Building Code Glossary
Bulk Plant or Terminal: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define bulk plant or terminal, 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
Bulk plant or terminal is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Flammable and Combustible Liquids. The code's own words are: “That portion of a property where flammable or combustible liquids are received by tank vessel, pipelines, tank car or tank vehicle and are stored or blended in bulk for the purpose of distributing such liquids by tank vessel, pipeline, tank car, tank vehicle, portable tank or container.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IFC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 2 chapters of this corpus, most often in Definitions (IFC 2009), Flammable and Combustible Liquids (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, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Bulk Plant or Terminal — IFC 2009, Flammable and Combustible Liquids:
That portion of a property where flammable or combustible liquids are received by tank vessel, pipelines, tank car or tank vehicle and are stored or blended in bulk for the purpose of distributing such liquids by tank vessel, pipeline, tank car, tank vehicle, portable tank or container.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Bulk Plant or Terminal is defined once in this corpus, in the Flammable and Combustible Liquids chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
That portion of a property where flammable or combustible liquids are received by tank vessel, pipelines, tank car or tank vehicle and are stored or blended in bulk for the purpose of distributing such liquids by tank vessel, pipeline, tank car, tank vehicle, portable tank or container.
Where bulk plant or terminal is used in the code
The term appears in 2 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 | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The terms bulk plant or terminal 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 bulk plant or terminal covers:
- Combustible Liquids — IMC 2009: Any liquids having a flash point at or above 100°F (38°C), and that are divided into the following classifications:
- Tank Vehicle — IFC 2009: A vehicle other than a railroad tank car or boat, with a cargo tank mounted thereon or built as an integral part thereof, used for the transportation of flammable or combustible liquids, LP-gas or hazardous chemicals.
- Container — IFC 2009: A vessel of 60 gallons (227 L) or less in capacity used for transporting or storing hazardous materials.
- Vessel — IFC 2009: A motorized watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation.
Bulk Plant or Terminal: 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 IFC | Flammable and Combustible Liquids | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Combustible Liquids | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Tank Vehicle | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Container | |
| 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
- Combustible Liquids: Building Code Definition
- Tank Vehicle: Building Code Definition
- Container: Building Code Definition
- Vessel: 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 bulk plant or terminal?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Flammable and Combustible Liquids as: “That portion of a property where flammable or combustible liquids are received by tank vessel, pipelines, tank car or tank vehicle and are stored or blended in bulk for the purpose of distributing such liquids by tank vessel, pipeline, tank car, tank vehicle, portable tank or container.” 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 bulk plant or terminal?
In this corpus the term is used across 2 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.
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