Building Code Glossary
Open Parking Garage: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define open parking garage, 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
Open parking garage is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy. The code's own words are: “A structure or portion of a structure with the openings as described in Section 406.3.3.1 on two or more sides that is used for the parking or storage of private motor vehicles as described in Section 406.3.4.” 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 12 chapters of this corpus, most often in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009), General Building Heights and Areas (IBC 2009), Fire Protection Systems (IFC 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?
Open Parking Garage — IBC 2009, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy:
A structure or portion of a structure with the openings as described in Section 406.3.3.1 on two or more sides that is used for the parking or storage of private motor vehicles as described in Section 406.3.4.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Open Parking Garage, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | A structure or portion of a structure with the openings as described in Section 406.3.3.1 on two or more sides that is used for the parking or storage of private motor vehicles as described in Section 406.3.4. |
| IFC 2009 | Definitions | A structure or portion of a structure with the openings as described in Section 406.3.3.1 of the International Building Code on two or more sides that is used for the parking or storage of private motor vehicles as described in Section 406.3.4 of the International Building Code. |
Where open parking garage is used in the code
The term appears in 12 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 Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 58 |
| General Building Heights and Areas | IBC 2009 | 16 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 15 |
| Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings | IFC 2009 | 9 |
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 8 |
| Fire and Smoke Protection Features | IBC 2009 | 6 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 6 |
| Elevators and Conveying Systems | IBC 2009 | 4 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Special Construction | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about open parking garage, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Group S-2 enclosed parking garage with Group S-2 open parking garage above.
In the case of an open parking garage having a continuous spiral floor, each 9 feet 6 inches (2896 mm) of height, or portion thereof, shall be considered a tier.
— IBC 2009, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy
The terms open parking garage is built out of
The definition above leans on 3 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what open parking garage 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.
- Private — IPC 2009: In the classification of plumbing fixtures, "private" applies to fixtures in residences and apartments, and to fixtures in nonpublic toilet rooms of hotels and motels and similar installations in buildings where the plumbing fixtures are intended for utilization by a …
Open Parking Garage: 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 | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | General Building Heights and Areas (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Structure | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Private | |
| 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
- Private: 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 open parking garage?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy as: “A structure or portion of a structure with the openings as described in Section 406.3.3.1 on two or more sides that is used for the parking or storage of private motor vehicles as described in Section 406.3.4.” 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 open parking garage?
In this corpus the term is used across 12 chapters, led by Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy 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 considered an open parking garage?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy: “A structure or portion of a structure with the openings as described in Section 406.3.3.1 on two or more sides that is used for the parking or storage of private motor vehicles as described in Section 406.3.4.” 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 ventilation requirements for an open parking garage?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy: “A structure or portion of a structure with the openings as described in Section 406.3.3.1 on two or more sides that is used for the parking or storage of private motor vehicles as described in Section 406.3.4.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IFC 2009. It is not the same as Ventilation, which the IBC 2009 defines separately as “The natural or mechanical process of supplying conditioned or unconditioned air to, or removing such air from, any space.” 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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