§ 35-5-212. MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS.

(a)

In general. This section establishes the minimum standards for mechanical and electrical facilities and equipment.

(b)

Heating facilities.

(1)

Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, during the period from October 15 to April 15, the property owner shall supply each housing unit with heat or heating equipment that is capable of supplying sufficient heat to maintain a room temperature of not less than:

(i)

65 degrees Fahrenheit in all habitable areas during the hours between 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. of each day; and

(ii)

60 degrees Fahrenheit during other hours.

(2)

When the exterior temperature falls below zero degrees Fahrenheit, a minimum room temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit shall be maintained or capable of being maintained at all times.

(3)

The temperature shall be measured at a point 3 feet above the floor and 3 feet from exterior walls.

(c)

Cooking and heating equipment.

(1)

(i)

Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the property owner shall equip each housing unit with installed cooking equipment.

(ii)

The tenant is responsible for supplying cooking equipment if so specified in the housing unit lease.

(2)

The property owner shall:

(i)

Maintain cooking and heating equipment, components, and accessories in heating, cooking, and water-heating devices free from leaks and water-flow obstructions and kept functioning properly so as to be free from fire, health, and safety hazards;

(ii)

Make all installations and repairs of cooking and heating equipment in accordance with the provisions of the Building Code or other applicable codes;

(iii)

Properly install and safely maintain in good working condition all mechanical equipment used for heating and cooking so that the equipment is capable of performing the function for which it was intended;

(iv)

Connect all fuel-burning equipment to a chimney, flue, or vent in accordance with applicable codes and according to manufacturer's instructions;

(v)

Maintain all required clearances to combustible materials;

(vi)

Maintain all safety controls for fuel-burning equipment in effective operation in accordance with applicable codes and according to manufacturer's instructions;

(vii)

Provide fuel burning equipment with a supply of air for complete combustion of the fuel and for ventilation of the space;

(viii)

Provide stable and structurally safe fireplaces and similar devices, including wood burning stoves, that are connected to chimneys that have received all required approvals; and

(ix)

When equipment for interior climate control, heating, cooking, and humidity are integral functions of housing units, maintain and operate this equipment in accordance with the designed capacity.

(3)

A property owner may not use or allow:

(i)

Devices purporting to reduce gas consumption by attachment to a gas appliance, the gas supply line, or the vent outlet or vent piping unless labeled for that use and the installation has specifically received all required approvals;

(ii)

Space heaters requiring kerosene; or

(iii)

Portable cooking equipment that employs a flame.

(d)

Electrical facilities.

(1)

If there is usable electric service available from a power line not more than 300 feet away, the property owner shall adequately and safely provide a structure with an electrical system in compliance with the requirements of this subsection.

(2)

(i)

Each habitable room in a housing unit shall contain at least one receptacle outlet.

(ii)

Each laundry area and bathroom shall contain at least one grounded type receptacle.

(iii)

Each kitchen shall contain at least two receptacle outlets on a single small appliance circuit rated at a minimum of 20 amperes.

(3)

(i)

Each kitchen, interior stairway, water closet compartment, bathroom, laundry room, basement, and furnace room shall contain at least one electric light fixture.

(ii)

The stairway fixtures shall be switch operated.

(4)

When the electrical system requires modification to correct a violation of this code, the property owner shall upgrade the service to a minimum of 60 ampere, three-wire service.

(5)

(i)

The property owner shall install and maintain all electrical equipment, wiring, and appliances in a safe manner in accordance with all applicable codes.

(ii)

The property owner shall use electrical equipment that has received all required approvals.

(1988 Code, § 18-81) (Bill No. 69-95, § 7, 7-1-1995; Bill No. 46-96, § 3, 1-1-1997; Bill No. 25-01, § 2, 7-1-2004)