Building Code Glossary
Heliport: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define heliport, 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
Heliport 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: “An area of land or water or a structural surface that is used, or intended for the use, for the landing and taking off of helicopters, and any appurtenant areas that are used, or intended for use, for heliport buildings or other heliport facilities.” 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 8 chapters of this corpus, most often in Aviation Facilities (IFC 2009), Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009), Fire Protection Systems (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, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Heliport — IBC 2009, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy:
An area of land or water or a structural surface that is used, or intended for the use, for the landing and taking off of helicopters, and any appurtenant areas that are used, or intended for use, for heliport buildings or other heliport facilities.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Heliport, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | An area of land or water or a structural surface that is used, or intended for the use, for the landing and taking off of helicopters, and any appurtenant areas that are used, or intended for use, for heliport buildings or other heliport facilities. |
| IFC 2009 | Aviation Facilities | An area of land or water or a structural surface that is used, or intended for use, for the landing and taking off of helicopters, and any appurtenant areas which are used, or intended for use, for heliport buildings and other heliport facilities. |
Where heliport 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation Facilities | IFC 2009 | 17 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 12 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 6 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 6 |
| Structural Design | IBC 2009 | 4 |
| Scope and Administration | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about heliport, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Where a building with a rooftop helistop or heliport is equipped with a standpipe system, the system shall be extended to the roof level on which the helistop or heliport is located.
Buildings with a helistop or heliport that are equipped with a standpipe shall extend the standpipe to the roof level on which the helistop or heliport is located in accordance with Section 1107.5.
An operational permit is required for the operation of a rooftop heliport.
Heliport compared with Airport
These two are the closest pair in the 2009 I-Codes: about 53 per cent of their defining words are the same. The code states both and compares neither, so the difference is worth naming.
| Wording unique to it | |
|---|---|
| Heliport (IBC 2009) | water, helicopters, heliport |
| Airport (IFC 2009) | aircraft, overall, length, greater, 39, feet, 11, 887, mm, exterior, fuselage, width |
Everything else in the two definitions is shared. If a project turns on which of the two applies, those words are the whole of the test — and a local amendment that edits one of them without editing the other moves the boundary between heliport and airport.
Heliport: 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 | Aviation Facilities | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Aviation Facilities (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (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
- Liquid: Building Code Definition
- Solid: Building Code Definition
- Platform: Building Code Definition
- Cell: 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 heliport?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy as: “An area of land or water or a structural surface that is used, or intended for the use, for the landing and taking off of helicopters, and any appurtenant areas that are used, or intended for use, for heliport buildings or other heliport facilities.” 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 heliport?
In this corpus the term is used across 8 chapters, led by Aviation Facilities in the IFC 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 are the regulations for building a heliport?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy: “An area of land or water or a structural surface that is used, or intended for the use, for the landing and taking off of helicopters, and any appurtenant areas that are used, or intended for use, for heliport buildings or other heliport facilities.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IFC 2009. It is not the same as Building, which the IBC 2009 defines separately as “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” 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 IBC 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 heliport, which the IBC 2009 defines as “An area of land or water or a structural surface that is used, or intended for the use, for the landing and taking off of helicopters, and any appurtenant areas that are used, or intended for use, for heliport buildings …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What does heliport mean?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy: “An area of land or water or a structural surface that is used, or intended for the use, for the landing and taking off of helicopters, and any appurtenant areas that are used, or intended for use, for heliport buildings or other heliport facilities.” 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.
Related pages
- Height, Building: Building Code Definition
Height, Building — IBC 2009 definition: The vertical distance from grade plane to the average height of the highest roof surface.
- Height, Story: Building Code Definition
Height, Story — IRC 2009 definition: The vertical distance from top to top of two successive tiers of beams or finished floor …
- Helical Pile: Building Code Definition
Helical Pile — IBC 2009 definition: Manufactured steel deep foundation element consisting of a central shaft and one or more helical bearing …
- Helistop: Building Code Definition
Helistop — IBC 2009 definition: The same as "heliport," except that no fueling, defueling, maintenance, repairs or storage of helicopters is …
- High-efficacy Lamps: Building Code Definition
High-efficacy Lamps — IRC 2009 definition: Compact fluorescent lamps, T-8 or smaller diameter linear fluorescent lamps or lamps with a minimum efficacy …
- High-piled Combustible Storage: Building Code Definition
High-piled Combustible Storage — IFC 2009 definition: Storage of combustible materials in closely packed piles or combustible materials on pallets, in racks or …