Establishing a Safe Maximum Temperature Threshold for Rental Housing Units in Los Angeles County

Background

Heat waves create a health and safety risk for communities in Los Angeles (LA) County and throughout the world. So far, this year has been the hottest on record with longer and increasingly intense heat conditions happening more often than before. Emergency department visits for heat-related illness spike during heat waves. They can also worsen chronic conditions, including cardiovascular, respiratory, cerebrovascular disease, and diabetes-related conditions.

LA County is one of many jurisdictions across California and the country that are adapting to the increasing heat. Protecting residents and workers from health impacts, including heat-related illness and death, is a critical responsibility of local government.

In January 2024, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed a motion directing the Department of Public Health to collaborate with other County departments to establish a Safe Maximum Temperature Threshold for Residential Units, gather stakeholder input, and prepare a draft ordinance.

To begin the process, Public Health reviewed existing local ordinances across the country, reviewed relevant literature on the establishment of indoor air temperature standards, reviewed the State draft Assembly Bill 209 report, and gathered input from key stakeholders.

Meetings and Resources

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health hosted virtual stakeholder meetings to present the status of the County ordinance and gather input from stakeholders.

Stay In Touch

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