09/14/2024
From Northshore HomeBuilders Association - New building codes for new construction homes in St. Tammany Parish
Effective January 1, 2025, St. Tammany Parish will implement new construction standards that are critical for you to understand and incorporate into your project planning.
New Engineering Requirements:
Kenny Wortmann, Director of the St. Tammany Parish Department of Permits and Inspections, has announced that beginning January 1, 2025, an engineered wind design will be mandatory for all new construction projects including single-family dwellings, doubles, townhomes, tiny homes, as well as additions over 500 sq ft, and accessory buildings over 1000 sq ft. These designs must address the unique wind load specifications pertinent to our area and comply with stringent safety standards.
The required wind design must be specific to the architectural design of the structure, account for local wind speed and exposure categories, and must be stamped by a Louisiana licensed architect or engineer. Detailed plans shall include, but are not limited to, specifications for:
Roof assemblies
Uplift
Shear walls
Exterior cladding
Columns
Windows and doors
Code Compliance Details:
The new standards align with Section R301 of the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) which necessitates that all wood frame homes be designed according to one of the following criteria: the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) standards, ICC 600, International Building Code (IBC) for commercial structures, or the Wood Frame Construction Manual (WFCM). It's important to note that while most non-engineered plans in St. Tammany Parish reference the WFCM as the design criteria, not all constructions fully meet these guidelines. Understanding these distinctions will be crucial in ensuring that your projects meet all required compliance measures effectively.
Impact on Costs and Scheduling:
This new mandate will inevitably influence both the cost and timeline of your upcoming construction projects. It is essential for you to begin factoring these requirements into your future bids and contracts to ensure seamless compliance and project ex*****on.