The Department of Planning and Natural Resources announced today that pursuant to Title 29 V.I.C. § 292 (d) (2017), which authorizes the D.P.N.R. commissioner to implement additional requirements necessary for the strength or stability of any building or structure, the following requirements for buildings are now being recommended:
- The use of 24-gauge galvalume installed with purlins at a maximum spacing of 24 inches on center; or
- The use of 26-gauge galvalume installed with purlins at a maximum spacing of 14 inches on center.
Title 29 V.I.C § 292 (d) (2017) further states:
Additional requirements. The commissioner, on his/her own initiative, or at the request of any interested party, may determine in special cases any additional requirements necessary for the strength or stability of any building or structure to include higher earthquake and hurricane standards recommended by FEMA within its Construction Information Guide for a Stronger Home 3rd Edition February 1996 (updated 4th Edition April 2018), or for the safety of the occupants thereof, not specifically covered by this chapter; provided that such additional requirements shall not be arbitrarily determined and shall be in the public interest.
D.P.N.R. said these options are based on the latest model building code requirements, which include the U.S. Virgin Islands basic wind speed of 165 miles per hour as stated in the 2018 International Residential Building Code.
“Notwithstanding the two options, D.P.N.R. strongly recommends the installation of 24-gauge galvalume,” Mrs. Henry said.
For more information, contact DPNR-Division of Building Permits in St. Thomas/St. John at 340-774-3320 or St. Croix at 340-773-1082.
Tags: galvalume, homes, new hurricane resistant code, usvi
Share On Facebook
Tweet It
