Building Code Glossary
Congregate Living Facilities: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define congregate living facilities, 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
Congregate living facilities is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Use and Occupancy Classification. The code's own words are: “A building or part thereof that contains sleeping units where residents share bathroom and/or kitchen facilities.” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 3 chapters of this corpus, most often in Definitions (IFC 2009), Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009), Definitions (IBC 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?
Congregate Living Facilities — IBC 2009, Use and Occupancy Classification:
A building or part thereof that contains sleeping units where residents share bathroom and/or kitchen facilities.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Congregate Living Facilities, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Use and Occupancy Classification | A building or part thereof that contains sleeping units where residents share bathroom and/or kitchen facilities. |
| IFC 2009 | Definitions | A building or part thereof that contains sleeping units where residents share bathroom and/or kitchen facilities. |
Where congregate living facilities is used in the code
The term appears in 3 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 | 8 |
| Use and Occupancy Classification | IBC 2009 | 5 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about congregate living facilities, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Congregate living facilities (transient) with 10 or fewer occupants are permitted to comply with the construction requirements for Group R-3.
— IBC 2009, Use and Occupancy Classification
The terms congregate living facilities is built out of
The definition above leans on 3 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what congregate living facilities covers:
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
- Bathroom — IRC 2009: An area, including a basin, with one or more of the following: a toilet, a tub or a shower.
- Kitchen — IRC 2009: Kitchen shall mean an area used, or designated to be used, for the preparation of food.
Congregate Living Facilities: 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 | Use and Occupancy Classification | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Definitions | |
| 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 | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Bathroom | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Kitchen | |
| 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
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Bathroom: Building Code Definition
- Kitchen: 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 congregate living facilities?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Use and Occupancy Classification as: “A building or part thereof that contains sleeping units where residents share bathroom and/or kitchen facilities.” 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 congregate living facilities?
In this corpus the term is used across 3 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 congregate living facility?
Facility is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “All or any portion of buildings, structures, site improvements, elements and pedestrian or vehicular routes located on a site.” That is not the same as congregate living facilities, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A building or part thereof that contains sleeping units where residents share bathroom and/or kitchen facilities.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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