Building Code Glossary
Marquee: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009 define marquee, 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
Marquee is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the building and that projects into the public right-of-way.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IBC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 6 chapters of this corpus, most often in Special Construction (IBC 2009), Encroachments Into the Public Right-of-way (IBC 2009), Structural Design (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?
Marquee — IBC 2009, Definitions:
A permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the building and that projects into the public right-of-way.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Marquee is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:
A permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the building and that projects into the public right-of-way.
Where marquee is used in the code
The term appears in 6 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Special Construction | IBC 2009 | 14 |
| Encroachments Into the Public Right-of-way | IBC 2009 | 9 |
| Structural Design | IBC 2009 | 6 |
| Fire and Smoke Protection Features | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Electrical Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about marquee, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The maximum height or thickness of a marquee measured vertically from its lowest to its highest point shall not exceed 3 feet (914 mm) where the marquee projects more than two-thirds of the distance from the property line to the curb line, and shall not exceed 9 feet (2743 mm) where the marquee is less than two-thirds of the distance …
Drainage water collected from a roof, awning, canopy or marquee, and condensate from mechanical equipment shall not flow over a public walking surface.
The terms marquee 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 marquee covers:
- 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.
Marquee: 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 | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Special Construction (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Encroachments Into the Public Right-of-way (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Structural Design (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009) | |
| 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
- Building: 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 marquee?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the building and that projects into the public right-of-way.” 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 marquee?
In this corpus the term is used across 6 chapters, led by Special Construction 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 a marquee on a building?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Definitions: “A permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the building and that projects into the public right-of-way.” It is defined in IBC 2009. It is not the same as Building, which the IBC 2009 defines separately as “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” 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 is the definition of a marquee?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Definitions: “A permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the building and that projects into the public right-of-way.” It is defined in IBC 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 marquee, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the building and that projects into the public right-of-way.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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