USA Wind Zone I, II & III Map

Every manufactured home must be designed according to the federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards at 24 CFR 3280, known as the HUD Code. The HUD Code stipulates, at §3280.305(c)(1) and §3280.305(c)(2), that the home shall be designed and constructed to conform to one of three wind load zones. The appropriate wind zone used in design is dependent on where the home will be initially installed. Homes designed and constructed to a higher Wind Zone can be installed in a lower Wind Zone (a Wind Zone III home can be installed in a Wind Zone I or II location). However, a Wind Zone I home cannot be installed in either a Wind Zone II or III area.

Wind loads (lateral) must be resisted by the home. The home must be capable of transferring these imposed lateral loads to the home’s stabilizing devices without exceeding the allowable stresses and other deflection requirements. Wind Zone I, Wind Zone II and Wind Zone III are identified on the basic wind zone map below. The manufactured home producer designs the home to resist the wind load, which is measured in pounds per square foot. Wind Zone I equates to a 70-mph fastest-mile wind speed. Wind Zone II equates to a 100-mph fastest-mile wind speed. Wind Zone III equates to a 110-mph fastest-mile wind speed.

Wind Zone Compliant Foundation & Anchoring Solutions from Oliver Technologies

Foundation Systems

Reduces or eliminates many traditional anchors/ties.

In Wind Zone I: Eliminates most anchors.

In Wind Zones II & III: Eliminates diagonal frame ties, stabilizer plates, and longitudinal anchors.

Faster installs, fewer components, high load capacity (e.g., vertical pier loads >12,500 lbs tested), works in various soils (up to 4B class).

Anchors & Components

Rock & Earth Auger Anchors (for soil/rock conditions).

Concrete Anchors (wet set, re-bar J-shape, etc., for slabs/patios).

Tie Down Connectors & Straps (I-beam/longitudinal connectors).

Multi-Purpose Barbed Drive Anchors or Eye Auger Anchors.

Reliable tie-downs for all soil types, essential in Zones II/III to meet HUD uplift requirements.

Supporting Products

ABS Pier Pads (square/oval/multi-pad configs for load distribution).

Stabilizers and perimeter supports (e.g., Adjustable Outriggers, EZ Piers).

Tools like Torque Probes/Electric Anchor Machines (to determine soil class and install anchors correctly).

Pier Support Brackets / Caps

See Our Product Catalog

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wind Zone I for manufactured homes?

Wind Zone I is the baseline, requiring resistance to 70 mph winds. It covers most inland U.S. areas away from hurricanes.

How do I find my area’s wind zone?

Use the HUD basic wind zone map (embedded on this page), check county lists in HUD regs, or consult local permitting offices. Your home’s data plate also shows the designed zone.

Can a manufactured home built for Wind Zone I be installed in Wind Zone II?

No — it violates HUD Code. Always match or exceed the site’s requirements.

What wind speed is Wind Zone III?

110 mph fastest-mile, for the most hurricane-prone coastal regions.

What is the difference between Wind Zone I, II, and III in terms of wind speeds?

Wind Zone I: Designed for up to 70 mph fastest-mile winds (baseline for most inland U.S. areas). Wind Zone II: Up to 100 mph (coastal/high-risk areas like parts of the Gulf/Atlantic coasts). Wind Zone III: Up to 110 mph (highest-risk hurricane zones, e.g., southern Florida, Hawaii, certain coastal parishes/counties). These are “fastest-mile” speeds per older ASCE standards; equivalent modern 3-second gusts are roughly 108 mph (Zone I), 150 mph (Zone II), and 163 mph (Zone III) with safety factors.

How do I determine the wind zone for my specific county or address?

Refer to the HUD Basic Wind Zone Map (embedded on this page), or check the official HUD regulations in 24 CFR 3280.305(c) which list counties in Zones II and III (all others default to Zone I). Contact your local county permitting office or building department for confirmation, as boundaries can vary slightly by location. HUD provides resources and maps online for verification.

Can I install a manufactured home in a higher wind zone than it was built for?

No. A home built for Wind Zone I cannot be installed in Zone II or III areas—it violates HUD Code and local installation standards. However, homes built to Zone II or III can be installed in lower zones (e.g., a Zone III home in Zone I). Always check the home’s data plate and consult local authorities before moving or installing.

Where is the wind zone listed on a manufactured home?

The wind zone is printed on the home’s HUD data plate (inside a kitchen cabinet, bedroom closet, electrical panel, or utility area) and may also appear on the exterior HUD certification label (red metal tag). This includes the designed wind zone, date of manufacture, and other specs. All HUD-code homes built since 1976 have this.

Do anchoring requirements change by wind zone?

Yes. Zone I typically requires basic diagonal frame ties/anchors for horizontal resistance. Zones II and III need additional vertical ties and stronger systems to resist uplift from higher winds. Oliver Technologies’ All Steel Foundation Systems (ASFS) can eliminate or reduce traditional anchors in Zone I and simplify requirements in Zones II/III—contact us at 1-800-284-7437 for compliant solutions.

What happens if a manufactured home is not compliant with its installation site’s wind zone?

It may fail permitting/inspection, void warranties, create safety risks during storms, or lead to insurance issues. Non-compliance can result in costly relocation, upgrades, or removal. Always verify the home’s data plate matches or exceeds the site’s zone before purchase or setup.

How have wind zone standards evolved over time?

Wind zones were introduced in 1976 under the HUD Code, with major updates in 1994 (post-Hurricane Andrew) for stricter construction in coastal areas. Anchoring rules were enhanced in 2008. While based on older “fastest-mile” metrics, they include safety factors for real-world protection.