Building Code Glossary
Point OF Delivery: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define point of delivery, 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
Point OF delivery is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Fuel Gas. The code's own words are: “For natural gas systems, the point of deliveryis the outlet of the service meterassembly or the outlet ofthe service regulatoror service shutoffvalvewhere a meteris not provided. Where a valve is provided at the outlet of the service meter assembly, such valve shall be considered to be downstream of the point of delivery. For undiluted liquefied …” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IRC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 3 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fuel Gas (IRC 2009), Scope and Administration (IBC 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?
Point OF Delivery — IRC 2009, Fuel Gas:
For natural gas systems, the point of deliveryis the outlet of the service meterassembly or the outlet ofthe service regulatoror service shutoffvalvewhere a meteris not provided. Where a valve is provided at the outlet of the service meter assembly, such valve shall be considered to be downstream of the point of delivery. For undiluted liquefied petroleum gas systems, the point of delivery shall be considered to be the outlet of the first regulator that reduces pressure to 2 psig (13.8 kPa) or less.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Point OF Delivery is defined once in this corpus, in the Fuel Gas chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
For natural gas systems, the point of deliveryis the outlet of the service meterassembly or the outlet ofthe service regulatoror service shutoffvalvewhere a meteris not provided. Where a valve is provided at the outlet of the service meter assembly, such valve shall be considered to be downstream of the point of delivery. For undiluted liquefied petroleum gas systems, the point of delivery shall be considered to be the outlet of the first regulator that reduces pressure to 2 psig (13.8 kPa) or less.
Where point of delivery is used in the code
The term appears in 3 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 10 |
| Scope and Administration | IBC 2009 | 4 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 4 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about point of delivery, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The pipe size for each section of higher pressure gas piping shall be determined using the longest length of piping from the point of delivery to the most remote line pressure regulator.
The provisions of the International Fuel Gas Code shall apply to the installation of gas piping from the point of delivery, gas appliances and related accessories as covered in this code.
Upon arrival at a point of delivery and prior to discharging any flammable or combustible liquids into underground tanks, the driver, operator or attendant of the tank vehicle shall ensure that all hoses utilized for liquid delivery and vapor recovery, where required, will be protected from physical damage by motor vehicles.
The terms point OF delivery 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 point OF delivery covers:
- Regulator — IRC 2009: A device for controlling and maintaining a uniform gas supply pressure, either pounds-to-inches water column (MP regulator) or inches-to-inches water column (appliance regulator).
- Service — IRC 2009: The conductors and equipment for delivering energy from the serving utility to the wiring system of the premises served.
- Outlet — IRC 2009: A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.
- Valve — IRC 2009: A device used in piping to control the gas supply to any section of a system of piping or to an appliance.
- Meter — IRC 2009: The instrument installed to measure the volume of gas delivered through it.
Point OF Delivery: 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 IRC | Fuel Gas | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fuel Gas (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Scope and Administration (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Regulator | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Service | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Outlet | |
| 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
- Regulator: Building Code Definition
- Service: Building Code Definition
- Outlet: Building Code Definition
- Valve: 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 point of delivery?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Fuel Gas as: “For natural gas systems, the point of deliveryis the outlet of the service meterassembly or the outlet ofthe service regulatoror service shutoffvalvewhere a meteris not provided. Where a valve is provided at the outlet of the service meter assembly, such valve shall be considered to be downstream of the point of delivery. For undiluted liquefied petroleum gas systems, the point of delivery shall be considered to be the outlet of the first regulator that reduces pressure to 2 psig (13.8 kPa) or less.” 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 point of delivery?
In this corpus the term is used across 3 chapters, led by Fuel Gas in the IRC 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 structure according to the building code?
Structure is a separate defined term. The IPC 2009 defines it as: “That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.” That is not the same as point OF delivery, which the IRC 2009 defines as “For natural gas systems, the point of deliveryis the outlet of the service meterassembly or the outlet ofthe service regulatoror service shutoffvalvewhere a meteris not provided. Where a valve is provided at the outlet of the service meter assembly, such …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
Is a building code considered a law?
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 point OF delivery, which the IRC 2009 defines as “For natural gas systems, the point of deliveryis the outlet of the service meterassembly or the outlet ofthe service regulatoror service shutoffvalvewhere a meteris not provided. Where a valve is provided at the outlet of the service meter assembly, such …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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