Building Code Glossary
Outdoor Control Area: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define outdoor 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
Outdoor control area is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Hazardous Materials-general Provisions. The code's own words are: “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).” 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 4 chapters of this corpus, most often in Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009), Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009), Use and Occupancy Classification (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?
Outdoor Control Area — IFC 2009, Hazardous Materials-general Provisions:
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).
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Outdoor Control Area is defined once in this corpus, in the Hazardous Materials-general Provisions chapter of the International Fire Code (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).
Where outdoor control area is used in the code
The term appears in 4 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 24 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Use and Occupancy Classification | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about outdoor control area, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The aggregate quantity of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardous materials stored and displayed within a single control area of a Group M occupancy, or an outdoor control area, or stored in a single control area of a Group S occupancy, is allowed to exceed the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Section 2703.1 when in …
The aggregate quantity of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardous materials permitted within a single control area of a Group M display and storage area, a Group S storage area or an outdoor control area is permitted to exceed the maximum allowable quantities per control area specified in Tables 307.1 (1) and 307.1 (2) without classifying the building …
— IBC 2009, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy
The terms outdoor control area is built out of
The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what outdoor control area covers:
- Hazardous Materials — IBC 2009: Those chemicals or substances that are physical hazards or health hazards as defined and classified in this section and the International Fire Code, whether the materials are in usable or waste condition.
Outdoor 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 | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 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 | Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Hazardous Materials | |
| 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
- Hazardous Materials: Building Code Definition
- Container: Building Code Definition
- System: Building Code Definition
- Chemical: 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 outdoor control area?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Hazardous Materials-general Provisions as: “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).” 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 outdoor control area?
In this corpus the term is used across 4 chapters, led by Hazardous Materials-general Provisions 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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