Building Code Glossary
Accepted Engineering Practice: Building Code Definition
How the IPC 2009 define accepted engineering practice, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Accepted engineering practice is a defined term in the International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “That which conforms to accepted principles, tests or standards of nationally recognized technical or scientific authorities.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IPC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 19 chapters of this corpus, most often in Building Planning (IRC 2009), Wall Construction (IRC 2009), Foundations (IRC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Accepted Engineering Practice — IPC 2009, Definitions:
That which conforms to accepted principles, tests or standards of nationally recognized technical or scientific authorities.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Accepted Engineering Practice is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009:
That which conforms to accepted principles, tests or standards of nationally recognized technical or scientific authorities.
Where accepted engineering practice is used in the code
The term appears in 19 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 21 |
| Wall Construction | IRC 2009 | 19 |
| Foundations | IRC 2009 | 14 |
| Wood | IBC 2009 | 13 |
| Roof-ceiling Construction | IRC 2009 | 10 |
| Floors | IRC 2009 | 9 |
| Soils and Foundations | IBC 2009 | 8 |
| Definitions | IPC 2009 | 5 |
| Interior Finishes | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Steel | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Structural Design | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Wall Covering | IRC 2009 | 2 |
7 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about accepted engineering practice, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Irregular portions of structures shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice to the extent the irregular features affect the performance of the remaining structural system.
Substitute anchoring systems used for substrates not specified by the fenestration manufacturer shall provide equal or greater anchoring performance as demonstrated by accepted engineering practice.
Fill soils that support footings and foundations shall be designed, installed and tested in accordance with accepted engineering practice.
Accepted Engineering Practice: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IPC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Building Planning (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wall Construction (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Foundations (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wood (IBC 2009) | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Construction Documents: Building Code Definition
- Registered Design Professional: Building Code Definition
- Dwelling Unit: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of accepted engineering practice?
The International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “That which conforms to accepted principles, tests or standards of nationally recognized technical or scientific authorities.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on accepted engineering practice?
In this corpus the term is used across 19 chapters, led by Building Planning in the IRC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is the definition of "Accepted Engineering Practice"?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IPC 2009 states, in Definitions: “That which conforms to accepted principles, tests or standards of nationally recognized technical or scientific authorities.” It is defined in IPC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
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