Building Code Glossary
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.
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
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, 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
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 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 | IFC 2009 | 40 |
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 37 |
| Exhaust Systems | IMC 2009 | 17 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 14 |
| Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 13 |
| Unstable (reactive) Materials | IFC 2009 | 10 |
| Water-reactive Solids and Liquids | IFC 2009 | 10 |
| Flammable Solids | IFC 2009 | 8 |
| Organic Peroxides | IFC 2009 | 8 |
| Corrosive Materials | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| Pyrophoric Materials | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids | 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.
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.
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.
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 — 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 — 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 — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
- Control — 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 and the ICC 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
- Outdoor Control Area: Building Code Definition
- Control Area: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Control: 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 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.
Related pages
- Mass Wall: Building Code Definition
Mass Wall — IRC 2009 definition: Masonry or concrete walls having a mass greater than or equal to 30 pounds per square …
- Mastic Fire-resistant Coatings: Building Code Definition
Mastic Fire-resistant Coatings — IBC 2009 definition: Liquid mixture applied to a substrate by brush, roller, spray or trowel that provides fire-resistant protection …
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Building Code Definition
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) — IFC 2009 definition: Information concerning a hazardous material which is prepared in accordance with the provisions ofDOL 29 CFRPart …
- Mean Roof Height: Building Code Definition
Mean Roof Height — IRC 2009 definition: The average of the roof eave height and the height to the highest point on the …
- Means OF Egress: Building Code Definition
Means OF Egress — IBC 2009 definition: A continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of …
- Mechanical Draft System: Building Code Definition
Mechanical Draft System — IRC 2009 definition: A venting system designed to remove flue or vent gases by mechanical means, that consists of …