All spaces or rooms shall be provided sufficient natural or mechanical ventilation so as not to endanger health and safety. Where mechanical ventilation is provided in lieu of the natural ventilation, such mechanical ventilating systems shall be maintained in operation during the occupancy of any structure or portion thereof. When part of the air provided by a mechanical ventilation system is recirculated, the portion or volume of air recirculated shall not be recirculated to a different residential space from which it is withdrawn.
(a) Habitable spaces: Every habitable space and bathroom or toilet room shall have at least one window which can be easily opened or such other mechanical ventilation device as will adequately ventilate the room. The total openable window area in every room shall be equal to at least 45 percent of the minimum window glazing area size required for natural light above.
(b) Toilet rooms: Every bathroom and water closet compartment shall comply with the light and ventilation requirements for habitable spaces as required by Section 1381.02(a) except that a window shall not be required in bathrooms or water closet compartments equipped with an approved mechanical ventilation system. Air exhausted by a mechanical ventilation system from rooms containing a bathtub or shower within a dwelling unit shall be exhausted to the exterior and shall not be recirculated to any space including the space from which it is withdrawn. Exhaust ducts shall terminate at the exterior with approved termination devices. Air exhausted by a mechanical ventilation system from all other bathroom or water closet compartments shall be exhausted to the exterior without recirculation to any space. Exception: In multi family dwellings not more than 85 percent of the exhaust air shall be recirculated where the system is provided effective absorption and filtering equipment complying with the mechanical code.
(c) Clothes dryer exhaust: Clothes dryer venting systems shall be independent of all other systems and shall be vented in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Gas dryers shall be vented to the exterior with approved termination devices.
(Ord. 07-0-92. Passed 10-16-07.)