Architectural / Engineering Design Standards (Wind, Snow & Seismic Zones)

AreaWind SpeedWind ExposureAverage Snow Load (≤600 Feet Elevation) on Ground

Seismic Design Category

Diamond Point110 Miles Per Hour (MPH)C/(D See Note 2)25 Pounds per Square Foot (PSF)D2
Sequim110 MPHC/(D See Note 2)25 PSFD2
Port Angeles (Blue Mountain - Joyce / Lake Crescent)110 MPHC/(D See Note 2)25 PSFD, E
Lake Dawn/Foothills110 MPHCSee Note 1D2
Pillar Point120 MPHC/(D See Note 2)25 PSFD2
Beaver120 MPHC30 PSFD2
Clallam Bay/Sekiu120 MPHC/(D See Note 2)25 PSFD2
Forks120 MPHC30 PSFD2
La Push130 MPHC/(D See Note 2)25 PSFD2
Neah Bay130 MPHC/(D See Note 2)30 PSFD2


Additional Details

  • Soil bearing pressure: 1,500 PSF
  • Frost depth: 12 inch minimum
  • Code: ASCE 7-16 2018 IBC, 2018 IRC

Table Notes

  • Note 1: For elevations greater than 600 feet above sea level, snow load = elevation multiplied by 0.04.
    Example: 800 feet elevation = (800 × 0.04 = 32 PSF snow load).
    • Roof snow load shall not be reduced below 30 PSF in Beaver, Forks or Neah Bay and not below 25 PSF for the remainder of Clallam County.
  • Note 2: All areas within 600 feet of the marine shoreline are exposure "D", and/or a body of water 5,000 feet (0.95 of a mile) across, are exposure D.