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Item Number: I.1. CITY COUNCIL REPORT SUBJECT: Ordinance No. 621 N.S. - Residential Rental Cooling and Heating Requirements MEETING DATE: May 27, 2025 TO: Mayor and Council FROM: Jason Earp, Development Services Director REVIEWED: Reyes Medrano Jr., City Manager PURPOSE: The Development Services Department is requesting the adoption of Ordinance No. 621 N.S., amending the Tolleson City Code, Chapter 5, Article 5-10, by amending Section 5-10-4, Violations; Penalties, and adding a new Section 5-10-5, Residential Rental Cooling and Heating, pertaining to minimum cooling and heating standards of residential rentals. BACKGROUND: The proposed ordinance aims to amend the City Code to promote public health, safety, and general welfare by ensuring all residential rental units in Tolleson meet basic temperature control standards. This action is in response to increased awareness and concern regarding extreme temperatures and inadequate climate control in rental housing. DISCUSSION: Key updates include: Section 5-10-4, Violations; Penalties: Expanded to clarify that the City may proceed with either civil or criminal enforcement for violations of the new standards, with specific penalty structures outlined. New Section 5-10-5, Residential Rental Cooling and Heating: Establishes required temperature thresholds for rental units: Cooling must maintain ≤ 86ºF with evaporative systems or ≤ 82ºF with air conditioning. Heating must maintain ≥ 68ºF. Cooling and heating systems must be permanently installed and tenant-controlled. Use of unvented combustion heaters and cooking appliances for heating is prohibited. These provisions ensure habitable conditions year-round and reduce potential health risks to tenants due to extreme temperatures. BUDGET IMPACT: There is no direct fiscal impact to the City. Compliance costs will be the responsibility of property owners and managers. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 621 N.S., establishing minimum requirements for cooling and heating in residential rental properties to safeguard tenant health and safety. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Ord 621 N.S. Residential Rental Cooling and Heating Requirements 05 27 25