Building Code Glossary
Covered Mall Building: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define covered mall building, 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
Covered mall building is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy. The code's own words are: “A single building enclosing a number of tenants and occupants, such as retail stores, drinking and dining establishments, entertainment and amusement facilities, passenger transportation terminals, offices and other similar uses wherein two or more tenants have a main entrance into one or more malls. For the purpose of this chapter, anchor buildings shall not be …” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 17 chapters of this corpus, most often in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009), Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009), Plumbing Systems (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?
Covered Mall Building — IBC 2009, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy:
A single building enclosing a number of tenants and occupants, such as retail stores, drinking and dining establishments, entertainment and amusement facilities, passenger transportation terminals, offices and other similar uses wherein two or more tenants have a main entrance into one or more malls. For the purpose of this chapter, anchor buildings shall not be considered as a part of the covered mall building. The term" covered mall building" shall include open mall buildings as defined below.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Covered Mall Building, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | A single building enclosing a number of tenants and occupants, such as retail stores, drinking and dining establishments, entertainment and amusement facilities, passenger transportation terminals, offices and other similar uses wherein two or more tenants have a main entrance into one or more malls. For the purpose of this chapter, anchor buildings shall not be considered as a part of the covered mall building. The term" covered mall building" shall include open mall buildings as defined below. |
| IFC 2009 | Definitions | A single building enclosing a number of tenants and occupants such as retail stores, drinking and dining establishments, entertainment and amusement facilities, passenger transportation terminals, offices, and other similar uses wherein two or more tenants have a main entrance into one or more malls. For the purpose of this chapter, anchor buildings shall not be considered as a part of the covered mall building. The term" covered mall building" shall include open mall buildings as defined below. |
Where covered mall building is used in the code
The term appears in 17 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 54 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 24 |
| Plumbing Systems | IBC 2009 | 14 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 12 |
| Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings | IPC 2009 | 10 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 8 |
| Fire and Smoke Protection Features | IBC 2009 | 6 |
| Plastic | IBC 2009 | 6 |
| Electrical | IBC 2009 | 4 |
| Building Services and Systems | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Emergency Planning and Preparedness | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Duct Systems | IMC 2009 | 3 |
5 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about covered mall building, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The occupant load permitted in any individual tenant space in a covered mall building shall be determined as required by this code.
A covered mall building shall be equipped throughout with a standpipe system where required by Section 905.3.1.
A lease plan shall be prepared for each covered mall building.
The terms covered mall building 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 covered mall building covers:
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
- Anchor — IBC 2009: Metal rod, wire or strap that secures masonry to its structural support.
- Shall — IRC 2009: The term, when used in the code, is construed as mandatory.
Covered Mall Building: 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 | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Plumbing Systems (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Anchor | |
| 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 covered mall building?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy as: “A single building enclosing a number of tenants and occupants, such as retail stores, drinking and dining establishments, entertainment and amusement facilities, passenger transportation terminals, offices and other similar uses wherein two or more tenants have a main entrance into one or more malls. For the purpose of this chapter, anchor buildings shall not be considered as a part of the covered mall building. The term" covered mall building" shall include open mall buildings as defined below.” 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 covered mall building?
In this corpus the term is used across 17 chapters, led by Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy in the IBC 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 considered a structure in building code?
Structure is a separate defined term. The IPC 2009 defines it as: “That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.” That is not the same as covered mall building, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A single building enclosing a number of tenants and occupants, such as retail stores, drinking and dining establishments, entertainment and amusement facilities, passenger transportation terminals, offices and other similar uses wherein two or more tenants have a main entrance into …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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