New York Wind Load Requirements

New York State Building Code Overview

New York State has adopted the 2020 New York State Building Code, which is based on the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) with state-specific amendments. The code references ASCE 7-16 (American Society of Civil Engineers Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures) for all wind load determinations.

New York's diverse geography spans from the Atlantic coastline to the Adirondack Mountains, creating varied wind environments across the state. Coastal areas face nor'easters and occasional tropical storms, while inland and mountainous regions experience lake-effect winds, severe thunderstorms, and topographic wind acceleration. This variability necessitates careful site-specific wind analysis for each project.

ASCE 7-16 Wind Load Standards

The 2020 New York State Building Code references ASCE 7-16 for all wind load calculations. ASCE 7-16 provides comprehensive methodologies for determining design wind pressures on the Main Wind Force Resisting System (MWFRS) and Components and Cladding (C&C).

Wind Speed Determination

Design wind speeds in New York vary considerably based on geographic location, proximity to water bodies, and topography. ASCE 7-16 wind speed maps provide ultimate design wind speeds (Vult) for Risk Category II structures:

• Long Island (coastal): 110-130 mph
• New York City: 105-115 mph
• Hudson Valley: 95-110 mph
• Upstate New York: 90-105 mph
• Adirondack Mountains: 95-115 mph (elevation-dependent)
• Western New York (Great Lakes): 90-105 mph
• Finger Lakes Region: 90-105 mph

New York City Wind Load Guides

For detailed city-specific wind load requirements, including local building department contacts, zip code references, and municipality-specific guidance, visit our New York city guides:

Risk Categories

ASCE 7-16 classifies structures into four Risk Categories based on occupancy and importance:

• Risk Category I: Agricultural facilities, temporary structures (Lowest wind speeds)
• Risk Category II: Standard residential, commercial, industrial buildings (Standard wind speeds)
• Risk Category III: Schools, assembly facilities housing 300+ people, jails (Increased wind speeds)
• Risk Category IV: Hospitals, fire stations, emergency operations centers, essential facilities (Highest wind speeds)

Components and Cladding (C&C) Requirements

Components and Cladding design is critical for New York structures, particularly in coastal areas and high-rise buildings exposed to elevated wind pressures. C&C elements include:

• Windows and glazing: Storefront systems, curtain walls, punched openings
• Doors: Entry doors, garage doors, service doors
• Roofing systems: Asphalt shingles, metal panels, single-ply membranes, built-up roofing
• Siding and cladding: Vinyl siding, fiber cement, brick veneer, EIFS, metal panels
• Parapets and fascia: Edge conditions experiencing high suction pressures
• Balconies and railings: Exposed to full wind pressure

ASCE 7-16 C&C Design Methodology

ASCE 7-16 provides detailed procedures for C&C wind pressure calculations:

1. Determine basic wind speed: Use ASCE 7-16 wind maps for site location
2. Assign Risk Category: Based on building occupancy and use
3. Select Exposure Category: B (urban), C (open), or D (coastal/flat)
4. Calculate velocity pressure (qh): Function of wind speed, height, exposure, topography
5. Determine effective wind area: Span length × effective width for component
6. Select pressure coefficient (GCp): Based on component location (corner, edge, field) and effective area
7. Calculate design pressure: p = qh × (GCp) × directionality factor

C&C Zone Classification

C&C pressures vary dramatically based on location on the building:

• Corner zones: Highest pressures (1.5-2x field zone pressures) due to vortex formation
• Edge zones: Moderate to high pressures (1.2-1.5x field zone pressures)
• Field zones: Baseline pressures for interior building areas
• Ridges and eaves: High uplift pressures on roofing components

Proper classification of C&C zones is essential for accurate pressure determination and appropriate component selection.

Professional Engineer (PE) and Registered Architect (RA) Seal Requirements

New York State requires professional sealing of structural design by either a Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA). The design professional must be licensed in New York State.

When PE/RA Sealing is Required

• Commercial buildings: All non-residential structures
• Multi-family structures: Apartments, condominiums, townhomes
• Essential facilities: Risk Category III and IV structures
• High-rise buildings: Structures over designated height thresholds
• Complex residential: Custom homes with engineered designs
• NYC projects: More stringent requirements under NYC Building Code

PE vs. RA: Scope of Practice

Both PEs and RAs can seal structural drawings in New York, but their scopes differ:

• Professional Engineer (PE): Licensed to design all structural systems; specializes in structural calculations and engineering analysis
• Registered Architect (RA): Licensed to design buildings including structural systems within scope of architectural practice; often collaborates with PE for complex structures

For complex wind load scenarios, C&C design in high-wind zones, or high-rise structures, consulting a PE with structural engineering expertise is recommended.

