Houston Wind Load Calculator

Harris County, Texas — Texas Gulf Coast

Houston (Harris County) sits roughly 50 miles inland from the Texas Gulf Coast. ASCE 7-22 design wind speed for most of Harris County is approximately 120 mph (Risk Category II). Speeds increase moving south toward Galveston Bay and the open Gulf. Houston is not in a Wind-Borne Debris Region, so impact glazing is generally not required by code (though strongly recommended).

Houston Wind Speed & Design Parameters

• Design Wind Speed: ~120 mph (approximate) (ASCE 7-22 Risk Category II, ultimate 3-second gust)
• Exposure Category: B (urban) or C
• HVHZ: No
• Building Code: City of Houston Building Code (IBC 2021) referencing ASCE 7-22
• Authority Having Jurisdiction: Houston Permitting Center / Harris County Permits

Approximate value — verify with AHJ. The ~120 mph (approximate) figure is a representative ASCE 7-22 Risk Category II value for Houston. Always confirm site-specific wind speed with the Houston Permitting Center / Harris County Permits or via ATC Hazards by Location before submitting a permit application.

Houston Permit Requirements

• Approximate Per ASCE 7-22: The 120 mph figure is a representative Risk Cat II value from ASCE 7-22 wind maps for inland Harris County. Always confirm the exact value with the Houston Permitting Center or Harris County before permit submission.
• Verify with AHJ: Coastal portions of Harris County (toward La Porte, Pasadena, Baytown) have higher speeds. Use ATC Hazards by Location or your AHJ for the exact site value.
• Exposure B Common: Most of Houston's urban/suburban fabric is Exposure B. Open prairie areas to the west and southeast may be Exposure C.
• Hurricane History: Hurricane Ike (2008) and Harvey (2017) reinforced the importance of properly designed openings even in 'inland' Gulf Coast metros.

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Related Resources

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