SEPTEMBER 2017: We initially shared this post earlier in the year, but it’s an important one to remember – in just two weeks, heating season will begin and any deviations from temperature standards could result in significant daily fines. Make sure you’re aware of the big change (no minimum overnight temperatures), and you’re ready for enforcement come October 1st.

Heat season has ended, but the City Council is already planning for next year. On May 24th, the council passed legislation setting overnight temperature requirements to 62 degrees. This would be an increase from 55 degrees, the current standard temperature from 10 PM – 6 AM during the season (October 1 – May 31).

In addition, the updated regulation removes the outdoor temperature threshold for overnight heating. Landlords were required to heat buildings overnight when the outside temperature falls below 40 degrees. As a result of this new regulation, all buildings will be required to heat units to 62 degrees during overnight hours in heat season, regardless of the outside temperatures.

This adjustment goes into effect on October 1, 2017 – the first day of next year’s heat season. HPD may adopt guidelines before the rule is enforced, according to the text of the law.

You can review the proposed and approved legislation text here. You can also take a look at the council’s actions on this new requirement in the Legistar portal.