Enfield, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 14, art. III § 14-94
Use, space, occupancy and location requirements
Operative Text
(a) Minimum ceiling heights. Habitable rooms in existing buildings, shall have a clear ceiling height of not less than 7⅓ feet; except, that in attics or top half-stories, the ceiling height shall not be less than seven feet in not less than one-third of the area when used for sleeping, study or similar activity. The floor area of that part of any room where the ceiling height is less than the required height under this section shall not be considered as part of the floor area in computing the total floor area of the room for the purpose of determining the maximum permissible occupancy thereof. (b) Required space in dwelling units. Every dwelling unit shall contain a minimum gross floor area of not less than 150 square feet for the first occupant, and 100 square feet for each additional occupant. The floor area shall be calculated on the basis of the total floor area of all habitable rooms. (c) Required space in sleeping rooms. In every dwelling unit, every room occupied for sleeping purposes shall have a minimum gross floor area of at least 70 square feet per occupant. (d) Access limitation of dwelling unit to commercial uses. No bathroom or water closet compartment which is accessory to a dwelling unit shall open directly into or shall be used in conjunction with a food store, barber or beauty shop, doctor's or dentist's examination or treatment room, or similar room used for public purposes. (e) Exits. Every dwelling unit shall have as many safe, unobstructed means of egress leading to safe and open space at ground level as are required by the statutes, ordinances and regulations of the state and town. (f) Basement or cellar space. No basement or cellar space shall be used as a habitable room or dwelling unit unless: (1) The floor and walls be impervious to leakage of underground and surface runoff water and are insulated against dampness; (2) The total of window area in each room be equal to at least the minimum window area sizes as required in section 14-93 (a), and the electrical facilities as required by section 14-92 (j)(2)a are provided; (3) The total of openable window area in each room be equal to at least the minimum as required under section 14-93 (c), except where there is supplied some other device affording adequate ventilation and approved by the building official.
Enfield Code of Ordinances ch. 14, art. III § 14-94 establishes minimum physical standards for habitable spaces in residential buildings. These standards cover ceiling heights (generally at least 7⅓ feet, with special rules for attics), minimum floor area per occupant (150 sq ft for the first occupant, 100 sq ft for each additional), minimum sleeping room size (70 sq ft per occupant), bathroom placement restrictions relative to food or medical establishments, egress requirements, and conditions under which basement or cellar spaces may be used as living areas. Spaces that do not meet these thresholds cannot be counted toward the total floor area when calculating maximum permissible occupancy.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties in Enfield should ensure that all habitable rooms comply with the ceiling height, floor area, and sleeping room size requirements set out in § 14-94. Compliant operators verify that basement or cellar units meet all four conditions—waterproofing, insulation, adequate window area, and proper ventilation—before renting those spaces as dwelling units. They also confirm that no bathroom accessory to a dwelling unit opens directly into a food store, barbershop, or similar public-use space, and that every unit has the required unobstructed means of egress.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Enfield Code of Ordinances ch. 14, art. III § 14-94, tenants have a right to live in spaces that meet minimum size, ceiling height, and safety standards, including proper egress and, for basement units, waterproofing and adequate ventilation. If a rented space appears to fall short of these requirements—for example, a sleeping room smaller than 70 sq ft per occupant or a basement unit with persistent dampness—tenants may consider documenting the conditions and reaching out to Enfield's local housing or building enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand how a violation of § 14-94 might be raised in relevant housing proceedings.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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