Chapter 156 – Housing Code

(1) Every window or other device with openings to the outdoor space, used for ventilation, shall be supplied with screens of not less than 16 mesh per inch. (2) The total openable window area, as measured between stops, in every habitable room shall be equal to at least four percent of the floor area of such room. (3) Every door opening directly from a dwelling unit or rooming unit to outdoor space, the use of which is necessary to meet the minimum ventilation requirements of this Code, shall have a supplied screen or screens and a self- closing device. (4) Every cellar window, soffit or roof vent used or intended to be used for ventilation and every other opening to a cellar, crawl space, or interior roof area which might provide an entry for rodents or birds shall be supplied with a heavy wire screen of not larger than one-fourth inch mesh or such device as will effectively prevent entrance. (5) For natural ventilation, every bathroom or toilet compartment shall have at least one openable window facing directly to the outdoors and at least 45 percent of the window must be openable. C. Mechanical Ventilation. (1) In lieu of openable windows for natural ventilation, adequate ventilation may be a system of mechanical ventilation which provides not less than two air changes per hour in all habitable rooms and/or bathrooms or toilet compartments. (2) No mechanical exhaust system exhausting vapors, gases, or odors shall be discharged into an attic, crawl space, or cellar unless such attic, crawl space, or cellar is adequately vented to the outside. (3) Any kitchen or kitchenette lacking natural ventilation shall be equipped with a system of mechanical ventilation which provides at least two air changes per hour in said room. The system shall exhaust and discharge directly to outside air. 9. Heating. A. Every dwelling shall have heating facilities which are properly installed and are capable of safely and adequately heating all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms located therein to a temperature of at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit and shall be capable of maintaining in all said locations a minimum temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit at a distance of three feet above the floor level at all times. Such heating facilities shall be so designed and equipped that heat, as herein specified, is available for all dwelling units and rooming units. B. Every central heating unit, space heater, water heater, and cooking appliance shall be located and installed in such a manner so as to afford reasonable protection against involvement of egress facilities or egress routes in the event of uncontrolled fire in the structure. C. Every fuel burning heating unit or water heater shall be effectively vented in a safe manner to a chimney or duct leading to the exterior of the building. The chimney, duct, and vent shall be of such design as to assure proper draft and shall be adequately supported.