Buildings occupied in whole or in part as multiple dwellings shall conform to the requirements hereinafter set forth concerning occupancy, size, light and ventilation so as to provide a safe and healthful environment.
A. In dwelling units existing or under construction on May 1, 1972, the maximum number of occupants shall be determined at the time of letting or renting on the basis of gross floor area as follows:
[Amended 11-19-1991 by L.L. No. 13-1991]
(1) At least 150 square feet of gross floor area for the first occupant.
(2) At least 100 square feet of gross floor area for the next two occupants.
(3) At least 75 square feet of floor area for each occupant in excess of three.
B. In dwelling units, the construction of which was commenced after May 1, 1972, the maximum number of occupants shall be determined at the time of letting or renting on the basis of gross floor area as follows:
[Amended 11-19-1991 by L.L. No. 13-1991]
(1) The occupancy standards of Subsection
A shall apply.
(2) In addition to the requirements of Subsection
A, occupancy shall be further limited as follows:
(a) No more than one occupant shall be permitted in a sleeping room of up to 80 square feet.
(b) No more than two occupants shall be permitted in a sleeping room of between 80 and 110 square feet.
(c) No more than three occupants shall be permitted in a sleeping room in excess of 110 square feet.
C. It shall be prohibited to use for regular sleeping purposes any kitchen, nonhabitable space or public space.
D. Habitable spaces shall conform to the following requirements:
(1) Habitable space shall have a minimum ceiling height of seven feet six inches over 50% of the floor area.
(2) Every dwelling unit shall contain at least one habitable room with a floor area of at least 150 square feet and a minimum dimension of 10 feet.
(3) All habitable space shall have a minimum dimension of seven feet.
(4) Habitable space shall be provided with natural light through one or more windows, skylights, transparent or translucent panels or any combination thereof that face on a legal open space or are above a roof. The amount of light transmitted by these shall be equal to that transmitted by clear glass equal in area to 10% of the floor area of the habitable space.
(5) Habitable spaces shall be provided with artificial light.
(6) Habitable spaces shall be furnished with natural ventilation through openable parts of windows of other openings in exterior walls. Such openings shall provide ventilation equal to that provided by a clear ventilation area equal in area to 5% of the floor area of the habitable space.
E. Public spaces within a multiple dwelling shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Public spaces shall have a minimum ceiling height of seven feet six inches.
(2) Public spaces shall be provided with artificial electric lighting sufficient to afford safe passage for occupants and users at all times.
(3) When, in public halls and stairs, artificial lights are controlled by switches, a switch shall be located at each terminus of such public hall or stair.
(4) Public spaces shall be provided with either natural ventilation conforming to the requirements of natural ventilation for habitable spaces or with equivalent artificial ventilation.
F. Nonhabitable spaces within a multiple dwelling shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Nonhabitable spaces, except cellars, crawl spaces and attics, shall have a minimum ceiling height of seven feet.
(2) Toilet rooms and bathrooms in multiple dwellings shall be located within the dwelling unit and shall be accessible from each sleeping room without passing through another sleeping room.
(3) Toilet rooms and bathrooms shall be provided with floors of moisture-resistive materials.
(4) Nonhabitable spaces shall be provided with artificial light.
(5) Nonhabitable spaces shall be furnished with ventilation in accordance with either of the following:
(a) Natural ventilation as required for habitable spaces, except that such openable areas shall be not less than two square feet for toilet rooms and bathrooms nor less than three square feet for kitchenettes; or
(b) Mechanical ventilation exhausting not less than 25 cubic feet per minute for toilet rooms and bathrooms or 150 cubic feet per minute for kitchenettes.
(6) Ventilation shall be provided for unheated attics, spaces below flat roofs and for crawl spaces. Locations and net areas of ventilation openings shall be such as to minimize deterioration due to condensation.
G. Stairs in multiple dwellings shall be so arranged and constructed so as to provide for safe ascent and descent.
H. There shall be no variation in excess of 1/2 inch in height of risers in any one run of stairs.
I. Stairs or steps or more than three risers shall be provided with handrails parallel to the slope of such stair on at least one side. When such stairs are open in one or more sides, such handrails shall be installed on all open sides. The top surfaces of such handrails or railings shall be between 30 and 36 inches above the floor or tread level, measured at the riser face. Clearance between the handrail and the supporting wall shall be no less than 1 1/2 inches.
J. Safe, continuous and unobstructed egress from the interior of the building to the exterior at street or grade level shall be provided. For the purpose of this subsection, compliance with the requirements of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code applicable to multiple dwellings shall constitute compliance with this Article
V.
[Amended 11-19-1991 by L.L. No. 13-1991]