17.14.080 Light requirements.
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A. Minimum glazed area for habitable spaces in group R occupancies. Every habitable space shall have at least one window of approved size facing directly to the outdoors or to a court.
1. The minimum total glazed area for every habitable space shall be 10 percent of the floor area of such room.
2. Where natural light for habitable spaces without exterior glazing areas is provided through an adjoining room, the unobstructed opening to the adjoining room shall be at least 10 percent of the floor area of the interior habitable space, but not less than 25 square feet. The exterior glazing area shall be based on the total floor area being served.
3. Wherever walls or other portions of a structure face a window of any room and such obstructions are located less than 3 feet from the window and extend to a level above that of the ceiling of the room, such window shall not be included as contributing to the required minimum total window area for the room.
B. Minimum light requirements for common halls, stairways, and means of egress (excluding individual dwelling units). Common halls and stairways, means of egress, including exterior paths of travel, shall be lighted at all times with a minimum of 1 foot candle at floor level. In auditoriums, theaters, concert or opera halls, and similar assembly uses, illumination at floor level may be reduced during performances to not less than 0.2 foot candle, provided that illumination at a minimum of 1 foot candle will be automatically restored upon activation of a premise’s fire alarm system when such system is required.
C. Minimum light requirements for occupancies other than group R occupancies. All spaces shall be provided with natural or artificial light sufficient to permit the maintenance of sanitary conditions, and the safe occupancy of the space and utilization of the equipment. (Ord. M-4079 §24, 2014; Ord. M-3637 §1, 2003)