# Baled Cotton: Building Code Definition

> How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define baled cotton, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

- Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/baled-cotton/
- Last updated: 2026-09-07
- Data source: 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.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Defined in | IBC 2009, IFC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) |
| Primary source | IBC 2009 Use and Occupancy Classification (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) |
| Chapters using the term | 4 (counted across the codes hosted here) |
| Wording identical across codes | Yes (compare before citing one code's wording under another) |

## Direct answer

Baled cotton is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Use and Occupancy Classification. The code's own words are: “A natural seed fiber wrapped in and secured with industry accepted materials, usually consisting of burlap, woven polypropylene, polyethylene or cotton or sheet polyethylene, and secured with steel, synthetic or wire bands or wire; also includes linters (lint removed from the cottonseed) and motes (residual materials from the ginning process).” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 4 chapters of this corpus, most often in Definitions (IFC 2009), Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009), Combustible Fibers (IFC 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](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.*

## What does this term mean?

**Baled Cotton** — IBC 2009, Use and Occupancy Classification:

> A natural seed fiber wrapped in and secured with industry accepted materials, usually consisting of burlap, woven polypropylene, polyethylene or cotton or sheet polyethylene, and secured with steel, synthetic or wire bands or wire; also includes linters (lint removed from the cottonseed) and motes (residual materials from the ginning process).

![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Baled Cotton: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/baled-cotton/diagram-1344.webp)

*How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define baled cotton, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.*

## What must be verified before using this guidance?

Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define **Baled Cotton**, in identical words.

| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IBC 2009 | [Use and Occupancy Classification](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/use-and-occupancy-classification.md) | A natural seed fiber wrapped in and secured with industry accepted materials, usually consisting of burlap, woven polypropylene, polyethylene or cotton or sheet polyethylene, and secured with steel, synthetic or wire bands or wire; also includes linters (lint removed from the cottonseed) and motes (residual materials from the ginning process). |
| IFC 2009 | [Combustible Fibers](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/combustible-fibers.md) | A natural seed fiber wrapped in and secured with industry-accepted materials, usually consisting of burlap, woven polypropylene, polyethylene or cotton or sheet polyethylene, and secured with steel, synthetic or wire bands, or wire; also includes linters (lint removed from the cottonseed) and motes (residual materials from the ginning process). |

## Where baled cotton is used in the code

The term appears in 4 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/definitions.md) | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| [Use and Occupancy Classification](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/use-and-occupancy-classification.md) | IBC 2009 | 5 |
| [Combustible Fibers](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/combustible-fibers.md) | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/definitions.md) | IBC 2009 | 2 |

## The terms baled cotton 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 baled cotton covers:

- **[Steel](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/steel.md)** — IFC 2009: Hot-or cold-rolled as defined by the International Building Code.

## Baled Cotton: what to open, and in what order

Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows.

| Check | Where | Confirmed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Use and Occupancy Classification | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Combustible Fibers | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Combustible Fibers (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Steel | |
| 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](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md)
- [Steel: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/steel.md)
- [Corrosive: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/corrosive.md)
- [Hazardous Materials: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/hazardous-materials.md)
- [Combustible Liquid: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/combustible-liquid.md)

## 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](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.

### Source links

- [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes)

- [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the code definition of baled cotton?

The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Use and Occupancy Classification as: “A natural seed fiber wrapped in and secured with industry accepted materials, usually consisting of burlap, woven polypropylene, polyethylene or cotton or sheet polyethylene, and secured with steel, synthetic or wire bands or wire; also includes linters (lint removed from the cottonseed) and motes (residual materials from the ginning process).” 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 baled cotton?

In this corpus the term is used across 4 chapters, led by Definitions 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 baled cotton, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A natural seed fiber wrapped in and secured with industry accepted materials, usually consisting of burlap, woven polypropylene, polyethylene or cotton or sheet polyethylene, and secured with steel, synthetic or wire bands or wire; also includes linters (lint removed from …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

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