Building Code Glossary
Owner: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IFC 2009 define owner, 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
Owner is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “Any person, agent, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property.” The IRC 2009, IFC 2009 define 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 56 chapters of this corpus, most often in Scope and Administration (IBC 2009), Scope and Administration (IFC 2009), Flammable and Combustible Liquids (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?
Owner — IBC 2009, Definitions:
Any person, agent, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Three of the I-Codes in this corpus define Owner, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Definitions | Any person, agent, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property. |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | Any person, agent, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property. |
| IFC 2009 | Definitions | A corporation, firm, partnership, association, organization and any other group acting as a unit, or a person who has legal title to any structure or premises with or without accompanying actual possession thereof, and shall include the duly authorized agent or attorney, a purchaser, devisee, fiduciary and any person having a vested or contingent interest in the premises in question. |
Where owner is used in the code
The term appears in 56 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Scope and Administration | IBC 2009 | 28 |
| Scope and Administration | IFC 2009 | 23 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 21 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 18 |
| Scope and Administration | IPC 2009 | 16 |
| Scope and Administration | IMC 2009 | 15 |
| Scope and Administration | IRC 2009 | 13 |
| Emergency Planning and Preparedness | IFC 2009 | 9 |
| Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages | IFC 2009 | 9 |
| Site Evaluation and Requirements | IPC 2009 | 9 |
| Structural Tests and Special Inspections | IBC 2009 | 8 |
| General Requirements | IFC 2009 | 8 |
44 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about owner, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
If such structure or premises is unoccupied, the bUilding official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person having charge or control of the structure or premises and request entry.
If such building or premises is unoccupied, the fire code official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry.
In the event of a spill, leak or discharge from a tank system, a site assessment shall be completed by the owner or operator of such tank system if the fire code official determines that a potential fire or explosion hazard exists.
The terms owner 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 owner covers:
- Structure — IPC 2009: That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.
- Premises — IMC 2009: A lot, plot or parcel of land, including any structure thereon.
- Person — IBC 2009: An individual, heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, and also includes a firm, partnership or corporation, its or their successors or assigns, or the agent of any of the aforesaid.
- Agent — IFC 2009: A person who shall have charge, care or control of any structure as owner; or agent of the owner; or as executor, executrix, administrator, administratrix, trustee or guardian of the estate ofthe owner: Any such person representing the actual owner …
- Shall — IRC 2009: The term, when used in the code, is construed as mandatory.
Owner: 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 | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Scope and Administration (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Scope and Administration (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Structure | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Premises | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Person | |
| 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
- Premises: Building Code Definition
- Person: Building Code Definition
- Agent: 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 owner?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “Any person, agent, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property.” 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 owner?
In this corpus the term is used across 56 chapters, led by Scope and Administration 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 does "Building Owner" mean?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Definitions: “Any person, agent, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IRC 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 does IBC mean in building codes?
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 owner, which the IBC 2009 defines as “Any person, agent, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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