1527.15 BASEMENT ROOMS.

   (a)   No room in any basement or cellar in an existing building shall be used for habitation purposes unless the following standards are complied with:

      (1)   Such room shall be seven feet high in every part from floor to ceiling.

      (2)   The ceilings of such rooms shall be in every part at least three feet, six inches above the surface of the street or ground outside of or adjoining the same.

      (3)   There shall be appurtenant to such room the use of a water closet, in a water closet compartment properly vented to the outside air.

      (4)   Such room shall have one or more window openings of not less than eight percent (8%) of floor area, exclusive of sash frames, and shall open readily for purposes of ventilation directly to the street or yard.

      (5)   The floors and walls shall be waterproof and dampproof in accordance with an approved method if in contact with earth. Such waterproofing shall be between the floor or wall finish and the ground.

      (6)   Such room shall have sufficient light and ventilation, shall be well drained and dry, and shall be fit for human habitation.

      (7)   In addition to the foregoing requirements in the use of basement or cellar rooms, all of the minimum standards specified in Sections 1527.10 through 1527.14, inclusive, shall be complied with.

      (8)   Basement sleeping rooms shall have two means of egress. If a window is provided for second egress it shall comply to window requirements of a first floor bedroom as per C.A.B.O. One and Two Family Dwelling Code and approved by the Building Department.

         (Ord. 6-90. Passed 2-5-90.)