (19 m2) of floor
area, provided that the spacing between the lights shall not be greater
than 30 feet (9,144 mm). Every exterior stairway shall be illuminated
with a minimum of one footcandle (11 lux) at floors, landings and
treads.
C.
Other spaces. All other spaces shall be provided with natural or
artificial light sufficient to permit the maintenance of sanitary
conditions, and the safe occupancy of the space and utilization of
the appliances, equipment and fixtures.
A.
Habitable spaces. Every habitable space shall have at least one openable window. The total openable area of the windows in every room shall be equal to at least 45% of the minimum glazed area required in § 210-23A.
B.
Bathrooms and toilet rooms. Every bathroom and toilet room shall comply with the ventilation requirements for habitable spaces as required by Subsection A, except that a window shall not be required in spaces equipped with a mechanical ventilation system that complies with the following:
(1)
Air exhausted by a mechanical ventilation system from a bathroom
within a dwelling unit shall be exhausted to the exterior and shall
not be recirculated to any space, including the space from which such
air is withdrawn.
(2)
Air exhausted by a mechanical ventilation system from all other bathrooms
or toilet rooms shall be exhausted to the exterior without recirculation
to any space, or not more than 85% of the exhaust is provided with
effective absorption and filtering equipment.
C.
Cooking facilities. Unless approved through the certificate of occupancy,
cooking shall not be permitted in any rooming unit or dormitory unit,
and a cooking facility or appliance shall not be permitted to be present
in a rooming unit of dormitory unit. Exception: where specifically
approved in writing by the Building Inspector.
D.
Process ventilation. Where injurious, toxic, irritating or noxious
fumes, gases, dusts or mists are generated, a local exhaust system
shall be provided to remove the contaminating agent at the source.
Air shall be exhausted to the exterior and not be recirculated to
any space.
E.
Clothes dryer exhaust. Clothes dryer venting systems shall be independent
of all other systems and shall be vented in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions.
