# Elevator Group: Building Code Definition > How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define elevator group, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term. - Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/elevator-group/ - 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 Fire Protection Systems (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) | | Chapters using the term | 4 (counted across the codes hosted here) | | Wording identical across codes | No (compare before citing one code's wording under another) | ## Direct answer Elevator group is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Fire Protection Systems. The code's own words are: “A grouping of elevators in a building located adjacent or directly across from one another that responds to a common hall call button(s).” The IFC 2009 defines 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 4 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009), Fire Protection Systems (IFC 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. *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? **Elevator Group** — IBC 2009, Fire Protection Systems: > A grouping of elevators in a building located adjacent or directly across from one another that responds to a common hall call button(s). ![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Elevator Group: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/elevator-group/diagram-1344.webp) *How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define elevator group, 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 **Elevator Group**, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question. | Code | Where it is defined | Definition | | --- | --- | --- | | IBC 2009 | [Fire Protection Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md) | A grouping of elevators in a building located adjacent or directly across from one another that responds to a common hall call button(s). | | IFC 2009 | [Fire Protection Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md) | A grouping of elevators in a building located adjacent or directly across from one another that respond to a common hall call button(s). | ## Where elevator group is used in the code The term appears in 4 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next. | Chapter | Code | Mentions | | --- | --- | --- | | [Fire Protection Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md) | IBC 2009 | 4 | | [Fire Protection Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md) | IFC 2009 | 4 | | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/definitions.md) | IBC 2009 | 1 | | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/definitions.md) | IFC 2009 | 1 | ## The terms elevator group is built out of The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what elevator group covers: - **[Building](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/building.md)** — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy. ## Elevator Group: 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 | Fire Protection Systems | | | Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Fire Protection Systems | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Building | | | 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) - [Building: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/building.md) - [Automatic: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/automatic.md) - [Zone: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/zone.md) - [Automatic Sprinkler System: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/automatic-sprinkler-system.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 elevator group? The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Fire Protection Systems as: “A grouping of elevators in a building located adjacent or directly across from one another that responds to a common hall call button(s).” 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. ### What is a group R-1 occupancy? Occupancy is a separate defined term. The IMC 2009 defines it as: “The purpose for which a building, or portion thereof, is utilized or occupied.” That is not the same as elevator group, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A grouping of elevators in a building located adjacent or directly across from one another that responds to a common hall call button(s).” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted. --- - Continue in Harth (open this topic in the Harth agent): https://app.harth.build/agent?context=%2Fresources%2Fglossary%2Felevator-group%2F - View this page in a browser: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/elevator-group/ - All resources for agents: https://harth.build/llms.txt