Building Code Glossary
Mezzanine: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define mezzanine, 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
Mezzanine is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in General Building Heights and Areas. The code's own words are: “An intermediate level or levels between the floor and ceiling of any story and in accordance with Section 505.” The IFC 2009 defines the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 15 chapters of this corpus, most often in General Building Heights and Areas (IBC 2009), Accessibility (IBC 2009), Means of Egress (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?
Mezzanine — IBC 2009, General Building Heights and Areas:
An intermediate level or levels between the floor and ceiling of any story and in accordance with Section 505.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Mezzanine, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | General Building Heights and Areas | An intermediate level or levels between the floor and ceiling of any story and in accordance with Section 505. |
| IFC 2009 | Definitions | An intermediate level or levels between the floor and ceiling of any story and in accordance with Section 505 of the International Building Code. |
Where mezzanine is used in the code
The term appears in 15 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| General Building Heights and Areas | IBC 2009 | 51 |
| Accessibility | IBC 2009 | 17 |
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 16 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 12 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 6 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 6 |
| Fire and Smoke Protection Features | IBC 2009 | 5 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 4 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 4 |
| Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 2 |
3 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about mezzanine, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
A mezzanine or mezzanines in compliance with Section 505 shall be considered a portion of the story in which it is contained.
In multilevel assembly seating areas, wheelchair spaces shall be provided on the main floor level and on one of each two additional floor or mezzanine levels.
The occupant load of a mezzanine level with egress onto a room or area below shall be added to that room or area's occupantload, and the capacity of the exits shall be designed for the total occupantload thus established.
The terms mezzanine 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 mezzanine covers:
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
- Story — IBC 2009: That portion ofa building included between the upper surface of a floor and the upper surface of the floor or roof next above (also see "Basement," "Mezzanine" and Section 502.1).
Mezzanine: 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 | General Building Heights and Areas | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | General Building Heights and Areas (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Accessibility (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Story | |
| 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?
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 mezzanine?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in General Building Heights and Areas as: “An intermediate level or levels between the floor and ceiling of any story and in accordance with Section 505.” 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 mezzanine?
In this corpus the term is used across 15 chapters, led by General Building Heights and Areas 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 are the building code requirements for mezzanines?
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 mezzanine, which the IBC 2009 defines as “An intermediate level or levels between the floor and ceiling of any story and in accordance with Section 505.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What are the building regulations for mezzanine floors?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in General Building Heights and Areas: “An intermediate level or levels between the floor and ceiling of any story and in accordance with Section 505.” 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.
What are the IBC mezzanine code requirements?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in General Building Heights and Areas: “An intermediate level or levels between the floor and ceiling of any story and in accordance with Section 505.” 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.
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