City Updates Flexible Heat Ordinance; BOMA/Chicago Secures Key Clarifications for Office Buildings

Published by BOMA/Chicago on July 13, 2026

The Chicago City Council recently approved updates to the City’s Flexible Heat Ordinance, extending the spring and fall “shoulder seasons” for two-pipe buildings. The change gives building operators more flexibility to meet minimum temperature requirements during rapid weather swings. Though developed primarily to support large, multi-family buildings on the North Lakefront, the change is also a welcome improvement for the small number of commercial office buildings with two-pipe systems that may struggle with overheating during transitional months.

Alderwoman Angela Clay (46th Ward) proactively engaged BOMA/Chicago to ensure the commercial office sector was represented. During our review, BOMA/Chicago identified a provision that did not reflect how modern office buildings operate or the energy efficiency practices our members have implemented for years.

In response, Alderwoman Clay and the Department of Buildings incorporated key clarifications. The updated ordinance now recognizes that commercial office buildings are not occupied around the clock and should not be required to maintain minimum temperatures during non work hours. This adjustment aligns the ordinance with real-world operations and supports the industry’s ongoing energy-reduction strategies.

BOMA/Chicago appreciates the collaborative approach taken by Alderwoman Clay and DOB staff. It will continue working with partners to ensure Chicago’s building regulations remain practical, efficient, and reflective of how today’s office buildings function.