Building Code Glossary
Tent: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define tent, 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
Tent is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A structure, enclosure or shelter, with or without side- walls or drops, constructed of fabric or pliable material supported in any manner except by air or the contents it protects.” The IFC 2009 defines the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 96 chapters of this corpus, most often in Tents and Other Membrane Structures (IFC 2009), Scope and Administration (IFC 2009), Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 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?
Tent — IBC 2009, Definitions:
A structure, enclosure or shelter, with or without side- walls or drops, constructed of fabric or pliable material supported in any manner except by air or the contents it protects.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Tent, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Definitions | A structure, enclosure or shelter, with or without side- walls or drops, constructed of fabric or pliable material supported in any manner except by air or the contents it protects. |
| IFC 2009 | Tents and Other Membrane Structures | A structure, enclosure or shelter, with or without side-walls or drops, constructed of fabric or pliable material supported by any manner except by air or the contents that it protects. |
Where tent is used in the code
The term appears in 96 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Tents and Other Membrane Structures | IFC 2009 | 131 |
| Scope and Administration | IFC 2009 | 77 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 58 |
| Soils and Foundations | IBC 2009 | 36 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 32 |
| Wood | IBC 2009 | 26 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 24 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 24 |
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 23 |
| Scope and Administration | IPC 2009 | 23 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 22 |
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 21 |
84 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about tent, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
For the purposes of this chapter, a place of assembly shall include a circus, carnival, tent show, theater, skating rink, dance hall or other place of assembly in or under which persons gather for any purpose.
An operational permit is required to operate an air-supported temporary membrane structure or a tent having an area in excess of 400 square feet (37 m2).
The terms tent 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 tent covers:
- Enclosure — IRC 2009: The case or housing of apparatus, or the fence or walls surrounding an installation, to prevent personnel from accidentally contacting energized parts or to protect the equipment from physical damage.
- Structure — IPC 2009: That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.
Tent: 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 | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Tents and Other Membrane Structures | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Tents and Other Membrane Structures (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Scope and Administration (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Soils and Foundations (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Enclosure | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Structure | |
| 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
- Enclosure: 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 tent?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A structure, enclosure or shelter, with or without side- walls or drops, constructed of fabric or pliable material supported in any manner except by air or the contents it protects.” 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 tent?
In this corpus the term is used across 96 chapters, led by Tents and Other Membrane Structures 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 the definition of a tent?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Definitions: “A structure, enclosure or shelter, with or without side- walls or drops, constructed of fabric or pliable material supported in any manner except by air or the contents it protects.” 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.
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