Building Code Glossary
Spray Booth: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define spray booth, 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
Spray booth is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Flammable Finishes. The code's own words are: “A mechanically ventilated appliance of varying dimensions and construction provided to enclose or accommodate a spraying operation and to confine and limit the escape of spray vapor and residue and to exhaust it safely.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IFC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 7 chapters of this corpus, most often in Flammable Finishes (IFC 2009), Exhaust Systems (IMC 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, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Spray Booth — IFC 2009, Flammable Finishes:
A mechanically ventilated appliance of varying dimensions and construction provided to enclose or accommodate a spraying operation and to confine and limit the escape of spray vapor and residue and to exhaust it safely.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Spray Booth is defined once in this corpus, in the Flammable Finishes chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
A mechanically ventilated appliance of varying dimensions and construction provided to enclose or accommodate a spraying operation and to confine and limit the escape of spray vapor and residue and to exhaust it safely.
Where spray booth 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Flammable Finishes | IFC 2009 | 123 |
| Exhaust Systems | IMC 2009 | 11 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| Tire Rebuilding and Tire Storage | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about spray booth, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Electrical wiring and equipment located outside of, but within 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally and 3 feet (914 mm) vertically of openings in a spray booth or a spray room, shall be approved for Class I, Division 2 or Class II, Division 2 hazardous locations, whichever is applicable.
Each spray room or spray booth where flammable or combustible solvents are applied, shall comply with Chapter 15.
The terms spray booth 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 spray booth covers:
- Ventilated — IRC 2009: Provided with a means to permit circulation ofair sufficient to remove an excess of heat, fumes or vapors.
- Appliance — IRC 2009: Utilization equipment, normally built in standardized sizes or types, that is installed or connected as a unit to perform one or more functions such as clothes washing, air conditioning, food mixing, deep frying, etc.
Spray Booth: 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 IFC | Flammable Finishes | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable Finishes (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Exhaust Systems (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Ventilated | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Appliance | |
| 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
- Ventilated: Building Code Definition
- Appliance: 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 spray booth?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Flammable Finishes as: “A mechanically ventilated appliance of varying dimensions and construction provided to enclose or accommodate a spraying operation and to confine and limit the escape of spray vapor and residue and to exhaust it safely.” 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 spray booth?
In this corpus the term is used across 7 chapters, led by Flammable Finishes 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 are the requirements for a spray booth?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in Flammable Finishes: “A mechanically ventilated appliance of varying dimensions and construction provided to enclose or accommodate a spraying operation and to confine and limit the escape of spray vapor and residue and to exhaust it safely.” It is defined in 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
- Spillproof Vacuum Breaker: Building Code Definition
Spillproof Vacuum Breaker — IPC 2009 definition: An assembly consisting of one check valve force-loaded closed and an air-inlet vent valve force-loaded open …
- Splice: Building Code Definition
Splice — IBC 2009 definition: The result of a factory and/or field method of joining or connecting two or more lengths …
- Spline: Building Code Definition
Spline — IRC 2009 definition: A strip of wood structural panel cut from the same material used for the panel facings …
- Spray Room: Building Code Definition
Spray Room — IFC 2009 definition: A room designed to accommodate spraying operations constructed in accordance with the International BUilding Code and …
- Sprayed Fire-resistant Materials: Building Code Definition
Sprayed Fire-resistant Materials — IBC 2009 definition: Cementitious or fibrous materials that are sprayed to provide fire-resistant protection of the substrates.
- Spraying Space: Building Code Definition
Spraying Space — IFC 2009 definition: An area in which dangerous quantities of flammable vapors or combustible residues, dusts or deposits are …