TITLE 4. THE PHILADELPHIA BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND OCCUPANCY CODE
SUBCODE "PM" (THE PHILADELPHIA PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE)
SECTION PM-402.0 LIGHT
PM-402.1 Habitable spaces: Every habitable space except
kitchens shall have at least one window or skylight of approved size facing
directly to the outdoors.
PM-402.1.1 Obstructions: Wherever walls or
other portions of a structure face a window of any room and such obstructions
are located less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the window and extend to a level
above that of the ceiling of the room, such window shall not be deemed to face
directly to the outdoors and shall not be included as contributing to the
required minimum total window area for the room.
PM-402.1.2 Basement
habitable spaces: The required window area serving habitable spaces in basements
shall have a minimum outside horizontal clear space measured perpendicular to
the window, equal to one and one-half times the depth of the window sill below
average adjoining grade.
PM-402.1.3 Window area: The minimum total
window area of every sleeping room with 100 square feet (9.29 m2) or less of
floor area shall be eight percent of the floor area. The minimum total window of
every sleeping room with more than 100 square feet (9.29 m2) of floor area shall
be eight square feet plus five percent of each square foot of floor area over
100 square feet (9.29 m2). The minimum total window area of every other
habitable room for which windows are required shall be seven percent of the
floor area.
PM-402.1.4 Adjoining spaces: Where natural light for rooms
or spaces without exterior window areas is provided through an adjoining room or
enclosed porch, the unobstructed opening to the adjoining room shall be at least
eight percent of the floor area of the interior room or space, but not less than
twenty-five square feet (2.33 m2). The exterior window area shall be based on
the total floor area being served.
PM-402.2 Common halls and stairways:
Every common hall, interior stairway and exterior stairway serving residential
occupancies shall be provided with artificial light capable of providing a
minimum of one footcandle (11 lux) at floors, landings and treads. Continuous
operation of the lighting system is required except during those hours when
there is sufficient natural light to comply with these
requirements.
Exception: Continuous operation is not required for common
hall and stairway lighting serving occupancies in Use Group R-3 which are
equipped with light switches located within three feet (914 mm) of the access
and entrance doors to such common spaces.
PM-402.3 Other spaces: All
other 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 appliances, equipment and fixtures.