Building Code Glossary
Means OF Egress: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define means of egress, 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
Means OF egress is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Means of Egress. The code's own words are: “A continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of a building or structure to a public way A means of egress consists of three separate and distinct parts: the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge.” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 50 chapters of this corpus, most often in Means of Egress (IFC 2009), Means of Egress (IBC 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.
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?
Means OF Egress — IBC 2009, Means of Egress:
A continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of a building or structure to a public way A means of egress consists of three separate and distinct parts: the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Means OF Egress, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Means of Egress | A continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of a building or structure to a public way A means of egress consists of three separate and distinct parts: the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge. |
| IFC 2009 | Means of Egress | A continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of a building or structure to a public way. A means of egress consists of three separate and distinct parts: the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge. |
Where means of egress is used in the code
The term appears in 50 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 297 |
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 278 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 127 |
| Existing Structures | IBC 2009 | 104 |
| Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings | IFC 2009 | 37 |
| Tents and Other Membrane Structures | IFC 2009 | 32 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 25 |
| Building Services and Systems | IFC 2009 | 24 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 24 |
| General Building Heights and Areas | IBC 2009 | 17 |
| Electrical | IBC 2009 | 12 |
| Scope and Administration | IBC 2009 | 11 |
38 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about means of egress, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with a means of egress system as required by this chapter.
It shall be unlawful to alter a building or structure in a manner that will reduce the number of exits or the capacity of the means of egress to less than required by this code.
Each tenant space and the coveredmall bUilding shall be provided with means of egress as required by this section and this code.
The terms means OF egress is built out of
The definition above leans on 5 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what means OF egress covers:
- Exit Discharge — IBC 2009: That portion of a means of egress system between the termination of an exit and a public way
- Exit Access — IBC 2009: That portion of a means of egress system that leads from any occupied portion of a building or structure to an exit.
- Public Way — IBC 2009: A street, alley or other parcel of land open to the outside air leading to a street, that has been deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for public use and which has a clear width and height …
- 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.
Means OF Egress: 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 | Means of Egress | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Means of Egress | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IBC 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 | Existing Structures (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Exit Discharge | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Exit Access | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Public Way | |
| 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
- Exit Discharge: Building Code Definition
- Exit Access: Building Code Definition
- Public Way: Building Code Definition
- Structure: 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 means of egress?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Means of Egress as: “A continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of a building or structure to a public way A means of egress consists of three separate and distinct parts: the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge.” 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 means of egress?
In this corpus the term is used across 50 chapters, led by Means of Egress 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 the definition of a means of egress?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Means of Egress: “A continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of a building or structure to a public way A means of egress consists of three separate and distinct parts: the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge.” It is defined in IBC 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 are the requirements for means of egress in the International Building Code Chapter 10?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Means of Egress: “A continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of a building or structure to a public way A means of egress consists of three separate and distinct parts: the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IFC 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.
Related pages
- 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 …
- Maximum Allowable Quantity Per Control Area: Building Code Definition
Maximum Allowable Quantity Per Control Area — IFC 2009 definition: The maximum amount of a hazardous material allowed to be stored or used within a control …
- 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 …
- 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 …
- Mechanical Exhaust System: Building Code Definition
Mechanical Exhaust System — IRC 2009 definition: A system for removing air from a room or space by mechanical means.
- Mechanical Joint: Building Code Definition
Mechanical Joint — IMC 2009 definition: A connection between pipes, fittings, or pipes and fittings, which is neither screwed, caulked, threaded, soldered …