(a) Dwelling Units. Every dwelling unit shall contain a minimum gross floor area of not less than 140 square feet for the first occupant and 70 square feet for each additional occupant. The floor area shall be calculated on the basis of the total area of all habitable rooms.
(b) Sleeping Area. Every room occupied for sleeping purposes by one occupant shall contain at least 70 square feet of floor area, and every room occupied for sleeping purposes by more than one person shall contain at least 50 square feet of floor area for each additional occupant thereof. Every sleeping room shall have a minimum room width of seven (7) feet.
(c) Overcrowding. If any room used for residential purposes is overcrowded, the code official may order the number of persons sleeping or living in said room to be reduced so that there shall not be less than the total area required as follows:
Minimum Occupancy Area Requirements
Minimum Occupancy Area
Space 1-2 occupants 3-5 occupants 6 or more
Living-dining rooms * N/A 120 sq. ft. 150 sq. ft.
Kitchen 50 sq. ft. 50 sq. ft. 60 sq. ft.
Bedrooms ** Must comply with subsection (b) hereof
* Combined living-dining room spaces will be construed as meeting the requirements of this table if the total area is equal to that required for separate rooms and if the space is so located that it may function as a combination living-dining room.
** Every room used as a bedroom shall have access to at least one toilet without passing through another room used as a bedroom.
(d) Prohibited Use. It shall be prohibited to use for sleeping purposes any kitchen, non-habitable space or common space.
(e) Minimum Ceiling Heights. Habitable rooms shall have a clear ceiling height over the minimum area required by this code of not less than seven feet (7'), except that in attics or top half-stories, the ceiling height shall not be less than seven feet (7') over not less than one-third (1/3) of the minimum area required by this code when used for sleeping, study or similar activity. In calculating the floor area of such rooms, only those portions of the floor area of the room having a clear ceiling height of five feet (5') or more may be included.
(f) Exclusions. It is not intended that this code regulate the space requirements of correctional institutions, hotels, motels or dormitories.
(Ord. 49(98-99). Passed 7-12-99.)