(a) This article establishes the minimum criteria for light and ventilation and identifies occupancy limitations. Subsections 1717.02 through 1717.04 of this article outline the scope of this article (such as, minimum light, ventilation and space requirements). This section also establishes who is responsible for complying with the provisions of the chapter, permits alternative arrangements of windows and other devices to comply with the requirements for light and ventilation and prohibits certain room arrangements and occupancy uses.
(b) (1) Fundamental physiological needs:
(a) Provision of an atmosphere of reasonable chemical purity (proper ventilation removes chemicals from the home and work environment);
(b) Provision of adequate daylight illumination and avoidance of undue daylight glare;
(c) Provision for admission of direct sunlight (the sun’s rays assist in killing germs);
(d) Provision of adequate artificial illumination and avoidance of glare; and
(e) Provision of adequate space for exercise and for the play of children.
(2) Fundamental psychological needs:
(a) Provision of adequate privacy for the individual;
(b) Provision of facilities that make possible the performance of household tasks without undue physical and mental fatigue (adequate space and sufficient ceiling heights reduce physical and mental fatigue);
(c) Protection against contagion; and
(d) Provision of sufficient space in sleeping rooms to minimize the danger of contact infection.
(c) Protection against accidents: provision of adequate facilities for escape in case of fire.
(d) Protection against overcrowding: provision for population controls can maintain neighborhood density, which can avoid overtaxing public facilities such as parks and schools, and avoid accelerated wear of dwellings. Habitable rooms require adequate light to assist occupants in providing for proper cleanliness and sanitation, and to reduce trip hazards. Well-lighted rooms have a positive impact on mental health, while dark, dingy rooms can have the opposite effect.
(e) Ventilation is defined as “the natural or mechanical process of supplying conditioned or unconditioned air to, or removing such air from, any space”. Ventilating air into a space serves three functions:
(1) Combustion and makeup air for fuel-burning appliances is provided;
(2) Air being exhausted from the building through mechanical or natural means is replaced; and
(3) Air movement within the structure is enhanced. Ventilation air exhausting from a structure also serves three functions:
(a) Excess moisture is eliminated;
(b) Unpleasant odors, toxic fumes, dirt, dust and other particulate matter are removed; and
(c) Air movement within the structure is enhanced.
(Ord. passed 3-13-2018)