Building Code Glossary
Person: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IFC 2009 define person, 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
Person is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “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.” 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 67 chapters of this corpus, most often in Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 2009), Definitions (IFC 2009), Means of Egress (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?
Person — IBC 2009, Definitions:
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.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Three of the I-Codes in this corpus define Person, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Definitions | 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. |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | An individual, heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, and also includes a firm, partnership or corporation, its |
| IFC 2009 | Definitions | 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. |
Where person is used in the code
The term appears in 67 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Explosives and Fireworks | IFC 2009 | 77 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 62 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 55 |
| Emergency Planning and Preparedness | IFC 2009 | 54 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 51 |
| Scope and Administration | IFC 2009 | 41 |
| Use and Occupancy Classification | IBC 2009 | 40 |
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 38 |
| Aviation Facilities | IFC 2009 | 32 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 30 |
| Accessibility | IBC 2009 | 29 |
| General Requirements | IFC 2009 | 28 |
55 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about person, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
No person shall keep or store, nor shall any permit be issued to keep or store, any explosives at any place of habitation, or within 100 feet (30 480 mm) thereof.
Where means of egress doors are operated by power, such as doors with a photoelectric-actuated mechanism to open the door upon the approach of a person, or doors with power-assisted manual operation, the design shall be such that in the event of power failure, the door is capable of being opened manually to permit means of egress travel or closed …
A person shall not, by verbal or written directive, require any delay in the reporting of a fire to the fire department.
The terms person 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 person covers:
- 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 …
Person: 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 | Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Emergency Planning and Preparedness (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Agent | |
| 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
- Agent: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Construction Documents: Building Code Definition
- Registered Design Professional: 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 person?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “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.” 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 person?
In this corpus the term is used across 67 chapters, led by Explosives and Fireworks 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 building code?
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 person, which the IBC 2009 defines as “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.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What does it mean for a person to code?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Definitions: “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.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IRC 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.
Related pages
- Penthouse: Building Code Definition
Penthouse — IBC 2009 definition: An enclosed, unoccupied structure above the roof of a building, other than a tank, tower, spire …
- Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): Building Code Definition
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) — IFC 2009 definition: The maximum permitted 8-hour time-weighted-average concentration of an air-borne contaminant.
- Permit: Building Code Definition
Permit — IBC 2009 definition: An official document or certificate issued by the authority having jurisdiction which authorizes performance of a …
- Personal Care Service: Building Code Definition
Personal Care Service — IBC 2009 definition: The care of residents who do not require chronic or convalescent medical or nursing care.
- Photoluminescent: Building Code Definition
Photoluminescent — IBC 2009 definition: Having the property of emitting light that continues for a length of time after excitation by …
- Physical Hazard: Building Code Definition
Physical Hazard — IBC 2009 definition: A chemical for which there is evidence that it is a combustible liquid, cryogenic fluid, explosive …