<div class="chunk-title">Sec. 10-159. - Minimum standards.</div>
<div class="chunk-content">
            <p class="p0">
               Without excluding other ways and means of determining that a dwelling is unfit for
               human habitation, the enforcement officer shall apply the minimum standards set forth
               in<a href="" data-chunk-id="COOR_CH10BUBURE_ARTVREHOOR_S10-159MIST" class="section-link" data-product-id="12776"> section 10-159</a> of this article in determining whether a dwelling is unfit.
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (1)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  <span class="ital">Facilities.</span>
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  a.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Sanitary.</span> Every dwelling shall be furnished with a potable water supply system. "Potable water
                  supply" means direct connection to a well, to a public water utility or equivalent
                  water service delivery system, and does not include water delivered through a hose
                  or via containers. Every dwelling shall contain not less than a kitchen sink, lavatory,
                  tub or shower, and a water closet all in good working condition and properly connected
                  to an approved water and sewer system.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="b3">
                  Every plumbing fixture and water and waste pipe shall be properly installed and maintained
                  in good sanitary working condition free from defects, leaks, and obstruction. "Properly
                  connected" means connected with approved plumbing materials (no radiator hose, duct
                  tape, etc.). "Properly installed" means continuous piping that met the North Carolina
                  State Building Code in effect at the time of installation. Any new, additional or
                  repair plumbing must meet the current requirements of the North Carolina Building
                  Code. Provided, however, that the kitchen sink standards, enumerated herein shall
                  not apply to hotels, motels, and other transient places unless kitchen sinks are otherwise
                  required.
                  </p>
               <p class="incr2">
                  b.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Location of sanitary facilities.</span> All required plumbing fixtures shall be located within the dwelling and be accessible
                  to the occupants of the same. The water closet, tub or shower and lavatory shall be
                  located in a room (or adjoining rooms) affording privacy to the user. Required bathrooms
                  shall be accessible from habitable rooms, hallways, corridors or other protected or
                  enclosed areas.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  c.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Hot and cold water supply.</span> Every dwelling shall have connected to the kitchen sink, lavatory, and tub or shower
                  an adequate supply of both cold and hot water. All water shall be supplied through
                  an approved distribution system connected to a potable water supply.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  d.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Water heating.</span> Every dwelling shall have water heating facilities which are properly installed and
                  maintained in a safe and good working condition and are capable of heating water to
                  such a temperature so as to permit hot water to be drawn consecutively (that is, at
                  one tap after the other, and not simultaneously) at every required kitchen sink, lavatory
                  basin, bathtub or shower at a temperature of not less than 116 degrees F. Such water
                  heating facilities shall be capable of meeting the requirements of this subsection
                  when the dwelling's heating facilities required under the provisions of the ordinance
                  are not in operation. Apartment houses may use a centralized water heating facility
                  capable of delivering an amount of hot water in the quantity and at the temperature
                  described above.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  1.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Water heaters shall be equipped with approved relief valves, which are piped to a
                  point not more than six inches above the floor. The pipe material for the relief valve
                  shall be threaded pipe approved for interior water service lines.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  2.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Provided, however, that the provision in subsection (1)d. of this section for hot
                  water supplies for a kitchen sink shall not apply to hotels, motels and other transient
                  dwellings where kitchen sinks are not required.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  e.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Heating.</span>
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  1.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Every dwelling shall have heating facilities which are properly installed, are maintained
                  in safe and good working conditions, and are capable of safely and adequately heating
                  all habitable rooms, and bathrooms in every dwelling regulated herein to a temperature
                  of at least 68 degrees F (20 degrees C) at a distance three feet above the floor level,
                  at an outside temperature of 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Each heating system shall have
                  at least one readily-adjustable control for regulation of living space temperature
                  in each dwelling unit. Radiator control knobs in good working order shall be regarded
                  as a readily-adjustable control.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  2.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Where a central heating system is not provided for a dwelling, the dwelling shall
                  be provided with properly installed baseboard electric heat, properly installed and
                  properly vented wood or fossil fuel heater(s), or unvented natural gas heaters having
                  oxygen depletion sensors listed for residential use by UL, ETL, or other North Carolina
                  recognized testing laboratory and installed in strict accordance with the manufacturer's
                  instructions.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  3.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  The following heating devices do not meet the requirements of subsection (1)e.2. of
                  this section:
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr4">
                  (i)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content5">
                  Portable electric heating units; and
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr4">
                  (ii)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content5">
                  Unvented fuel-burning heaters.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  4.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  The use of unvented fuel-burning heaters is prohibited in any bedroom.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  f.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Chimneys.</span>
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  1.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Chimney inspections shall be conducted by certified chimney sweeps.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  2.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Chimneys must be safe for use as specified and intended. "Specified" means use in
                  connections with specific heating appliances or systems, or limitations of such use.
