In lieu of the means for natural light and ventilation prescribed herein, artificial light or mechanical ventilation complying with the State Building Code(s) shall be permitted.
(A) Every habitable room shall be provided with at least one window or skylight facing directly to the outdoors or to a court, with a minimum total window/skylight area equal to that of 8% of the floor area of the habitable room. When a window faces a portion of another structure and such a structure is located less than three feet from the window and extends to a level above that of the ceiling of the habitable room, such a window shall be deemed as not facing the outdoors nor to a court and shall not be contributing to the minimum total window/skylight area of the room.
(B) Where natural light for rooms or spaces without exterior windows or skylights is provided via 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. The size of the outdoor facing window(s) or skylight(s) shall be based on the total floor area being served.
(C) The area of the window/skylight that can be opened in every habitable room shall be equal to at least 45% of the required window area, or the room shall have other mechanical ventilation.
(D) Each bathroom and toilet room shall comply with the ventilation and light requirements of habitable rooms except that when a mechanical ventilation system is used the air exhausted by such shall discharge to the outdoors and shall not be re-circulated.
(E) All other spaces shall be provided with natural or artificial light sufficient to permit the maintenance of sanitary conditions, the safe occupancy of the space, and the utilization of the appliances, equipment and fixtures.
(F) Clothes dryer exhaust systems shall be independent of all other systems and shall be exhausted to the outside and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
(Ord. passed - -2007)