HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 9747 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9747
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council May 19, 2015
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•a SUBJECT: STORM SHELTER INSTALLATION
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This report is in response to Council Member Shingleton's request at the May 12th Pre-council
meeting regarding the installation of storm shelters. Each spring we see severe storms with the
potential for tornadoes and a subsequent increase in the number of inquiries about the installation
of storm shelters.
The International Code Council (ICC) and the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA) have
developed a standard for the minimum design and construction of storm shelters that provide a
safe refuge from storms that produce high winds, hurricanes and tornados. These storms have
the capability of generating high winds that produce wind pressures on buildings and structures
with flying debris at levels and intensities which are higher than those for which most commercial
buildings and residential structures are designed.
Storm shelters that are installed outside either under or above ground will require a building
permit to insure that the structure and installation meets the ICC/ NSSA 500 standard. Storm
shelters that are installed within your primary structure that require cutting into your foundation or
a modification to the existing structure will require a building permit to ensure the integrity and
safety of the primary structure.
Freestanding storm shelters that are installed above ground without utilities within your
permanent structure and are attached to the foundation by bolts are not required to be permitted.
It is recommended that all storm shelters, whether installed inside or out, meet the ICC/NSSA 500
standard.
Please contact Allison Gray at 817-392-8030 if you have any questions or concerns.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS