Unified Development Ordinance, 32nd Supplement, July 2024

CHAPTER 11. ​BUILDING AND HOUSING CODE | Article 11.6. ​Housing Code

i. The existing roof or roof covering is water-soaked or has deteriorated to the point that the existing roof or roof covering is not adequate as a base for additional roofing; ii. The existing roof covering is wood shake, slate, clay tile, cement tile or asbestos-cement tile; or iii. The existing roof has 2 or more applications of any type of roof covering. 8. Exterior and Interior Windows and Doors a. All exterior windows and doors shall be reasonably weathertight, shall have no broken glass, and shall have adequate operable locks and hardware. Clasp locks and hasp locks are not acceptable locks and hardware. b. All interior doors and hardware shall be in good repair. c. Every window, skylight, door and frame shall be kept in sound condition and good repair. All glazing materials shall be maintained free from cracks and holes. Every window, other than a fixed window, shall be easily operable and capable of being held in position by window hardware. d. Plastics (plexiglass) shall not be used as glazing unless in compliance with ASTM requirements ASTM 84, ASTM D 2843 and combustibility classifications CC1 and CC2. e. Covers, screens or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings, bulkhead enclosures, or window wells that serve such openings, provided such devices are capable of being released or removed from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that required for normal operation of the opening. f. Bars, grills or similar devices are not permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings, bulkhead enclosures or window wells that serve such openings. 9. Means of Egress a. There shall be a minimum of 1 exit from each dwelling unit for one or two family dwellings or townhomes, in accordance with the North Carolina State Building Code.

b. The exit provisions shall conform to the requirements established for multi-family dwellings, excluding one or two family dwellings or townhomes, in accordance with the North Carolina Residential Building Code. c. Every exterior stairway, deck, porch and balcony, exits, and all attached appurtenances, shall be maintained structurally sound, in good repair, with proper anchorage and capable of supporting the imposed loads. d. Platforms, steps, and/or handrails provided to serve exits shall be structurally sound, in good repair, with proper anchorage and capable of supporting any imposed loads. e. There shall be a safe, continuous and unobstructed exitway from the interior of the building to the exterior at street or grade level. 10. Porches and Decks a. Foundation, floor, ceiling and roof shall be equal to standards set forth above, except sills, girders and joists need not be level if providing drainage of floors; floors need not be weathertight; ceiling height shall be not less than 7 feet. b. Roof post and attached railings if provided, shall be structurally sound. c. Every porch, terrace or entrance platform located at least 30 inches above the adjacent finished grade shall be equipped with guardrails not less than 36 inches high. Required guardrails on open sides of stairways, raised floor areas, balconies and porches shall have intermediate rails or ornamental closures that do not allow passage of an object 6 inches or more in diameter. Horizontal spacing between the vertical members in required guardrails shall be a maximum of 4 inches at the nearest point between members. Triangular openings formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail of a guard at the open side of a stairway may be of such a size that a 6-inch sphere cannot pass through. 11. Stairs and Steps a. Stairs and steps shall not be decayed and shall be in good repair. Exterior repairs shall be made with materials for exterior use application, no interior building materials shall be allowed for exterior stairs, steps, decks, rails, treads or similar exterior appurtenances. b. Every rail shall be firmly fastened and maintained in good condition.

Supp. No. 32

11 – 22 Published July 2024

Part 10: Unified Development Ordinance City of Raleigh, North Carolina