New York City Building Code (NYC BC)

New York City operates under the New York City Building Code, which has additional requirements beyond the NY State Building Code. NYC BC is based on the 2021 IBC with extensive local amendments.

NYC-Specific Requirements

• Higher design wind speeds: NYC often specifies higher wind speeds than ASCE 7-16 minimum
• Facade inspections: Mandatory inspections of building facades every 5 years (Local Law 11/FISP)
• Curtain wall testing: Performance mock-up testing for glazing systems
• Special inspections: More extensive special inspection requirements
• Flood design: Coordination with FEMA flood zones and NYC flood regulations

Projects within the five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island) must comply with NYC BC rather than the state code.

Design Considerations for New York Structures

Successful wind load design in New York requires attention to climate-specific challenges, building envelope performance, and professional engineering oversight.

Continuous Load Path Design

A continuous load path transfers wind forces from the roof through the walls to the foundation without interruption:

• Roof-to-wall connections: Hurricane straps, structural screws, or metal connectors with rated uplift capacity
• Wall-to-foundation connections: Anchor bolts with adequate embedment and edge distance
• Sheathing attachment: Proper nail/screw spacing at panel edges and field areas
• Shear walls: Structural sheathing providing lateral load resistance
• Diaphragms: Roof and floor systems distributing lateral loads

Building Envelope Design for NY Climate

New York's climate presents unique challenges for building envelope design:

Cold Climate Considerations

• Thermal bridging: Prevent heat loss through structural connections
• Continuous insulation: Exterior continuous insulation for energy code compliance
• Air sealing: Critical for both energy efficiency and wind resistance
• Ice damming prevention: Proper attic ventilation and insulation

Wind-Driven Rain Protection

• Drainage planes: Water-resistive barriers behind cladding
• Flashing: Properly detailed at all penetrations and transitions
• Sealants: Weather-resistant sealants at joints and interfaces
• Pressure-equalized rainscreen: Reduces water infiltration in high-wind zones

Roofing System Design

New York roofing systems must resist both wind uplift and snow loads:

• Enhanced shingle attachment: 6-nail pattern for high-wind areas
• Starter strip: Self-adhering starter strips at eaves and rakes
• Ice and water shield: Self-adhering underlayment at eaves (extends 2' past interior wall line)
• Roof deck attachment: 8d nails at 6" o.c. at panel edges for high-wind zones
• Metal roofing: Standing seam systems with mechanical seaming and high uplift ratings
• Low-slope roofing: Adhered or mechanically attached single-ply membranes

High-Rise and Tall Building Considerations

Tall buildings in New York City and other urban areas require specialized wind analysis:

• Wind tunnel testing: Often required for buildings over 400 feet or unusual geometry
• Curtain wall design: High-performance glazing systems with wind load testing
• Cladding attachment: Engineered support systems for heavy cladding materials
• Pedestrian wind studies: Analysis of ground-level wind conditions
• Dynamic analysis: Evaluation of wind-induced oscillations and occupant comfort

Coastal New York Considerations

Long Island and other coastal areas of New York face additional wind load challenges:

Nor'easter and Tropical Storm Exposure

• Design wind speeds: Coastal areas require 110-130 mph design winds
• Storm surge: Coordination with flood design requirements
• Salt spray corrosion: Use corrosion-resistant fasteners and hardware
• Dune erosion: Foundation design accounting for potential erosion

Elevated Coastal Construction

Structures elevated above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) present unique wind challenges:

• Increased exposure: Open foundation construction increases wind exposure category
• Breakaway walls: Must be designed to fail under flood loads without affecting upper structure wind resistance
• Deep foundations: Piles or piers must resist combined wind uplift and lateral loads
• Connection design: Critical pile-to-grade beam and column connections

Resources and Professional Assistance

For New York projects requiring PE or RA certification, consulting with a licensed professional is essential. They can provide:

• Accurate wind load calculations per ASCE 7-16
• Site-specific wind speed determination and exposure analysis
• C&C pressure calculations for all building components
• Structural design for MWFRS and C&C elements
• Stamped plans meeting building department requirements
• Construction observation and special inspection services

Additional resources include:

• New York State Department of State: Building code resources and code updates
• NYC Department of Buildings: NYC Building Code and permit information
• New York State Board for Engineering and Land Surveying: PE licensing information
• New York State Board for Architecture: RA licensing information
• ASCE 7-16: Available from the American Society of Civil Engineers
• Local Building Departments: Jurisdiction-specific requirements and permit procedures

Understanding and complying with New York's wind load requirements ensures safe, durable construction across the state's diverse climate zones. By following the 2020 NY State Building Code (or NYC Building Code for city projects), ASCE 7-16 standards, and engaging qualified PE or RA professionals, builders and designers can create structures that withstand New York's challenging wind environment, from coastal storms to mountainous terrain effects.