Building Code Glossary
Area OF Refuge: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define area of refuge, 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
Area OF refuge is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Means of Egress. The code's own words are: “An area where persons unable to use stairways can remain temporarily to await instructions or assistance during emergency evacuation.” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 6 chapters of this corpus, most often in Means of Egress (IBC 2009), Means of Egress (IFC 2009), Emergency Planning and Preparedness (IFC 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?
Area OF Refuge — IBC 2009, Means of Egress:
An area where persons unable to use stairways can remain temporarily to await instructions or assistance during emergency evacuation.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Area OF Refuge, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Means of Egress | An area where persons unable to use stairways can remain temporarily to await instructions or assistance during emergency evacuation. |
| IFC 2009 | Means of Egress | An area where persons unable to use stairways can remain temporarily to await instructions or assistance during emergency evacuation. |
Where area of refuge is used in the code
The term appears in 6 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 46 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 41 |
| Emergency Planning and Preparedness | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Accessibility | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about area of refuge, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
In order to be considered part of an accessible means of egress, an exit access stairway as permitted by Section 1016.1 or exit stairway shall have a clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) minimum between handrails and shall either incorporate an area of refuge within an enlarged floor-level landing or shall be accessed from either an area of refuge …
The elevator shall be accessed from either an area of refuge complying with Section 1007.6 or a horizontal exit.
Information shall be provided in the fire safety and evacuation plan required by Section 404 to allow guests to decide whether to evacuate to the outside, evacuate to an area of refuge, remain in place, or any combination of the three.
Area OF Refuge: 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 | Means of Egress | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Means of Egress | |
| 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 | Emergency Planning and Preparedness (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Accessibility (IBC 2009) | |
| 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
- Public Way: Building Code Definition
- Stairway: Building Code Definition
- Guard: Building Code Definition
- Stair: 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 area of refuge?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Means of Egress as: “An area where persons unable to use stairways can remain temporarily to await instructions or assistance during emergency evacuation.” 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 area of refuge?
In this corpus the term is used across 6 chapters, led by Means of Egress 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.
Is an area of refuge required in a sprinklered building?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Means of Egress: “An area where persons unable to use stairways can remain temporarily to await instructions or assistance during emergency evacuation.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IFC 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 requirements for a refuge area in a building?
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 area OF refuge, which the IBC 2009 defines as “An area where persons unable to use stairways can remain temporarily to await instructions or assistance during emergency evacuation.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What does area of refuge mean?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Means of Egress: “An area where persons unable to use stairways can remain temporarily to await instructions or assistance during emergency evacuation.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IFC 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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