Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 23, § 370.04 - Standards for Decent, Safe, and Sanitary Dwellings

(a) A decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling is one which meets all of the following minimum requirements:

(1) Conforms with all applicable provisions for existing structures that have been established under State or local building, plumbing, electrical, housing and occupancy codes and similar ordinances or regulations;

(2) Has a continuing and adequate supply of potable safe water;

(3) Has a kitchen or an area set aside for kitchen use which contains a sink in good working condition and connected to hot and cold water, and an adequate sewage system. A stove and refrigerator in good operating condition shall be provided when required by local code, ordinances or custom. When these facilities are not so required by local codes, ordinances, or custom, the kitchen area or area set aside for such use shall have utility service connections and adequate space for the installation of such facilities;

(4) Has an adequate heating system in good working order which will maintain a minimum temperature of 70 degrees in the living area, excluding bedrooms, under local outdoor design temperature conditions. A heating system will not be required in those geographical areas where such is not normally included in new housing;

(5) Has a bathroom, well-lighted and ventilated and affording privacy to a person within it, containing a lavatory basin and a bathtub or stall shower, properly connected to an adequate supply of hot and cold running water, and a flush closet, all in good working order and properly connected to a sewage disposal system;

(6) Has an adequate and safe wiring system for lighting and other electrical services;

(7) Is structurally sound, weathertight, in good repair and adequately maintained;

(8) Each building used for dwelling purposes shall have a safe unobstructed means of egress leading to safe open space at ground level. Each dwelling unit in a multi-dwelling building must have access either directly or through a common corridor to a means of egress to open space at ground level.

In multi-dwelling buildings of three stories or more, the common corridor on each story must have at least two means of egress.

(9) Has 150 square feet of habitable floor space for the first occupant in a standard living unit and at least 100 square feet of habitable floor space for each additional occupant. The floor space is to be subdivided into sufficient rooms to be adequate for the family. All rooms must be adequately ventilated. Habitable floor space is defined as that space used for sleeping, living, cooking or dining purposes, and excludes such enclosed places as closets, pantries, bath or toilet rooms, service rooms, connecting corridors, laundries, and unfinished attics, foyers, storage spaces, cellars, utility rooms and similar spaces.

(b) A decent, safe and sanitary sleeping room is one which includes the minimum requirements contained in paragraph (a), subparagraphs (2), (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8) of this section and the following:

(1) At least 100 square feet of habitable floor space for the first occupant and 50 square feet of habitable floor space for each additional occupant;

(2) Lavatory, bath and toilet facilities that provide privacy, including a door that can be locked if such facilities are separate from the room.

(c) A decent, safe, and sanitary mobile home is one which includes the minimum requirements contained in paragraph (a), subparagraphs (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), and (9) of this section except that it may have 70 square feet of habitable floor space for each additional occupant, and the following:

(1) Bears the insignia of approval issued by the State of California, Department of Housing and Community Development, pursuant to the California Health and Safety Code, except those manufactured prior to September 1, 1958.

(d) The Department may approve exceptions to the standards in this Section where unusual conditions exist.

Notes

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 23, § 370.04

1. Editorial correction of section number (Register 80, No. 22).

Note: Authority cited: Section 7267.8, Government Code. Reference: Section 7268, Government Code.

1. Editorial correction of section number (Register 80, No. 22).