Building Code Glossary
Site: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define site, 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
Site is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Accessibility. The code's own words are: “A parcel of land bounded by a lot line or a designated portion of a public right-of-way.” The IFC 2009 words it differently, in Definitions: “A parcel of land bounded by a lotline or a designated portion of a public right-of-way.” The IFC 2009 defines 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 91 chapters of this corpus, most often in Structural Design (IBC 2009), Site Evaluation and Requirements (IPC 2009), Soils and Foundations (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?
Site — IBC 2009, Accessibility:
A parcel of land bounded by a lot line or a designated portion of a public right-of-way.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Site, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Accessibility | A parcel of land bounded by a lot line or a designated portion of a public right-of-way. |
| IFC 2009 | Definitions | A parcel of land bounded by a lotline or a designated portion of a public right-of-way. |
Where site is used in the code
The term appears in 91 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Design | IBC 2009 | 135 |
| Site Evaluation and Requirements | IPC 2009 | 120 |
| Soils and Foundations | IBC 2009 | 97 |
| Explosives and Fireworks | IFC 2009 | 92 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 82 |
| Accessibility | IBC 2009 | 56 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 54 |
| Wood | IBC 2009 | 49 |
| Commercial Energy Efficiency | IECC 2009 | 39 |
| Wall Construction | IRC 2009 | 32 |
| Mound Systems | IPC 2009 | 30 |
| Floors | IRC 2009 | 29 |
79 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about site, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Site-specific case studies shall be made in areas designated "CS" in Figure 1608.2.
Site evaluation shall include soil conditions, properties and permeability, depth to zones of soil saturation, depth to bedrock, slope, landscape position, all setback requirements and the presence of flood hazard areas.
The registered design professional shall have a fully qualified representative on site during all boring or sampling operations.
The terms site 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 site covers:
- Lot Line — IBC 2009: A line dividing one lot from another, or from a street or any public place.
Site: 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 | Accessibility | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Structural Design (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Site Evaluation and Requirements (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Soils and Foundations (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Lot Line | |
| 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
- Lot Line: Building Code Definition
- Accessible: Building Code Definition
- Facility: Building Code Definition
- Accessible Route: 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 site?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Accessibility as: “A parcel of land bounded by a lot line or a designated portion of a public right-of-way.” 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 site?
In this corpus the term is used across 91 chapters, led by Structural Design 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 building site?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Accessibility: “A parcel of land bounded by a lot line or a designated portion of a public right-of-way.” It is defined in IBC 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 is a site in construction?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Accessibility: “A parcel of land bounded by a lot line or a designated portion of a public right-of-way.” It is defined in IBC 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
- Single-station Smoke Alarm: Building Code Definition
Single-station Smoke Alarm — IBC 2009 definition: An assembly incorporating the detector, the control equipment and the alarm-sounding device in one unit, operated …
- Site Class: Building Code Definition
Site Class — IBC 2009 definition: A classification assigned to a site based on the types of soils present and their engineering …
- Site-fabricated Stretch System: Building Code Definition
Site-fabricated Stretch System — IBC 2009 definition: A system, fabricated on site and intended for acoustical, tackable or aesthetic purposes, that is comprised …
- Skylight, Unit: Building Code Definition
Skylight, Unit — IBC 2009 definition: A factory-assembled, glazed fenestration unit, containing one panel of glazing material that allows for natural lighting …
- Skylight: Building Code Definition
Skylight — IECC 2009 definition: Glass or other transparent or translucent glazing material installed at a slope of 15 degrees (0.26 …
- Skylights and Sloped Glazing: Building Code Definition
Skylights and Sloped Glazing — IBC 2009 definition: Glass or other transparent or translucent glazing material installed at a slope of 15 degrees (0.26 …