special wind regions, local code posting

[mrsutton]

Our firm is working on a solar project in a "special wind region". We're not familiar with working in these regions and am wondering how/where the local municipalities post these design wind speeds. Most the towns we've tried to contact, and their respective websites, don't make this information easy to find.

When designing for special wind areas where do you typically get these design wind values?

 

[msquared48]

Someone on their office should set the path straight if the website is unclear. They are supposed to be public servants after all. Keep bugging them until
you get what you need.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[mrsutton]

We tried a half-dozen neighboring towns with no success. The biggest town nearby, Palm Springs, listed "122.5Vult" on their site somewhere (someone else in the office found the page) but I'm not even sure if that means 122.5mph RCII Vult or 122.5% of whatever the IBC mapped value nearby would be.

 

[tstructural]

I'm with msquared48 - it's their job to enforce the building code so they need to know what the design criteria is for their own jurisdiction. Really strange that they don't have that information. Is their a State or County office you can contact?

 

[msquared48]

Go to the county in which the project is located as suggested.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[mrsutton]

It might be addressed at the county level but we all figured it was done by local municipality building department--especially since some counties out west can be the size of states back east. San Bernardino County is just a little smaller than West Virginia for example. But I agree the local building officials could be a lot more helpful...or at least answer their phones or direct you to a place in their phone tree system where this info is posted.

 

[msquared48]

In an unincorporated ares or a small town without a formal building department, jurisdiction is likely to fall to the county

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[wannabeSE]

Often times it is not on the city's website. So, I pick-up the phone and call the building department.

 

[JedClampett]

See:

http://rctlma.org/Portals/4/Handouts/General/284-203 Seismic Design-Wind-Snow.pdf