<p>The article summarizes the long term results of engineering-geological, macroseismic and geophysical studies (1991–2019) to assess the influence of the parameters of various types of soils on the seismic intensity of the construction site. According to the practice of designing buildings and structures, the seismicity of the construction site is specified depending on the types of soils and the indicators of their physical, mechanical and seismic properties. At the same time, seismic intensity increases by 1 point if category III soils are developed on the site or decreases by 1 point in case of category I soils. The determination of the soil categories by seismic properties is carried out on the basis of approved building standards. The existing building codes in Uzbekistan «Building Codes and Laws- 2.01.03-96», developed in 1996, includes the classification of soils on seismic properties,which does not meet modern requirements for the quality design of earthquake-resistant buildings and structures. The article discusses new approaches for distinguishing the category of soils by seismic properties. The main indicators are the shear wave propagation velocity, seismic rigidity, strength characteristics and indicators that determine the physical and mechanical properties of soils. When choosing a category of soils the identification of four categories of soils and the need to take into account the class of resistance of buildings and structures has been substantiated. Given the shortcomings in the existing classification, the article proposes a new version of the classification of soils by seismic properties.</p>