Building Code Glossary
Lot Line: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IFC 2009 define lot line, 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
Lot line is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A line dividing one lot from another, or from a street or any public place.” 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 39 chapters of this corpus, most often in Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009), Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (IFC 2009), Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 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?
Lot Line — IBC 2009, Definitions:
A line dividing one lot from another, or from a street or any public place.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Three of the I-Codes in this corpus define Lot Line, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Definitions | A line dividing one lot from another, or from a street or any public place. |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | A line dividing one lot from another, or from a street or any public place. |
| IFC 2009 | Definitions | A line dividing one lot from another, or from a street or any public place. |
Where lot line is used in the code
The term appears in 39 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 36 |
| Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages | IFC 2009 | 17 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 15 |
| Fire and Smoke Protection Features | IBC 2009 | 10 |
| Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| Encroachments Into the Public Right-of-way | IBC 2009 | 6 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 4 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 4 |
| General Building Heights and Areas | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Safeguards During Construction | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Existing Structures | IBC 2009 | 2 |
27 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about lot line, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Vapor-processing equipment shall be separated from above-ground tanks, warehouses, other plant buildings, transfer facilities or nearest lot line of adjoining property that can be built on by a distance ofat least 25 feet (7620 mm).
The distance to an adjacent lot line shall be determined in accordance with Table 602 and Section 705.
Any wall located on a lot line between adjacent buildings, which is used or adapted for joint service between the two buildings, shall be constructed as a fire wall in accordance with Section 706.
Lot Line: 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 | Flammable and Combustible Liquids (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 | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire and Smoke Protection Features (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 lot line?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A line dividing one lot from another, or from a street or any public place.” 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 lot line 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 lot line?
In this corpus the term is used across 39 chapters, led by Flammable and Combustible Liquids 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 a lot line window in NYC?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Definitions: “A line dividing one lot from another, or from a street or any public place.” 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.
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 lot line, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A line dividing one lot from another, or from a street or any public place.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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