# Spray Room: Building Code Definition

> How the IFC 2009 define spray room, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

- Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/spray-room/
- 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 | IFC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) |
| Primary source | IFC 2009 Flammable Finishes (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) |
| Chapters using the term | 6 (counted across the codes hosted here) |
| Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) |

## Direct answer

Spray room is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Flammable Finishes. The code's own words are: “A room designed to accommodate spraying operations constructed in accordance with the International BUilding Code and separated from the remainder of the building by a minimum I-hour fire barrie:” 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 6 chapters of this corpus, most often in Flammable Finishes (IFC 2009), Exhaust Systems (IMC 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.

*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?

**Spray Room** — IFC 2009, Flammable Finishes:

> A room designed to accommodate spraying operations constructed in accordance with the International BUilding Code and separated from the remainder of the building by a minimum I-hour fire barrie:

![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Spray Room: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/spray-room/diagram-1344.webp)

*How the IFC 2009 define spray room, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.*

## What must be verified before using this guidance?

**Spray Room** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Flammable Finishes](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-finishes.md) chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:

> A room designed to accommodate spraying operations constructed in accordance with the International BUilding Code and separated from the remainder of the building by a minimum I-hour fire barrie:

## Where spray room is used in the code

The term appears in 6 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](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-finishes.md) | IFC 2009 | 59 |
| [Exhaust Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/imc-2009/exhaust-systems.md) | IMC 2009 | 7 |
| [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 | 4 |
| [Scope and Administration](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/scope-and-administration.md) | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| [Tire Rebuilding and Tire Storage](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/tire-rebuilding-and-tire-storage.md) | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| [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 spray room, 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.

— [IFC 2009 §1503.2.1.3](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-finishes.md)

> A construction permit is required to install or modify a spray room, dip tank or booth.

— [IFC 2009 §105.7.12](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/scope-and-administration.md)

> Each spray room or spray booth where flammable or combustible solvents are applied, shall comply with Chapter 15.

— [IFC 2009 §2503.4](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/tire-rebuilding-and-tire-storage.md)


## The terms spray room 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 spray room covers:

- **[Building](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/building.md)** — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.

## Spray Room: 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 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 | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Scope and Administration (IFC 2009) | |
| 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)
- [Building: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/building.md)
- [Spray Booth: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/spray-booth.md)
- [Dip Tank: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/dip-tank.md)
- [Flammable Finishes: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/flammable-finishes.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 spray room?

The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Flammable Finishes as: “A room designed to accommodate spraying operations constructed in accordance with the International BUilding Code and separated from the remainder of the building by a minimum I-hour fire barrie:” 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 room?

In this corpus the term is used across 6 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?

Spray Booth is a separate defined term. The IFC 2009 defines it 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.” That is not the same as spray room, which the IFC 2009 defines as “A room designed to accommodate spraying operations constructed in accordance with the International BUilding Code and separated from the remainder of the building by a minimum I-hour fire barrie:” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

### What does UL approved paint booth mean?

Approved is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Acceptable to the code official or authority having jurisdiction.” That is not the same as spray room, which the IFC 2009 defines as “A room designed to accommodate spraying operations constructed in accordance with the International BUilding Code and separated from the remainder of the building by a minimum I-hour fire barrie:” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

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