Updated 2026-09-07

Building Code Glossary

Gas Room: Building Code Definition

How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define gas room, 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.

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Direct answer

Gas room is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy. The code's own words are: “A separately ventilated, fully enclosed room in which only compressed gases and associated equipment and supplies are stored or used.” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 8 chapters of this corpus, most often in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009), Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials (IFC 2009), Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities (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?

Gas Room — IBC 2009, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy:

A separately ventilated, fully enclosed room in which only compressed gases and associated equipment and supplies are stored or used.

Labeled code-term definition diagram: Gas Room: Building Code Definition — How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define gas room, 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 Gas Room, in identical words.

Code	Where it is defined	Definition
IBC 2009	Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy	A separately ventilated, fully enclosed room in which only compressed gases and associated equipment and supplies are stored or used.
IFC 2009	Hazardous Materials-general Provisions	A separately ventilated, fully enclosed room in which only compressed gases and associated equipment and supplies are stored or used.

Where gas room is used in the code

The term appears in 8 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

Chapter	Code	Mentions
Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy	IBC 2009	58
Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials	IFC 2009	34
Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities	IFC 2009	32
Exhaust Systems	IMC 2009	23
Hazardous Materials-general Provisions	IFC 2009	16
Fire Protection Systems	IBC 2009	2
Definitions	IBC 2009	1
Definitions	IFC 2009	1

The term in use

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

The local exhaust system shall be located in a gas room.

— IFC 2009 §3704.2.2.4

The indoor storage of HPM in quantities greater than those listed in Sections 2703.1.1 and 3404.3.4 shall be in a room complying with the requirements of the International BUilding Code and this code for a liquid storage room, HPM room or gas room as appropriate for the materials stored.

— IFC 2009 §1804.3.1

Where a gas room is provided to comply with the provisions of Chapter 37, the gas room shall be in accordance with Sections 2703.8.4.1 and 2703.8.4.2.

— IFC 2009 §2703.8.4

The terms gas room is built out of

The definition above leans on 3 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what gas room covers:

Ventilated — IRC 2009: Provided with a means to permit circulation ofair sufficient to remove an excess of heat, fumes or vapors.
Equipment — IRC 2009: All piping, ducts, vents, control devices and other components of systems other than appliances that are permanently installed and integrated to provide control of environmental conditions for buildings.
Enclosed — IRC 2009: Surrounded by a case, housing, fence or walls that will prevent persons from accidentally contacting energized parts.

Gas Room: 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	Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy
Read the definition in the adopted IFC	Hazardous Materials-general Provisions
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials (IFC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities (IFC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Exhaust Systems (IMC 2009)
Confirm the dependent definition	Ventilated
Confirm the dependent definition	Equipment
Confirm the dependent definition	Enclosed
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.

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 gas room?

The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy as: “A separately ventilated, fully enclosed room in which only compressed gases and associated equipment and supplies are stored or used.” 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 gas room?

In this corpus the term is used across 8 chapters, led by Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy 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 definition of a building according to the International 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 gas room, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A separately ventilated, fully enclosed room in which only compressed gases and associated equipment and supplies are stored or used.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

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