                  "Intended" means use in connection with combustion of fuel, for which the following
                  minimum chimney standards apply:
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr4">
                  (i)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content5">
                  Flue liner intact:
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr4">
                  (ii)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content5">
                  Chimney mortar and bricks secure;
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr4">
                  (iii)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content5">
                  Flue unobstructed;
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr4">
                  (iv)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content5">
                  Fireplace firebricks intact;
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr4">
                  (v)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content5">
                  Stove piping placed and secured with clearances as follows:
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="hg4">
                  â€¢ Minimum 12-inch brick clearance separation from combustibles; or
                  </p>
               <p class="hg4">
                  â€¢ Minimum nine-inch air separation for insulated listed stovepiping; or
                  </p>
               <p class="hg4">
                  â€¢ Minimum one-inch air clearance surrounded by six-inch glass fiber insulation and
                  ventilated thimble assembly; or
                  </p>
               <p class="hg4">
                  â€¢ Minimum two-inch air separation for insulated listed stovepiping with one-inch air
                  space between inner and outer chimney components; and as otherwise described in National
                  Fire Protection Association's Standard 211, "Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid
                  Fuel-Burning Appliances," 1992 edition; and
                  </p>
               <p class="incr4">
                  (vi)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content5">
                  Heating appliance clearances maintained at 36 inches from combustible materials and/or
                  surfaces, except that clearances may be reduced as provided in National Fire Protection
                  Association's Standard 211, "Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid-Fuel Burning Appliances,"
                  1992 edition.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  3.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Chimneys that do not meet these standards shall be either repaired or sealed.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  g.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Cooking equipment.</span> All cooking equipment and facilities shall be installed in an approved manner and
                  shall be maintained in safe working condition. Portable cooking equipment employing
                  flame is prohibited as a substitute for approved cooking equipment. Portable cooking
                  equipment is prohibited outside the kitchen area of a boarding or rooming house.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  h.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Every dwelling shall be provided with a smoke detector listed by Underwriter's Laboratories,
                  Inc. or other equivalent national testing laboratory on each level of the dwelling
                  and in stairwells, hallways and other common areas of multiple-unit dwellings. Such
                  detectors shall be installed in accordance with either National Fire Protection Association
                  Standard<a href="" data-chunk-id="COOR_CH72TE" class="section-link" data-product-id="12776"> 72</a>, National Fire Alarm Code,<a href="" data-chunk-id="COOR_CH2ADRE" class="section-link" data-product-id="12776"> Chapter 2</a> or the minimum protection designated in the manufacturer's instructions, which the
                  owner of rental property shall retain or provide as proof of compliance.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  i.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Street address.</span> Each dwelling shall bear a street address number of a color contrasting with the
                  surface on which the number is mounted, such number to be of sufficient size to be
                  visible from the nearest public street but not less than two inches in height. If
                  the dwelling is not visible from the nearest public street, a sign or standard bearing
                  the address number shall also be placed on the principle public street access point
                  to the dwelling, such number to meet the standards set forth herein.
                  </p>
               		
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (2)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  <span class="ital">Light and ventilation.</span>
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  a.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Windows.</span> Every habitable room shall have at least one window or skylight facing directly to
                  the outdoors. The minimum total window area, measured between stops, for every habitable
                  room shall be eight percent of the floor area of such room. Whenever walls or other
                  portions of structures face window of any such room and such light-obstruction structures
                  are located less than three feet from the window and extend to a level above that
                  of the ceiling of the room, such a window shall not be deemed to face directly to
                  the outdoors and shall not be included as contributing to the required minimum total
                  window area. Whenever the only window in a room is a skylight-type window in the top
                  of such room, the total window area of such skylight shall equal at least 15 percent
                  of the total floor area of such room.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  b.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Ventilation.</span>
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  1.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Every habitable room (except kitchens with exhaust fans in good working order) shall
                  have at least one window or skylight which can be easily opened. The total of openable
                  window area in every habitable room shall be equal to at least 45 percent of the minimum
                  window area size or minimum skylight-type window size, as required, or shall have
                  other approved, equivalent ventilation.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  2.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Year-round mechanically ventilating conditioned air systems may be substituted for
                  windows, as required herein, in rooms other than rooms used for sleeping purposes.
