(A) General. The provisions of this section shall govern the minimum standards for mechanical and electrical facilities and equipment under this code.
(B) Heating facilities.
(1) Residential structures.
(a) Each housing unit shall be supplied with sufficient heat or heating equipment capable of supplying sufficient heat during the period from October 1 to May 15 to maintain a room temperature of not less than 65°F in all habitable areas during the hours between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. of each day and maintain a temperature of not less than 60°F during other hours.
(b) The temperature shall be measured at a point 3 feet above the floor and 3 feet from exterior walls.
(c) Exception. When the exterior temperature falls below 0°F and the heating system is operating at its full capacity, a minimum room temperature of 60°F shall be maintained at all times.
(2) Cooking and heating equipment.
(a) All cooking and heating equipment, components, and accessories in every heating, cooking, and water heating device shall be maintained free from leaks and water flow obstructions, and kept functioning properly so as to be free from fire, health, and safety hazards.
(b) A refrigerator supplied by the owner shall be capable of storing food at temperatures between 32° and 45°F under ordinary maximum summer conditions. Any replacement by the owner shall be approximately the same capacity, or larger, than the one removed.
(c) All installations and repairs shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the Frederick County Building Code, or other applicable laws or ordinances thereto.
(d) Portable cooking equipment employing flame is prohibited, except for residential type food trays or salvers which are heated by a candle or alcohol lamp and which have received all necessary and legally required approvals.
(3) Installation. All mechanical equipment used for heating and cooking shall be properly installed and safely maintained in good working condition and shall be capable of performing the function for which it was designed and intended.
(4) Fuel-burning equipment. All fuel- burning equipment shall be connected to a chimney, flue, or vent in accordance with applicable local or state codes or according to manufacturer’s instructions in cases where no local or state codes apply.
(5) Clearances. All necessary and legally required clearances to combustible materials shall be maintained.
(6) Safety control. All safety controls for fuel-burning equipment shall be maintained in effective operation in accordance with applicable local or state codes, or according to manufacturer’s instructions in cases where no local or state codes apply.
(7) Combustion air. A supply of air for complete combustion of the fuel and for ventilation of the space shall be provided to the fuel-burning equipment.
(8) Unauthorized devices. Devices purporting to reduce gas consumption by attachment to a gas appliance, the gas supply line, or the vent outlet or vent piping may not be used unless labeled for that use and the installation has specifically received all necessary and legally required approvals.
(9) Fireplaces. Fireplaces and other construction and devices intended for use similar to a fireplace shall be stable and structurally safe and connected to chimneys which have received all necessary and legally required approvals.
(10) Climate control. When facilities for interior climate control (heating, cooling, and humidity) are integral functions of housing units, these facilities shall be maintained and operated in accordance with the designed capacity.
(C) Electrical facilities.
(1) Facilities required. Provided that there is usable electric service available from a power line not more than 300 feet away, a structure shall be adequately and safely provided with an electrical system in compliance with the requirements of this section.
(2) Separate service. Each housing unit shall have a separate electric meter for each unit where the tenant is required to pay for electric usage above and beyond their rent.
(3) Receptacles. Each habitable area in a housing unit shall contain at least 1 receptacle outlet. Each laundry area and bathroom shall contain at least 1 grounded type receptacle. Each kitchen shall contain at least 2 receptacles.
(4) Lighting fixtures. Each public hall, interior stairway, water closet compartment, bathroom, laundry room and furnace room shall contain at least 1 electric lighting fixture.
(5) Service. When the electrical system requires modification to correct a violation of this section, the service shall be corrected to a minimum of 60-ampere, 3 wire service.
(6) Installation. All electrical equipment, wiring, and appliances shall be installed and maintained in a safe manner in accordance with all applicable laws. All electrical equipment shall be of a type which has received all necessary and legally required approvals.
(Ord. 88-34-511, 8-23-1988; Ord. 93-18-082, 9-7-1993; Ord. 14-23-678, 11-13-2014)