What "No Mandatory Wind Load Permit" Means
Important Legal Distinction
In these 40 states, building departments do NOT require you to submit wind load calculations or C&C (Components & Cladding) certifications to obtain a building permit.
This is different from the 10 states (Florida, Texas, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Hawaii, Georgia, Virginia, New York) where wind load documentation is legally required before a permit is issued.
When You May Still Need Wind Load Calculations
Even though the building department won't demand them, there are many situations where wind load calculations are necessary or strongly recommended:
Solar Installations
Solar companies installing PV panel arrays need wind load calculations to ensure panels won't be destroyed by wind events. The state building code references (ASCE 7-16 or 7-22) provide the methodology - it's about protecting your investment and ensuring system integrity, not permit requirements.
Insurance Requirements
Many commercial insurance policies require certified wind load calculations for coverage - especially for new construction, renovations, or high-value assets. Your insurer may require documentation even if the building department doesn't.
Roofing Companies
Roofing contractors may need wind load data for proper shingle/membrane selection, uplift ratings, and fastening patterns - protecting themselves from liability if a roof fails in a wind event.
Manufacturer Warranties
Window, door, and roofing manufacturers often require proof of proper wind load selection to honor their warranties. Using products rated below actual site conditions voids coverage.
Liability Protection
If a component fails and causes injury or property damage, documented calculations provide critical legal protection. "The state didn't require it" is not a valid defense in a negligence lawsuit.
Commercial Leases
Commercial landlords and tenants often require engineering documentation for tenant improvements, signage, awnings, and facade modifications - regardless of permit requirements.
Need Wind Load Calculations?
Even in states without mandatory requirements, proper ASCE 7 wind load analysis protects your project, your clients, and your professional reputation.
Get Professional Wind Load Calculator →State Building Code References
While these 40 states don't require wind load permits, they DO have adopted building codes that reference ASCE 7 for wind load methodology. When you need wind load calculations (for any of the reasons above), use the ASCE 7 version your state references - typically ASCE 7-16 or ASCE 7-22.
Major City Wind Load Requirements
Detailed wind load information for cities in states without dedicated state pages
Northeast
Coastal exposure, hurricane remnants, nor'easters
Midwest
Great Lakes winds, severe thunderstorms
Tornado Alley
Extreme tornado risk, severe thunderstorm winds
South
Severe thunderstorms, occasional tropical systems
Mountain & West
Mountain gap winds, desert conditions
Pacific Northwest
Coastal exposure, gap winds, winter storms
Alaska & Territories
Extreme conditions, hurricane exposure (Puerto Rico)
Featured State Guides
Comprehensive wind load guides with detailed research, local requirements, and city-specific information
Oklahoma
Tornado Capital - Moore, OKC, Tulsa wind requirements
View Full GuideKansas
Heart of Tornado Alley - Wichita, Topeka, Kansas City
View Full GuideNebraska
Northern Tornado Alley - Omaha, Lincoln wind codes
View Full GuideIowa
2020 Derecho - Des Moines, Cedar Rapids requirements
View Full GuideMissouri
Joplin tornado legacy - St. Louis, Kansas City codes
View Full GuideArkansas
Southern Tornado Alley - Little Rock, NW Arkansas
View Full GuideArizona
Solar Capital - Phoenix, Tucson monsoon winds
View Full GuideNevada
Desert winds - Las Vegas, Reno mountain exposure
View Full GuideColorado
Mountain & plains - Denver, Colorado Springs codes
View Full GuideMassachusetts
Coastal exposure - Boston, Cape Cod hurricanes
View Full GuideNew Jersey
Shore exposure - Atlantic City, Newark coastal codes
View Full GuideMore state guides coming soon! Below you'll find all 40 states with basic wind data.
All 40 States - Wind Load Quick Reference
Filter by region or search to find your state. States with have detailed guides above.
Official State Building Code Resources
Links to official .gov websites for building code information. All links open in new tabs.
Links verified as of December 2025. State websites may change - if you find a broken link, please contact us.