Building Code Glossary
Suite: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define suite, 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
Suite is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Means of Egress. The code's own words are: “A group of patient treatment rooms or patient sleeping rooms within Group 1-2 occupancies where staff are in attendance within the suite, for supervision of all patients within the suite and the suite is in compliance with the requirements of Sections 1014.2.2 through 1014.2.7.” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 10 chapters of this corpus, most often in Means of Egress (IFC 2009), Means of Egress (IBC 2009), Accessibility (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?
Suite — IBC 2009, Means of Egress:
A group of patient treatment rooms or patient sleeping rooms within Group 1-2 occupancies where staff are in attendance within the suite, for supervision of all patients within the suite and the suite is in compliance with the requirements of Sections 1014.2.2 through 1014.2.7.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Suite, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Means of Egress | A group of patient treatment rooms or patient sleeping rooms within Group 1-2 occupancies where staff are in attendance within the suite, for supervision of all patients within the suite and the suite is in compliance with the requirements of Sections 1014.2.2 through 1014.2.7. |
| IFC 2009 | Means of Egress | A group of patient treatment rooms or patient sleeping rooms within Group 1-2 occupancies where staff are in attendance within the suite, for supervision of all patients within the suite and the suite is in compliance with the requirements of Sections 1014.2.2 through 1014.2.7. |
Where suite is used in the code
The term appears in 10 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 65 |
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 50 |
| Accessibility | IBC 2009 | 8 |
| Commercial Energy Efficiency | IECC 2009 | 6 |
| Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings | IFC 2009 | 6 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 5 |
| Fire and Smoke Protection Features | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings | IPC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about suite, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Any patient sleeping room, or any suite that includes patient sleeping rooms, of more than 1,000 square feet (93 m2) shall have at least two exit access doors remotely located from each other.
The travel distance between any point in a suite of sleeping rooms and an exit access door of that suite shall not exceed 100 feet (30 480 mm).
In each luxury box, club box, and suite within arenas, stadiums and grandstands, wheelchair spaces shall be provided in accordance with Table 1108.2.2.1.
Suite: 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 | Means of Egress | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Means of Egress | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Accessibility (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Commercial Energy Efficiency (IECC 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
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- Guard: Building Code Definition
- Stair: 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 suite?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Means of Egress as: “A group of patient treatment rooms or patient sleeping rooms within Group 1-2 occupancies where staff are in attendance within the suite, for supervision of all patients within the suite and the suite is in compliance with the requirements of Sections 1014.2.2 through 1014.2.7.” 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 suite?
In this corpus the term is used across 10 chapters, led by Means of Egress 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 is a suite vs apartment?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Means of Egress: “A group of patient treatment rooms or patient sleeping rooms within Group 1-2 occupancies where staff are in attendance within the suite, for supervision of all patients within the suite and the suite is in compliance with the requirements of Sections 1014.2.2 through 1014.2.7.” It is defined in IBC 2009, 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.
What does IBC mean in building codes?
Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as suite, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A group of patient treatment rooms or patient sleeping rooms within Group 1-2 occupancies where staff are in attendance within the suite, for supervision of all patients within the suite and the suite is in compliance with the requirements of …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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