The Inspector shall determine that a dwelling is unfit for human habitation if the Inspector finds that any of the following conditions do not exist:
(A) Walls, sill plates, joists, rafters or other structural members do not list, lean or buckle, are not rotted, deteriorated or damaged, and do not have holes or cracks that might admit rodents;
(B) Floors or roofs have adequate supporting members and strength to be reasonably safe for the purpose used;
(C) Foundation walls, piers or other foundation supports are maintained in such condition that they will not fail or collapse;
(D) Steps, landings, railings, guardrails, porches or other parts or appurtenances are maintained in such condition that they will not fail or collapse;
(E) The roof, flashings, exterior walls, foundation walls, floors, and all doors and windows exposed to the weather are constructed and maintained to be weather-tight, watertight and rodent-proof;
(F) All exterior elements, including siding, fascia, eaves, soffits, vent screenings, gutters and downspouts, are complete, free from rot and decay, and properly installed;
(G) No chimneys, or parts thereof, are defective, deteriorated or in danger of falling;
(H) Interior walls, floors and ceilings of all rooms, closets and hallways are finished with suitable materials, which will, by use of reasonable household methods, promote sanitation and cleanliness;
(I) Each dwelling is connected to a potable water supply and to a public sewer or other approved sewage disposal system;
(J) Each dwelling contains not less than a kitchen sink, lavatory, tub or shower, water closet and water heater;
(K) Hot and cold water are provided to the kitchen sink, tub or shower and lavatory;
(L) All plumbing fixtures and faucets are maintained in a state of good repair and in good working condition;
(M) All required plumbing fixtures are located within the dwelling. The bathroom is located in a room that affords privacy to the user;
(N) Plumbing drains, vents and sewage piping are maintained in proper sanitary working condition;
(O) Water supply piping is adequately protected from freezing;
(P) Extension cords are not substituted for permanent wiring. Extension cords are not affixed to structures, extended through walls, ceilings or floors, or under doors or floor coverings, nor are they subject to environmental damage or physical impact. Extension cords are used only with portable appliances;
(Q) Each laundry room and bathroom contains at least one receptacle outlet;
(R) Each bedroom, bathroom and kitchen contains a ceiling- or wall-mounted light fixture controlled by a wall switch;
(S) Hallways, laundry rooms and similar rooms each contain a ceiling- or wall-mounted light fixture controlled by either a wall switch or a pull chain;
(T) Every electrical outlet and fixture, and all electrical wiring and equipment are installed, maintained and connected to an approved source of electric power in accordance with the National Electrical Code;
(U) Every dwelling has a safe and properly installed means of providing heat to maintain a minimum temperature of 68° F in all habitable rooms and bathrooms during ordinary winter days;
(V) All heating equipment, flue piping, duct, chimney liners, vents and fuel piping are maintained in a state of good repair, safe and in good working condition;
(W) Unvented gas appliances are prohibited in bedrooms;
(X) Every habitable room has a window facing directly to the outdoors, with a total openable area of window(s) equal to 8% or more of the floor area of the room served, unless mechanical means of ventilation are provided;
(Y) Each bathroom has an operable window or is provided with an approved mechanical exhaust system;
(Z) The clothes dryer exhaust duct terminates independently to the exterior;
(AA) Attics and crawl spaces are properly ventilated;
(BB) Minimum ceiling height in habitable rooms and hallways is seven feet. All other rooms and spaces have a minimum ceiling height of six feet, eight inches. Rooms with sloped ceilings shall have a minimum ceiling height of seven feet for at least 50% of the required floor area of that room;
(CC) All required egress doors and windows are unobstructed and readily openable from the inside;
(DD) Each bedroom contains an egress door with direct access to the exterior or an emergency escape egress window in accordance with the applicable building code;
(EE) Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in proper working condition and located in accordance with the applicable building code;
(FF) Exterior surfaces are resistant to deterioration or treated with a protective coating of paint, stain or other approved covering material, and are maintained in good repair to prevent deterioration;
(GG) Skirting material is maintained free from broken or missing sections, is securely attached to the structure, and is properly sized from the ground to the lower outside perimeter of the structure;
(HH) All windows opening to the outside are adequately screened, unless the room is served by an approved ventilating system. Screens are not torn and fit the window opening snugly. Screens are not permanently attached to the window frame or sash;
(II) All windows and doors are maintained in proper working condition, free of broken or missing panes of glass. Exterior doors and window openings are not boarded up, unless otherwise approved by the Inspector;
(JJ) Crawl spaces are kept free from trash and debris;
(KK) Yards are graded so as to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water, and to allow positive drainage away from the foundation of the dwelling;
(LL) Extermination of insects, rodents and other pests within the dwelling is the responsibility of the owner, and is conducted as needed; and/or
(MM) Detached garages, storage buildings and all other accessory structures to the dwelling are maintained and kept in good repair and sound structural condition.
(Prior Code, § 4-165) (Ord. 19-22, passed 12-17-2019)
Statutory reference:
Determination of standards, see G.S. § 160A-444