At their March 18, 2019 meeting, the Board of Housing and Community Development adopted emergency cooling regulations within the Virginia Maintenance Code. The Governor has approved the emergency regulations and the change is effective immediately. The relevant code provision is enforceable May 15.
The emergency regulations alter Chapter 6 of the Virginia Maintenance Code, Section 602.4 Cooling supply, to lower from 80 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, the maximum allowed temperature, where cooling is provided, in R-2 multifamily residences (the Virginia Administrative Code reference is 13VAC5-63-540 B 5). This provision is enforceable from May 15 until October 1. To see the emergency regulations use the link below:
The emergency regulations are effective for an initial period of 18 months. During this time, the Board of Housing and Community Development will work with stakeholders to solicit input and develop permanent regulations regarding this issue.
Please contact the State Building Codes Office at sbco@dhcd.virginia.gov if you have any questions.
Thank you for your continued support in making Virginia a safe place to work, live, and do business.
To view the entire memo, click here.