                  Window type air conditioning units are not included in this exception.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  c.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Bathrooms.</span>
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  1.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Every bathroom shall comply with the light and ventilation requirements for habitable
                  rooms except that no window or skylight shall be required in adequately ventilated
                  bathrooms equipped with an operable ceiling electrical exhaust fan.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  d.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Lighting in halls and stairways.</span>
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  1.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Every hall and stairway of every dwelling, shall be lighted, including exterior stairways
                  and stairways in halls and public space.
                  </p>
               		
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (3)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  <span class="ital">Electrical systems.</span>
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  a.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Electrical service.</span> Adequate electric service must be provided to the dwelling. "Adequate" means a minimum
                  of 60 ampere service with no more than five two-wire branch circuits connected and
                  a total connected load of less than ten kilowatts. If a service has six or more two-wire
                  branch circuits, 100 ampere service at a minimum must be provided. If the connected
                  electrical load exceeds the capacity of a 100 ampere service, a service of sufficient
                  ampere capacity to safely bear the connected electrical load shall be furnished. "Edison
                  base" fuses shall not be permitted as components of any electrical service, and no
                  more than one two-wire branch circuit shall be connected to any fuse, circuit breaker
                  or other approved over-current protection device. Drop cords from a neighboring source,
                  generator or similar source are not "adequate" for purposes of this article. Every
                  new or additional electrical outlet and fixture required by the Ordinance shall be
                  installed, maintained and connected to a source of electric power in accordance with
                  the provisions of the North Carolina Building Code.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  b.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Lights and outlets.</span>
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  1.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Every habitable room or space shall contain at least two separate and remote duplex
                  receptacle outlets.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  2.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Bedrooms shall have, in addition, at least one wall switch controlled lighting outlet
                  or ceiling light fixture or permanent fixture controlled by a pull chain.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  3.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  In kitchens, three separate, remote and accessible receptacle outlets shall be provided,
                  and a wall or ceiling lighting outlet controlled by a wall switch or fixture pull-chain
                  shall be provided. An outlet dedicated to powering an appliance and/or not easily
                  accessible because it is blocked by an appliance shall not be counted as a separate
                  outlet. In kitchens with less than six linear feet of counter top, two of the three
                  required outlets may be within the counter top space.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  4.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Every hall, water closet compartment, bathroom, laundry room or furnace room shall
                  contain at least one ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted fixture outlet. For purposes
                  of this section a laundry closet shall not be considered a laundry room.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  5.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  In bathrooms, the lighting outlet shall be controlled by a wall switch or fixture
                  pull-chain. In addition to the lighting outlet in every bathroom and laundry room,
                  there shall be provided at least one receptacle outlet. Any new or replacement bathroom
                  receptacle outlet shall have ground fault circuit interrupter protection.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  6.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  All outlets, switches, wiring and light fixtures shall be safe and operable. No extension
                  cords shall be spliced or used as fixed wiring of a dwelling. Electrical odor, flickering
                  lights, visibly frayed wiring, broken switch plates or outlet plates or failure of
                  circuit-tester check shall be evidence of an unsafe electrical system.
                  </p>
               		
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (4)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  <span class="ital">Exterior and interior.</span>
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  a.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Foundation.</span> The building foundation system shall be maintained in a safe manner and capable of
                  supporting the load which normal use may cause to be placed thereon. Beneath the dwelling,
                  there must be firm, reasonably dry ground ("reasonably dry" means no mud, standing
                  water, running water or evidence of same). Mobile homes shall be set up and secured
                  as required by the State Building Code's Regulations for Manufactured/Mobile Homes.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  b.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Exterior walls.</span>
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  1.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Every exterior wall shall be reasonably weather tight, (free of holes, breaks, loose
                  or rotting boards or timbers, and any other conditions which might admit rain, dampness,
                  vermin or air to the wall cavity or to the occupied spaces of the building). All siding
                  material shall be kept in repair. "Kept in repair" includes maintenance of wood or
                  other organic building materials from weather damage, repair of cracks or holes exceeding
                  one-quarter inch in width and replacement of wood or other organic components that
                  show visual signs of rot, are soft to the touch or otherwise show evidence of rotting.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  2.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Existing skirting shall be maintained free from broken or missing sections, pieces
                  or cross members which comprise the insulation characteristics of the skirting. Skirting
                  shall be securely attached and sized from the ground to the lower outside perimeter
                  of the structure. If skirting is not provided, or if existing skirting is removed,
                  water lines and drain lines shall be insulated to prevent freezing.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  3.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Replacement or new skirting shall be constructed of materials intended for exterior
                  use and properly sized and mounted to prevent free access to the crawl space of the
                  dwelling. Adequate means to gain access to heating or other mechanical equipment,
                  via inside or outside, shall be furnished.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  c.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Roofs.</span>
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  1.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Roofs shall be structurally sound, and maintained in a safe manner and have no defects
                  which might admit rain or cause dampness in the walls or interior portion of the dwelling.
