The purpose of this chapter is to provide basic and uniform standards governing the condition, occupancy and maintenance of residential premises and establishing reasonable safeguards for the safety, health and welfare of the occupants and users thereof.
This chapter shall apply to residential premises as follows:
A. 
Lots, plots or parcels of land on which residential buildings, buildings of mixed occupancy or accessory structures are located.
B. 
Residential buildings, including one- and two-family dwellings and multiple dwellings.
C. 
Residential occupancies in buildings of mixed occupancy.
D. 
Accessory structures, accessory to residential occupancies.
A. 
The provisions of this chapter shall supersede local laws, ordinances, codes or regulations to the extent that such laws, ordinances, codes or regulations are inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter; provided however, that nothing herein contained shall be construed to prevent the adoption and enforcement of a law, ordinance, code or regulation which is more restrictive or establishes a higher standard than those provided in this chapter, and such more restrictive requirement or higher standard shall govern during the period in which it is in effect.
B. 
Where provision of this chapter is found to be in conflict with a provision of a zoning, building, electrical, plumbing, fire, safety, health, water supply or sewage disposal law or ordinance, or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, or other local law, ordinance, code or regulation, the provision or requirement which is the more restrictive or which establishes the higher standard shall prevail.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
A structure the use of which is incidental to that of the residential building and which is located on the same premises.
ACCESSORY USE
A use, occupancy or tenancy customarily incidental to the principal use or occupancy of a residential building. Such accessory uses may include, among others, the following:
A. 
Offices for the building management.
B. 
Dining rooms, banquet rooms, public kitchens and ballrooms.
C. 
Recreation and play rooms.
D. 
Laundries for the use of tenants and occupants and in connection with the management and operation of a residential building.
E. 
Maintenance and work shops; storage rooms for linen, bedding, furniture, supplies and tenants' equipment and effects.
F. 
Garages within a residential building or on the premises thereof, used for the storage of passenger-type motor vehicles.
APARTMENT
Dwelling unit within a multiple dwelling or two-family dwelling.
APPROVED
Approved by the administrative officer under the regulations of this chapter or approved by an authority designated by law or this chapter.
BASEMENT
That space of a building that is partly below grade and which has more than 1/2 its height, measured from floor to ceiling, either above the average established curb level or above the finished grade of the ground adjoining the building.
[Amended 7-21-1998 by L.L. No. 3-1998]
BATHROOM
Enclosed space containing one or more bathtubs or showers, or both, and which may also contain water closets, lavatories or fixtures serving similar purposes. (See definition of "toilet room.")
BUILDING
A structure wholly or partially enclosed within exterior walls, or within exterior or party walls, and a roof, affording shelter to persons, animals or property.
CELLAR
That space of a building that is partly or entirely below grade and which has more than 1/2 of its height, measured from floor to ceiling, both below the average established curb level or below finished grade of the ground adjoining the building.
[Amended 7-21-1998 by L.L. No. 3-1998]
DWELLING, ONE-FAMILY
Building containing not more than one dwelling unit, occupied exclusively for residential purposes.
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY
Building containing not more than two dwelling units, occupied exclusively for residential purposes.
DWELLING UNIT
One or more rooms with a separate entrance and with provision for living, cooking, sanitary and sleeping facilities arranged for the use of one family only.
EXIT
A way of departure from the interior of a building or structure to the exterior at street or grade, including doorways, passageways, hallways, corridors, stairways, ramps, fire escapes and all other elements necessary for egress or escape.
FAMILY
One or more persons related by blood, adoption or marriage living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit, exclusive of household servants. A number of persons, not exceeding two, living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit though not related by blood, adoption or marriage shall be deemed to constitute a "family."
[Amended 9-26-1978 by L.L. No. 4-1978]
GARBAGE
The wastes from the preparation, cooking and consumption of foods; market refuse; waste from the handling, storage and sale of produce; paper; cartons; empty glass bottles; small tin cans; rags and miscellaneous combustible household trash.
GENERALLY ACCEPTED STANDARD
A specification, code, rule, guide or procedure in the field of construction or related thereto, recognized and accepted as authoritative.
GRADE, FINISHED
Natural surface of the ground, or surface of ground after completion of any change in contour, abutting building or premises.
HABITABLE SPACE
Space occupied by one or more persons for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Kitchenettes shall not be deemed to be habitable space. (See definitions of "nonhabitable space," "public space" and "exit.")
INFESTATION
The presence, within or contiguous to a dwelling, dwelling unit or premises, of insects, rodents, vermin or other pests.
KITCHEN
Space 60 square feet or more in floor area, with a minimum width of five feet, used for cooking or preparation of food.
KITCHENETTE
Space less than 60 square feet in floor area, used for cooking or preparation of food.
MIXED OCCUPANCY
Occupancy of a building in part for residential use and in part for some other use not accessory thereto.
MULTIPLE DWELLING
Building containing three or more dwelling units.
MULTIPLE RESIDENCE
See "multiple dwelling."
MUNICIPALITY
A county, town or village.
NONHABITABLE SPACE
Space used as kitchenettes; pantries; bath, toilet, laundry, rest, dressing, locker, storage, utility, heater and boiler rooms; closets and other spaces for service and maintenance of the building, and those spaces used for access and vertical travel between stories. (See definitions of "habitable space," "public space" and "exit.")
PLUMBING SYSTEM
The water supply system, the drainage system, the vent system, and fixtures and traps, including their respective connections, devices and appurtenances within the property lines of the premises.
POTABLE WATER
Water which is approved for drinking, culinary and domestic purposes.
PUBLIC SPACE
Space for public use within a residential building, such as lobbies; lounges; reception, ball, meeting, lecture and recreation rooms; banquet and dining rooms and their kitchens, and swimming pools.
SEWAGE
Liquid waste containing animal or vegetable matter in suspension or solution.
STRUCTURE
An assembly of materials forming a construction framed of component structural parts for occupancy or use, including buildings.
TOILET ROOM
Enclosed space containing one or more water closets, which space may also contain one or more lavatories, urinals and other plumbing fixtures. (See definition of "bathroom.")
VENTILATION
Supply and removal of air to and from a space by natural or mechanical means.
VENTILATION, MECHANICAL
Ventilation by power-driven devices.
VENTILATION, NATURAL
Ventilation by opening to outer air through windows, skylights, doors, louvers or stacks, with or without wind-driven devices.