Ohio Seismic Zones

by

by James A. Richardson Jr., 9/1/2025

Seismic design requirements are only  necessary in 1, 2, and 3 family dwellings if the building is located in a Seismic Design Category D0, D1, D2, or E.

R301.2.2 Seismic provisions.

Buildings in Seismic Design Categories C, D0, D1 and D2 shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements of this section and other seismic requirements of this code. The seismic provisions of this code shall apply as follows:

  1. 1.Townhouses in Seismic Design Categories C, D0, D1 and D2.
  2. 2.Detached one- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Categories, D0, D1 and D2.

Buildings in Seismic Design Category E shall be designed to resist seismic loads in accordance with the International Building Code, except where the seismic design category is reclassified to a lower seismic design category in accordance with Section R301.2.2.1. Components of buildings not required to be designed to resist seismic loads shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of this code.

Ohio is located in an A zone with a small area in a B zone, so in my interpretation, no seismic design requirements apply in Ohio.

A map of seismic zones east of the rockies showing Ohio zones near Lima, Ohio, and another smaller zone near the Cuyahoga valley in NE Ohio.