Building Code Glossary
High-rise Building: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009 define high-rise building, 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-rise building is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A building with an occupied floor located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IBC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 16 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009), Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009), Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (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?
High-rise Building — IBC 2009, Definitions:
A building with an occupied floor located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
High-rise Building is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:
A building with an occupied floor located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
Where high-rise building is used in the code
The term appears in 16 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 25 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 23 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 9 |
| Fire and Smoke Protection Features | IBC 2009 | 5 |
| Electrical | IBC 2009 | 4 |
| Building Services and Systems | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Existing Structures | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Structural Design | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Structural Tests and Special Inspections | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Fire Service Features | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 2 |
4 further chapters mention the term.
The terms high-rise building is built out of
The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what high-rise building covers:
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
High-rise Building: 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 | Definitions | |
| 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 | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009) | |
| 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: Building Code Definition
- Construction Documents: Building Code Definition
- Registered Design Professional: Building Code Definition
- Dwelling Unit: 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-rise building?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A building with an occupied floor located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.” 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-rise building?
In this corpus the term is used across 16 chapters, led by Fire Protection Systems 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 NFPa definition of a high-rise building?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Definitions: “A building with an occupied floor located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.” It is defined in IBC 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.
Is a 4 story building a high-rise?
Story is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “That portion ofa building included between the upper surface of a floor and the upper surface of the floor or roof next above (also see "Basement," "Mezzanine" and Section 502.1). It is measured as the vertical distance from top to top of two successive tiers …” That is not the same as high-rise building, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A building with an occupied floor located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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