Building Code Glossary
Smoke-protected Assembly Seating: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define smoke-protected assembly seating, 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
Smoke-protected assembly seating is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Means of Egress. The code's own words are: “Seating served by means of egress that is not subject to smoke accumulation within or under a structure.” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 7 chapters of this corpus, most often in Means of Egress (IFC 2009), Means of Egress (IBC 2009), Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
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?
Smoke-protected Assembly Seating — IBC 2009, Means of Egress:
Seating served by means of egress that is not subject to smoke accumulation within or under a structure.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Smoke-protected Assembly Seating, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Means of Egress | Seating served by means of egress that is not subject to smoke accumulation within or under a structure. |
| IFC 2009 | Means of Egress | Seating served by means of egress that is not subject to smoke accumulation within or under a structure. |
Where smoke-protected assembly seating is used in the code
The term appears in 7 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 | IFC 2009 | 26 |
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 25 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about smoke-protected assembly seating, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The clear width of the means of egress for smoke-protected assembly seating shall not be less than the occupant load served by the egress element multiplied by the appropriate factor in Table 1028.6.2.
Means of egress serving a smoke-protected assembly seating area shall be provided with a smoke control system complying with Section 909 or natural ventilation designed to maintain the smoke level at least 6 feet (1829 mm) above the floor of the means of egress.
The panel shall be located in a fire command center complying with Section 508 in high-rise buildings or buildings with smoke-protected assembly seating.
The terms smoke-protected assembly seating is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what smoke-protected assembly seating covers:
- Means OF Egress — IBC 2009: A continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of a building or structure to a public way A means of egress consists of three separate and distinct parts: the exit access, the exit …
- Structure — IPC 2009: That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.
Smoke-protected Assembly Seating: 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 IFC | Means of Egress | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Means OF Egress | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Structure | |
| 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
- Means OF Egress: Building Code Definition
- Structure: 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 smoke-protected assembly seating?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Means of Egress as: “Seating served by means of egress that is not subject to smoke accumulation within or under a structure.” 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 smoke-protected assembly seating?
In this corpus the term is used across 7 chapters, led by Means of Egress 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.
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