The City of Moore is adopting stricter building codes intended to reduce the damage from high winds. The new regulations should strengthen homes against tornado damage.
The codes approved by the Moore City Council Monday would require hurricane straps that connect the roof of a home to the wall studs. The rules also add anchors that tie the frame to the foundation, continuous plywood bracing and garage doors built to withstand high winds.
Officials say they believe the changes make Moore the first city in the nation to adopt the tornado-inspired building codes, which are expected to increase the price of home construction by $1 per square foot.
The recommendations for the changes to home building practices came out of a National Science Foundation examination of the destruction from a tornado that hit the community May 20, 2013.
New homes in Moore will be rated to withstand winds up to 135 miles per hour as a result of the new codes.
-------------------------
KGOU produces journalism in the public interest, essential to an informed electorate. Help support informative, in-depth journalism with a donation online, or contact our Membership department.
