Georgia Building Code Overview
Georgia has adopted the 2020 International Building Code (IBC) with state amendments, establishing comprehensive wind load requirements for all structures throughout the state. The code references ASCE 7-16 (American Society of Civil Engineers Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures) as the authoritative standard for wind load calculations and design.
While Georgia is not as hurricane-prone as its Atlantic coastal neighbors, the state still experiences significant wind events, particularly in coastal counties along the Atlantic Ocean and barrier islands near Savannah and Brunswick. Additionally, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and tropical storm remnants can produce damaging winds throughout the state, making proper wind load design essential for structural safety.
Key Building Code Information
- Building Code: 2020 International Building Code with Georgia amendments
- ASCE 7 Version: ASCE 7-16
- Effective Date: Adopted statewide with local jurisdiction enforcement
- Authority Having Jurisdiction: Local building departments
- Professional Certification: PE or SE seal required for designated structures
ASCE 7-16 Wind Load Standards
The 2020 International Building Code references ASCE 7-16 for all wind load determinations. ASCE 7-16 provides methodologies for calculating wind pressures on both the Main Wind Force Resisting System (MWFRS) and Components and Cladding (C&C).
Wind Speed Determination
Design wind speeds in Georgia are determined using ASCE 7-16 wind speed maps, which provide ultimate design wind speeds (Vult) based on geographic location and risk category. Georgia's wind environment varies considerably across the state:
- Coastal Counties (Atlantic coast): 120-130 mph (Risk Category II)
- Southeast Georgia: 110-120 mph
- Central Georgia: 90-110 mph
- North Georgia (mountains): 85-95 mph
Risk categories affect design wind speeds:
- Risk Category I: Agricultural and temporary structures (Lower wind speeds)
- Risk Category II: Standard residential and commercial buildings (Standard wind speeds)
- Risk Category III: Schools, fire stations, facilities housing 300+ people (Increased wind speeds)
- Risk Category IV: Hospitals, emergency operation centers, essential facilities (Highest wind speeds)
Important: Always verify design wind speeds with local building departments, as some jurisdictions may specify higher values than ASCE 7-16 minimum requirements.
Georgia City Wind Load Guides
Explore detailed wind load requirements for major Georgia cities. Each guide provides city-specific wind speeds, local building code requirements, and practical design considerations.
Components and Cladding (C&C) Requirements
Components and Cladding design is critical for Georgia structures, particularly in coastal areas. C&C elements include windows, doors, roofing systems, siding, and other building envelope components that do not contribute to the structural frame. These elements experience higher localized wind pressures due to edge effects, corner zones, and discontinuities in the building envelope.
ASCE 7-16 provides specific pressure coefficients (GCp) for various C&C zones based on:
- Effective wind area: The span of the component multiplied by an effective width
- Location on building: Corner zones (highest pressures), edge zones (moderate pressures), field zones (lowest pressures)
- Building height: Taller structures experience higher velocity pressures
- Exposure category: Exposure B (urban), C (open terrain), D (coastal)
Corner zones typically experience pressure coefficients 40-60% higher than field zones, requiring enhanced fastening and structural support for windows, doors, and roofing at building corners.
Professional Engineer (PE) and Structural Engineer (SE) Seal Requirements
Georgia requires professional engineering oversight for many structures, with specific requirements for Professional Engineer (PE) and Structural Engineer (SE) licensing. Understanding when PE or SE seals are required is essential for code compliance.
PE Seal Requirements
A Georgia-licensed Professional Engineer (PE) seal is required for:
- Commercial buildings: All non-residential structures
- Multi-family structures: Apartments, condominiums, townhomes
- Coastal structures: Buildings in high-wind coastal areas
- Complex residential: Custom homes with irregular geometry, large spans, or unique features
- Essential facilities: Risk Category III and IV structures
SE License Requirements
Georgia has established Structural Engineer (SE) licensing for specific structures. An SE license is required for:
- Designated structures: Buildings over a certain height or occupancy threshold (defined by state law)
- Critical facilities: Hospitals, emergency operations centers
- Large-span structures: Convention centers, sports facilities
- High-rise buildings: Structures exceeding height limits defined in state regulations
The SE license represents advanced structural engineering qualifications beyond the standard PE license. SE-licensed engineers have demonstrated additional expertise through examination and experience requirements specific to structural design.
PE vs. SE in Georgia
- PE (Professional Engineer): General engineering license covering various disciplines including structural
- SE (Structural Engineer): Specialized license for structural engineering of designated structures
- When SE is Required: State law specifies building types and thresholds requiring SE licensure
- C&C Design: PE seal typically sufficient for C&C calculations unless structure is SE-designated
Coastal Area PE Certification
For structures in Georgia's coastal counties, PE-sealed plans are typically required regardless of structure type. Coastal counties include:
- Chatham County: Savannah, Tybee Island
- Glynn County: Brunswick, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Sea Island
- McIntosh County: Darien, Sapelo Island
- Camden County: St. Marys, Cumberland Island
- Bryan County: Richmond Hill (coastal portions)
- Liberty County: Midway (coastal portions)
PE-stamped structural plans ensure that wind load calculations account for coastal exposure, higher design wind speeds, and potential hurricane impacts.
