Building Code Glossary
High-piled Combustible Storage: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define high-piled combustible storage, 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
High-piled combustible storage is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in High-piled Combustible Storage. The code's own words are: “Storage of combustible materials in closely packed piles or combustible materials on pallets, in racks or on shelves where the top of storage is greater than 12 feet (3658 mm) in height. When required by the fire code official, high-piled combustible storage also includes certain high-hazard commodities, such as rubber tires, Group A plastics, flammable …” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IFC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 5 chapters of this corpus, most often in High-piled Combustible Storage (IFC 2009), Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009), Fire Protection Systems (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?
High-piled Combustible Storage — IFC 2009, High-piled Combustible Storage:
Storage of combustible materials in closely packed piles or combustible materials on pallets, in racks or on shelves where the top of storage is greater than 12 feet (3658 mm) in height. When required by the fire code official, high-piled combustible storage also includes certain high-hazard commodities, such as rubber tires, Group A plastics, flammable liquids, idle pallets and similar commodities, where the top of storage is greater than 6 feet (1829 mm) in height.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
High-piled Combustible Storage is defined once in this corpus, in the High-piled Combustible Storage chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
Storage of combustible materials in closely packed piles or combustible materials on pallets, in racks or on shelves where the top of storage is greater than 12 feet (3658 mm) in height. When required by the fire code official, high-piled combustible storage also includes certain high-hazard commodities, such as rubber tires, Group A plastics, flammable liquids, idle pallets and similar commodities, where the top of storage is greater than 6 feet (1829 mm) in height.
Where high-piled combustible storage 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 |
|---|---|---|
| High-piled Combustible Storage | IFC 2009 | 9 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 7 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| Fire Service Features | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about high-piled combustible storage, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
High-piled combustible storage shall be in accordance with this chapter.
In buildings used for high-piled combustible storage, fire protection shall be in accordance with Chapter 23.
Fire department vehicle access to buildings used for high-piled combustible storage shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 23.
The terms high-piled combustible storage 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 high-piled combustible storage covers:
- Fire Code Official — IFC 2009: The fire chief or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of the code, or a duly authorized representative.
- Flammable Liquids — IMC 2009: Any liquid that has a flash point below 100°F (38°C), and has a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psia (276 kPa) at 100°F (38°C).
- Code Official — IRC 2009: The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative.
High-piled Combustible Storage: 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 IFC | High-piled Combustible Storage | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | High-piled Combustible Storage (IFC 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) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Service Features (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Fire Code Official | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Flammable Liquids | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Code Official | |
| 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
- Fire Code Official: Building Code Definition
- Flammable Liquids: Building Code Definition
- Code Official: 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 high-piled combustible storage?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in High-piled Combustible Storage as: “Storage of combustible materials in closely packed piles or combustible materials on pallets, in racks or on shelves where the top of storage is greater than 12 feet (3658 mm) in height. When required by the fire code official, high-piled combustible storage also includes certain high-hazard commodities, such as rubber tires, Group A plastics, flammable liquids, idle pallets and similar commodities, where the top of storage is greater than 6 feet (1829 mm) in height.” 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 high-piled combustible storage?
In this corpus the term is used across 5 chapters, led by High-piled Combustible Storage 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 is considered high-piled combustible storage?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in High-piled Combustible Storage: “Storage of combustible materials in closely packed piles or combustible materials on pallets, in racks or on shelves where the top of storage is greater than 12 feet (3658 mm) in height. When required by the fire code official, high-piled combustible storage also includes certain high-hazard commodities, such as rubber tires, Group A plastics, flammable …” It is defined in 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 are the requirements for high-piled storage in California according to the 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 high-piled combustible storage, which the IFC 2009 defines as “Storage of combustible materials in closely packed piles or combustible materials on pallets, in racks or on shelves where the top of storage is greater than 12 feet (3658 mm) in height. When required by the fire code official, high-piled …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What are the requirements for obtaining a permit for high-piled combustible storage in California?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in High-piled Combustible Storage: “Storage of combustible materials in closely packed piles or combustible materials on pallets, in racks or on shelves where the top of storage is greater than 12 feet (3658 mm) in height. When required by the fire code official, high-piled combustible storage also includes certain high-hazard commodities, such as rubber tires, Group A plastics, flammable …” It is defined in IFC 2009. It is not the same as Permit, which the IBC 2009 defines separately as “An official document or certificate issued by the authority having jurisdiction which authorizes performance of a specified activity.” 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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