Building Code Glossary
Public Way: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IFC 2009 define public way, 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
Public way is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Means of Egress. The code's own words are: “A street, alley or other parcel of land open to the outside air leading to a street, that has been deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for public use and which has a clear width and height of not less than 10 feet (3048 mm).” 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 34 chapters of this corpus, most often in Means of Egress (IBC 2009), Means of Egress (IFC 2009), General Building Heights and Areas (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?
Public Way — IBC 2009, Means of Egress:
A street, alley or other parcel of land open to the outside air leading to a street, that has been deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for public use and which has a clear width and height of not less than 10 feet (3048 mm).
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Three of the I-Codes in this corpus define Public Way, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Means of Egress | A street, alley or other parcel of land open to the outside air leading to a street, that has been deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for public use and which has a clear width and height of not less than 10 feet (3048 mm). |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | Any street, alley or other parcel of land open to the outside air leading to a public street, which has been deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for public use and that has a clear width and height of not less than 10 feet (3048 mm). |
| IFC 2009 | Means of Egress | A street, alley or other parcel of land open to the outside air leading to a street, that has been deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for public use and which has a clear width and height of not less than 10 feet (3048 mm). |
Where public way is used in the code
The term appears in 34 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 39 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 35 |
| General Building Heights and Areas | IBC 2009 | 20 |
| Interior Environment | IBC 2009 | 16 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 15 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 14 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 13 |
| Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings | IFC 2009 | 9 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 9 |
| Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 5 |
| Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages | IFC 2009 | 5 |
22 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about public way, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
A smokeproof enclosure or pressurized stairway shall terminate at an exit discharge or a public way The smokeproof enclosure or pressurized stairway shall be permitted to be extended by an exit passageway in accordance with Section 1022.2.
Exterior exit doors shall lead directly to the exit discharge or the public way.
Every building shall adjoin or have access to a public way to receive a bUilding area increase for frontage.
Public Way: 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 | Means of Egress | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Means of Egress | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | General Building Heights and Areas (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Interior Environment (IBC 2009) | |
| 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
- Stairway: Building Code Definition
- Guard: Building Code Definition
- Stair: Building Code Definition
- Means OF Egress: 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 public way?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Means of Egress as: “A street, alley or other parcel of land open to the outside air leading to a street, that has been deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for public use and which has a clear width and height of not less than 10 feet (3048 mm).” 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 public way?
In this corpus the term is used across 34 chapters, led by Means of Egress 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 the definition of a public way?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Means of Egress: “A street, alley or other parcel of land open to the outside air leading to a street, that has been deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for public use and which has a clear width and height of not less than 10 feet (3048 mm).” 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.
What is the definition of a public building?
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 public way, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A street, alley or other parcel of land open to the outside air leading to a street, that has been deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for public use and which has a clear width and height …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
Related pages
- Public Entrance: Building Code Definition
Public Entrance — IBC 2009 definition: An entrance that is not a service entrance or a restricted entrance.
- Public Sewer: Building Code Definition
Public Sewer — IRC 2009 definition: A common sewer directly controlled by public authority.
- Public Water Main: Building Code Definition
Public Water Main — IRC 2009 definition: A water-supply pipe for public use controlled by public authority.
- Purge: Building Code Definition
Purge — IRC 2009 definition: To clear of air, gas or other foreign substances.
- Pyrophoric: Building Code Definition
Pyrophoric — IBC 2009 definition: A chemical with an autoignition temperature in air, at or below a temperature of 130°F (54.4°C).
- Pyrotechnic Composition: Building Code Definition
Pyrotechnic Composition — IBC 2009 definition: A chemical mixture that produces visible light displays or sounds through a self-propagating, heat-releasing chemical reaction …