Building Code Glossary
Jurisdiction: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IFC 2009 define jurisdiction, 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
Jurisdiction is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “The governmental unit that has adopted this code under due legislative authority.” The IRC 2009, IFC 2009 carry the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 170 chapters of this corpus, most often in Scope and Administration (IFC 2009), Scope and Administration (IPC 2009), Scope and Administration (IMC 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?
Jurisdiction — IBC 2009, Definitions:
The governmental unit that has adopted this code under due legislative authority.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Three of the I-Codes in this corpus define Jurisdiction, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Definitions | The governmental unit that has adopted this code under due legislative authority. |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | The governmental unit that has adopted this code under due legislative authority. |
| IFC 2009 | Definitions | The governmental unit that has adopted this code under due legislative authority. |
Where jurisdiction is used in the code
The term appears in 170 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Scope and Administration | IFC 2009 | 39 |
| Scope and Administration | IPC 2009 | 24 |
| Scope and Administration | IMC 2009 | 21 |
| Scope and Administration | IBC 2009 | 20 |
| Scope and Administration | IRC 2009 | 19 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 10 |
| Administration | IECC 2009 | 9 |
| Commercial Energy Efficiency | IECC 2009 | 9 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 9 |
| Explosives and Fireworks | IFC 2009 | 8 |
| Fire Service Features | IFC 2009 | 8 |
| Foundations | IRC 2009 | 8 |
158 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about jurisdiction, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Where no applicable standards or requirements are set forth in this code, or are contained within other laws, codes, regulations, ordinances or bylaws adopted by the jurisdiction, compliance with applicable standards of the National Fire Protection Association or other nationally recognized fire safety standards, as approved, shall be deemed as prima facie evidence of compliance with the intent of this …
The provisions of this code shall apply to the erection, installation, alteration, repairs, relocation, replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of plumbing systems within this jurisdiction.
The provisions of this code relating to the construction, alteration, repair, enlargement, restoration, relocation or moving of buildings or structures shall not be mandatory for existing buildings or structures identified and classified by the state or local jurisdiction as historic buildings when such buildings or structures are judged by the code official to be safe and in the public interest …
Jurisdiction: 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 | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Scope and Administration (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Scope and Administration (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Scope and Administration (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Scope and Administration (IBC 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
- 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 jurisdiction?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “The governmental unit that has adopted this code under due legislative authority.” 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.
Do the I-Codes define jurisdiction the same way?
In the 2009 editions transcribed here, yes: IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IFC 2009 carry the same wording, so the term means the same thing in each. Later editions do diverge on some terms, so confirm against the adopted edition rather than assuming the alignment holds.
Which parts of the code depend on jurisdiction?
In this corpus the term is used across 170 chapters, led by Scope and Administration 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 the definition of a structure according to the building code?
Structure is a separate defined term. The IPC 2009 defines it as: “That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.” That is not the same as jurisdiction, which the IBC 2009 defines as “The governmental unit that has adopted this code under due legislative authority.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What does a jurisdiction code mean?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Definitions: “The governmental unit that has adopted this code under due legislative authority.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IRC 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.
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