                  The following may constitute evidence of defects:
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr4">
                  (i)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content5">
                  Missing shingles
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr4">
                  (ii)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content5">
                  Flashing (s) missing;
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr4">
                  (iii)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content5">
                  Roof deflection deeper than one-sixth of the depth of the rafter and/or rafters cracked.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr4">
                  (iv)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content5">
                  Damage to ceilings (ceiling plaster loose or falling, brown spots, etc.), sheet rock
                  hanging, etc. in rooms below roof; or
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr4">
                  (v)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content5">
                  Fire damage.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  2.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  No more than three layers of roofing materials (shingles, shakes, roofing) shall be
                  permitted without certification by an architect or engineer registered in North Carolina
                  that the roof will safely support all required live and dead loads pursuant to requirements
                  of the North Carolina State Building Code.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  d.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Attics.</span> All attics shall be ventilated.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  e.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Means of egress.</span> In multi-family houses having two or more dwelling units above the first story, every
                  dwelling unit above the first story shall have access to at least two exit ways. One
                  common exit is permitted provided that all of the following conditions are met:
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  1.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Maximum distance of travel to reach the exit or stairs from the entrance door to any
                  dwelling unit shall not exceed 30 feet.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  2.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Maximum number of dwelling units served by the exit shall not exceed four per floor.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  3.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Maximum gross area of the dwelling units shall not exceed 3,500 square feet per floor.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  4.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Maximum building height shall be one story above the level of exit discharge.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  f.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Stairs, porches and appurtenances.</span>
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  1.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Every inside and outside stair, porch and any appurtenance thereto shall be safe to
                  use and capable of supporting the load that normal use may cause to be placed thereon
                  and shall be kept in sound condition and good repair. Stairs and steps shall be free
                  of holes, grooves and/or cracks large enough to constitute accident hazards. Risers
                  shall be reasonably uniform in height. Stair coverings shall be securely mounted and
                  shall not interfere with safe use of the stairs.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  g.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Protective railings.</span> Every porch, terrace or entrance platform 30 inches above adjacent finish grade shall
                  be equipped with railings or guards not less than 36 inches high. Handrails, continuous
                  on all open sides of stairs exceeding four risers, leading to a platform, porch or
                  terrace, shall be installed at least 30 inches high. Interior stairs exceeding four
                  risers, open on both sides, including basement stairs, shall have a continuous handrail
                  on one side. Stairs open on one side exceeding four risers shall have a continuous
                  handrail on the open side. Stairs exceeding four risers, enclosed on both sides, shall
                  have a minimum of one continuous handrail. When exterior stairwell step flight has
                  total rise of 30 inches or more, a continuous durable handrail must be maintained.
                  Handrails or protective railings shall be capable of bearing normally-imposed loads
                  and be maintained in good and safe condition.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  h.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Windows and window assemblies.</span>
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  1.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Each window shall be weather tight, watertight, and rodent proof, and shall be kept
                  in sound working condition and good repair. If daylight can be seen around the inside
                  or outside perimeter of the window casing, that window does not meet this standard.
                  Every openable window shall be equipped with an effective locking mechanism or other
                  mechanism that functions as a lock.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  2.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Each window sash shall be fully supplied with glass window panes or an approved substitute
                  which are without open cracks or holes. Wood, cardboard or polyethylene or other plastic
                  film are not approved substitutes. A window pane with a crack or hole must be replaced
                  or the crack or hole sealed with clear silicone seal. A broken window (pieces missing
                  or exposed glass edge) must be replaced.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  3.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Each window sash shall be properly fitted and weathertight within the window frame.
