Building Code Glossary
Anchor: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009 define anchor, 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
Anchor is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Masonry. The code's own words are: “Metal rod, wire or strap that secures masonry to its structural support.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IBC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 51 chapters of this corpus, most often in Wall Construction (IRC 2009), Wood (IBC 2009), Concrete (IBC 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?
Anchor — IBC 2009, Masonry:
Metal rod, wire or strap that secures masonry to its structural support.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Anchor is defined once in this corpus, in the Masonry chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:
Metal rod, wire or strap that secures masonry to its structural support.
Where anchor is used in the code
The term appears in 51 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Wall Construction | IRC 2009 | 170 |
| Wood | IBC 2009 | 100 |
| Concrete | IBC 2009 | 64 |
| Foundations | IRC 2009 | 59 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 56 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 38 |
| Structural Design | IBC 2009 | 35 |
| Masonry | IBC 2009 | 33 |
| Structural Tests and Special Inspections | IBC 2009 | 26 |
| Wall Covering | IRC 2009 | 25 |
| Exterior Walls | IBC 2009 | 23 |
| Chimneys and Fireplaces | IRC 2009 | 18 |
39 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about anchor, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Plate washers, a minimum of 0.229 inch by 3 inches by 3 inches (5.8 mm by 76 mm by 76 mm) in size, shall be provided between the foundation sill plate and the nut except where approved anchor straps are used.
There shall be a minimum of two bolts or anchor straps per piece with one bolt or anchor strap located not more than 12 inches (305 mm) or less than 4 inches (102 mm) from each end of each piece.
In determining required means of egress of the mall, the number of occupants for whom means of egress are to be provided shall be based on gross leasable area of the covered mall building (excluding anchor bUildings) and the occupant loadfactor as determined by the following equation.
The terms anchor 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 anchor covers:
- Masonry — IBC 2009: A built-up construction or combination of building units or materials of clay, shale, concrete, glass, gypsum, stone or other approved units bonded together with or without mortar or grout or other accepted methods of joining.
Anchor: 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 | Masonry | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wall Construction (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wood (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Concrete (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Foundations (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Masonry | |
| 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
- Masonry: Building Code Definition
- Chimney: Building Code Definition
- Tile: Building Code Definition
- Fireplace: 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 anchor?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Masonry as: “Metal rod, wire or strap that secures masonry to its structural support.” 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 anchor?
In this corpus the term is used across 51 chapters, led by Wall Construction 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 an anchor in a building?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Masonry: “Metal rod, wire or strap that secures masonry to its structural support.” It is defined in IBC 2009. It is not the same as Building, which the IBC 2009 defines separately as “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” 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.
What are the code requirements for anchor bolts?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Masonry: “Metal rod, wire or strap that secures masonry to its structural support.” It is defined in IBC 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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