(A) No person shall operate a rooming house, or shall occupy or let to another for occupancy, any rooming unit in any rooming house or dwelling unit, unless in compliance with the provisions of this code.
(B) At least one flush water closet, lavatory basin and bathtub or shower, property connected to a water and sewer system approved by the Comptroller and in good working condition, shall be supplied for each six persons, or fraction thereof, residing within a rooming house, including members of the operator's family whenever they share the use of such facilities; provided, that in a rooming house where rooms are let only to males, flush urinals may be substituted for not more than one-half the required number of water closets. All such facilities shall be so located within the dwelling as to be reasonable accessible from the common hall or passageway to all persons sharing such facilities. Every lavatory basin and bathtub or shower shall be supplied with hot water at all times. No such facilities shall be located in a basement or cellar except with the written approval of the Comptroller.
(C) The operator of every rooming house shall supply bed linens and towels which shall be changed at least once each week, and prior to the letting of any room to any new occupant. The operator shall be responsible for the maintenance of all supplied bedding in a clean and sanitary manner.
(D) Every room occupied for sleeping purposes shall conform to the requirements of the building provisions of this code.
(E) Every rooming unit shall have safe, unobstructed means of egress leading to safe and open space at ground level.
(F) The operator of every rooming house shall be responsible for the sanitary maintenance of all walls, floors and ceilings and for the maintenance of a sanitary condition in every part of the rooming house. He or she shall be further responsible for the sanitary maintenance of the entire premises where the entire structure or building is leased or occupied by him or her.
(G) Every provision of this chapter which applies to rooming houses shall also apply to hotels, except to the extent that any such provision may be found in conflict with the laws of the state.
(H) Cooking in dormitory rooms and rooming units is prohibited.
(I) Communal cooking and dining facilities in a rooming house are prohibited, except as approved by the Comptroller in writing.
(J) Access doors to rooming units shall have operating locks to insure privacy.
(K) Access to or egress from each rooming unit shall be provided without passing through any other rooming unit or dwelling unit.
(Ord. 03-43, passed 8-20-03; Am. Ord. 03-59, passed 11-12-03)