Building Code Glossary
Braced Wall Line: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009 define braced wall line, 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
Braced wall line is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Wood. The code's own words are: “A series of braced wall panels in a single story that meets the requirements of Section 2308.3 or 2308.12.4.” The IRC 2009 defines 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 8 chapters of this corpus, most often in Wall Construction (IRC 2009), Wood (IBC 2009), Building Planning (IRC 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?
Braced Wall Line — IBC 2009, Wood:
A series of braced wall panels in a single story that meets the requirements of Section 2308.3 or 2308.12.4.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Braced Wall Line, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Wood | A series of braced wall panels in a single story that meets the requirements of Section 2308.3 or 2308.12.4. |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | A straight line through the building plan that represents the location of the lateral resistance provided by the wall bracing. |
Where braced wall line is used in the code
The term appears in 8 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Wall Construction | IRC 2009 | 225 |
| Wood | IBC 2009 | 128 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 14 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 4 |
| Foundations | IRC 2009 | 3 |
| Floors | IRC 2009 | 2 |
| Scope and Administration | IRC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about braced wall line, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The length of a braced wall line shall be measured as the distance between the ends of the wall line.
Where foundations are required by Section 2308.3.4, braced wall line sills shall be anchored to concrete or masonry foundations.
The terms braced wall line 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 braced wall line covers:
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
- Story — IBC 2009: That portion ofa building included between the upper surface of a floor and the upper surface of the floor or roof next above (also see "Basement," "Mezzanine" and Section 502.1).
Braced Wall Line: 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 | Wood | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wall Construction (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wood (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Building Planning (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Story | |
| 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?
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 braced wall line?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Wood as: “A series of braced wall panels in a single story that meets the requirements of Section 2308.3 or 2308.12.4.” 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 braced wall line?
In this corpus the term is used across 8 chapters, led by Wall Construction in the IRC 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 a braced wall line?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Wood: “A series of braced wall panels in a single story that meets the requirements of Section 2308.3 or 2308.12.4.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IRC 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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