# Facility: Building Code Definition

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

- Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/facility/
- 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 Accessibility (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) |
| Chapters using the term | 54 (counted across the codes hosted here) |
| Wording identical across codes | No (compare before citing one code's wording under another) |

## Direct answer

Facility is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Accessibility. The code's own words are: “All or any portion of buildings, structures, site improvements, elements and pedestrian or vehicular routes located on a site.” 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 54 chapters of this corpus, most often in Accessibility (IBC 2009), Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (IFC 2009), Definitions (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?

**Facility** — IBC 2009, Accessibility:

> All or any portion of buildings, structures, site improvements, elements and pedestrian or vehicular routes located on a site.

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

*How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define facility, 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 **Facility**, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.

| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IBC 2009 | [Accessibility](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/accessibility.md) | All or any portion of buildings, structures, site improvements, elements and pedestrian or vehicular routes located on a site. |
| IFC 2009 | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/definitions.md) | A building or use in a fixed location including exterior storage areas for flammable and combustible substances and hazardous materials, piers, wharves, tank farms and similar uses. This term includes recreational vehicles, mobile home and manufactured housing parks, sales and storage lots. |

## Where facility is used in the code

The term appears in 54 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Accessibility](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/accessibility.md) | IBC 2009 | 54 |
| [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 | 42 |
| [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/definitions.md) | IFC 2009 | 32 |
| [Existing Structures](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/existing-structures.md) | IBC 2009 | 22 |
| [Use and Occupancy Classification](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/use-and-occupancy-classification.md) | IBC 2009 | 22 |
| [Flammable and Combustible Liquids](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-and-combustible-liquids.md) | IFC 2009 | 22 |
| [Hazardous Materials-general Provisions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/hazardous-materials-general-provisions.md) | IFC 2009 | 20 |
| [Fire Protection Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md) | IBC 2009 | 19 |
| [Fire Protection Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md) | IFC 2009 | 19 |
| [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 | 18 |
| [Fire Service Features](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/fire-service-features.md) | IFC 2009 | 11 |
| [Emergency Planning and Preparedness](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/emergency-planning-and-preparedness.md) | IFC 2009 | 9 |

_42 further chapters mention the term._

### The term in use

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

> Where a day care facility (Groups A-3, E, 1-4 and R-3) is part of a dwelling unit, only the portion ofthe structure utilized for the day care facility is required to be accessible.

— [IBC 2009 §1103.2.12](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/accessibility.md)

> Attended self-service motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall have at least one qualified attendant on duty while the facility is open for business.

— [IFC 2009 §2204.2](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/motor-fuel-dispensing-facilities-and-repair-garages.md)

> A building, facility or element that is constructed or altered to be accessible shall be maintained accessible during occupancy.

— [IBC 2009 §3411.2](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/existing-structures.md)


## The terms facility is built out of

The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what facility covers:

- **[Hazardous Materials](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/hazardous-materials.md)** — IBC 2009: Those chemicals or substances that are physical hazards or health hazards as defined and classified in this section and the International Fire Code, whether the materials are in usable or waste condition.
- **[Building](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/building.md)** — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.

## Facility: 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 | Accessibility | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Accessibility (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Existing Structures (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Hazardous Materials | |
| 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)
- [Hazardous Materials: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/hazardous-materials.md)
- [Building: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/building.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 facility?

The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Accessibility as: “All or any portion of buildings, structures, site improvements, elements and pedestrian or vehicular routes located on a site.” 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 facility?

In this corpus the term is used across 54 chapters, led by Accessibility 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 the legal definition of a facility?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Accessibility: “All or any portion of buildings, structures, site improvements, elements and pedestrian or vehicular routes located on a site.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IFC 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.

### What is the definition of a Building Code?

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 facility, which the IBC 2009 defines as “All or any portion of buildings, structures, site improvements, elements and pedestrian or vehicular routes located on a site.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

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