Building Code Glossary
Key Box: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define key box, 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
Key box is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Fire Service Features. The code's own words are: “A secure device with a lock operable only by a fire department master key, and containing building entry keys and other keys that may be required for access in an emergency.” 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 3 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fire Service Features (IFC 2009), Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition (IFC 2009), Definitions (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?
Key Box — IFC 2009, Fire Service Features:
A secure device with a lock operable only by a fire department master key, and containing building entry keys and other keys that may be required for access in an emergency.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Key Box is defined once in this corpus, in the Fire Service Features chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
A secure device with a lock operable only by a fire department master key, and containing building entry keys and other keys that may be required for access in an emergency.
Where key box is used in the code
The term appears in 3 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 Service Features | IFC 2009 | 10 |
| Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about key box, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The key box shall be of an approved type and shall contain keys to gain necessary access as required by the fire code official.
The terms key box is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what key box covers:
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
- Device — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.
Key Box: 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 | Fire Service Features | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Service Features (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Device | |
| 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?
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 key box?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Fire Service Features as: “A secure device with a lock operable only by a fire department master key, and containing building entry keys and other keys that may be required for access in an emergency.” 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 key box?
In this corpus the term is used across 3 chapters, led by Fire Service Features 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 building code requirements?
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 key box, which the IFC 2009 defines as “A secure device with a lock operable only by a fire department master key, and containing building entry keys and other keys that may be required for access in an emergency.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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