Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, Alderwoman Maria Hadden, and the Chicago Department of Buildings today introduced a substitute ordinance to modernize the city’s heating and cooling ordinance and better account for extreme weather events. The substitute ordinance, which passed unanimously out of the City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards, will be heard by the full City Council on June 22. 

"As extreme weather events become more frequent and more severe due to climate change, our construction codes must allow for flexibility in cooling and heating systems to protect the residents who live and work within them,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “These new cooling requirements are an important step forward in keeping all of our residents safe, particularly those most vulnerable to extreme heat, while improving their quality of life."  

"I commend the leadership of Mayor Lightfoot and Alderwoman Hadden on this vital legislation and look forward to working with property owners and property managers to implement these safety and quality of life measures," said Matthew Beaudet, Commissioner of the Department of Buildings. 

Ordinance Highlights:  

• All 55+ senior buildings will be required to have indoor common areas with cooling and dehumidification systems capable of being operated independently from the heating system. 
• All apartment buildings and hotels taller than 80 feet, or with over 100 dwelling units, will be required to have indoor common areas with cooling and dehumidification systems capable of being operated independently from the heating system. 
• Permanent air conditioning will be required in all newly constructed daycares, pre-K-12 schools, and residential building projects. 
• Cooling and dehumidification systems will be required to operate when the heat index exceeds 80 degrees. 

"This ordinance is a move in the right direction to help us better adapt to our climate change realities and subsequent safety concerns. I'm confident that this will protect the health and safety of Chicagoans and ensure that landlords are adhering to universal policies,” said Alderwoman Maria Hadden, 49^th Ward.