Lubbock, TX Hurricane Preparedness: Roof Standards (2026)
Key Facts
- Design wind speed, Risk Cat. II
- 107 mph (83 mph ASD)
- Design wind speed, Risk Cat. IV
- 118 mph (91.5 mph ASD)
- Ground snow load
- 15 psf
- Seismic design category
- A (minimal seismic risk)
- Governing amendment
- Code Sec. 28.09.131(24), amending IBC Sec. 1607.1
Summary
Lubbock's amended building code sets the wind and snow loads every roof and structure must be designed to withstand: a 100 to 118 mph ultimate design wind speed depending on the building's risk category, and a 15 psf ground snow load, under Code Section 28.09.131(24) amending IBC Section 1607.1 and Table L1607. Seismic risk is minimal, but wind is the controlling design load for Lubbock roofs.
1607.1 General. Live loads are those loads defined in Chapter 2 of this code. A summary of various live load factors, as well as other climatic and geographic design criteria to be used in Lubbock, Texas, is included in Table L1607 below. Table L1607 Summary of Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria Ground Snow Load: Pg = 15 psf Design Wind Speed: Risk Category I Buildings: V = 100 mph, Vasd = 77.5 mph Risk Category II Buildings: V = 107 mph, Vasd = 83 mph Risk Category III Buildings: V = 113 mph, Vasd = 88 mph Risk Category IV Buildings: V = 118 mph, Vasd = 91.5 mph Seismic Design Category: SDC = A
Full Breakdown
1 to add Table L1607, Summary of Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria, which sets the numbers Lubbock's structural engineers and roofers have to design to. 5 mph ASD) for Risk Category IV structures such as hospitals and emergency facilities. Roofs also have to carry a 15 psf ground snow load. 3 inches per hour that feeds into the roof drainage and scupper design required elsewhere in the same amendment package. A separate amendment in the same section, item (25), lets roof live loads be reduced for design purposes, but bars any reduction on roof slopes of four inches per foot or less, or on an arch or dome with a rise under one-eighth of its span, keeping shallow-slope roofs, the kind most exposed to ponding and wind uplift, at their full design load.
Violations & Fines
Building a roof or structure that does not meet Table L1607's wind, snow, and load criteria is a building code violation enforced under the general penalty, Section 1.01.004: a fine set at the municipal court level under Texas law, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense. The Building Official reviews structural design documents for compliance with Section 1607.1 before issuing a permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wind speed do Lubbock roofs have to be designed for?
How much snow load does a Lubbock roof need to hold?
Can a shallow roof in Lubbock get a reduced live load?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lubbock
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Lubbock to another location·View the Texas hurricane preparedness overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.