The Emporia City Commission has officially raised its minimum heating requirements for rental housing within the city limits from 60 degrees to 68 degrees.
According to Vice Mayor Jon Geitz, the city began looking into the minimum housing standards of other cities around the state and found Emporia’s heating requirements were much lower than average compared to the rest of the state.
“It has to have the ability to produce heat at least 68 degrees,” he said.
Community Services Officer Shelly Kelley had approached the city during its most recent study session, asking commissioners to consider this change. She said she believed it would “create a healthier, safer environment for individuals who are renting property in Emporia.”
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)