Updated 2026-09-07

Building Code Glossary

Code: Building Code Definition

How the IRC 2009, IMC 2009, IPC 2009 define code, 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.

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Direct answer

Code is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Fuel Gas. The code's own words are: “These regulations, subsequent amendments thereto, or any emergency rule or regulation that the administrative authority having jurisdiction has lawfully adopted.” The IMC 2009, IPC 2009 carry the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 170 chapters of this corpus, most often in Scope and Administration (IFC 2009), Scope and Administration (IMC 2009), Scope and Administration (IPC 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?

Code — IRC 2009, Fuel Gas:

These regulations, subsequent amendments thereto, or any emergency rule or regulation that the administrative authority having jurisdiction has lawfully adopted.

Labeled code-term definition diagram: Code: Building Code Definition — How the IRC 2009, IMC 2009, IPC 2009 define code, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

What must be verified before using this guidance?

Three of the I-Codes in this corpus define Code, in identical words.

Code	Where it is defined	Definition
IRC 2009	Fuel Gas	These regulations, subsequent amendments thereto, or any emergency rule or regulation that the administrative authority having jurisdiction has lawfully adopted.
IMC 2009	Definitions	These regulations, subsequent amendments thereto, or any emergency rule or regulation that the administrative authority having jurisdiction has lawfully adopted.
IPC 2009	Definitions	These regulations, subsequent amendments thereto, or any emergency rule or regulation that the administrative authority having jurisdiction has lawfully adopted.

Where code is used in the code

The term appears in 170 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

Chapter	Code	Mentions
Scope and Administration	IFC 2009	397
Scope and Administration	IMC 2009	310
Scope and Administration	IPC 2009	300
Fire Protection Systems	IFC 2009	295
Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy	IBC 2009	237
Flammable and Combustible Liquids	IFC 2009	234
Wall Construction	IRC 2009	194
Fire Protection Systems	IBC 2009	190
Means of Egress	IFC 2009	165
Scope and Administration	IBC 2009	159
Building Planning	IRC 2009	157
Existing Structures	IBC 2009	155

158 further chapters mention the term.

The term in use

How the code actually writes about code, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:

The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements consistent with nationally recognized good practice for providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures and premises and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

— IFC 2009 §101.3

This code shall regulate the design, installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of mechanical systems that are permanently installed and utilized to provide control of environmental conditions and related processes within buildings.

— IMC 2009 §101.2

The provisions of this code shall apply to the erection, installation, alteration, repairs, relocation, replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of plumbing systems within this jurisdiction.

— IPC 2009 §101.2

The terms code 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 code covers:

Jurisdiction — IBC 2009: The governmental unit that has adopted this code under due legislative authority.

Code: 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 IRC	Fuel Gas
Read the definition in the adopted IMC	Definitions
Read the definition in the adopted IPC	Definitions
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Scope and Administration (IFC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Scope and Administration (IMC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Scope and Administration (IPC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009)
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.

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 code?

The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Fuel Gas as: “These regulations, subsequent amendments thereto, or any emergency rule or regulation that the administrative authority having jurisdiction has lawfully adopted.” 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 code the same way?

In the 2009 editions transcribed here, yes: IRC 2009, IMC 2009, IPC 2009 carry the same wording, so the term means the same thing in each. Later editions do diverge on some terms, so confirm against the adopted edition rather than assuming the alignment holds.

Which parts of the code depend on code?

In this corpus the term is used across 170 chapters, led by Scope and Administration 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?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Fuel Gas: “These regulations, subsequent amendments thereto, or any emergency rule or regulation that the administrative authority having jurisdiction has lawfully adopted.” It is defined in IRC 2009, IMC 2009, IPC 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 is the legal definition of code?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Fuel Gas: “These regulations, subsequent amendments thereto, or any emergency rule or regulation that the administrative authority having jurisdiction has lawfully adopted.” It is defined in IRC 2009, IMC 2009, IPC 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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