Building Code Glossary
Approved Source: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009 define approved source, 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 source is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “An independent person, firm or corporation, approved by the building official, who is competent and experienced in the application of engineering principles to materials, methods or systems analyses.” 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 12 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009), Scope and Administration (IBC 2009), Structural Tests and Special Inspections (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?
Approved Source — IBC 2009, Definitions:
An independent person, firm or corporation, approved by the building official, who is competent and experienced in the application of engineering principles to materials, methods or systems analyses.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Approved Source is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:
An independent person, firm or corporation, approved by the building official, who is competent and experienced in the application of engineering principles to materials, methods or systems analyses.
Where approved source is used in the code
The term appears in 12 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Scope and Administration | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Structural Tests and Special Inspections | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Commercial Energy Efficiency | IECC 2009 | 2 |
| Residential Energy Efficiency | IECC 2009 | 2 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Scope and Administration | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Exhaust Systems | IMC 2009 | 2 |
| Scope and Administration | IMC 2009 | 2 |
| Scope and Administration | IPC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Fire and Smoke Protection Features | IBC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about approved source, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
When calculations require input values not specified by Sections 502, 503, 504 and 505, those input values shall be taken from an approved source.
When calculations require input values not specified by Sections 402,403,404 and 405, those input values shall be taken from an approved source.
The terms approved source 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 source 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.
- 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.
- Person — IBC 2009: An individual, heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, and also includes a firm, partnership or corporation, its or their successors or assigns, or the agent of any of the aforesaid.
Approved Source: 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 | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Scope and Administration (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Structural Tests and Special Inspections (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Commercial Energy Efficiency (IECC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building Official | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Approved | |
| 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
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Approved: Building Code Definition
- Person: 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 source?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “An independent person, firm or corporation, approved by the building official, who is competent and experienced in the application of engineering principles to materials, methods or systems analyses.” 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 approved source?
In this corpus the term is used across 12 chapters, led by Fire Protection Systems 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 definition of a building code?
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 source, which the IBC 2009 defines as “An independent person, firm or corporation, approved by the building official, who is competent and experienced in the application of engineering principles to materials, methods or systems analyses.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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