Is an exhaust fan required in basement bathrooms on LI? (home, inspector)

[GPC]

I'm just curious. We're in the home stretch of getting a CO for the bathroom in our basement. I was wondering if exhaust fans are required to meet code for basement bathrooms. We had a plumbing inspection and nothing was said about it and the architect obviously didn't indicate one on the plans. Our blueprints have been approved by the town and they didn't say an exhaust fan is required - not so far anyway. I don't want any surprises at the final inspection. There really wouldn't be any practical way to install one anyway as the bathroom in under the staircase that leads from the 1st floor to the basement and isn't located near an outer wall. I'm sure our bathroom is situated in the same position as most of the other basement bathrooms on LI. Could that be why it's not required? Thanks for any words of wisdom.

I should add that we actually DO have an exhaust fan BUT it vents into the unfinished utility portion of our basement. Is that good enough or does it have to be vented to the outside?

[nassau2suffolk]

It should go outside. You will be filling your unfinished side with moisture which could lead to problems.

[twingles]

We were told any windowless bathroom needs a fan that vents to the outside.

[boan]

Originally Posted by nassau2suffolk

It should go outside. You will be filling your unfinished side with moisture which could lead to problems.

Moisture and stank!

[GPC]

It's been like this for 15 years and there's no moisture or residual smells in the unfinished area. The plumbing inspector came a few months ago, saw it as is and signed off on it. I'm just afraid of the town inspector now.

[LifeInLI]

is it a full bath or just a toilet and sink?

[GPC]

Originally Posted by LifeInLI

is it a full bath or just a toilet and sink?

I think it's considered full (I tend to think of it as '3/4') because it also has a shower stall. I can count on one hand the amount of times the shower stall was used in the past 11 years. It's kind of funny; we have three full bathrooms, one on each floor but the only bathroom me and my family use to take a shower is the second floor bathroom! If it were up to me I just would've put a 1/2 bath in the basement but the bathroom was done by the previous owner.

[LifeInLI]

I know NYC requires either a window or an exhaust fan. Since you don't really use the shower you have probably never noticed any issues.

[Kbinspections]

You must have a fan or a window.

I recommend a fan vented to the outside because most do not open windows in the winter