Huntsville, AL Hurricane Preparedness: Roof Standards (2026)
Key Facts
- Wind design speed
- 90 mph (Table R301.2(1))
- Governing section
- Huntsville Code § 7-192(17)
- Applies to
- one- and two-family dwellings
- Code adopted
- 2018 International Residential Code
- Enforced by
- Building Official, Inspection Department
Summary
Huntsville's building code sets a 90 mph basic wind design speed for one- and two-family homes, the local benchmark builders must meet when engineering roof framing and coverings for wind resistance.
(17)Amend Table R301.2(1) "CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA" to read as: TABLE R301.2(1) CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA (excerpt) ... Wind Design Speed footnote d ... 10 90 mph B Moderate 12 inches Very 16 NO COH ... d. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the wind speed from the basic wind speed map [Figure R301.2(5)A].
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 30 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Section 7-192(17) of Huntsville's code amends Table R301.2(1) of the 2018 International Residential Code to set the city's basic wind design speed at 90 mph for one- and two-family dwellings, the figure engineers and framers must use when sizing roof trusses, sheathing fasteners, and connections. The Building Official's Inspection Department enforces the standard through plan review and permit inspections on new construction, additions, and any roof replacement covering more than 25 percent of the surface under Sec. 7-314.
Violations & Fines
Building without a permit, or framing a roof that doesn't meet the 90-mph wind design load, draws a stop-work order and re-inspection fees ($25–$100) until corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wind speed must Huntsville roofs be designed for?
Does Huntsville require hurricane straps or special roof tie-downs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Huntsville
Compare Huntsville to another location·View the Alabama hurricane preparedness overview
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