Chapter 156 – Housing Code

exit can be an attic fire escape. If access to the attic fire escape is through a window, such window must meet the Uniform Building Code requirements for escape and rescue windows. (7) Every doorway providing ingress or egress from any dwelling unit, rooming unit, or habitable room shall be at least six feet, four inches high and two feet, four inches wide. B. Every means of egress shall comply with the following requirements: (1) Stairways. All stairways comprised of four or more risers shall be provided with a substantial and safe handrail. New construction or remodeling shall comply with the City Building Code. (2) Guardrails. All unenclosed floor and roof openings, open and glazed sides of landings and ramps, balconies or porches which are more than 30 inches above grade or above the floor below and any roof used for other than service of the building shall be protected by a substantial and safe guardrail. New construction or remodeling shall comply with the City Building Code. (3) Riser and Tread. Every stairway shall have a uniform riser height and uniform tread width which shall be adequate for safe use. (4) Exits. Doors and windows readily accessible from outside the unit shall be lockable from inside the unit. Double cylinder deadbolts may not be used on doors located in habitable areas or on any exit door. Exit doors shall be openable from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort. (5) Escape Window. In basement units where one means of egress is a window, such window shall have an unobstructed opening no less in area than that required in the Building and/or Fire Codes. (6) Fire Escapes. No existing fire escape shall be deemed a sufficient means of egress unless it is in compliance with the Fire Codes of the State and the City. (7) Doorways. Every doorway providing ingress or egress from any dwelling unit, rooming unit or habitable room shall be at least six feet, four inches high and 24 inches wide. 7. Natural Light. A. Every habitable room, except a kitchen, shall have at least one window or skylight facing directly to the outdoors. The minimum total glazed window or skylight area, for every habitable room, except the kitchen, shall be at least eight percent of the floor area of such room. B. For the purpose of determining natural light and natural ventilation requirements, any room may be considered as a portion of an adjoining room when one-half of the area of the common wall is open and unobstructed and provides an opening of not less than one-tenth of the floor area of the interior room or 25 square feet, whichever is greater. 8. Ventilation. A. Interior Air Quality. Every dwelling unit and rooming unit shall be free from dangerous levels of air pollution from carbon monoxide, sanitary sewer gas, fuel gas, dust, and other harmful air pollutants. B. Natural Ventilation.