New Orleans Wind Load Calculator

Orleans Parish, Louisiana — Louisiana Gulf Coast

New Orleans (Orleans Parish) sits between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, about 90 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. ASCE 7-22 design wind speed for the New Orleans metro is approximately 140 mph (Risk Category II). Post-Katrina, Louisiana adopted strict statewide wind load enforcement through the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code.

New Orleans Wind Speed & Design Parameters

• Design Wind Speed: ~140 mph (approximate) (ASCE 7-22 Risk Category II, ultimate 3-second gust)
• Exposure Category: B (urban) or C
• HVHZ: No
• Building Code: Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code (LSUCC) — IBC 2021 with state amendments, referencing ASCE 7-22
• Authority Having Jurisdiction: City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits

Approximate value — verify with AHJ. The ~140 mph (approximate) figure is a representative ASCE 7-22 Risk Category II value for New Orleans. Always confirm site-specific wind speed with the City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits or via ATC Hazards by Location before submitting a permit application.

New Orleans Permit Requirements

• Approximate Per ASCE 7-22: The 140 mph figure represents a typical Risk Cat II value for Orleans Parish from ASCE 7-22 wind maps. Speeds drop slightly inland toward Baton Rouge and rise sharply moving south toward Plaquemines and Lafourche parishes. Always verify with the city's Department of Safety and Permits.
• Wind-Borne Debris Region: All of southern Louisiana including Orleans Parish is within the WBDR. Impact-rated products or shutters required for all glazed openings.
• Post-Katrina Code: Louisiana's adoption of statewide ASCE 7 enforcement after Hurricane Katrina (2005) means rigorous documentation is expected at permit submission.
• Verify with AHJ: Use ATC Hazards by Location or contact the City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits for the exact value at your project site.

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Related Resources

• Gulf Coast (LA/MS/AL) Page
• ASCE 7-22 Calculator Methodology
• Window & Door Design Pressure Guide
• Wind Load Reports for Building Permits