2025 NGBS Interpretation: 1205.7 Local Ventilation

Published Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Home Innovation has clarified that the Tropical Zone exemption in Practice 1205.7 applies to kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas—not solely bathrooms. While the exemption text references “bathroom floor area,” the intent of the Consensus Committee was to allow natural ventilation in any space covered by Practice 1205.7 when the openable window area is at least 14% of the floor area of the applicable room. Because kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas all generate moisture, particulates, and other indoor pollutants, a properly sized openable window may be used in lieu of a dedicated mechanical exhaust system in these spaces within the Tropical Zone Climate.

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