# Detoxification Facilities: Building Code Definition

> How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define detoxification facilities, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

- Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/detoxification-facilities/
- Last updated: 2026-09-07
- Data source: 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.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Defined in | IBC 2009, IFC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) |
| Primary source | IBC 2009 Use and Occupancy Classification (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) |
| Chapters using the term | 6 (counted across the codes hosted here) |
| Wording identical across codes | Yes (compare before citing one code's wording under another) |

## Direct answer

Detoxification facilities is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Use and Occupancy Classification. The code's own words are: “Facilities that serve patients who are provided treatment for substance abuse on a 24-hour basis and who are incapable of self-preservation or who are harmful to themselves or others.” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 6 chapters of this corpus, most often in Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009), Definitions (IFC 2009), Fire Protection Systems (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](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.*

## What does this term mean?

**Detoxification Facilities** — IBC 2009, Use and Occupancy Classification:

> Facilities that serve patients who are provided treatment for substance abuse on a 24-hour basis and who are incapable of self-preservation or who are harmful to themselves or others.

![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Detoxification Facilities: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/detoxification-facilities/diagram-1344.webp)

*How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define detoxification facilities, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.*

## What must be verified before using this guidance?

Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define **Detoxification Facilities**, in identical words.

| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IBC 2009 | [Use and Occupancy Classification](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/use-and-occupancy-classification.md) | Facilities that serve patients who are provided treatment for substance abuse on a 24-hour basis and who are incapable of self-preservation or who are harmful to themselves or others. |
| IFC 2009 | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/definitions.md) | Facilities that serve patients who are provided treatment for substance abuse on a 24-hour basis and who are incapable of self-preservation or who are harmful to themselves or others. |

## Where detoxification facilities is used in the code

The term appears in 6 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Use and Occupancy Classification](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/use-and-occupancy-classification.md) | IBC 2009 | 5 |
| [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/definitions.md) | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| [Fire Protection Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md) | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| [Fire Protection Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md) | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| [Accessibility](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/accessibility.md) | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| [Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/special-detailed-requirements-based-on-use-and-occupancy.md) | IBC 2009 | 1 |

### The term in use

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

> An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in corridors in nursing homes (both intermediate care and skilled nursing facilities), detoxification facilities and spaces permitted to be open to the corridors by Section 407.2 of the International BUilding Code.

— [IFC 2009 §907.2.6.2](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md)

> Accessible units and Type B units shall be provided in general-purpose hospitals, psychiatric facilities, detoxification facilities and residential care/assisted living facilities of Group 1-2 occupancies in accordance with Sections 1107.5.3.1 and 1107.5.3.2.

— [IBC 2009 §1107.5.3](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/accessibility.md)

## Detoxification Facilities: what to open, and in what order

Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-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 | Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009) | |
| 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](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md)
- [Corrosive: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/corrosive.md)
- [Hazardous Materials: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/hazardous-materials.md)
- [Combustible Liquid: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/combustible-liquid.md)
- [Handling: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/handling.md)

## 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](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.

### Source links

- [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes)

- [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the code definition of detoxification facilities?

The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Use and Occupancy Classification as: “Facilities that serve patients who are provided treatment for substance abuse on a 24-hour basis and who are incapable of self-preservation or who are harmful to themselves or others.” 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 detoxification facilities?

In this corpus the term is used across 6 chapters, led by Use and Occupancy Classification 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 are building code requirements?

Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as detoxification facilities, which the IBC 2009 defines as “Facilities that serve patients who are provided treatment for substance abuse on a 24-hour basis and who are incapable of self-preservation or who are harmful to themselves or others.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

### What is the taxonomy code for a substance abuse 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 detoxification facilities, which the IBC 2009 defines as “Facilities that serve patients who are provided treatment for substance abuse on a 24-hour basis and who are incapable of self-preservation or who are harmful to themselves or others.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

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