ORD-2021-015-Amendment to the Code of Ordinances – Minimum Housing Standards Ordinance

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heating all habitable rooms , bathrooms , and water closet compartments to a minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit measured three feet above the center of the floor whenever the outdoor temperature is below 55 degrees Fahrenheit . ( b) If a dwelling unit contains a heating system or heating appliances that meet the requirements of subsection ( a) of this section , the owner of the dwelling unit shall not be required to install a new heating system or heating appliances , but the owner shall maintain the existing heating system or heating appliances in a good and safe working condition . Otherwise , the owner of the dwelling unit shall install a heating system or heating appliances that meet the requirements of subsection ( a ) of this section and shall maintain the heating system or heating appliances in a good and safe working condition . (c) Portable kerosene heaters are not acceptable as a permanent source of heat as required by subsection ( a) of this section but may be used as a supplementary source in single -family dwellings and duplex units . An owner who has complied with subsection (a) of this section shall not be held in violation of this section where an occupant of a dwelling unit uses a kerosene heater as a primary source of heat . {-a-) ( d ) Nothing in this section shall be construed to diminish the rights or remedies available to a tenant under a lease agreement , statute , or at common law . (Ord . of 2 -214984 , art . 6 , eff. 744984) Sec . 20-37 . - Minimum standards for electrical equipment and facilities . Every dwelling and dwelling unit shall be wired for electrical lights and convenience receptacles as follows : ( a) Every habitable room containing 70 square feet oft floor area or less shall contain at least two floor or wall -type electrical convenience receptacles and every habitable room containing more than 70 square feet of floor area shall be provided with at least three receptacles but not less than one receptacle for every 50 square feet of floor space . ( b ) Every bathroom , water closet room , laundry room , and furnace room shall contain at least one supplied ceiling or wall type electric light fixture . (c) Every public hall and stairway in every multiple dwelling shall be adequately lighted by electrical lights from sunset to sunrise . ( d ) All electrical fixtures , receptacles , equipment and wiring shall be maintained in a state of good repair, safe , free of fire or shocking hazards , and capable of performing the function for which it was originally intended . (e) Whenever all or any part of the existing electrical system , wiring , or fixtures shall be replaced , modified , altered , or expanded then such new installation shall be made in accordance with the North Carolina State Building Code . ( Ord . of 2 -214984 , art . 7 , eff. 744984) Sec . 20-38 . - Minimum standards for lighting and ventilation . ( a) Every dwelling unit shall be provided with natural light and ventilation by one or more windows , opening to the outdoors , as follows : ( 1 ) In dwelling units containing fewer than five habitable rooms exclusive of kitchens , bathrooms ; and water closets , a window or windows shall be provided in all habitable rooms . (2) In dwelling units containing five or more habitable rooms exclusive of kitchens , bathrooms and water closets , a window or windows shall be provided in at least four habitable rooms .