Bellevue, Neb., Code of Ordinances ch. 15 (2026) § 15-69
SAME—BASEMENT SPACE MAY BE HABITABLE
Operative Text
No basement space shall be used as a habitable room or dwelling unit unless: (A) The floor and walls are of waterproof and dampproof construction. (B) The total of window area in each room is equal to at least the minimum window area sizes as required in the section on required window area. (C) Such required minimum window area is located entirely above the grade of the ground adjoining such window area. (D) The total of openable window area in each room is equal to at least the minimum as required under the section on adequate ventilation required, except where there is supplied some other approved device affording adequate ventilation. (E) Such basement dwelling or rooming unit shall be entirely sealed off from the central heating plant with a one hour fire separation. (F) Such basement dwelling or rooming unit provides two means of exit, with at least one outside doorway. (G) Such basement dwelling or rooming unit has a ceiling height of at least seven feet. (1964 Code, § 12A-19)
Section 15-69 of Bellevue, Nebraska's Code of Ordinances establishes the minimum conditions that must be met before a basement space can legally qualify as a habitable room or dwelling unit. The requirements address structural waterproofing, adequate natural light and ventilation through properly positioned windows, fire separation from the central heating plant, at least two means of exit including one exterior door, and a minimum ceiling height of seven feet. No basement space may be occupied as living quarters unless every one of these conditions is satisfied simultaneously.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 15-69, property owners who rent or offer basement spaces as habitable rooms or dwelling units are generally expected to verify that all seven enumerated conditions are met before occupancy is permitted. Compliant operators typically document that basement floors and walls are waterproofed, that windows meet the required area thresholds and are positioned above exterior grade, that ventilation is adequate, that a one-hour fire separation isolates the heating plant, that two exits (including an exterior door) are provided, and that ceiling height reaches at least seven feet. Operators who cannot satisfy each condition under § 15-69 generally do not classify or market the space as a habitable unit.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 15-69 gives tenants a basis for evaluating whether a basement space they occupy or are considering renting meets Bellevue's legal habitability standards. If a basement unit appears to lack waterproofing, sufficient window area above grade, proper ventilation, fire separation from the heating plant, two means of exit, or the required seven-foot ceiling height, that may constitute a code violation. Tenants who believe their basement unit does not comply with § 15-69 may consider contacting Bellevue's local code enforcement or building inspection office, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for general guidance on available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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