The provisions of this section shall govern the minimum mechanical facilities and equipment to be provided in rental units. All mechanical facilities and equipment shall comply with the requirements herein prescribed insofar as they are applicable.
The owner of the structure shall provide and maintain such mechanical facilities and equipment in compliance with these requirements. A person shall not occupy, as owner-occupant, or let to another for occupancy or use, any premises which do not comply with the following requirements:
(a) Heating Facilities. Every owner of any structure who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling units on terms, either express or implied, to furnish heat to the occupants thereof, shall supply sufficient heat during the period from October 1 to May 15 to maintain a room temperature of not less than sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit (eighteen degrees Celsius), in all habitable spaces, bathrooms and toilet rooms during the hours between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. of each day, and to maintain a temperature of not less than sixty degrees Fahrenheit (sixteen degrees Celsius) during other hours. The temperature shall be measured at a point three feet (914 mm) above the floor and three feet (914 mm) from exterior walls.
Exception: When the exterior temperature falls below zero degrees Fahrenheit (minus eighteen degrees Celsius) and the heating system is operating at its full capacity, a minimum room temperature of sixty degrees Fahrenheit (sixteen degrees Celsius) shall be maintained at all times.
(b) Cooking and Heating Equipment. All cooking and heating equipment, components and accessories in every heating, cooking and water heating device shall be maintained free from leaks and obstructions, and kept functioning properly in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations so as to be free from fire, health and safety hazards. All installations and repairs shall be made in accordance with the provisions of this Building and Housing Code.
(c) Installation.
(1) All mechanical equipment shall be properly installed and safely maintained in good working condition and be capable of performing the function for which it was designed and intended.
(2) All vented fuel-burning equipment shall be connected to an approved chimney or vent.
(3) All required clearances to combustible materials shall be maintained.
(4) All safety controls for fuel-burning equipment shall be maintained in effective operation.
(5) A supply of air for complete combustion of the fuel and for ventilation of the space shall be provided for the fuel-burning equipment.
(d) Boilers. Each boiler and pressure vessel, other than boilers located within a dwelling unit, shall be inspected by the Department of Planning and Zoning or its representative a minimum of once every two years. The inspection shall determine that the boiler operates in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements and that all safety devices and controls function correctly. A copy of the most recent inspection certificate shall be made available upon request.
(e) Fireplaces. Fireplaces, and other construction and devices intended for use similar to a fireplace, shall be stable and structurally safe and connected to approved chimneys.
(f) Climate Control. When facilities for interior climate control (heating, cooling and/or humidity) are integral functions of structures used as dwelling units, such facilities shall be maintained and operated in a continuous manner in accordance with the designed capacity.
(g) Elevators.
(1) Elevators, dumbwaiters and escalators shall be maintained to safely sustain the loads to which they are subjected, to operate properly and to be free of physical and fire hazards.
(2) In buildings equipped with passenger elevators, at least one elevator shall be maintained in operation at all times when the building is occupied.
(3) Buildings equipped with only one elevator shall be permitted to have the elevator temporarily out of service for testing or servicing.
(Ord. 2285. Passed 1-14-91.)