NY: dwellings must heat to 68°F at 3 ft above floor (winter occupied units)
2025 RCNYS §R325.8 Required heating capability (NY-specific)Description
When the local winter design temperature is below 60°F, every dwelling unit intended for occupancy between Sept 15 and May 15 must have heating capable of maintaining ≥ 68°F at a point 3 ft above the floor and 2 ft from the exterior wall, at the design temperature. Portable space heaters do NOT count toward compliance. Owner-occupied one-family dwellings are exempt unless a local statute requires.
Why this exists
NY's heating mandate prevents the slumlord scenario of a rental property without functional heat. Architects sizing HVAC must hit the 68°F-at-3-ft criterion at the design (often lowest) outdoor temp — get the load calc right at the worst-case condition, not the typical-day average.
Measurements
| Property | Operator | Value | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
requiredTemp | min | 68 | °F | Minimum interior temperature |
measurementHeight | exact | 3 | ft above floor | Height of measurement point |
Categories
Applies to
- Jurisdiction: New York State
Source
Solver enforcement
Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.
Related directives
- Garage / dwelling fire separation · IRC R302.6
- Habitable space minimum ceiling height · IRC R305.1
- Egress window net opening dimensions · IRC R310.2
- Stair riser, tread, and headroom · IRC R311.7
- Smoke alarms required throughout dwelling · IRC R314
Last reviewed 2026-05-15.