§ 24. Minimum Space, Use and Location Requirements.

Every applicable dwelling and its premises shall conform to this Section.

(a)

Required Space in Dwelling Units. Every dwelling unit shall contain a minimum gross floor area of not less than one hundred fifty (150) square feet for the first occupant, and one hundred (100) square feet for each additional occupant. This floor area shall be calculated on the basis of the total habitable area of all habitable rooms.

(b)

Sleeping Room Floor Space. In every dwelling unit of two or more rooms, every room occupied for sleeping by one occupant, except as indicated in Subsection (e) hereinafter, shall contain at least seventy (70) square feet of floor space; and every room occupied for sleeping purposes by more than one occupant shall contain at least fifty (50) square feet of floor space for each occupant thereof.

(c)

Ceiling Height. At least one-half of the floor area of every existing habitable room shall have a minimum ceiling height of seven (7) feet. The floor area of that part of any currently existing room where the ceiling height is less than five (5) feet shall not be considered as part of the floor area in computing the total floor area of the room for the purpose of determining the maximum permissible occupancy thereof.

(d)

Conditions for Inhabiting Basements. No cellar shall be used as a habitable room. No basement shall be used as a habitable room or dwelling unit unless the following requirements are met:

(1)

The floor and walls are impervious to leakage of underground and surface run-off water and are adequately protected against dampness;

(2)

The required minimum window area is located entirely above the grade of the ground adjoining such window area or is equipped with a window well providing adequate light and ventilation;

(3)

The basement complies with all other appropriate provisions of Section 20-26.

(e)

Standards for Charitable and Similar Institutions. In charitable institutions, day nurseries and like locations, where persons are provided free or emergency sleeping facilities in large numbers for brief periods of time and on a fluctuating basis, the minimum standards specified herein in subsections (a) and (b) may be reduced by fifty percent (50%) upon the written approval of the Director.