# Dispensing Device, Overhead Type: Building Code Definition > How the IFC 2009 define dispensing device, overhead type, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term. - Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/dispensing-device-overhead-type/ - 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 | IFC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) | | Primary source | IFC 2009 Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) | | Chapters using the term | 2 (counted across the codes hosted here) | | Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) | ## Direct answer Dispensing device, overhead type is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages. The code's own words are: “A dispensing device that consists of one or more individual units intended for installation in conjunction with each other, mounted above a dispensing area typically within the motor fuel-dispensing facility canopy structure, and characterized by the use of an overhead hose reel.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IFC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 2 chapters of this corpus, most often in Definitions (IFC 2009), Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (IFC 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](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? **Dispensing Device, Overhead Type** — IFC 2009, Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages: > A dispensing device that consists of one or more individual units intended for installation in conjunction with each other, mounted above a dispensing area typically within the motor fuel-dispensing facility canopy structure, and characterized by the use of an overhead hose reel. ![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Dispensing Device, Overhead Type: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/dispensing-device-overhead-type/diagram-1344.webp) *How the IFC 2009 define dispensing device, overhead type, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.* ## What must be verified before using this guidance? **Dispensing Device, Overhead Type** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/motor-fuel-dispensing-facilities-and-repair-garages.md) chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009: > A dispensing device that consists of one or more individual units intended for installation in conjunction with each other, mounted above a dispensing area typically within the motor fuel-dispensing facility canopy structure, and characterized by the use of an overhead hose reel. ## Where dispensing device, overhead type is used in the code The term appears in 2 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](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/definitions.md) | IFC 2009 | 1 | | [Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/motor-fuel-dispensing-facilities-and-repair-garages.md) | IFC 2009 | 1 | ## The terms dispensing device, overhead type is built out of The definition above leans on 5 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what dispensing device, overhead type covers: - **[Dispensing](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/dispensing.md)** — IBC 2009: The pouring or transferring of any material from a container, tank or similar vessel, whereby vapors, dusts, fumes, mists or gases are liberated to the atmosphere. - **[Structure](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/structure.md)** — IPC 2009: That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof. - **[Facility](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/facility.md)** — IBC 2009: All or any portion of buildings, structures, site improvements, elements and pedestrian or vehicular routes located on a site. - **[Device](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/device.md)** — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function. - **[Canopy](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/canopy.md)** — IBC 2009: A permanent structure or architectural projection of rigid construction over which a covering is attached that provides weather protection, identity or decoration, and shall be structurally independent or supported by attachment to a building on one end and by not … ## Dispensing Device, Overhead Type: 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 IFC | Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (IFC 2009) | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Dispensing | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Structure | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Facility | | | 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) - [Dispensing: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/dispensing.md) - [Structure: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/structure.md) - [Facility: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/facility.md) - [Device: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/device.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 dispensing device, overhead type? The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages as: “A dispensing device that consists of one or more individual units intended for installation in conjunction with each other, mounted above a dispensing area typically within the motor fuel-dispensing facility canopy structure, and characterized by the use of an overhead hose reel.” 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 dispensing device, overhead type? In this corpus the term is used across 2 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. --- - Continue in Harth (open this topic in the Harth agent): https://app.harth.build/agent?context=%2Fresources%2Fglossary%2Fdispensing-device-overhead-type%2F - View this page in a browser: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/dispensing-device-overhead-type/ - All resources for agents: https://harth.build/llms.txt