Planning & Development Building Code Wind Speed Maps

Step 1: Determine the "Risk Category" for your project using the table below.

Step 2: Click on the "Map" for the selected "Risk Category". Follow the prompts to "Install Microsoft Silverlight"

Step 3: Enter the address in the "Find Places" box in the upper right corner. NOTE: You must include the street number, street name, and city.

Wind Speed Risk Category 1

Buildings and other structures that represent a low hazard to human life in the event of failure, including but not limited to:

  • Agricultural facilities
  • Certain temporary facilities
  • Minor storage facilities
  • Screen enclosures

Wind Speed Risk Category 2

Buildings and other structures except listed in Risk Categories I, III and IV

Wind Speed Risk Category 3

Buildings and other structures that represent a substantial hazard to human life in the event of failure, including but not limited to:

  • Buildings and other structures whose primary occupancy is public assembly with an occupant load greater than 300.
  • Buildings and other structures containing elementary school, secondary school or day care facilities with an occupant load greater than 250.
  • Building and other structures containing adult education facilities, such as colleges and universities, with an occupant load greater than 500.
  • Group I-2 occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or more resident patients but not having surgery or emergency treatment facilities.
  • Group I-3 occupancies.
  • Any other occupancy with an occupant load greater than 5,000*
  • Power-generating stations, water treatment facilities for potable water, waster water treatment facilities and other public utility facilities not included in Risk Category IV.
  • Buildings and other structures not included in Risk Category IV containing sufficient quantities of toxic or explosive substances to be dangerous to the public if released.

Wind Speed Risk Category 4

Buildings and other structures designated as essential facilities, including but not limited to:

  • Group I-2 occupancies having surgery or emergency treatment facilities.
  • Fire, rescue, ambulance and police stations and emergency vehicle garages.
  • Designated earthquake, hurricane or other emergency shelters.
  • Designated emergency preparedness, communications and operations centers and other facilities required for emergency response.
  • Power-generating stations and other public utility facilities required as emergency backup facilities for Risk Category IV structures.
  • Structures containing highly toxic materials as defined by Section 307 where the quantity of the material exceeds the maximum allowable quantities of Table 307.1(2)
  • Aviation control towers, air traffic control centers and emergency aircraft hangars.
  • Buildings and other structures having critical national defense functions.
  • Water storage facilities and pump structures required to maintain water pressure for fire suppression.