(A) Habitable spaces.
(1) Every habitable space shall have at least one openable window. The total openable area of the window in every room shall be equal to at least 45% of the minimum glazed area required in § 5A.207(B).
(2) Exception. Where rooms and spaces without openings to the outdoors are ventilated through an adjoining room, the unobstructed opening to the adjoining room shall be at least 8% of the floor area of the interior room or space, but not less than 25 square feet (2.33 m2). The ventilation openings to the outdoors shall be based on a total floor area being ventilated.
(B) Non-habitable spaces. Laundry rooms, utility rooms, or other nonhabitable rooms shall contain a minimum total of openable window area of no less than 1.5 square feet, except that no windows shall be required if such rooms are equipped with a functioning ventilation system which is approved by the Building Official.
(C) Bathrooms and toilet rooms. Every bathroom and toilet room shall comply with the ventilation requirements for habitable spaces as required by § 5A.208(A), except that a window shall not be required in such spaces equipped with a mechanical ventilation system. Air exhausted by a mechanical ventilation system from a bathroom or toilet room shall discharge to the outdoors and shall not be recirculated.
(D) Cooking facilities. Ventilation of cooking facilities shall meet the requirements of the Minnesota State Building Code. Unless approved through the certificate of occupancy, cooking shall not be permitted in any rooming unit or dormitory unit, and a cooking facility or appliance shall not be permitted to be present in a rooming unit or dormitory unit unless specifically approved in writing by the Code Official.
(E) Process ventilation. Where injurious, toxic, irritating or noxious fumes, gases, dusts or mists are generated, a local exhaust ventilation system, meeting the requirements of the Minnesota State Building Code, shall be provided to remove the contaminating agent at the source. Air shall be exhausted to the exterior and not be recirculated to any space.
(F) Clothes dryer exhaust. Clothes dryer exhaust systems shall be independent of all other systems and shall be exhausted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the Minnesota State Building Code.
(Ord. 1532, passed 11-26-07) Penalty, see § 5A.602