Building Code Glossary
Folding and Telescopic Seating: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define folding and telescopic seating, 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
Folding and telescopic seating is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Means of Egress. The code's own words are: “Tiered seating having an overall shape and size that is capable of being reduced for purposes of moving or storing and is not a building element.” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 5 chapters of this corpus, most often in Means of Egress (IBC 2009), Means of Egress (IFC 2009), Existing Structures (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, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Folding and Telescopic Seating — IBC 2009, Means of Egress:
Tiered seating having an overall shape and size that is capable of being reduced for purposes of moving or storing and is not a building element.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Folding and Telescopic Seating, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Means of Egress | Tiered seating having an overall shape and size that is capable of being reduced for purposes of moving or storing and is not a building element. |
| IFC 2009 | Means of Egress | Tiered seating having an overall shape and size that is capable of being reduced for purposes of moving or storing and is not a building element. |
Where folding and telescopic seating is used in the code
The term appears in 5 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Existing Structures | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about folding and telescopic seating, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Bleachers, grandstands and folding and telescopic seating, that are not building elements, shall comply with ICC 300.
The terms folding and telescopic seating 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 folding and telescopic seating covers:
- Building Element — IBC 2009: A fundamental component of building construction, listed in Table 601, which mayor may not be of fire-resistance-rated construction and is constructed of materials based on the building type of construction.
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
Folding and Telescopic Seating: 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 | Means of Egress | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Means of Egress | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Existing Structures (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building Element | |
| 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
- Building Element: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
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 folding and telescopic seating?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Means of Egress as: “Tiered seating having an overall shape and size that is capable of being reduced for purposes of moving or storing and is not a building element.” 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 folding and telescopic seating?
In this corpus the term is used across 5 chapters, led by Means of Egress 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 ICC 300 standard for bleachers?
Bleachers is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Tiered seating supported on a dedicated structural system and two or more rows high and is not a building element (see" Grandstands").” That is not the same as folding and telescopic seating, which the IBC 2009 defines as “Tiered seating having an overall shape and size that is capable of being reduced for purposes of moving or storing and is not a building element.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What do building codes regulate?
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 folding and telescopic seating, which the IBC 2009 defines as “Tiered seating having an overall shape and size that is capable of being reduced for purposes of moving or storing and is not a building element.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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