(A) Size, height, and floor area regulations:
(1) Room sizes. Every dwelling unit shall contain at least the minimum room size in each habitable room as required by the 1968 edition of the North Carolina Uniform Residential Building Code. Every dwelling unit shall contain at least 150 square feet of habitable floor area for the first occupant, at least 100 square feet of additional habitable area for each of the next 3 occupants, and at least 75 square feet of additional habitable floor area for each occupant under 12 years of age.
(2) Ceiling height. At least ½ of the floor area of every habitable room shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet, 6 inches.
(3) Floor area calculation. Floor area shall be calculated on the basis of habitable room area. However, closet area and wall area within the dwelling unit may count for not more than 10% of the required habitable floor area. The floor area of any part of any room where the ceiling height is less than 4-½ feet shall not be considered as part of the floor area in computing the total area of the room to determine maximum permissible occupancy.
(B) No cellar shall be used for living purposes. No basement shall be used for living purposes unless:
(1) The floor and walls are substantially watertight;
(2) The total window area, total openable window area, and ceiling height are equal to those required for habitable rooms; and
(3) The required minimum window area of every habitable room is entirely above the grade adjoining the window area, except where the window or windows face a stairwell, window sill, or accessway.
(1989 Code, § 151.19) (Ord. passed 7-14-1981) Penalty, see § 151.99