Building Code Glossary
Spraying Space: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define spraying space, 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
Spraying space is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Flammable Finishes. The code's own words are: “An area in which dangerous quantities of flammable vapors or combustible residues, dusts or deposits are present due to the operation of spraying processes. The fire code official is authorized to define the limits of the spraying space in any specific case.” 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 4 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, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Spraying Space — IFC 2009, Flammable Finishes:
An area in which dangerous quantities of flammable vapors or combustible residues, dusts or deposits are present due to the operation of spraying processes. The fire code official is authorized to define the limits of the spraying space in any specific case.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Spraying Space is defined once in this corpus, in the Flammable Finishes chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
An area in which dangerous quantities of flammable vapors or combustible residues, dusts or deposits are present due to the operation of spraying processes. The fire code official is authorized to define the limits of the spraying space in any specific case.
Where spraying space is used in the code
The term appears in 4 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 | 29 |
| Exhaust Systems | IMC 2009 | 8 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 6 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 2 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about spraying space, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
In other occupancies, spray-finishing operations shall be conducted in a spray room, spray booth or spraying space approved for such use.
and shall be so designed to confine residues within the spraying space.
— IBC 2009, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy
The terms spraying space is built out of
The definition above leans on 3 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what spraying space covers:
- Fire Code Official — IFC 2009: The fire chief or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of the code, or a duly authorized representative.
- Code Official — IRC 2009: The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative.
- Dangerous — IBC 2009: Any building or structure or portion thereof that meets any of the conditions described below shall be deemed dangerous:
Spraying Space: 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 | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Fire Code Official | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Code Official | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Dangerous | |
| 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
- Fire Code Official: Building Code Definition
- Code Official: Building Code Definition
- Dangerous: 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 spraying space?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Flammable Finishes as: “An area in which dangerous quantities of flammable vapors or combustible residues, dusts or deposits are present due to the operation of spraying processes. The fire code official is authorized to define the limits of the spraying space in any specific case.” 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 spraying space?
In this corpus the term is used across 4 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 spraying space, which the IFC 2009 defines as “An area in which dangerous quantities of flammable vapors or combustible residues, dusts or deposits are present due to the operation of spraying processes. The fire code official is authorized to define the limits of the spraying space in any …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
Related pages
- Spray Booth: Building Code Definition
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