Cape Cod Wind Load Calculator

Barnstable County, Massachusetts — Northeast Atlantic

Cape Cod (Barnstable County, Massachusetts) projects into the Atlantic Ocean with extensive exposed coastline. ASCE 7-22 design wind speed for the Cape is approximately 135 mph (Risk Category II) — among the highest in New England. The outer Cape (Truro, Provincetown) can be slightly higher.

Cape Cod Wind Speed & Design Parameters

• Design Wind Speed: ~135 mph (approximate) (ASCE 7-22 Risk Category II, ultimate 3-second gust)
• Exposure Category: C or D (Atlantic / bay)
• HVHZ: No
• Building Code: Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) — IBC 2021 with Mass amendments, referencing ASCE 7-22
• Authority Having Jurisdiction: Local town building departments (Barnstable, Falmouth, Yarmouth, Provincetown, etc.)

Approximate value — verify with AHJ. The ~135 mph (approximate) figure is a representative ASCE 7-22 Risk Category II value for Cape Cod. Always confirm site-specific wind speed with the Local town building departments (Barnstable, Falmouth, Yarmouth, Provincetown, etc.) or via ATC Hazards by Location before submitting a permit application.

Cape Cod Permit Requirements

• Approximate Per ASCE 7-22: The 135 mph figure is a representative Risk Cat II value for mid-Cape locations per ASCE 7-22 wind maps. Outer Cape (Provincetown, Truro) can reach ~140 mph. Verify exact site value with your town's building department.
• Exposure D Default: Most of Cape Cod is within 1 mile of open Atlantic or Cape Cod Bay, so Exposure D applies to a large share of properties.
• Town-Level Permitting: Each Cape Cod town (Barnstable, Falmouth, Mashpee, Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster, Chatham, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, Provincetown, Bourne, Sandwich) issues its own permits with the same MA state code.
• Verify with AHJ: Use ATC Hazards by Location for your specific address and confirm with the local building department.

Get a Print-Ready ASCE 7-22 Report — $9.99

Generate a print-ready wind load calculation sheet for your Cape Cod window and door permit. Formatted for MA building department submissions. Instant download.

Start your Cape Cod calculation

Related Resources

• Northeast Page
• ASCE 7-22 Calculator Methodology
• Window & Door Design Pressure Guide
• Wind Load Reports for Building Permits