(A) RESIDENTIAL CONVERSION, for the purposes of this section, is defined as the remodeling or rearranging of existing residential space to greater than its designed, present and usual residential occupancy in number of apartments, or in number of rental sleeping rooms, or in combination thereof; also such remodeling or rearranging of space heretofore unused for residential purposes to such purposes in any number of apartments or rooms.
(B) To protect the general welfare, the following provisions as to such conversions shall apply.
(1) The conversion of space above the second story in an existing building of over two stories in height to residential use, or to greater residential use, is prohibited.
(2) The conversion to residential use of an existing building or any part thereof which building was originally designed and built for commercial occupancy, or for mixed occupancy, shall comply as for new residential construction.
(3) Additions, either to side or height, to buildings in connection with conversions for residential purposes, shall comply as for new residential construction.
(4) The floor space, light and ventilation, and ceiling height requirements for each apartment and each rental sleeping room in space converted to that purpose shall be not less than as in §§ 200, 201 and 205 of the City of Chicago Building Code adopted by reference in § 150.069 of this chapter.
(5) Partitions and ceilings separating adjoining converted apartments or rental rooms, or one from the other, shall be not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction approved by the Building Commissioner. The interior side of any exterior wall in the case of wood frame buildings when such exterior wall is within ten feet proximity of another building, or any lot line, except a street or alley line, shall also be not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction approved by the Building Commissioner.
(6) When converted apartments or rental rooms are located on a second floor of any building, the floor joists of such second floor and the building framing and foundation shall be capable, in the opinion of the Building Commissioner, of properly supporting the increased load to be exerted thereupon.
(7) Each converted apartment shall be provided with its own private sanitation facilities, and where there are two or more converted rental rooms there shall be one set of sanitation facilities for every six persons or part thereof occupying such rooms, the facilities to be readily accessible to such occupants.
(8) Each converted apartment and/or two or more rental sleeping rooms located above the first floor shall have not less than two means of entrance and exit to and from the building without passing through the living quarters of others, either directly to the living quarters or to a common corridor, one means of which must be exterior to the building.
(9) The conversion of basement space to residential purposes shall comply as for new construction in accordance with Ch. 13-64 of the City of Chicago Building Code adopted by reference in § 150.069 of this chapter.
(10) The conversion of attic space over a first story to residential purposes shall comply with the applicable provisions of this section. The conversion of attic space above a second floor to a residential purpose is prohibited.
(Prior Code, § 150.068) (Ord. 1837, passed 7-13-1959) Penalty, see § 150.999