The new "Property Maintenance Code of New York State", section 602.4 for "Occupiable work spaces", requires that "indoor occupiable work spaces be supplied with heat during the period from September 15th to May 31st to maintain a temperature of not less than 65ºF (18ºC) during the period the spaces are occupied." The only exceptions are for processing spaces (coolers or freezers) and vigorous physical activities areas (Gymnasiums). This is a change in mandated operating requirements.

January 1, 2003 the Property Maintenance Code of New York State, based on the 2000 ICC International Codes became effective as part of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention Building Code of New York. This new 8 volume series of Building Codes applies to all buildings in New York State outside of New York City. The many sections of the new Code each have items that will impact how districts run and maintain their buildings.

The new Code books are available on to the IBC web site at:

http://www.icbo.org/Code_Talk/Adoptions/ny-codes.html. These Codes may also be purchased in electronic format. Be sure that you purchase the New York State version, there are many state specific enhancements added to the 2000 ICC International Codes.