Building Code Glossary
Approved: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IMC 2009, IPC 2009, IECC 2009 define approved, 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 is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “Acceptable to the code official or authority having jurisdiction.” The IRC 2009 words it differently, in Fuel Gas: “Acceptable to the code official or other authority having jurisdiction.” The IRC 2009, IMC 2009, IPC 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 143 chapters of this corpus, most often in Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009), Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009), Fire Protection Systems (IBC 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 — IBC 2009, Definitions:
Acceptable to the code official or authority having jurisdiction.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Five of the I-Codes in this corpus define Approved, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Definitions | Acceptable to the code official or authority having jurisdiction. |
| IRC 2009 | Fuel Gas | Acceptable to the code official or other authority having jurisdiction. |
| IMC 2009 | Definitions | Acceptable to the code official or other authority having jurisdiction. |
| IPC 2009 | Definitions | Acceptable to the code official or other authority having jurisdiction. |
| IECC 2009 | Definitions | Approval by the code official as a result of investigation and tests conducted by him or her, or by reason of accepted principles or tests by nationally recognized organizations. |
Where approved is used in the code
The term appears in 143 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 347 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 277 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 272 |
| Fire and Smoke Protection Features | IBC 2009 | 182 |
| Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages | IFC 2009 | 178 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 160 |
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 157 |
| Exhaust Systems | IMC 2009 | 117 |
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 114 |
| Structural Tests and Special Inspections | IBC 2009 | 108 |
| Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings | IFC 2009 | 108 |
| Soils and Foundations | IBC 2009 | 106 |
131 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about approved, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Color coding or other approved identification means shall be provided on each loading and unloading riser for flammable or combustible liquids to identify the contents of the tank served by the riser.
Before requesting final approval of the installation, where required by the fire code official, the installing contractor shall furnish a written statement to the fire code official that the subject fire protection system has been installed in accordance with approved plans and has been tested in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and the appropriate installation standard.
It shall be unlawful to occupy portions of a structure until the required fire protection systems within that portion of the structure have been tested and approved.
The terms approved is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what approved covers:
- Code Official — IRC 2009: The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative.
- Jurisdiction — IBC 2009: The governmental unit that has adopted this code under due legislative authority.
Approved: 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 | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Fuel Gas | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IMC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IPC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IECC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Code Official | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Jurisdiction | |
| 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
- Code Official: Building Code Definition
- Jurisdiction: 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?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “Acceptable to the code official or authority having jurisdiction.” 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 the same way?
No. IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IMC 2009, IPC 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 approved?
In this corpus the term is used across 143 chapters, led by Flammable and Combustible Liquids 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 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, which the IBC 2009 defines as “Acceptable to the code official or authority having jurisdiction.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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