# Special Amusement Building: Building Code Definition

> How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define special amusement building, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

- Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/special-amusement-building/
- Last updated: 2026-09-07
- Data source: 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.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Defined in | IBC 2009, IFC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) |
| Primary source | IBC 2009 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) |
| Chapters using the term | 8 (counted across the codes hosted here) |
| Wording identical across codes | No (compare before citing one code's wording under another) |

## Direct answer

Special amusement building is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy. The code's own words are: “A special amusement bUilding is any temporary or permanent building or portion thereof that is occupied for amusement, entertainment or educational purposes and that contains a device or system that conveys passengers or provides a walkway along, around or over a course in any direction so arranged that the means of egress path is not …” 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 8 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009), Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009), Fire Protection Systems (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](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.*

## What does this term mean?

**Special Amusement Building** — IBC 2009, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy:

> A special amusement bUilding is any temporary or permanent building or portion thereof that is occupied for amusement, entertainment or educational purposes and that contains a device or system that conveys passengers or provides a walkway along, around or over a course in any direction so arranged that the means of egress path is not readily apparent due to visual or audio distractions or is intentionally confounded or is not readily available because of the nature of the attraction or mode of conveyance through the building or structure.

![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Special Amusement Building: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/special-amusement-building/diagram-1344.webp)

*How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define special amusement building, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.*

## What must be verified before using this guidance?

Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define **Special Amusement Building**, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.

| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IBC 2009 | [Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/special-detailed-requirements-based-on-use-and-occupancy.md) | A special amusement bUilding is any temporary or permanent building or portion thereof that is occupied for amusement, entertainment or educational purposes and that contains a device or system that conveys passengers or provides a walkway along, around or over a course in any direction so arranged that the means of egress path is not readily apparent due to visual or audio distractions or is intentionally confounded or is not readily available because of the nature of the attraction or mode of conveyance through the building or structure. |
| IFC 2009 | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/definitions.md) | A building that is temporary, permanent or mobile that contains a device or system that conveys passengers or provides a walkway along, around or over a course in any direction as a form of amusement arranged so that the egress path is not readily apparent |

## Where special amusement building is used in the code

The term appears in 8 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Fire Protection Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md) | IFC 2009 | 21 |
| [Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/special-detailed-requirements-based-on-use-and-occupancy.md) | IBC 2009 | 11 |
| [Fire Protection Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md) | IBC 2009 | 10 |
| [Means of Egress](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/means-of-egress.md) | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| [Means of Egress](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/means-of-egress.md) | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| [Scope and Administration](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/scope-and-administration.md) | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/definitions.md) | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/definitions.md) | IFC 2009 | 1 |

### The term in use

How the code actually writes about special amusement building, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:

> An emergency voice/alarm communication system, which is also allowed to serve as a public address system, shall be installed in accordance with Section 907.6.2.2 and be audible throughout the entire special amusement building.

— [IFC 2009 §907.2.12.3](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md)

> An operational permit is required to operate a special amusement building.

— [IFC 2009 §105.6.2](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/scope-and-administration.md)


## The terms special amusement building 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 special amusement building covers:

- **[Means OF Egress](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/means-of-egress.md)** — 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](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/structure.md)** — IPC 2009: That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.
- **[Building](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/building.md)** — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
- **[System](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/system.md)** — IFC 2009: An assembly of equipment consisting of a tank, container or containers, appurtenances, pumps, compressors and connecting piping.
- **[Device](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/device.md)** — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.

## Special Amusement Building: what to open, and in what order

Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows.

| Check | Where | Confirmed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IFC 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 | Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Means OF Egress | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Structure | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building | |
| 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](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md)
- [Means OF Egress: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/means-of-egress.md)
- [Structure: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/structure.md)
- [Building: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/building.md)
- [System: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/system.md)

## 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](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.

### Source links

- [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes)

- [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the code definition of special amusement building?

The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy as: “A special amusement bUilding is any temporary or permanent building or portion thereof that is occupied for amusement, entertainment or educational purposes and that contains a device or system that conveys passengers or provides a walkway along, around or over a course in any direction so arranged that the means of egress path is not readily apparent due to visual or audio distractions or is intentionally confounded or is not readily available because of the nature of the attraction or mode of conveyance through the building or 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 special amusement building?

In this corpus the term is used across 8 chapters, led by Fire Protection Systems 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 an amusement facility?

Facility is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “All or any portion of buildings, structures, site improvements, elements and pedestrian or vehicular routes located on a site.” That is not the same as special amusement building, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A special amusement bUilding is any temporary or permanent building or portion thereof that is occupied for amusement, entertainment or educational purposes and that contains a device or system that conveys passengers or provides a walkway along, around or over …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

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