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

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( b) The windows shall be glazed with glass or other translucent or transparent material . The aggregate area of glazing material in windows shall not be less than eight percent of the floor area of, the room served by them , but in no event shall the glazed area in a habitable room be less than ten square feet or in a bathroom , less than three square feet . Windows used for ventilation shall have an aggregate openable area of at least 50 percent of the glazed area required for lighting . (c) Every kitchen , bathroom , and water closet compartment shall comply with the light and ventilation requirements for habitable rooms except that no window shall be required in kitchens , bathrooms , and water closets , equipped with a ventilation system which meets the standards of the North Carolina State Building Code . (Ord . of 2 -214984 , art . 8 , eff. 744984) Sec . 20-39 . - Minimum standards for space, use and location . (a) Every dwelling unit shall contain at least the minimum room size in each habitable room as required by the North Carolina State Building Code . This provision shall not apply to mobile homes which meet Federal or State construction and safety standards at the time of manufacture . ( b) Every dwelling unit shall contain at least 150 square feet of habitable floor area for the first occupant , at least 100 square feet of additional habitable area for each of the next three occupants and at least 75 square feet of additional habitable floor area for each additional occupant . (c) At least one- half of the floor area of every habitable room shall have a ceiling height of not less than seven feet and six inches . (d ) Floor area shall be calculated on the basis of aggregate room area . However, closet area and wall area within the dwelling unit may count for not more than ten percent of the required habitable floor area . The floor area of any part of any room where the ceiling height is less than four and one - half feet (4 '6 ") shall not be considered as part or the floor area for the purpose of determining maximum permissible occupancy. (e) No cellar shall be used for living purposes . (f) No basement shall be used for living purposes unless : ( 1 ) The floor and walls are substantially watertight and weathertight ; ( 2 ) The total window standards , total openable window area , and ceiling height are equal to those required for habitable rooms ; ( 3 ) The required minimum window standards of every habitable room are entirely above the grade adioining such , window area , except where the window or windows face a stairwell , window well , or access way . (Ord . of 2 -214984 , art . 9 , eff. 744984) Sec . 2040 . - Minimum standards for control of insects , rodents and infestations . (a) In every dwelling unit , for protection against mosquitoes , flies , and other insects , every door used or intended for use for ventilation opening directly from a dwelling unit to outdoor space shall have supplied and installed screens and a self-closing device ; and every window or other device opening to outdoor space used or intended to be used for ventilation shall likewise be supplied with screens . ( b) Every basement or cellar window used or intended to be used for ventilation , and every other opening to a basement which might provide an entry for rodents shall be equipped with screens or such other device as will effectively prevent their entrance .