Every dwelling unit shall contain at least the minimum room size and egress requirements for habitable space required by the applicable state residential building code. In addition:
(1) Principal room. A living or principal room shall contain not less than 150 square feet.
(2) Kitchens. Kitchens shall contain not less than 50 square feet, and a kitchen-dining room combination, if any, shall contain not less than 100 square feet.
(3) First bedrooms. The first bedroom shall contain not less than 100 square feet.
(4) Other bedrooms. All other bedrooms, if any, shall contain not less than 70 square feet each.
(5) Minimum room size. Each habitable room shall have at least 70 square feet.
(6) Minimum floor area. Every dwelling unit shall contain a total floor area of at least 150 square feet of habitable space for the first occupant, at least 100 square feet of additional habitable floor area for each of the next three occupants, and at least 75 square feet of additional habitable floor area for each additional occupant over the number of four occupants. Children less than one year of age shall not be counted.
(7) Minimum sleeping area. In every dwelling unit, 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 occupant shall contain at least 50 square feet of floor area for each occupant 12 years of age and over and at least 35 square feet of floor area for each occupant under 12 years of age. In addition, egress requirements per N.C. Building Code, 1968 Edition, shall be met.
(8) Ceiling height. At least one-half of the floor area of every habitable room shall have a ceiling height of not less than seven feet and six inches.
(9) Floor area calculation. Floor area shall be calculated on the basis of habitable room area; however, closet area and wall area within the dwelling unit may count for not more than ten percent of the required habitable floor area. The floor area of any part of any room where the ceiling height is less than four and one-half feet shall not be considered as part of the floor area for the purpose of determining maximum permissible occupancy.
(10) Cellars. Cellars shall not be used for living purposes.
(11) Basements. Basements shall not be used for living purposes, unless:
a. The floor and walls are impervious to leakage of underground and surface runoff water;
b. The total window area, total openable window area and ceiling height are equal to those required for habitable rooms; and any room used for sleeping must meet subsection 7 above.
c. The required minimum window area of every habitable room is entirely above the grade adjoining such window area.
(Code 1982, § 5-206; Ord. No. 96-012, 11-14-1996; Ord. No. 2011-Code-04, 6-16-2011)