The purpose of this chapter is to protect, preserve and promote the physical and mental health of the people, investigate and control communicable diseases, regulate privately and publicly owned dwellings for the purpose of sanitation and public health, and protect the safety of the people and promote the general welfare by legislation which shall be applicable to all buildings now in existence or hereafter constructed and which legislation:

A. Establishes minimum standards for basic equipment and facilities for light, ventilation and heating, for safety from fire, for the use and location and amount of space for human occupancy, and for safe and sanitary maintenance;

B. Determines the responsibilities of owners, operators and occupants of dwellings; and

C. Provides for the administration and enforcement thereof. (Prior code § 5-1203)