The purpose of this petition is to ask Alderwoman Angela Clay of the 46th ward to help spearhead and champion an update to the Chicago Heat Ordinance. 

As it is currently written, the Heat Ordinance applies from September 15 until June 1. This period is often referred to as the “heat season.”

The Heat Ordinance does not prevent a building from disengaging heating equipment or operating cooling equipment (air conditioning) during the heat season as long as required minimum indoor temperatures are maintained.  

For residential buildings with central heating and cooling provided by a single system (sometimes called “two-pipe” buildings), the indoor temperature is required to be at least 68°F from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and at least 66°F from 10:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. for most of the heat season. Recognizing that it takes time to transition this type of system from heating mode to cooling mode, there are special rules that apply to this type of building for the first and last month of the heat season. From September 15 until the first date when the nighttime outdoor temperature falls below 45°F or October 15 (whichever comes first) the indoor temperature is required to be at least 64°F at all hours. Similarly, from the first day in May when the outdoor temperature exceeds 75°F until the end of the heat season, the indoor temperature is required to be at least 64°F at all hours.

Park Place Tower and other older condo / rental high-rises typically fall within a single system heating and cooling system.   Over the last several years, Chicago has experienced a shift in temperature patterns and significantly warmer weather in the months of April, May, September and October.  While it is appreciated that there are concessions for the month of May, the butterfly months of April, May, September and October are often too warm in residential high rises given the current heat requirements, especially if the building has heavy sun exposure.    During the months of April/May/September/October on days in which the temperature rises over 70 degrees, Park Place Tower and other residential units typically have internal temperatures over 80 degrees due to the sun load and concrete building holding the internal temperature higher.   

We are respectfully asking for the Heat Ordinance to end on April 1st each year and begin on November 1st each year for residential high rises in which professional management companies are contracted and on-site maintenance/engineering staff are present, thereby allowing these high rises to appropriately manage the temperatures according to the needs of their building and residents.