# Maximum Allowable Quantity Per Control Area: Building Code Definition

> How the IFC 2009 define maximum allowable quantity per control area, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

- Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/maximum-allowable-quantity-per-control-area/
- 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 Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) |
| Chapters using the term | 19 (counted across the codes hosted here) |
| Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) |

## Direct answer

Maximum allowable quantity per control area is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Hazardous Materials-general Provisions. The code's own words are: “The maximum amount of a hazardous material allowed to be stored or used within a control area inside a building or an outdoor control area. The maximum allowable” 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 19 chapters of this corpus, most often in Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials (IFC 2009), Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009), Exhaust Systems (IMC 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?

**Maximum Allowable Quantity Per Control Area** — IFC 2009, Hazardous Materials-general Provisions:

> The maximum amount of a hazardous material allowed to be stored or used within a control area inside a building or an outdoor control area. The maximum allowable

![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Maximum Allowable Quantity Per Control Area: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/maximum-allowable-quantity-per-control-area/diagram-1344.webp)

*How the IFC 2009 define maximum allowable quantity per control area, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.*

## What must be verified before using this guidance?

**Maximum Allowable Quantity Per Control Area** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Hazardous Materials-general Provisions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/hazardous-materials-general-provisions.md) chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:

> The maximum amount of a hazardous material allowed to be stored or used within a control area inside a building or an outdoor control area. The maximum allowable

## Where maximum allowable quantity per control area is used in the code

The term appears in 19 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/highly-toxic-and-toxic-materials.md) | IFC 2009 | 40 |
| [Hazardous Materials-general Provisions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/hazardous-materials-general-provisions.md) | IFC 2009 | 37 |
| [Exhaust Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/imc-2009/exhaust-systems.md) | IMC 2009 | 17 |
| [Flammable and Combustible Liquids](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-and-combustible-liquids.md) | IFC 2009 | 14 |
| [Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-gases-and-flammable-cryogenic-fluids.md) | IFC 2009 | 13 |
| [Unstable (reactive) Materials](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/unstable-reactive-materials.md) | IFC 2009 | 10 |
| [Water-reactive Solids and Liquids](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/water-reactive-solids-and-liquids.md) | IFC 2009 | 10 |
| [Flammable Solids](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-solids.md) | IFC 2009 | 8 |
| [Organic Peroxides](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/organic-peroxides.md) | IFC 2009 | 8 |
| [Corrosive Materials](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/corrosive-materials.md) | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| [Pyrophoric Materials](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/pyrophoric-materials.md) | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| [Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/oxidizers-oxidizing-gases-and-oxidizing-cryogenic-fluids.md) | IFC 2009 | 4 |

_7 further chapters mention the term._

### The term in use

How the code actually writes about maximum allowable quantity per control area, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:

> The indoor storage or use of highly toxic and toxic solids or liquids in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Table 2703.1.1 (2) shall be in accordance with Sections 2701, 2703 and 3701.

— [IFC 2009 §3703.1.1](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/highly-toxic-and-toxic-materials.md)

> The storage, use and handling of hazardous materials in quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Tables 2703.1.1 (1) through 2703.1.1 (4) shall be in accordance with Sections 2701 and 2703.

— [IFC 2009 §2703.1.3](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/hazardous-materials-general-provisions.md)

> Indoor use, dispensing and mixing of flammable and combustible liquids shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Table 2703.1.1 (1) and shall not exceed the additionallimitations set forth in Section 3405.3.5.

— [IFC 2009 §3405.3.5.1](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-and-combustible-liquids.md)


## The terms maximum allowable quantity per control area 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 maximum allowable quantity per control area covers:

- **[Outdoor Control Area](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/outdoor-control-area.md)** — IFC 2009: An outdoor area that contains hazardous materials in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantities of table 2703.1.1 (3) or 2703.1.1 (4).
- **[Control Area](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/control-area.md)** — IBC 2009: Spaces within a building where quantities of hazardous materials not exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control area are stored, dispensed, used or handled.
- **[Building](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/building.md)** — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
- **[Control](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/control.md)** — IRC 2009: A manual or automatic device designed to regulate the gas, air, water or electrical supply to, or operation of, a mechanical system.

## Maximum Allowable Quantity Per Control Area: 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 | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Exhaust Systems (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Outdoor Control Area | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Control Area | |
| 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](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md)
- [Outdoor Control Area: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/outdoor-control-area.md)
- [Control Area: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/control-area.md)
- [Building: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/building.md)
- [Control: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/control.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 maximum allowable quantity per control area?

The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Hazardous Materials-general Provisions as: “The maximum amount of a hazardous material allowed to be stored or used within a control area inside a building or an outdoor control area. The maximum allowable” 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 maximum allowable quantity per control area?

In this corpus the term is used across 19 chapters, led by Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials 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.

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