Local Building Codes for Doors/Windows

I have read that since 1995 (Hurricane Marilyn) that the VI building codes were to comply with Dade County , Florida building codes. Is this true?

The two men who built over the last year seem to be a wealth of information. Perhaps you could contact them through the attached website. You can see their finished home on the "Bongo Bongo Blog". They list what it cost them to build on the blog. Hope this is a help.

http://www.bluetangproductions.com/

the code now goes by the IBC, I think it is called . I think DPNR sells or can tell you where to get a copy---expensive, I believe. Then there are VI-specific upgrades and changes--and then the codes that no one pays attention to, and the code requirements that they are all of a sudden paying attention to....One example is the dual egress from every bedroom. All of a sudden they are looking at the bedroom windows--though this has been a requirement since before Hugo, it never was an issue till recently. We've just used Miami Dade standards for anything that mattered, windows, doors, etc, if only because I don't want to have issues after a storm. We plan to shutter anything that doesn't meet those standards, when I wanted something not to that code, which of course is what you have to do there too.

Beachy, thanks for that feedback. Seems like it's same as lots of places where every day - a new inspector / official representative - a new/different interpretation of requirements. We were going with Miami/Dade County standards anyway but now that we're getting close to finalizing our design/materials/etc., we're sharpening our pencils and doubling our efforts to try and meet the local building code requirements. Thanks again everyone!

We where told by are builder, with the garage door like shutters or the accordion shutters you can put any window in you want. They close and lock from the inside so they are good for going off island as well. I asked when I started pricing hurricane glass.

I found this online....IF the VI follow Miami / Dade here is a link to the current code in FLA.

Miami Dade building code

When in doubt, make it stronger.
Set up storm shutters for all your windows and doors. Go reinforced cement with a bond beam to tie the roof rafters in. Lots of heavy lumber in the roof and keep those beams close, less than 3' apart.
Cypress or pressure treated lumber only.
And stainless steel hardware (marine grade best).
Build it right and you won't need "windstorm insurance"

(tu) singlefin....but I live in a condo so I'm not building....just interested in reading up on this, as some condos lost roofs and so I'd like to observe the process as they are rebuilt, and how they are rebuilt, however long that takes.

I found this online....IF the VI follow Miami / Dade here is a link to the current code in FLA.

Miami Dade building code

Hat's off to you. Nice bump of a 10yr old thread. 😀

It is probably a good time for the bump since any rebuilding will need to be done to the current Code. ????

Thanks stxisbest! I found the old thread while googling VI building codes!!! So then I looked up the FLA codes.

Make sure you refer to the Miami-Dave Codes or to the FL/IBC Code for High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). FL has several iterations that are less restrictive but are not applicable to the USVI.

I installed sliding patio doors from FL that are hurricane rated. They held up very well through Irma and Maria. I was watching Irma through the sliders while the rest of the house was dark w closed shutters.