ANSI/ICC 500-2023 ICC/NSSA Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters

This standard provides minimum design and construction requirements for storm shelters that provide a safe refuge from storms producing high winds, hurricanes and tornadoes. It contains design requirements for the main wind-resisting structural system and components and cladding of these shelters and provides basic occupant life safety and health requirements for these shelters, including means of egress, lighting, sanitation, ventilation, fire safety and floor space.

Updates:

• Record keeping for storm shelters periodic evaluations, maintenance and repairs is required.
• The design tornado pressure for the storm shelter envelope has been coordinated with the tornado loads in ASCE 7-2022.
• Performance-based design for tornado or hurricane shelters in accordance with ASCE 7 is permitted, provided the loads are not less than those required in ICC 500.
• Entry and egress options have been further investigated and clarified.
• Impact and pressure requirements for windows, and other impact protective systems, such as louvers, have been improved with some additional options for compliance. Minimum reporting requirements were added to improve consistency in evaluation of options.