Building Code Glossary
Accessible Route: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define accessible route, 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
Accessible route is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Accessibility. The code's own words are: “A continuous, unobstructed path that complies with this chapter.” The IFC 2009 words it differently, in Definitions: “A continuous, unobstructed path that complies with Chapter 11 of the International Building Code.” The IFC 2009 defines the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 8 chapters of this corpus, most often in Accessibility (IBC 2009), Means of Egress (IBC 2009), Means of Egress (IFC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
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?
Accessible Route — IBC 2009, Accessibility:
A continuous, unobstructed path that complies with this chapter.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Accessible Route, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Accessibility | A continuous, unobstructed path that complies with this chapter. |
| IFC 2009 | Definitions | A continuous, unobstructed path that complies with Chapter 11 of the International Building Code. |
Where accessible route is used in the code
The term appears in 8 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | IBC 2009 | 129 |
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 22 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 21 |
| Existing Structures | IBC 2009 | 18 |
| Scope and Administration | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about accessible route, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Raised areas used primarily for purposes of security, life safety or fire safety including, but not limited to, observation galleries, prison guard towers, fire towers or lifeguard stands, are not required to be accessible or to be served by an accessible route.
Platform (wheelchair) lifts shall not serve as part of an accessible means of egress, except where allowed as part of a required accessible route in Section 1109.7, Items 1 through 9.
The accessible route to the primary function area shall include toilet facilities or drinking fountains serving the area of primary function.
The terms accessible route is built out of
The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what accessible route covers:
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
Accessible Route: 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 IBC | Accessibility | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Accessibility (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Existing Structures (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building | |
| 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
- Accessible: Building Code Definition
- Facility: Building Code Definition
- Site: 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 accessible route?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Accessibility as: “A continuous, unobstructed path that complies with this chapter.” 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 accessible route?
In this corpus the term is used across 8 chapters, led by Accessibility in the IBC 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 considered an accessible route?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Accessibility: “A continuous, unobstructed path that complies with this chapter.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IFC 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.
Related pages
- Access (to): Building Code Definition
Access (to) — IMC 2009 definition: That which enables a device, appliance or equipment to be reached by ready access or by …
- Accessible Means OF Egress: Building Code Definition
Accessible Means OF Egress — IBC 2009 definition: A continuous and unobstructed way of egress travel from any accessible point in a building or …
- Accessible, Readily: Building Code Definition
Accessible, Readily — IRC 2009 definition: Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspections, without requiring those to whom ready …
- Accessible: Building Code Definition
Accessible — IBC 2009 definition: A site, building, facilityor portion thereof that complies with this chapter.
- Accessory Structure: Building Code Definition
Accessory Structure — IRC 2009 definition: A structure not greater than 3,000 square feet (279 m2) in floor area, and not over …
- Accreditation Body: Building Code Definition
Accreditation Body — IBC 2009 definition: An approved, third-party organization that is independent of the grading and inspection agencies, and the lumber …