Building Code Glossary
Fuel Gas: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009, IMC 2009 define fuel gas, 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
Fuel gas is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Fuel Gas. The code's own words are: “A natural gas, manufactured gas, liquefiedpetroleum gas or mixtures of these gases.” The IMC 2009 words it differently, in Definitions: “A natural gas, manufactured gas, liquefied petroleum gas or a mixture of these.” The IMC 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 34 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fuel Gas (IRC 2009), Building Services and Systems (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, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Fuel Gas — IRC 2009, Fuel Gas:
A natural gas, manufactured gas, liquefiedpetroleum gas or mixtures of these gases.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Fuel Gas, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IRC 2009 | Fuel Gas | A natural gas, manufactured gas, liquefiedpetroleum gas or mixtures of these gases. |
| IMC 2009 | Definitions | A natural gas, manufactured gas, liquefied petroleum gas or a mixture of these. |
Where fuel gas is used in the code
The term appears in 34 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 29 |
| Building Services and Systems | IFC 2009 | 25 |
| Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages | IFC 2009 | 11 |
| Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 8 |
| Industrial Ovens | IFC 2009 | 8 |
| Liquefied Petroleum Gases | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| Tents and Other Membrane Structures | IFC 2009 | 6 |
| Masonry | IBC 2009 | 5 |
| Welding and Other Hot Work | IFC 2009 | 5 |
| General Regulations | IMC 2009 | 5 |
| Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Scope and Administration | IMC 2009 | 4 |
22 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about fuel gas, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The requirements for combustion and dilution air for appliances operating with fuels other than fuel gas shall be regulated by Chapter 17.
The installation of nonportable fuel gas appliances and systems shall comply the International Fuel Gas Code.
Automotive motor fuel-dispensing facilities, marine motor fuel-dispensing facilities, fleet vehicle motor fuel-dispensing facilities, aircraft motor-vehicle fuel-dispensing facilities and repair garages shall be in accordance with this chapter and the International BUilding Code, International Fuel Gas Code and International Mechanical Code.
Fuel Gas: 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 IRC | Fuel Gas | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IMC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fuel Gas (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Building Services and Systems (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids (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
- Code Official: Building Code Definition
- Code: Building Code Definition
- Vent: Building Code Definition
- Clearance: 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 fuel gas?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Fuel Gas as: “A natural gas, manufactured gas, liquefiedpetroleum gas or mixtures of these gases.” 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 fuel gas?
In this corpus the term is used across 34 chapters, led by Fuel Gas in the IRC 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 a fuel gas code?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Fuel Gas: “A natural gas, manufactured gas, liquefiedpetroleum gas or mixtures of these gases.” It is defined in IRC 2009, IMC 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.
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