# Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Building Code Definition > How the IFC 2009 define liquefied natural gas (lng), where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term. - Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/liquefied-natural-gas-lng/ - Last updated: 2026-09-07 - Data source: 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. ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Defined in | IFC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) | | Primary source | IFC 2009 Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) | | Chapters using the term | 3 (counted across the codes hosted here) | | Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) | ## Direct answer Liquefied natural gas (lng) is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages. The code's own words are: “A fluid in the liquid state composed predominantly of methane and which may contain minor quantities of ethane, propane, nitrogen or other components normally found in natural gas.” 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 Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009), Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (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](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.* ## What does this term mean? **Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)** — IFC 2009, Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages: > A fluid in the liquid state composed predominantly of methane and which may contain minor quantities of ethane, propane, nitrogen or other components normally found in natural gas. ![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/liquefied-natural-gas-lng/diagram-1344.webp) *How the IFC 2009 define liquefied natural gas (lng), where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.* ## What must be verified before using this guidance? **Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/motor-fuel-dispensing-facilities-and-repair-garages.md) chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009: > A fluid in the liquid state composed predominantly of methane and which may contain minor quantities of ethane, propane, nitrogen or other components normally found in natural gas. ## Where liquefied natural gas (lng) 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 | | --- | --- | --- | | [Cryogenic Fluids](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/cryogenic-fluids.md) | IFC 2009 | 2 | | [Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/motor-fuel-dispensing-facilities-and-repair-garages.md) | IFC 2009 | 2 | | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/definitions.md) | IFC 2009 | 1 | ## The terms liquefied natural gas (lng) 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 liquefied natural gas (lng) covers: - **[Liquid](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/liquid.md)** — IBC 2009: A material that has a melting point that is equal to or less than 68°F (20°C) and a boiling point that is greater than 68°F (20°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) (101 kPa). ## Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): what to open, and in what order Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows. | Check | Where | Confirmed | | --- | --- | --- | | Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (IFC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Liquid | | | 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](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md) - [Liquid: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/liquid.md) - [Repair Garage: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/repair-garage.md) - [Marine Motor Fuel-dispensing Facility: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/marine-motor-fuel-dispensing-facility.md) - [Dispensing Device, Overhead Type: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/dispensing-device-overhead-type.md) ## 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](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. ### Source links - [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) - [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the code definition of liquefied natural gas (lng)? The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages as: “A fluid in the liquid state composed predominantly of methane and which may contain minor quantities of ethane, propane, nitrogen or other components normally found in natural gas.” 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 liquefied natural gas (lng)? In this corpus the term is used across 3 chapters, led by Cryogenic Fluids 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. --- - Continue in Harth (open this topic in the Harth agent): https://app.harth.build/agent?context=%2Fresources%2Fglossary%2Fliquefied-natural-gas-lng%2F - View this page in a browser: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/liquefied-natural-gas-lng/ - All resources for agents: https://harth.build/llms.txt