Wind-Borne Debris Regions
Georgia coastal counties with design wind speeds of 130+ mph may be designated as wind-borne debris regions. In these areas, all openings (windows, doors, skylights) must be protected with one of the following:
- Impact-resistant glazing: Laminated glass tested for large missile impact per ASTM E1996
- Impact-resistant assemblies: Complete window/door units rated for debris impact
- Approved shutters: Roll-down, accordion, or panel shutters rated for design pressures
- Engineered protection: Custom systems designed and sealed by a PE
Critical: Protecting openings prevents internal pressurization during hurricanes. A single breached opening can increase roof uplift forces by 50%+ and lead to catastrophic structural failure.
Design Considerations for Georgia Structures
Effective wind load design in Georgia requires attention to continuous load paths, building envelope integrity, and proper component selection. The following best practices are recommended:
Continuous Load Path Design
A continuous load path transfers wind forces from the point of application (roof, walls) through the structure to the foundation. This path must be uninterrupted and adequately designed at all connection points:
- Roof-to-wall connections: Hurricane straps, structural screws, or metal connectors with rated uplift capacity
- Wall-to-foundation connections: Anchor bolts with specified embedment depth and edge distance
- Sheathing attachment: Nail/screw spacing per design requirements at panel edges and field
- Shear walls: Structural sheathing providing lateral resistance
- Diaphragms: Roof and floor systems acting as horizontal load-distributing elements
Roofing System Design
Roofing systems experience the highest wind uplift pressures and require robust attachment:
- Enhanced shingle attachment: 6-nail pattern (instead of standard 4-nail) in high-wind zones
- Starter strip adhesive: Prevents edge blow-off at eaves and rakes
- Self-sealing shingles: Asphalt shingles with factory adhesive strips
- Roof deck attachment: 8d nails at 6" o.c. at panel edges for high-wind areas
- Secondary water barrier: Self-adhering underlayment at vulnerable locations
- Metal roofing: Concealed fastener systems with high uplift ratings
Building Envelope Integrity
Maintaining envelope integrity during wind events prevents internal pressurization and water infiltration:
- Impact-resistant windows and doors in debris regions
- Wind-rated garage doors (tested to ANSI/DASMA 108)
- Sealed roof and wall penetrations (vents, pipes, electrical)
- Properly flashed windows and doors with sealant backdam
- Soffit venting designed for positive and negative wind pressures
- Continuous air barrier preventing wind-driven rain infiltration
Coastal Georgia Design Considerations
Structures in Georgia's coastal counties face unique challenges including salt spray corrosion, flood hazards, and hurricane exposure. Additional considerations include:
Corrosion-Resistant Hardware
Coastal environments accelerate corrosion of metal fasteners and connectors. Use:
- Stainless steel fasteners: Type 304 or 316 stainless for exterior applications
- Hot-dip galvanized connectors: ASTM A153 galvanizing for structural hardware
- Coated fasteners: Polymer or ceramic coatings for enhanced protection
- Avoid incompatible materials: Prevent galvanic corrosion by avoiding dissimilar metal contact
Flood Design Requirements
Many Georgia coastal areas are designated as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) requiring elevated construction. Wind and flood design must be coordinated:
- Elevated structures: Open foundation designs (piles, columns) increase wind exposure
- Breakaway walls: Must be designed to fail under flood loads without compromising wind resistance
- Vertical load path: Transfer wind uplift through elevated foundation to deep piles
- Enclosure below base flood elevation: Non-structural breakaway walls or open lattice
Insurance and Wind Mitigation
Georgia coastal homeowners may benefit from wind mitigation discounts on insurance premiums. Features that qualify include:
- Roof-to-wall connectors: Hurricane straps or clips at code spacing
- Roof covering: Impact-resistant shingles, metal roofing, or tile
- Roof deck attachment: Enhanced nail spacing (6" o.c. vs. 12" o.c.)
- Opening protection: Impact-resistant windows or shutters
- Roof geometry: Hip roofs outperform gable roofs under wind loads
Builder's Checklist for Georgia High-Wind Construction
- Obtain PE-stamped structural plans (SE-stamped if designated structure)
- Verify design wind speed using ASCE 7-16 maps for project location
- Use continuous load path connectors with manufacturer-rated capacities
- Install impact-resistant glazing or shutters in wind-borne debris regions
- Follow enhanced roofing attachment schedules (6-nail shingles, reduced deck spacing)
- Install wind-rated garage doors (minimum 130 mph rating for coastal)
- Use corrosion-resistant hardware in coastal environments (stainless steel, hot-dip galvanized)
- Seal all roof and wall penetrations with compatible sealants
- Schedule structural inspections for critical connections
- Document all connector installations with photographs
- Verify final inspection approval before certificate of occupancy
Resources and Professional Assistance
For projects requiring PE or SE certification, consulting with a Georgia-licensed professional is essential. A PE or SE can provide:
- Accurate wind load calculations per ASCE 7-16
- Structural design for MWFRS and C&C elements
- Stamped plans meeting local building department requirements
- Shop drawing review for critical connections
- Construction observation and special inspection services
Additional resources include:
- Georgia Department of Community Affairs: State building code administration
- Georgia Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors: PE/SE licensing and requirements
- ASCE 7-16: Available from the American Society of Civil Engineers
- Local Building Departments: Jurisdiction-specific requirements and permit procedures
- Georgia Structural Engineers Association: Professional organization for structural engineers
Understanding and complying with Georgia's wind load requirements ensures safe, durable construction throughout the state. By following the 2020 IBC, ASCE 7-16 standards, and engaging qualified PE or SE professionals, builders and designers can create structures that withstand Georgia's wind environment, from coastal hurricanes to inland severe weather events.