                  If daylight can be seen from around the inside or outside perimeter of the window
                  sash, that window does not meet this standard.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  4.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Each window required for ventilation for habitable rooms shall be capable of being
                  easily opened or closed and secured in position by window hardware.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  i.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Exterior doors.</span>
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  1.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Every exterior door, basement or cellar door and hatchway shall be substantially weathertight,
                  watertight, and rodent proof, and shall be kept in sound working conditions and good
                  repair. "Good repair" includes no delimination or splitting of wood doors.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  2.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Every exterior door to a dwelling shall be provided with properly installed hardware
                  that is maintained to insure reasonable ease of operation to open, close or secure
                  in an open or closed position, as intended by the manufacturer of the door and the
                  attached hardware. Properly installed hardware shall consist of knob, bib and operating
                  lock with sufficient strength to prevent unauthorized entry in all situations short
                  of disassembly, force or use of a key or pick. All exterior doors shall be capable
                  of being locked from the inside and outside in a manner that will provide for the
                  safety and security of the occupant(s).
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  j.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Exterior door frames.</span>
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  1.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Exterior door frames shall be properly maintained and shall be equipped with weather-stripping
                  and thresholds as required to be substantially weathertight, watertight, and rodent
                  and insect restrictive when the door is in a closed position. If daylight can be seen
                  from inside around the inner perimeter of an exterior door frame, that door frame
                  does not meet this standard.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  2.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Exterior door jambs, stops, headers and moldings shall be securely attached to the
                  dwelling, maintained in good condition without splitting or deterioration that would
                  minimize the strength and security of the door in a closed position. If daylight can
                  be seen from inside around the outer perimeter of an exterior door frame, that door
                  frame does not meet this standard.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  k.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Screens.</span> In order to provide for safe ventilation and provide for the safety of children,
                  dwelling units which do not have central air conditioning systems shall have fitted
                  screens in good repair for all operable windows in rooms where the floor level is
                  eight or more feet above finished grade below the window. On floors below eight feet
                  above finished grade, screens are required on operable windows required by<a href="" data-chunk-id="COOR_CH10BUBURE_ARTVREHOOR_S10-159MIST" class="section-link" data-product-id="12776"> section 10-159</a>(2) of this article. "Good repair" means screens providing a continuous barrier to
                  insects.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  l.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Protective treatment.</span> All exterior wood surfaces (other than decay-resistant woods, such as cedar, redwood,
                  cypress or pressure-treated lumber) shall be protected from the elements and decay
                  by painting or other protective covering or treatment. Minimal chipping or peeling
                  of surfaces not directly exposed to the elements and not reasonably expected to contribute
                  to decay of wood surfaces is not required to be treated. All siding shall be weather-resistant
                  and water-tight. All masonry joints shall be sufficiently tuckpointed to insure water
                  and air tightness. "Sufficiently tuckpointed" means that mortar shall not be removable
                  by finger pressure.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  m.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Interior floors, walls, and ceilings.</span> Every floor, interior wall and ceiling shall be substantially vermin-proof, shall
                  be kept in sound condition and good repair and shall be safe to use and capable of
                  supporting the load which normal use may cause to be placed thereon. Interior finish
                  shall be free of excessive holes and cracks. No cardboard or other highly combustible
                  or improper wall finish or ceiling finish shall be allowed. No rotted, fire damaged,
                  or loose flooring shall be allowed. All floors shall be level enough so as not to
                  present a tripping hazard. Every bathroom floor surface and kitchen floor surface
                  shall be constructed and maintained so as to be reasonably impervious to water and
                  so as to permit such floor to be readily kept in clean and sanitary condition.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  n.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Structural supports.</span> Every structural element of the dwelling shall be maintained in a structurally sound
                  condition and show no evidence of deterioration which would render it incapable of
                  carrying normal loads. Termites, termite damage, fire damage, absence of footings
                  or cracked or split wood structural supports are examples of evidence of deterioration.
                  When additional direct support is required, piers shall be used under girders, at
                  walls or other primary support points. Stiff knees shall not be used under girders,
                  at walls or at other primary support points, but may be used for indirect support
                  only.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  o.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Fire-stopping and draft-stopping.</span> Fire-stopping shall be maintained to cut off all concealed draft openings both horizontal
                  and vertical and to form a fire barrier between floors and between the upper floor
                  and the roof space. Draft-stopping shall be maintained to cut off all concealed draft
                  openings in floor/ceiling assemblies and in attics.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  p.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Interior door hardware.</span> Every interior door shall be provided with proper hardware, securely attached and
                  maintained in good condition. Hasp lock assemblies are not permitted on any side of
                  the door of habitable rooms.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  q.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Bathroom access.</span> Bathroom access shall be provided in a manner that does not require an occupant to
                  leave the dwelling to gain access. Privacy of bathrooms shall be afforded by doors
                  complete with privacy hardware intended by the manufacturer for that purpose.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  r.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Water closet, lavatory and bath facilities for boarding houses.</span> At least one flush water closet, lavatory basin, and bathtub or shower, properly
                  connected to a water and sewer system and in good working condition, shall be supplied
                  for each four rooms within a rooming house whenever such facilities are shared. All
                  such facilities shall be located on the floor they serve within the dwelling so as
                  to be private and reasonably accessible from a common hall or passageway to all persons
                  sharing such facilities.
