Building Code Glossary
Accessible: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IECC 2009 define accessible, 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 is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Accessibility. The code's own words are: “A site, building, facilityor portion thereof that complies with this chapter.” The IRC 2009 words it differently, in Electrical Definitions: “(As applied to wiring methods.) Capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish, or not permanently closed in by the structure or finish of the building.” The IRC 2009, IECC 2009 define 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 90 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 — IBC 2009, Accessibility:
A site, building, facilityor portion thereof that complies with this chapter.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Three of the I-Codes in this corpus define Accessible, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Accessibility | A site, building, facilityor portion thereof that complies with this chapter. |
| IRC 2009 | Electrical Definitions | (As applied to wiring methods.) Capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish, or not permanently closed in by the structure or finish of the building. |
| IECC 2009 | Definitions | Admitting close approach as a result of not being guarded by locked doors, elevation or other effective means (see "Readily accessible"). |
Where accessible is used in the code
The term appears in 90 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 | 527 |
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 135 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 113 |
| Existing Structures | IBC 2009 | 87 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 39 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 37 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 35 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 19 |
| Building Services and Systems | IFC 2009 | 17 |
| Power and Lighting Distribution | IRC 2009 | 16 |
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 14 |
| High-piled Combustible Storage | IFC 2009 | 13 |
78 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about accessible, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Buildings and facilities shall be designed and constructed to be accessible in accordance with this code and ICC Al17.1.
Protruding objects shall not reduce the minimum clear width of accessible routes.
Yards, patios, courts and similar outdoor areas accessible to and usable by the building occupants shall be provided with means of egress as required by this chapter.
The terms accessible is built out of
The definition above leans on 5 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what accessible covers:
- Readily Accessible — IECC 2009: Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspection without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable ladders or access equipment (see "Accessible").
- Structure — IPC 2009: That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
- Exposed — IRC 2009: (As applied to live parts.) Capable of being inadvertently touched or approached nearer than a safe distance by a person.
- Guarded — IRC 2009: Covered, shielded, fenced, enclosed or otherwise protected by means of suitable covers, casings, barriers, rails, screens, mats or platforms to remove the likelihood of approach or contact by persons or objects to a point of danger.
Accessible: 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 IRC | Electrical Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IECC | 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 | Readily Accessible | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Structure | |
| 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
- Readily Accessible: Building Code Definition
- Structure: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Guarded: 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?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Accessibility as: “A site, building, facilityor portion thereof 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.
Do the I-Codes define accessible the same way?
No. IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IECC 2009 all define the term, but the wording is not identical, and a difference in wording can change which requirements are triggered. The comparison table above sets the versions side by side so you can read the one that governs your question.
Which parts of the code depend on accessible?
In this corpus the term is used across 90 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 the difference between ADA and accessible?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Accessibility: “A site, building, facilityor portion thereof that complies with this chapter.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IECC 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
- 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 Route: Building Code Definition
Accessible Route — IBC 2009 definition: A continuous, unobstructed path 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 …
- Adapter Fitting: Building Code Definition
Adapter Fitting — IPC 2009 definition: An approved connecting device that suitably and properly joins or adjusts pipes and fittings which do …