Building Code Glossary
Live Loads: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009 define live loads, 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
Live loads is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Structural Design. The code's own words are: “Those loads produced by the use and occupancy of the building or other structure and do not include construction or environmental loads such as wind load, snow load, rain load, earthquake load, flood load or dead load.” The IRC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 11 chapters of this corpus, most often in Structural Design (IBC 2009), Plastic (IBC 2009), Existing Structures (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?
Live Loads — IBC 2009, Structural Design:
Those loads produced by the use and occupancy of the building or other structure and do not include construction or environmental loads such as wind load, snow load, rain load, earthquake load, flood load or dead load.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Live Loads, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Structural Design | Those loads produced by the use and occupancy of the building or other structure and do not include construction or environmental loads such as wind load, snow load, rain load, earthquake load, flood load or dead load. |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | Those loads produced by the use and occupancy of the building or other structure and do not include construction or environmental loads such as wind load, snow load, rain load, earthquake load, flood load or dead load. |
Where live loads is used in the code
The term appears in 11 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Design | IBC 2009 | 74 |
| Plastic | IBC 2009 | 9 |
| Existing Structures | IBC 2009 | 7 |
| Wall Construction | IRC 2009 | 5 |
| Scope and Administration | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Wood | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Special Construction | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Soils and Foundations | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about live loads, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Live loads are those loads defined in Section 1602.1.
The fiber reinforced polymer or the fiberglass reinforced polymer shall be designed for uniform live loads as required in Table 1607.1 as well as for snow loads, wind loads and earthquake loads as specified in Sections 1608, 1609 and 1613, respectively.
Where the addition does not result in increased design live load, existing gravity load-carrying structural elements shall be permitted to be evaluated and designed for live loads approved prior to the addition.
The terms live loads is built out of
The definition above leans on 4 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what live loads covers:
- Occupancy — IMC 2009: The purpose for which a building, or portion thereof, is utilized or occupied.
- Structure — IPC 2009: That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
- Loads — IBC 2009: Forces or other actions that result from the weight of building materials, occupants and their possessions, environmental effects, differential movement and restrained dimensional changes.
Live Loads: 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 | Structural Design | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Structural Design (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Plastic (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Existing Structures (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wall Construction (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Occupancy | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Structure | |
| 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
- Structure: Building Code Definition
- Occupancy: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Loads: 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 live loads?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Structural Design as: “Those loads produced by the use and occupancy of the building or other structure and do not include construction or environmental loads such as wind load, snow load, rain load, earthquake load, flood load or dead load.” 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 live loads?
In this corpus the term is used across 11 chapters, led by Structural Design 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 definition of live load on a building?
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 live loads, which the IBC 2009 defines as “Those loads produced by the use and occupancy of the building or other structure and do not include construction or environmental loads such as wind load, snow load, rain load, earthquake load, flood load or dead load.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What are considered live loads?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Structural Design: “Those loads produced by the use and occupancy of the building or other structure and do not include construction or environmental loads such as wind load, snow load, rain load, earthquake load, flood load or dead load.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IRC 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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