                  </p>
               		
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (5)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  <span class="ital">Space requirements.</span>
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  a.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Required space.</span> Every dwelling shall contain at least 150 square feet of floor space for the first
                  occupant thereof and at least 100 additional square feet of floor area per additional
                  occupant. The floor area shall be calculated on the basis of the total area of all
                  habitable rooms. Provided, however, the requirement of this section shall not be applicable
                  to hotels, motels, and other transient dwellings.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  b.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Required space in sleeping rooms.</span> In every dwelling, every room occupied for sleeping purposes by one occupant shall
                  contain at least<a href="" data-chunk-id="COOR_CH70SU" class="section-link" data-product-id="12776"> 70</a> square feet of floor space, and every room occupied for sleeping purposes by more
                  than one occupant shall contain at least 50 square feet of floor space for each occupant
                  thereof.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  c.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Ceiling height.</span> Habitable rooms other than kitchens, storage rooms and laundry rooms shall have a
                  ceiling height of not less than seven feet. Hallways, corridors, bathrooms, water
                  closet rooms and kitchens shall have a ceiling height of not less than seven feet
                  measured to the lowest projection from the ceiling. If any room in a dwelling has
                  a sloping ceiling, the prescribed ceiling height of the room is required in only one-half
                  the room area. No portion of the room measuring less than five feet from the finished
                  floor to the finished ceiling shall be included in any computation of the minimum
                  room area.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  d.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Occupancy below grade.</span> No basement or cellar space shall be used as a habitable room or dwelling unless:
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  1.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  The floor and walls are resistant to the leakage of underground and surface runoff
                  water, and show no evidence of recent water leakage or accumulation; and
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  2.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  The total window area (or window well area) is equal to at least the minimum window
                  and ventilation areas described in<a href="" data-chunk-id="COOR_CH10BUBURE_ARTVREHOOR_S10-159MIST" class="section-link" data-product-id="12776"> section 10-159</a>(2) of this article, except that in non-sleeping rooms, mechanical ventilation and
                  electrical light may be used in place of window ventilation and light; and
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  3.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  An easily-accessible means of fire escape in addition to the basement of cellar stair
                  is provided. Windows which are easily accessible and of sufficient size to accommodate
                  occupants escaping a fire are acceptable.
                  </p>
               		
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (6)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  <span class="ital">Sanitation requirements.</span> Every owner of a dwelling or rental lot shall provide a clean, safe and sanitary
                  dwelling and shall be responsible for maintaining in a clean, safe and sanitary condition
                  outbuildings and appurtenances to the extent that such outbuildings and appurtenances
                  are regulated by this article.
                  </p>
               		
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (7)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  <span class="ital">Extermination.</span> Every owner of a multi-dwelling building or boarding house dwelling shall be responsible
                  for the extermination of any insects, rodents, or other pests within the dwelling
                  or premises. If the owner fails to provide such extermination services and evidence
                  of insect, rodent or other pest infestation is present, extermination shall be ordered
                  by the enforcement officer; such extermination shall be conducted by a licensed exterminator;
                  the owner shall then provide the enforcement officer with a statement of action from
                  the licensed exterminator. Monthly extermination treatment is the maximum that an
                  owner shall be required to provide.
                  </p>
               		
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (8)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  <span class="ital">Violation(s) of state building code regulations for existing dwellings.</span> A dwelling that is not in compliance with Volume VII of the State Building Code shall
                  be considered unfit and ineligible for a housing certificate under this article unless
                  the owner has been granted a building permit for work that would bring the structure
                  into compliance with Volume IX of the State Building Code. Expiration of the permit
                  without completion of such work shall result in revocation of the housing certificate
                  issued for such dwelling.
                  </p>
               		
               
            <p class="historynote0">
               (Ord. No. 98-1-6, Â§ 9, 1-20-98)
               </p></div>