Building Design Wind Speeds

Risk Category I

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

1. Agricultural facilities
2. Certain temporary facilities 
3. Minor storage facilities
4. Screen enclosures 

Risk Category II
   Buildings and other structures except those listed in Occupancy Categories I, III, and IV
 

Risk Category III & IV

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

1. Covered structures whose primary occupancy is public assembly with an occupant load greater than 300.
2. Buildings and other structures with elementary school, secondary school or day care facilities with an occupant load greater than 250.
3. Buildings and other structures with an occupant load greater than 500 for colleges or adult education facilities.
4. Health care facilities with an occupant load great than 50 or more resident patients, but not having surgery or emergency treatment facilities.
5. Jails and detention facilities.
6. Any other occupancy with an occupant load greater than 5,000.
7. Power-generating stations, water treatment for potable water, waste water treatment facilities and other public utility facilities not included in Occupancy Category IV.
8. Building and other structures not included in Occupancy Category IV containing sufficient quantities of toxic or explosive substances to be dangerous to the public if released.

Category IV:
Building and other structures designated as essential facilities, including but limited to:
 

1. Hospitals and other health care facilities having surgery or emergency treatment facilities.
2. Fire, rescue and police stations and emergency vehicle garages.
3. Designated hurricane or other emergency shelters.
4. Designated emergency preparedness, communication, and operation centers and other facilities required for emergency response.
5. Power-generation stations and other public utility facilities required as emergency backup facilities for Occupancy Category IV structures.
6. 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).
7. Aviation control towers, air traffic control centers and emergency aircraft hangars.
8. Buildings and other structures having critical national defense functions.
9. Water treatment facilities required to maintain water pressure for fires suppression.