Building Code Glossary
HPM Room: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define hpm 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.
Direct answer
HPM 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 room used in conjunction with or serving a Group H-5 occupancy, where HPM is stored or used and which is classified as a Group H-2, H-3 or H-4 occupancy.” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 4 chapters of this corpus, most often in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009), Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities (IFC 2009), Definitions (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?
HPM Room — IBC 2009, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy:
A room used in conjunction with or serving a Group H-5 occupancy, where HPM is stored or used and which is classified as a Group H-2, H-3 or H-4 occupancy.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define HPM Room, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | A room used in conjunction with or serving a Group H-5 occupancy, where HPM is stored or used and which is classified as a Group H-2, H-3 or H-4 occupancy. |
| IFC 2009 | Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities | A room used in conjunction with or serving a Group H-5 occupancy, where HPM is stored or used and which is classified as a Group H-2, H-3 or H-4 occupancy. |
Where hpm room is used in the code
The term appears in 4 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 | 40 |
| Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities | IFC 2009 | 30 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about hpm room, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
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.
Where the piping originates from within a liquid storage room, HPM room or gas room, the excess flow control shall be located within the liquid storage room, HPM room or gas room.
— IBC 2009, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy
The terms HPM room 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 HPM room covers:
- Occupancy — IMC 2009: The purpose for which a building, or portion thereof, is utilized or occupied.
HPM 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 | Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Occupancy | |
| 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
- Occupancy: Building Code Definition
- Liquid: Building Code Definition
- Solid: Building Code Definition
- Platform: 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 hpm room?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy as: “A room used in conjunction with or serving a Group H-5 occupancy, where HPM is stored or used and which is classified as a Group H-2, H-3 or H-4 occupancy.” 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 hpm room?
In this corpus the term is used across 4 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 does IBC mean in building codes?
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 HPM room, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A room used in conjunction with or serving a Group H-5 occupancy, where HPM is stored or used and which is classified as a Group H-2, H-3 or H-4 occupancy.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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