Building Code Glossary
Approved Agency: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IMC 2009, IPC 2009 define approved agency, 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
Approved agency is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Structural Tests and Special Inspections. The code's own words are: “An established and recognized agency regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishing inspection services, when such agency has been approved.” The IRC 2009, IMC 2009, IPC 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 30 chapters of this corpus, most often in Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings (IFC 2009), Structural Tests and Special Inspections (IBC 2009), General Regulations (IMC 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?
Approved Agency — IBC 2009, Structural Tests and Special Inspections:
An established and recognized agency regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishing inspection services, when such agency has been approved.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Four of the I-Codes in this corpus define Approved Agency, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Structural Tests and Special Inspections | An established and recognized agency regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishing inspection services, when such agency has been approved. |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | An established and recognized agency regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishing inspection services, when such agency has been approved by the building official. |
| IMC 2009 | Definitions | An established and recognized agency that is approved by the code official and regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishing inspection services. |
| IPC 2009 | Definitions | An established and recognized agency approved by the code official and that is regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishing inspection services. |
Where approved agency is used in the code
The term appears in 30 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings | IFC 2009 | 24 |
| Structural Tests and Special Inspections | IBC 2009 | 23 |
| General Regulations | IMC 2009 | 15 |
| Fire and Smoke Protection Features | IBC 2009 | 13 |
| Wall Construction | IRC 2009 | 10 |
| Soils and Foundations | IBC 2009 | 8 |
| Wood | IBC 2009 | 8 |
| Roof-ceiling Construction | IRC 2009 | 8 |
| Scope and Administration | IMC 2009 | 6 |
| Plastic | IBC 2009 | 5 |
| Scope and Administration | IPC 2009 | 5 |
| Floors | IRC 2009 | 4 |
18 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about approved agency, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Upholstered furniture shall bear the label of an approved agency, confirming compliance with the requirements of Sections 805.1.1.1 and 805.1.1.2.
An approved agency shall provide all information as necessary for the bUilding official to determine that the agency meets the applicable requirements.
An approved agency shall test a representative sample of the mechanical equipment and appliances being labeled to the relevant standard or standards.
The terms approved agency is built out of
The definition above leans on 4 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what approved agency covers:
- Building Official — IBC 2009: The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative.
- Code Official — IRC 2009: The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative.
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
- Approved — IBC 2009: Acceptable to the code official or authority having jurisdiction.
Approved Agency: 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 | Structural Tests and Special Inspections | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IMC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IPC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Structural Tests and Special Inspections (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | General Regulations (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building Official | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Code Official | |
| 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 Official: Building Code Definition
- Code Official: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Approved: 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 approved agency?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Structural Tests and Special Inspections as: “An established and recognized agency regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishing inspection services, when such agency has been approved.” 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 approved agency the same way?
No. IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IMC 2009, IPC 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 approved agency?
In this corpus the term is used across 30 chapters, led by Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings in the IFC 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 are the different types of building codes?
Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as approved agency, which the IBC 2009 defines as “An established and recognized agency regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishing inspection services, when such agency has been approved.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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