Building Code Glossary
Storm Shelter: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009 define storm shelter, 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
Storm shelter 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 building, structure or portions(s) thereof, constructed in accordance with ICC SOO and designated for use during a severe wind storm event, such as a hurricane or tornado.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IBC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 3 chapters of this corpus, most often in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009), Definitions (IBC 2009), Building Planning (IRC 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?
Storm Shelter — IBC 2009, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy:
A building, structure or portions(s) thereof, constructed in accordance with ICC SOO and designated for use during a severe wind storm event, such as a hurricane or tornado.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Storm Shelter is defined once in this corpus, in the Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:
A building, structure or portions(s) thereof, constructed in accordance with ICC SOO and designated for use during a severe wind storm event, such as a hurricane or tornado.
Where storm shelter is used in the code
The term appears in 3 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 18 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 5 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 3 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about storm shelter, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
A storm shelter serving occupants of dwelling units and having an occupant load not exceeding 16 persons.
— IBC 2009, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy
The terms storm shelter 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 storm shelter covers:
- Structure — IPC 2009: That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
Storm Shelter: 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 | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | |
| 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) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Building Planning (IRC 2009) | |
| 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
- Structure: Building Code Definition
- Building: 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 storm shelter?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy as: “A building, structure or portions(s) thereof, constructed in accordance with ICC SOO and designated for use during a severe wind storm event, such as a hurricane or tornado.” 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 storm shelter?
In this corpus the term is used across 3 chapters, led by Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy in the IBC 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 an ICC 500 storm shelter?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy: “A building, structure or portions(s) thereof, constructed in accordance with ICC SOO and designated for use during a severe wind storm event, such as a hurricane or tornado.” It is defined in IBC 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.
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