Building Code Glossary
Structure: Building Code Definition
How the IPC 2009 define structure, 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
Structure is a defined term in the International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IPC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 120 chapters of this corpus, most often in Structural Design (IBC 2009), Tents and Other Membrane Structures (IFC 2009), Soils and Foundations (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
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?
Structure — IPC 2009, Definitions:
That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Structure is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009:
That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.
Where structure is used in the code
The term appears in 120 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Design | IBC 2009 | 240 |
| Tents and Other Membrane Structures | IFC 2009 | 165 |
| Soils and Foundations | IBC 2009 | 145 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 122 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 109 |
| Special Construction | IBC 2009 | 95 |
| Scope and Administration | IRC 2009 | 95 |
| Scope and Administration | IBC 2009 | 87 |
| Structural Tests and Special Inspections | IBC 2009 | 85 |
| Wood | IBC 2009 | 84 |
| Existing Structures | IBC 2009 | 81 |
| Scope and Administration | IFC 2009 | 75 |
108 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about structure, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Special loads that are applicable to the design of the building, structure or portions thereof shall be indicated along with the specified section of this code that addresses the special loading condition.
The tent or membrane structure floor plan shall indicate details of the means of egress facilities, seating capacity, arrangement of the seating and location and type of heating and electrical equipment.
Where subsurface explorations at the project site indicate variations or doubtful characteristics in the structure of the rock upon which foundations are to be constructed, a sufficient number of borings shall be made to a depth of not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) below the level of the foundations to provide assurance ofthe soundness of the foundation bed and …
Structure: 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 IPC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Structural Design (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Tents and Other Membrane Structures (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Soils and Foundations (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Building Planning (IRC 2009) | |
| 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
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Construction Documents: Building Code Definition
- Registered Design Professional: Building Code Definition
- Dwelling Unit: 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 structure?
The International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.” 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 structure?
In this corpus the term is used across 120 chapters, led by Structural Design 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 is considered a structure in building code?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IPC 2009 states, in Definitions: “That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.” It is defined in IPC 2009. It is not the same as Building, which the IBC 2009 defines separately as “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” 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.
What is the legal definition of a structure?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IPC 2009 states, in Definitions: “That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.” It is defined in IPC 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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