Building Code Glossary
Construction Documents: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IFC 2009, IMC 2009, IPC 2009 define construction documents, 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
Construction documents is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “Written, graphic and pictorial documents prepared or assembled for describing the design, location and physical characteristics of the elements of a project necessary for obtaining a building permit.” The IRC 2009, IFC 2009, IMC 2009, IPC 2009 define 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 35 chapters of this corpus, most often in Scope and Administration (IPC 2009), Scope and Administration (IFC 2009), Scope and Administration (IBC 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?
Construction Documents — IBC 2009, Definitions:
Written, graphic and pictorial documents prepared or assembled for describing the design, location and physical characteristics of the elements of a project necessary for obtaining a building permit.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Five of the I-Codes in this corpus define Construction Documents, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Definitions | Written, graphic and pictorial documents prepared or assembled for describing the design, location and physical characteristics of the elements of a project necessary for obtaining a building permit. |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | Written, graphic and pictorial documents prepared or assembled for describing the design, location and physical characteristics of the elements of a project necessary for obtaining a building permit. Construction drawings shall be drawn to an appropriate scale. |
| IFC 2009 | Definitions | The written, graphic and pictorial documents prepared or assembled for describing the design, location and physical characteristics of the elements of the project necessary for obtaining a permit. |
| IMC 2009 | Definitions | All of the written, graphic and pictorial documents prepared or assembled for describing the design, location and physical characteristics of the elements of the project necessary for obtaining a building permit. The construction drawings shall be drawn to an appropriate scale. |
| IPC 2009 | Definitions | All of the written, graphic and pictorial documents prepared or assembled for describing the design, location and physical characteristics of the elements of the project necessary for obtaining a building permit. The construction drawings shall be drawn to an appropriate scale. |
Where construction documents is used in the code
The term appears in 35 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 | IPC 2009 | 60 |
| Scope and Administration | IFC 2009 | 58 |
| Scope and Administration | IBC 2009 | 57 |
| Scope and Administration | IMC 2009 | 50 |
| Scope and Administration | IRC 2009 | 47 |
| Administration | IECC 2009 | 33 |
| Structural Design | IBC 2009 | 25 |
| Structural Tests and Special Inspections | IBC 2009 | 25 |
| Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages | IFC 2009 | 17 |
| Masonry | IBC 2009 | 12 |
| Commercial Energy Efficiency | IECC 2009 | 11 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 10 |
23 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about construction documents, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The code official shall receive applications, review construction documents and issue permits for the installation and alteration of plumbing systems, inspect the premises for which such permits have been issued, and enforce compliance with the provisions of this code.
The fire code official is authorized to receive applications, review construction documents and issue permits for construction regulated by this code, issue permits for operations regulated by this code, inspect the premises for which such permits have been issued and enforce compliance with the provisions of this code.
The bUilding official shall receive applications, review construction documents and issue permits for the erection, and alteration, demolition and moving of buildings and structures, inspect the premises for which such permits have been issued and enforce compliance with the provisions of this code.
The terms construction documents 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 construction documents covers:
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
- Permit — IBC 2009: An official document or certificate issued by the authority having jurisdiction which authorizes performance of a specified activity.
- Shall — IRC 2009: The term, when used in the code, is construed as mandatory.
Construction Documents: 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 | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Definitions | |
| 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 (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Scope and Administration (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Scope and Administration (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Scope and Administration (IMC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Permit | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Shall | |
| 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 construction documents?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “Written, graphic and pictorial documents prepared or assembled for describing the design, location and physical characteristics of the elements of a project necessary for obtaining a building permit.” 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 construction documents the same way?
No. IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IFC 2009, IMC 2009, IPC 2009 all define the term, but the wording is not identical, and a difference in wording can change which requirements are triggered. The comparison table above sets the versions side by side so you can read the one that governs your question.
Which parts of the code depend on construction documents?
In this corpus the term is used across 35 chapters, led by Scope and Administration in the IPC 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 are considered construction documents?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Definitions: “Written, graphic and pictorial documents prepared or assembled for describing the design, location and physical characteristics of the elements of a project necessary for obtaining a building permit.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IFC 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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