Building Codes
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New building codes and requirements have recently been enacted in several states to provide increased protection of lives and property in areas subject to hurricanes. Because code standards and requirements vary from state-to-state and among local jurisdictions, please check with your local building authority for the most recent code requirements.
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Louisiana
Louisiana enforces the International Codes statewide by using the 2006 International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Existing Building (IEB), International Fuel Gas (IFG) and International Mechanical Codes (IMC).
Louisiana is accepting Miami-Dade and Florida Product Approvals.
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Mississippi
Mississippi requires its five coastal counties to enforce wind and flood provisions of the 2003 International Building Code and International Residential Code. The five counties are Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River and Stone.
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Florida
The Florida Building Code, effective as of March 1, 2002, sets stricter requirements for homeowners and builders. Depending on location, builders in coastal counties are required to build homes to withstand winds of 110 to 150 miles per hour. Installation of hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows and doors such as PGT® WinGuard® meets this requirement.
Recent and Upcoming Changes to Florida Building Codes Include:
- The Panhandle exclusion zone was removed effective January 25, 2007.
- AAMA/WDMA 101/IS2/NAFS, Voluntary Performance Specification for windows, skylights and glass doors, AAMA/WEMA/CSA 101/LS.2/A440 or TAS 202 (HVHZ shall comply with TAS 202).
- Wind-borne debris protection shall be required seaward of the 120 mph wind line and seaward of the 110 mph line within 1 mile of the coast (see ASCE 7-98 wind map) effective June 1, 2007.
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Georgia
Georgia enforces the International Codes statewide by using the 2006 International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Fire Code, International Fuel Gas, International Plumbing Code and International Mechanical Codes. GA Energy Code is based on the 2000 IECC and includes GA amendments. |
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South Carolina
On July 1, 2003, the following South Carolina jurisdictions began enforcing all wind-borne debris and seismic provisions of the IRC and IBC: The base codes for South Carolina are the 2003 International Codes.
- The City of Charleston
- Georgetown County
- Charleston County
- Town of Kiawah Island
- Town of Seabrook Island
- Town of Rockville
- Town of Ravenal
- Town of Meggett
- Town of Awendaw
- Town of Hilton Head Island
- City of Myrtle Beach
- City of North Charleston
- Town of Lincolnville
- Horry County
- Town of Surfside Beach
- City of North Myrtle Beach
- City of Beaufort
- Town of Port Royal
The Wind-borne Debris map shows approximate wind speeds in designated zones.
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North Carolina
North Carolina has adopted the 2003 IRC and IBC as their base codes and is enforcing a wind-borne debris region that extends 1500 feet inland from the Atlantic Ocean.
The North Carolina Building Code Council received a letter from the Insurance Security Office, Inc. stating that the effectiveness rating of many counties could be downgraded due to the elimination of the wind-borne debris and seismic provision from the International Codes. This has the potential to result in increases in insurance rates. Following receipt of this letter, both the Building Code Council and the Rules Review Committee approved the inclusion of wind-borne debris provisions in both the North Carolina Building Code and the North Carolina Residential Code. As of April 11, 2003, these added provisions “shall be accepted by the Code Enforcement Official as an alternate method of construction prior to the effective date if requested by the owner or his agent.” The map shows approximate wind speeds in designated zones.
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New Jersey
New Jersey continues to have one wind zone; 110 MPH.
New Jersey was the first north eastern coastal state to adopt the 2006 version of the I-Codes.
As of February 20, 2007, New Jersey adopted the IBC / IRC 2006 version as its base code.
However, inclusion of certain amendments allow the continued use of partially enclosed designs (design for internal pressure) and the use of plywood in coastal wind borne debris regions. The use of laminated glass remains optional.
The impact of this adopted amendment was immediate on previously non-submitted plans and six months on approved plans – deadline: August 20, 2007.
Design Pressure 50 is also growing in use.
All other 2006 I-Codes where adopted.
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New York
New York has two wind zones: 110 MPH and 120 MPH.
The New York building code level continues to be IBC/IRC 2000 with consideration for moving to the 2003 level shortly.
Design Pressure 50 requirements are enforced along the coast, along with partially enclosed and laminated options for building designs. |
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Delaware
Delaware is affected by one wind zone; 110 MPH.
Delaware continues to employ the IRC/IBC 2003 version of the I-Codes throughout most of the state.
The enforcement of wind borne debris protection or the use of partially enclosed designs is enforced per the code specifications. |
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Maryland
Maryland is affected by one wind zone; 110 MPH.
Maryland continues to employ the IBC / IRC 2003 version of the I –Codes. Design Pressure 50 requirements are enforced in developments along the coast such as Ocean City, MD. Laminated glass options are available. |
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Virginia
Virginia enforces the IBC/IRC 2003 version of the I-Codes.
Design Pressure 50 requirements are primarily enforced along the coast.
Partially enclosed structures continue to be a viable design criterion. Laminated glass options are available. |
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