No room which has its floor level below grade shall be occupied as a habitable room unless it conforms to all of the following standards in addition to all other requirements of this Housing Code for habitable rooms:
(a) The room shall have been, prior to the effective date of this ordinance (Ordinance 2021-106, passed 6-15-21), originally designed and constructed for or legally converted to use as a habitable room.
(b) The walls and floor enclosing the room shall be maintained in such condition as to prevent seepage or leakage of water into the habitable space.
(c) All required openings for light and ventilation shall be located entirely above the adjoining grade.
(d) The height of the finished ceiling of such room above any point of the adjoining ground level shall be at least fifty percent (50%) of the clear ceiling height of the room.
(e) Shall comply with the "Emergency Escape and Rescue Opening or Means of Egress" as set forth in the Residential Code of Ohio.
(Ord. 2021-106. Passed 6-15-21.)